Where can I buy very low flow meters (range = 10 ml/min to 100 or 200
ml/min.) for potable water between 32 and 90 degrees that gives an
electric signal output and costs less than $50. Accuracy isn't
critical, cost and low flow capability are. Plastic is OK. Annual
purchases to be about 10,000 units.

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Clarification of Question by dowens24-ga on 12 Nov 2004 20:40 PST

Temp 32 to 90 deg F (city or well water)
Need off-the-shelf parts or a slight modification of one, no time or
money for development work. We can use any connection, tube, pipe
thread, doesn't matter.  We'd like the valves to last about 5 years at
least with very intermittent use.  We need to be able to start testing
parts within 2 weeks, even if they are slightly too big.

I have found an importer/distributor with products that meet all the
operating specifications.  To achieve the price you are looking for,
reduced accuracy would result as you approached 10 ml/min, but the
flow meter would still work.

"The operating specs are no problem, but then the price is a real
limiter.  For that price, I do have a unit that will work down to 70
mL/m in its linear range, down to 30-40 mL/m non-linear but very
repeatable.  It would still be working down to around 10 mL/m but with
reducing accuracy as the flow rate drops."

DigiFlow Systems
781 Clifton Blvd.
Mansfield, Ohio 44907
USA

digiflow@richnet.net

Ph: (419) 756-1746
Fx: (419) 756-0643

http://www.digiflowsys.com

Sincerely,

Wonko

Are you interested in custom design? What pressure drop is acceptable?
What temperature 32-90 F or C? Connections? What style of output -- a
pulse for every ml, an analogue rate level? MTBF?

If you are interested in custom design (even from UK) I can suggest
the project to my associates.

Best

Nearest I could find in the possible price range (at 10k units) only
went down to 50ml/min. Couldn?t track down the manufacturer to check
out any other items I?m afraid. For such quantities though, design
cost would likely be offset against sales if you are ever forced to
have a ?special?.

Good searching.

Best

.....meant to add, if you only want to average out over a period of a
few minutes and the fixture is permanent, a cheap tipping rain gauge
might be suitable.

Best