Collection:Paddle wheel flow meters for clean and low-viscosity liquids

A paddle wheel flow meter is the most common way to measure clean, low-viscosity liquids such as water, coolant, and thin oils. A small wheel spins in the flow and a sensor measures how fast it turns, which gives the flow rate. The wheel has to spin freely, so this type suits clean liquids without solids or fibers. It measures both water-based and non-conductive liquids, which is the main reason to choose it over a magnetic meter.

How to choose a paddle wheel meter

Bürkert paddle wheel meters are available in different mounting styles, inline and insertion:

• Inline: an S030 fitting is installed in the line and contains the paddle wheel. A separate transmitter (SE30, SE32, or SE35) is installed on top and converts the signal into a readable flow rate. Order the S030 and the transmitter separately, or ready-paired as the 8030, 8032, or 8035.
• Insertion: the 8025 is a measurement probe that sticks into the pipe. It requires a mounting fitting such as the Bürkert S020. The S020 is available in different pipe sizes and connection types, which allows the 8025 to be used for many different pipes.

Two further choices apply to both styles:

• Compact or remote: a compact meter has the electronics and the sensor in one unit and works on its own. A remote transmitter is electronics only, mounted on a wall or panel and wired to a separate sensor.
• Flow meter or batch controller: a flow meter measures and reports; a batch controller doses a set amount and closes a valve when the target is reached.

Choosing the transmitter

For an inline meter, choose the S030 fitting for the pipe: connection, size, body material, and seal. The transmitter sets what the meter shows and sends:

• SE30: sends a pulse signal to a PLC, counter, or Bürkert controller. No display. The basic choice.
• SE32: has a display, plus a 4 to 20 mA output, switch outputs (relay or transistor), or both, depending on the version. It shows the flow, sends it to a control system, and switches a pump, valve, or alarm at a set point.
• SE35: has a display with two totalizers and a 4 to 20 mA output. It is also available as a batch controller for dosing set amounts, or as a battery unit that shows and totals the flow with no output. Choose it for running totals or dosing.

Frequently asked questions

Can a paddle wheel meter measure dirty water?

No. Solids and fibers foul the wheel and stop it spinning freely, so the reading drifts. For a conductive liquid with solids, choose a magnetic meter, which has no moving parts in the flow.

Does the 8025 use the same fitting as the inline meter?

No. The inline meter uses the S030, which holds the paddle wheel and takes the SE transmitter on top. The 8025 has its own probe, so it needs an S020 insertion fitting that gives the probe a way into the pipe. The fitting follows the meter: an S030 for an SE transmitter, an S020 for the 8025.

Why is a Bürkert inline meter two parts?

The paddle wheel is inside the S030 fitting, and the SE transmitter is only the electronics on top. Neither measures flow on its own. Ordering them separately lets one transmitter suit different pipe sizes, and the transmitter can be swapped without touching the pipe.