Accurately measuring flow rate can often a be a daunting task when the flows are in large pipes, undefined conduits, or if the existing piping configuration prohibits accurate measurement using conventional flow measurement devices (Orifice, pitot, ultrasonic, etc.). When faced with these challenges, consider Dye Dilution as a possible solution.
Advantages of Dye Dilution Flow Measurement
- Accepted by both ASME and IEC test codes.
- Can be used when there is no ready physical access to the conduit.
- Does not require long straight runs of pipe or flow profile conditioning.
- Prefers turbulent flow conditions.
- Testing is accurate (typically 1 to 2%) and provides quick results.
- Well-suited for measurement of water flows in large conduits.
- Rhodamine WT dye has been used in numerous EPA studies and is EPA designated safe for direct discharge into the environment.
- Rhodamine WT dye disassociates into benign elemental components under sunlight, temperature and/or chemical stresses.
- Dye concentrations, after injection, for most measurements are typically in the 10 to 50 parts per billion levels.
Key Applications of Dye Dilution Flow Measurement
- Cooling Tower Flow Capacity Testing
- Industrial cooling water flow testing (open or closed circuit)
- Hydro Turbine Performance (Index) Testing
- Hydro Turbine flow measurement sensor calibrations (Winter-Kennedy taps, ultrasonic, etc.)
- Pumped Hydro flow testing
- In situ water flow meter calibrations (all types)
- In situ industrial pump testing (with flowing temperatures < 400 F)
- Environmental discharge flow measurements and/or source/discharge tracing