UV FlowMeter Operation and Installation Instructions

Flowmeter Overview

The Flowmeter utilizes advanced ultrasonic technology to measure water flow. This technology employs sensors that communicate using ultrasonic sound waves traveling through the Flowmeter pipe. This enables precise and reliable flow measurement without mechanical wear or fatigue.

When integrated with the Echo Water UV system, the Flowmeter enables the UV system to enter Energy Saver Mode. This is triggered when no water is being used for a set period, causing the UV lamp to dim, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, this helps prevent overheating of standing water in the UV chamber during no-flow conditions.

Once water flow resumes, the UV system immediately exits Energy Saver Mode and continues to provide effective disinfection. In the event of a failure, the Flowmeter includes an internal fail-safe mechanism to ensure the UV system remains fully operational and disinfects the water as required.

Flowmeter Specifications

Note 1: The Flowmeter Module supports only +5VDC; higher voltage will trip internal fuses.
Note 2: UV Systems with Firmware Version 2.13 or greater are compatible with the Flowmeter. Firmware upgrades can be performed in the field. For more information, please contact your plumber, dealer, or distributor.

Model	LFM-0.5	LFM-0.75	LFM-1	LFM-1.5
Pipe Diameter	½”	¾”	1”	1 ½”
Flow Range	0.1 – 20 gpm	0.1 – 30 gpm	0.15 – 60 gpm	0.4 – 80 gpm
Adaptors	½” NPT	¾” NPT	1” NPT	1 ½” NPT
Inlet Piping Length	5 Inches	7.5 Inches	10 Inches	15 Inches
Input Voltage	+5VDC
Current Rating	100 mA Max
Accuracy	5% Relative Error within flow range
Firmware Version	UV Systems with Firmware Version 2.13 or greater support the Flowmeter module

Plumbing Overview Image

Installation Instructions

1. Flowmeter

Location: Must be installed on the inlet to the UV chamber only.
Orientation: It is recommended to install the Flowmeter horizontally. Vertical installation is possible, but it must ensure the Flowmeter maintains a full volume of water for proper operation.
Labeling & LED Orientation: The labeling and LED should face sideways toward the user. Depending on installation, the text may appear upside down.
Water Flow Direction: The direction of water flow is indicated on the top label and the Flowmeter spool body.

2. Inlet Pipe

Straight Pipe Requirement: A length of straight pipe is required before the Flowmeter inlet to ensure proper operation.
Pipe Length (L): The required length of straight pipe is 10 times the diameter of the pipe used in the plumbing installation. Refer to the specifications table for correct lengths.
Note: If a pump or Flow-Adjustment Valve is connected directly to the Flowmeter, it is recommended to have at least 48 inches of straight pipe before the Flowmeter. On/Off valves are suitable as long as they remain fully in the "On" position during operation.

3. Wall Adapter

Power Supply: Requires access to a wall outlet. The power cable is 3 feet long and should be connected to a GFCI outlet for safety.

4. IEP Cable

Connection: Requires access to the controller’s IEP port or the IEP port on other connected modules.

5. Bypass Assembly (Optional)

Recommendation: It is highly recommended to install a bypass line around both the Flowmeter and the UV chamber. This enhances the ease of maintenance for both components.

6. Adaptors

Required Components: NPT adapters with a union nut and NPT fittings with two rubber washers.

Install Procedure – NPT Adapters

Union Nut Placement:
- Place one of the union nuts over an NPT tail piece.
- Apply plumber’s tape to the NPT thread.
Install Flowmeter Adapter:
- Install the Flowmeter adapter onto the piping at the UV chamber’s Inlet.
- The Flowmeter must be installed horizontally.
- Insert the rubber washer inside the union nut and attach the Flowmeter to the union nut.
- Ensure that the flow direction arrows are pointing toward the inlet of the UV chamber.
- The union nut should be hand-tightened only.
Place Second Union Nut:
- Place the second union nut over the other NPT tail piece.
- Insert the rubber washer inside the union nut and attach the adapter to the other side of the Flowmeter.
- The union nut should be hand-tightened only.
Prepare/Measure Required Piping:
- Measure and prepare the required piping to install to the NPT adapter.
- Ensure the inlet pipe length to the Flowmeter is 10 times the diameter of the pipe. Refer to specifications for correct lengths.
Remove Flowmeter for Piping Installation:
- Remove the Flowmeter and install the piping to the NPT adapter.
- Important: Do not apply heat to the piping or sweat adapters with the Flowmeter installed, as this could damage the rubber washer and Flowmeter, causing leaks.
Install Piping to NPT Adapter:
- Install the piping to the NPT adapter, ensuring plumber’s tape is applied to the NPT threads.
Reinstall the Flowmeter:
- Reinstall the Flowmeter onto the union nuts of the NPT adapters.
- Ensure the flow direction arrows are pointing toward the inlet of the UV chamber.
- The union nut should be hand-tightened only to allow for easy maintenance.

Module Installation

Once the Flowmeter and UV system are plumbed:

Power Off:
- Power off the BLACKCOMB or BLACKCOMB-HO controller.
Plug in Wall Adapter:
- Plug the AC/DC wall adapter (5V Max) into the power port on the Flowmeter.
Connect IEP Cable:
- Plug the male plug of the Flowmeter into the IEP (Infinite Expandability Port) on the controller or any other LUMINOR module containing an IEP (e.g., sensor, 4-20mA module, solenoid module).
- Which will be our controller?
Power on the system
- The controller will detect and initialize the Flowmeter module during the start-up sequence.

