Insertion Magnetic-Inductive Flow Meter for Large Diameter Pipes
The PITe/U-Pace insertion-style magnetic-inductive flow meter is designed to measure the volumetric flow of conductive liquids in pipe sizes ranging from 3 inches to 16 inches (DN80 to DN400). This compact sensor provides an economical alternative to full-bore electromagnetic flow meters for large-diameter applications, eliminating the need to remove entire pipe sections during installation. The insertion design requires only a single welding stub connection, significantly reducing installation time, material costs, and system downtime compared to traditional inline flow measurement solutions.
The flow measurement principle operates according to Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction. As electrically conductive liquid flows through the oriented magnetic field generated by the sensor coils, a voltage proportional to the mean flow velocity is induced across the electrodes. The U-PACE electronics processes this signal to provide accurate volumetric flow measurement, totalizing functions, and flexible output configurations for seamless integration with industrial control systems.
Understanding Magnetic Flow Meters
Universal U-PACE Electronics Platform
The PITe incorporates KOBOLD's versatile U-PACE (Universal Precision and Control Electronics) transmitter, offering exceptional configuration flexibility for diverse industrial applications. The electronics feature a IO-Link communication mode or two independently configurable outputs that can be set as 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA analog signals, 0-10 V or 2-10 V voltage outputs, pulse outputs, frequency outputs, or alarm switching outputs. This adaptability allows a single meter design to serve multiple process control requirements without requiring different hardware configurations.
The color TFT display (128x128 pixels, 1.4 inches) can be rotated in 90-degree increments to accommodate various mounting orientations and provide optimal visibility in confined installation spaces. Four optical touch keys enable intuitive menu navigation and parameter adjustment, even when wearing standard work gloves. The display shows flow rate, accumulated volume, and output status information with user-adjustable refresh rates from 0.5 to 10 seconds.
Corrosion-Resistant Construction for Demanding Applications
The sensor armature is constructed from stainless steel (1.4404/316L) with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) insulation, providing chemical compatibility with a wide range of conductive liquids including water, wastewater, slurries, and aggressive chemicals. The electrodes are manufactured from Hastelloy C-4, a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy recognized for exceptional resistance to oxidizing and reducing environments. This electrode material selection extends sensor life in corrosive applications involving acids, caustics, and chlorine-based compounds commonly found in chemical processing and water treatment operations.
The process connection consists of a 40 mm diameter welding stub manufactured from stainless steel 1.4404/316L, secured with an M52x2 union nut. The sensor is designed for PN16 pressure rating (232 psi at 90°F, 203 psi at 212°F) and operates across a process temperature range from -4°F to +212°F (-20°C to +100°C), accommodating both ambient and moderately heated process conditions.
Bidirectional Flow Measurement, Flow Totalization, and IO-Link Connectivity
The PITe is engineered for bidirectional flow measurement, accurately detecting and quantifying flow in either direction through the pipeline. This capability is particularly valuable in applications involving reversible pumping systems, batch processing with flow reversals, or gravity flow monitoring where flow direction may vary. The electronics automatically account for flow direction in totalizing functions, maintaining accurate cumulative volume tracking regardless of flow reversals.
Modern industrial connectivity is provided through IO-Link communication protocol support (V1.1 specification, COM3 bitrate). IO-Link enables digital parameter configuration, real-time diagnostic data access, and remote monitoring capabilities essential for Industry 4.0 manufacturing environments. The system supports both standard IO output mode and full IO-Link communication mode, providing flexibility for integration with existing control architectures or future automation upgrades.
Application Versatility and Installation Flexibility
The PITe insertion magnetic flow meter is designed for measuring conductive liquids with minimum conductivity of 20 microsiemens per centimeter. Typical applications include municipal water distribution systems, wastewater treatment facilities, chemical processing plants, pulp and paper manufacturing, and industrial cooling water systems. The meter handles clean liquids, slurries, and pastes, though applications with significant solid particle content or gas bubble entrainment should be evaluated to ensure measurement accuracy.
The recommended flow velocity measurement range extends from 3.28 feet per second to 32.8 feet per second (1 to 10 meters per second). At flow rates exceeding 30% of full scale, the meter typically provides ±1.5% of reading accuracy. For flow rates below 30% of full scale, measurement deviation is ±1.5% of reading plus ±2.5% of full scale under reference conditions. Repeatability is specified at ±0.75% under controlled conditions.
Installation requires straight pipe sections of 10 times the pipe diameter upstream and 5 times the pipe diameter downstream of the sensor location to ensure stable flow profile development. The sensor should be immersed 40 mm (1.6 inches) into the pipe, with the welding stub installed so the sensor tip projects consistently into the flow stream. Preferred mounting angles range from 45 to 135 degrees from vertical to avoid gas bubble accumulation at top-mounted positions or sediment buildup at bottom-mounted orientations.
Remote Mounting Options for Confined Spaces
The PITe with U-PACE comes with a remote transmitter with cable lengths options of 16 feet, 33 feet, 49 feet, or 66 feet (5, 10, 15, or 20 meters). This design separate the sensor from the transmitter housing, allowing the display and electronics to be positioned in accessible maintenance areas while the sensor remains at the optimal measurement location. The transmitter achieves IP67 ingress protection rating.
The system operates on 19-30 VDC supply voltage with maximum power consumption of 200 mA. The M12x1 4-pin electrical connector provides secure, industry-standard wiring connection. Ambient temperature operating range spans -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C), accommodating both climate-controlled indoor facilities and temperature-variable outdoor installations.
Key Differences between the PITe/U-PACE and the PIT-e/UMF2
The PITe insertion magnetic flow meter is available with two electronics platforms. The U-PACE transmitter version features IO-Link communication protocol for Industry 4.0 integration, while the UMF2 transmitter version uses standard analog and pulse outputs with optional HART® protocol. The U-PACE offers a color TFT display rotatable in 90-degree increments with optical controls, compared to the UMF2's 2-line LCD display with standard keypad controls.
Output configuration differs substantially: the U-PACE provides two fully configurable outputs (analog current, voltage, pulse, frequency, or switching) and offers an IO-Link communication mode, while the UMF2 has fixed outputs (4-20 mA with or without HART®, pulse, and status). Power requirements also vary—U-PACE operates on 19-30 VDC only, whereas UMF2 accepts 115/230 VAC or 24 VDC. Both versions use identical sensor hardware and deliver equivalent measurement accuracy.
Which Version Should You Choose?
Select the PITe with U-PACE electronics if your facility requires IO-Link digital communication, flexible output configurations to accommodate diverse control system architectures, or integrated batch dosing capability with external control inputs. The U-PACE platform suits modern automation environments emphasizing predictive maintenance data, remote diagnostics, and standardized digital fieldbus communication.
Select the PITe with UMF2 transmitter if your plant operates established HART communication infrastructure, requires AC power supply options, or prefers fixed analog + pulse + status output architecture. The UMF2 platform integrates seamlessly with conventional 4-20 mA control systems while providing optional HART digital configuration and diagnostic capabilities.