Get answers to the most common questions.
Natural gas contains which gases?
EPI utilizes the NAESB average for all Natural Gas compositions, which include methane, ethane, propane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
What gases are measured using EPI flow meters?
EPI meters can measure a wide variety of pure gases and gas mixes. These are some examples:
- Air
- Argon
- Biogas
- Butane
- Carbon Dioxide
- Compressed Air
- Digester Gas
- Flare Gas
- Flue Gas
- Helium
- Methane
- Mixed Gases
- Natural Gas
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Propane
- Pure Gases
- Sweep Gas
- Vent Gas
How can I choose which meter is best for me?
EPI meters are classified into two types: insertion and inline designs. Insertion is suitable for most applications; however, if the pipe diameter is less than 2 inches (50.8 mm), an inline version should be used. For insertion and inline meters that do not include flow conditioning filters, 15 pipe diameters upstream and ten diameters downstream are suggested for accurate measurements. Our FAT (Flow Averaging Tube) meters and standard inline flow meters equipped with flow conditioning filters need less upstream and downstream straight run (five diameters upstream and five diameters downstream).
How precise are the meters?
All calibrations are conducted using NIST-traceable flow standards to verify that all EPI meters satisfy stated performance specifications and give accurate, repeatable measurements. In addition, when it is safe to do so, our calibration department mimics your process line conditions by utilizing the same gas under similar circumstances.
In what situations may the meter be used safely?
Every EPI flow meter is at the very least CE certified. CSA/CUS, ATEX, IEC, IECEx, and KOSHA have all authorized our HAZ Series flow meters for hazardous locations. CSA/CUS has authorized our GEN Series meters for Ordinary Locations. See our Agency Approvals & Certificates page for a complete list and more information on these certifications. Our other meters offer a variety of approved upgrade choices that may be found in the meter customizer.
What materials are used to make the probes?
The typical probe is constructed of 316 stainless steel. Hastelloy C-276 is the recommended material for severely corrosive situations, and it may be specified in the meter configurator.
What is the highest flow rate that your sensors can correctly measure?
The HAZ & GEN Series can accurately measure up to 60,000 SFPM with a standard sensor. With an attenuation rod or particle shield, it can go up to 80,000 SFPM. Our FAT can accurately measure up to 250,000 SFPM, and the VAL Series can read up to 30,000 SFPM.
What is the lowest flow rate that your sensors can correctly measure?
The minimum rate for FAT is 15 SFPM and 10 SFPM for Non-FAT.
What sizes of pipes can EPI meters measure flow?
The smallest EPI inline meter is one quarter inch (6.5mm) and can read as low as 0.008 SCFM. For detecting exhaust gases in big ducts, special length probes are offered.
What are the benefits of using remote control?
The sensor is separated from the meter electronics by a remote unit. One benefit is that the electronics enclosure may be situated in such a way that the display and settings buttons are simple to use. Furthermore, the probe junction box may be installed in an environment with an ambient temperature ranging from -40 to 212°F (-40 to 100°C). Almost all of our meters, including the HAZ, GEN, XT, and MultiGEN, have remote options.
Can EPI meters be used to monitor liquid or steam flow?
No, EPI meters can measure all sorts of gases, but a thermal mass flow meter cannot detect liquid or steam flows. The gas can be "wet" as long as it does not condensate. Droplets developing on the sensor element will cause it to read incorrectly and may prompt the meter to indicate an error message.
If this is a possibility for your use, EPI recommends mounting the meter at an angle to reduce the possibility of moisture developing on the tip. Gravity causes any water to travel downwards, away from the sensor RTDs.
Is the meter capable of detecting pulsations?
Yes, with a reaction time of 1 second (up to 63 percent of the final value), EPI meters can respond swiftly to variations in the gas flow.
How frequently should calibration be performed?
The EPA specifies that calibration for Thermal Mass Flow Meters must be completed to manufacturer specifications for monitoring emissions for EPA regulatory requirements.
It is advised that the EPI Validation (EPIVal) test be done on a yearly basis to assess if calibration is required.
What is EPIVal?
The EPI Validation (EPIVal) feature validates your factory calibration through a two-minute test. The test allows operators to check the meter's calibration and accuracy in the field, eliminating the need to ship the meter back to the factory for yearly calibrations. In addition, the test enables managers to evaluate factory or fieldset milliwatt levels to a tolerance of 2% to 5%. EPIVal testing can be done as frequently as necessary to meet local, regional, or national emissions reporting standards. Furthermore, a test log is saved in the EPIVal command submenu.