Name: RCM Flo-Gage Steam Flow Meters
Brand: RCM Industries
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What type of steam can the RCM Flo-Gage measure?

Accepted Answer

The RCM Flo-Gage is designed for saturated steam service only. It is not rated for superheated steam. If your application involves superheated steam, contact Northeast Controls to discuss alternative configurations.

Question 2

What is the maximum steam pressure the standard meter handles?

Accepted Answer

The standard steam flow meter is rated to 120 psig saturated steam. For pressures above 120 psig, you must specify the remote-mounted option — Option R2 for bronze body meters or Option R3 for 316SS body meters. These options move the indicator housing away from the process connection to protect it from elevated pressure and temperature.

Question 3

What is the minimum steam pressure required for accurate measurement?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 10 psig is required for reliable operation. Below this pressure, the differential pressure driving the meter mechanism may be insufficient to produce a stable, accurate reading.

Question 4

Can I use the steam meter on condensate return lines?

Accepted Answer

No — the steam meter is calibrated for steam vapor, not liquid condensate. If condensate accumulates in the meter, it will produce inaccurate readings and may damage the internals. Proper installation with the inverted housing orientation and adequate steam trapping upstream is essential to keep condensate out of the meter.

Question 5

Which body material should I choose for steam service?

Accepted Answer

Bronze is the standard and most common choice for general steam service up to 120 psig. Monel or 316 stainless steel bodies are available for applications involving corrosive steam, clean steam (pharmaceutical/food), or where bronze contamination is a concern. All three materials are compatible with the standard EPR seals and 316SS bellows included with the steam option.

Question 6

Why does the steam meter use an inverted housing?

Accepted Answer

The housing is inverted (turned upside down relative to liquid meters) so that any condensate that forms inside the meter drains back into the pipe rather than pooling in the indicator housing. Condensate trapped in the housing can cause corrosion, freeze damage, and inaccurate readings. Always install the steam meter with the housing in the inverted orientation as shipped.

Question 7

What pipe orientation is required for steam service?

Accepted Answer

Steam meters should be installed in horizontal pipe runs whenever possible. Vertical installation with upward flow is acceptable. Avoid vertical downward flow, as this promotes condensate accumulation in the meter. Ensure the pipe is fully filled with steam vapor — not partially flooded with condensate — at the meter location.

Question 8

Do I need a steam trap upstream of the meter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Installing a steam trap upstream of the meter is strongly recommended to remove condensate before it reaches the meter. Condensate slugging can damage the bellows and produce erratic readings. A strainer upstream of the meter is also advisable to protect the internals from pipe scale and debris.

Question 9

What connection styles are available for steam meters?

Accepted Answer

Steam meters are available in two series: Series 7000 with threaded connections (¼″ to 3″ NPT or BSP) and Series 8000 in wafer style (½″ to 8″). The wafer style is flanged between standard pipe flanges and is well-suited for larger line sizes where threaded connections are impractical.

Question 10

What are Options R2 and R3, and when are they required?

Accepted Answer

Options R2 and R3 are remote-mounted configurations that physically separate the indicator housing from the process connection using a capillary tube. This protects the indicator from high pressure and high temperature. R2 is used with bronze body meters; R3 is used with 316SS body meters. Both are required when steam pressure exceeds 120 psig.

Question 11

Can I add a transmitter or alarm switch to a steam meter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with limitations. Transmitter options (W, W2, W3) and limit switch options (1S2, 2S2) are available on steam meters, subject to compatibility with the remote option if used. Note that reed switch options (1S2, 2S2) are not compatible with meters equipped with Options K, N, W, W2, W3, X, Y, or Z. Confirm your full option combination with Northeast Controls before ordering.

Question 12

Is the steam meter available with a digital display?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The digital flow meter option (Option RW3) provides a local LCD display with rate and totalizer readout plus a 4–20 mA output. It is available on steam meters and is particularly useful when remote monitoring or steam consumption totalization is needed.

Question 13

What accuracy can I expect from the steam flow meter?

Accepted Answer

The RCM steam flow meter is rated at ±3% of full scale accuracy with ±1% repeatability. This is full-scale accuracy, meaning the absolute error in engineering units is constant across the range. For best accuracy, size the meter so your normal operating flow falls in the upper half of the meter's range (60–90% of full scale).

Question 14

How do I zero the steam meter?

Accepted Answer

With no flow through the meter (fully isolated), the pointer should rest at zero. If it does not, use the coarse zero adjustment (external knob) to bring it to zero. A fine zero adjustment is also available for precise calibration. Always verify and correct the zero before adjusting any limit switch setpoints.

Question 15

What maintenance does the steam meter require?

Accepted Answer

The RCM Flo-Gage is designed for minimal maintenance. Periodically inspect the seals and bellows for signs of leakage, especially after thermal cycling. Check the zero at each scheduled maintenance interval. If the meter is removed from service, flush and dry the internals before storage to prevent corrosion. Replacement seal kits are available from Northeast Controls.

Specification	Standard	Optional
Series	Series 7000 (Threaded) / Series 8000 (Wafer)	—
Housing	UV Stabilized Polycarbonate (inverted)	—
Body	Bronze	Monel / 316SS
Bellows	316SS	—
Seals	EPR	—
Crystal	Polycarbonate	—
Gear Movement	Bronze	—
Accuracy	±3% F.S.	—
Repeatability	±1% F.S.	—
Maximum Steam Pressure	120 psig (standard)	Over 120 psig requires R2 or R3 remote option
Minimum Pressure	10 psig	—
Maximum Temperature	212°F (100°C)	—
Minimum Temperature	-30°F (-34°C)	—

RCM Steam Flow Meters

Standard Features

Steam Pressures Over 120 psig

Steam Flow Meter FAQ

Application & Selection

Installation & Piping

Options & Accessories

Accuracy & Maintenance

Typical Applications

Specifications

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