Electromagnetic flow meters are widely used in industrial applications for their high precision and stability, making them a favorite choice for measuring wastewater discharge in large enterprises. However, the electronic components, particularly the converter, are susceptible to damage from lightning strikes, especially during the stormy summer months. This article outlines the essential measures to protect your electromagnetic flow meter converters from lightning and ensure their reliable operation.

The Importance of Lightning Protection

    Summer weather is unpredictable, and lightning poses a significant threat to the safe operation of electromagnetic flow meters. Many customers report damage to their flow meters during the summer, often due to lightning strikes on the converter. A crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect of protection is grounding.

    Proper grounding is not only essential for accurate measurements but also for the stable operation of electromagnetic flow meters. While it might seem that grounding is unnecessary in a stable environment, any change can compromise the meter's performance. Therefore, it's best to ensure sensor grounding during installation to create a favorable working environment.

Strategies for Lightning Protection of Electromagnetic Flow Meters

1. Signal Cable Management: The length of the signal cable between the converter and the sensor should not exceed 50 meters, and it must be encased in a galvanized pipe. If the pipe is aerial, it should be reliably grounded with a grounding resistance of less than 10 ohms.

2. Power Supply and Air Switch: If the power supply is 220V single-phase AC, install an air switch inside the meter box. Connect the lightning arrester in parallel with the air switch, and route the wiring from the air switch to a three-prong socket.

3. Grounding of Lightning Arresters: The grounding wire of the lightning arrester should not be longer than 1 meter and should be made of multi-stranded copper-core insulated wire with a cross-sectional area greater than 6 square millimeters. If there is no grounding grid nearby, create a simple one near the lightning arrester using three 1.5-meter-long flat steel or angle steel bars arranged in an equilateral triangle and driven into the ground. Weld them together at the top with a flat steel strip, attach a bolt at one corner, and connect the lightning arrester's grounding wire to it.

    Lightning protection is a vital part of maintaining the reliability and longevity of electromagnetic flow meters. By following these strategies, you can safeguard your converters and ensure that your flow meters continue to operate accurately and efficiently, even during the most tumultuous summer storms.