Insertion Magnetic Flow Meter for Large Diameter Pipes
The KOBOLD PITe with U-PACE is an insertion-style magnetic inductive flow meter that measures conductive liquids in pipes from 3 to 16 inches (DN80 to DN400) through a single welding stub connection, which helps reduce installation time and system downtime compared with cutting the line for a full-bore inline meter.
The sensor mounts through a 1.57 inch (40 mm) stainless steel welding stub with an M52 x 2 union nut, and the tip projects 40 mm into the pipeline regardless of nominal diameter. The recommended flow velocity of 3.28 to 32.8 ft/s (1 to 10 m/s) corresponds to 76 to 756 GPM in a 3 inch line and 1,870 to 18,678 GPM in a 16 inch line, according to specifications.
Universal U-PACE Electronics Platform
U-PACE, short for Universal Precision and Control Electronics, is the transmitter platform that processes the PITe sensor signal for flow measurement, monitoring, dosing, and totalizing. It provides two outputs freely configurable by the customer, a dosing function with external control input, and customer adaptation to the internal pipe diameter.
Operators configure the device through a colored, multi-parameter TFT display (128 x 128 pixels, 1.4 inch) that rotates in 90 degree steps, along with four optical touch keys that can be operated with gloves. An intuitive setup menu guides parameterization, and a grand and resettable totalizer tracks accumulated volume.
Corrosion-Resistant Construction for Demanding Applications
Wetted components are designed for aggressive conductive media. The sensor armature is stainless steel 1.4404/316L with PTFE, the electrodes are Hastelloy C-4 with other materials available on request, and the welding stub is stainless steel 1.4404/316L. The U-PACE housing is stainless steel 1.4404 with a PMMA display window.
The meter carries a PN16 nominal pressure rating: 232 psi at 194 °F (16 bar at 90 °C) and 203 psi at 212 °F (14 bar at 100 °C). Process temperature spans -4 to +212 °F (-20 to +100 °C), with IP65 protection on the sensor and IP67 on the U-PACE transmitter.
Bidirectional Flow Measurement, Totalization, and IO-Link Connectivity
The PITe measures flow in both directions and reports it through two independently configurable outputs: analog 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10 V, or 2-10 V signals, switching (NPN, PNP, or Push-Pull), pulse, frequency, control input, dosing, or IO-Link communication. The pulse output is push-pull, freely scalable, and configurable for partial and accumulated totals.
IO-Link communication follows specification V1.1 at COM3 bitrate with a maximum cable length of 65.6 ft (20 m). The electrical connection is a 4-pin M12 x 1 plug, and the supply voltage is 19 to 30 VDC with internal power consumption of 200 mA maximum, according to specifications.
Application Versatility and Installation Flexibility
Typical applications include municipal water distribution, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, and industrial cooling water systems. According to specifications, the sensor measures liquids, slurries, and pastes with almost no pressure drop, provided the medium has an electrical conductivity of at least 20 µS/cm; solid particles and small gas bubbles should be avoided.
Pressure, temperature, density, and viscosity do not affect the volume measurement. Plan for a straight inlet run of 10 times the pipe diameter and an outlet run of 5 times, and mount the sensor at an angle between 45 and 135 degrees so it stays completely immersed in the fluid.
Remote Mounting Options for Confined Spaces
For confined installations, the U-PACE transmitter is available in remote versions with a 16.4, 32.8, 49.2, or 65.6 ft (5, 10, 15, or 20 m) PVC cable, placing the display within easy reach while the sensor stays at the pipe. A mounting bracket is included in the scope of delivery.
A stainless steel wall mounting kit (model ERS-ZOK-023618) is available as a spare-part accessory for the remote transmitter.
PITe with U-PACE vs. PIT-e with UMF2
KOBOLD pairs this insertion sensor with two transmitter platforms. The U-PACE version featured on this page provides IO-Link connectivity, a rotatable color TFT display, two freely configurable outputs, and a 19 to 30 VDC supply. The PIT-e with UMF2 version offers a HART option, a 2-line LCD, fixed outputs, and 115/230 VAC or 24 VDC power.
Which Version Should You Choose?
Choose the PITe with U-PACE when your control architecture calls for IO-Link, flexible output configuration, or a display that rotates to match the mounting orientation. Choose the PIT-e with UMF2 when the installation requires HART communication or AC line power. Contact KOBOLD USA to review which transmitter fits your application.
Common Questions about PITe Magnetic-inductive Flow Meter Insertion Version with U-Pace
According to Faraday's law of induction, a voltage is induced in a conductor moving through a magnetic field. The conductive liquid acts as that conductor: two Hastelloy C-4 electrodes pick up the induced voltage, which is proportional to flow velocity, and the U-PACE electronics calculate volumetric flow from the pipe diameter.
Standard configurations cover DN80 through DN400, or 3 inch through 16 inch ANSI pipe, designed for wall thickness per DIN EN 10253-2 or ASME B 36.10M series 40S. Customer-specific inner diameters can be ordered in clear text (DXX or AXX codes), with the flow range defined by the flow equation.
The measuring range spans flow velocities of 1 to 10 m/s. Across the pipe sizes, that translates to 19.2 m³/h at the minimum on DN80 up to 4,309 m³/h at the maximum on DN400 (roughly 76 up to 18,678 GPM), per the datasheet's measuring range table.
The PITe requires a minimum conductivity of 20 µS/cm in the measured medium. The electronics monitor conductivity continuously: if it falls below that threshold, the device displays an 'Empty pipe' error and sets the flow reading to zero. The flow channel must also remain completely filled during measurement.
At flow rates of 30 percent of full scale or higher, measurement deviation is ±1.5% of reading. Below 30 percent of full scale, it is ±1.5% of reading plus ±2.5% of full scale. Repeatability is ±0.75%, all under reference conditions as defined in the datasheet.
OUT1 and OUT2 can each be set to analog (4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10 V, 2-10 V), switching, pulse, or frequency signals; OUT1 additionally supports IO-Link and KofiCom communication modes and control input, while OUT2 supports the dosing output. Wiring runs through one M12 x 1, 4-pin plug.
Provide calming sections of 10 pipe diameters upstream and 5 downstream, arrange shut-off and control valves behind the sensor in the flow direction, and weld the spigot so that 40 mm of the sensor tip extends inside the line. The ideal installation angle lies between 45 and 135 degrees, avoiding top and bottom mounting.
The datasheet lists slurries and pastes alongside liquids as measurable media. Avoid media carrying solid particles or entrained gas bubbles; gases contained in the liquid register as flow volume and lead to measurement errors, so install appropriate vents where necessary.
Not on the U-PACE platform, which runs on 19 to 30 VDC and communicates over IO-Link. For HART communication or 115/230 VAC supply, KOBOLD offers the same insertion measurement in the PIT-e with UMF2 configuration, which pairs the sensor with a 2-line LCD transmitter and fixed outputs.