Operation

When the Flowmeter is connected and active on a BLACKCOMB UV system, a new flow screen will appear after the home screen. This screen will display:

The current flow rate in the controller's programmed flow units
The status of the UV lamp (Full Power or Energy Saver Mode)
A Flowmeter error (if any)

Flow Rate Screen

Displays the flow rate.
Indicates full power lamp operation for UV disinfection.
Supported Flow Rate Unites:
- Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Liters per Minute (LPM)
- Cubic Meters per Hour (M3/h)

Energy Saver Mode Screen

The system has entered Energy Saver Mode when no water flow is detected for an hour.
The UV lamp power is reduced (dimmed) to save energy.
UV intensity is masked when the UV lamp is dimmed.
For more details, refer to the Energy Saver Mode operation.

Flowmeter Error Screen

Indicates an issue with the Flowmeter module.
For troubleshooting, refer to the specific error details.

Note 1: The UV system units can be set using the programmer. To change the flow units, users must contact their plumber, dealer, or distributor. The default unit is GPM.

Flowmeter Status LED Indicator

The Flowmeter also has a Status LED indicator to provide information about its operational state:

LED State	Flowmeter Status
Solid Green	Flowmeter is active and no flow is present in the pipe.
Flashing Green	Flowmeter is active, and there is flow present in the pipe.
Solid Red	Flowmeter has failed and cannot reliably measure flow. Dimming is disabled. Refer to troubleshooting for more information.
Flashing Red	The flow rate is significantly above the rated flow rate for the Flowmeter and piping diameter. Refer to troubleshooting for more information.

Energy Saver Mode Operation

No Water Flow: After 1 hour of no water flow through the Flowmeter, the UV system will dim the UV lamp to save energy.
Water Flow Detected: Once water flow is present, the UV system will immediately restore power to the UV lamp for proper disinfection.
Timer Duration: The Flowmeter uses a 1-hour no-water-flow timer to ensure proper disinfection once water flow resumes.
Effect on UV Intensity: When the system enters Energy Saver Mode, the UV Intensity reading is masked until the system returns to Full Power.

Impact on Connected Modules: During Energy Saver Mode, the following occurs for connected modules:

Module	Output/Input during Energy Saver Mode
Sensor	UV Intensity is Masked and Not Displayed
4-20 mA	20mA output
Solenoid	Solenoid Opens
Remote Alarm	Outputs OK
SHERPA	Outputs Good Status

Calibration

Each FLOWMETER is calibrated to provide accurate and reliable flow readings.
Re-calibration is not required annually; however, cleaning is recommended annually to reduce scaling and maintain accuracy.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To maintain accuracy, periodic cleaning of the Flowmeter is recommended. At a minimum, clean the Flowmeter once a year. Below are the cleaning steps:

Shut Off Water: If a by-pass assembly is installed, shut the inlet valve to prevent water flow. Otherwise, turn off the main water inlet valve (and/or water pump).
Disconnect Power: Unplug the Flowmeter and UV system from the electrical outlet. Disconnect the Flowmeter from the UV system.
Release Water Pressure: Open a downstream faucet to release water pressure, then close the outlet shut-off valve (if present). If no outlet shut-off valve exists, expect water to drain out due to head pressure.
Remove Union Nuts: Loosen and remove each union nut on both Flowmeter adapters. Water may drain out during this process.
Remove Flowmeter: Detach the Flowmeter from the plumbing assembly. Be careful not to lose or misplace the rubber washers from the adapter nuts.
Submerge Flowmeter: Place the Flowmeter in an empty container and submerge it in a commercial scale cleaner (such as CLR® or LIME-A-WAY®). Avoid getting cleaner on the Flowmeter case to prevent damage. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Note: Some Flowmeters may not sit flat.
Rinse: Remove the Flowmeter from the cleaning solution, empty the container, rinse it, then refill the container with water up to the Flowmeter case edge. Let the Flowmeter sit for a few minutes to rinse off any cleaning solution.
Reinstall: After rinsing, reinstall the Flowmeter, following the installation procedure.

Troubleshooting

Problem/Issue	Possible Cause	Possible Cause Explained	Possible Fix
Flowmeter error screen present and the Flowmeter indicator LED is solid red.	Causes: 1 - 4, 8 & 9	1. Improper Installation is the common reason for flowmeter issues	1. Recheck and verify all installation requirements; inlet piping, orientation, flow direction, etc.
Flowmeter is indicating NO FLOW when water is known to be flowing.	Causes: 1 – 4, 8	2. Flowmeter not powered	2. Flowmeter requires separate +5VDC power source, refer to installation.
Flow meter is indicating fluid flow when system is shut off OR no flow is present.	Causes: 1, 3 – 7	3. Turbulent Flow or Air Bubbles are present in the Flowmeter Piping	3. Recheck and verify all installation requirements; remove any air bubbles, make sure inlet piping length is adequate.
The indicator LED flashes red and/or the flow rate on the screen toggles between 0 gpm and “N” gpm.	Causes: 4 Sub-Causes: 3 – 7	4. Flowmeter is above the rated flow	4. Flowmeter cannot measure flow above the max rated flow in the specifications table.
Flowmeter fails to reliably measure flow.	Causes: 1, 3 – 8	5. Plumbing Vibration	5. Isolate Flowmeter from source of vibration.
		6. Water Leakage somewhere in the system.	6. Repair the leaking component or piping in the system.
		7. Electrical RF/EMI noise is triggering false readings	7. Locate and remove electrical noise source.
		8. Scaling OR excessive buildup o particles inside the flowmeter	8. Clean the flowmeter. Refer to maintenance and cleaning section.
		9. Internal Damage caused by dropping OR plugging in an AC/ DC wall adapter rate more than +5VDC.	9. Replace Flowmeter.

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