CDI flowmeters provide insight to aid in managing compressed air and saving energy. We make this monitoring cost-effective and easy to implement by providing flowmeters that install in minutes, a wireless networking system, free monitoring software, and hot tap meters for systems that cannot be shut down.
The companys focus has been on energy conservation since it was founded as Conservation Devices by Roger Dennison, an energy consultant. Roger saw a need for an easily-installed flowmeter to track air usage in compressed-air systems and in 2002, the company introduced the CDI 5200 series of flowmeters.
The company has sold 40,000+ flowmeters to over 70 countries. Industries include:
The product line has expanded to cover all pipe sizes commonly used for compressed air. Recent additions include meters for installation under pressure and meters with built-in wireless networking capability.?
CDI flowmeters represent a radical departure from conventional designs. The meter clamps around a pipe with its flow-sensing probes projecting into the pipe through drilled holes. The low cost of the meters makes them ideal for installation throughout an air distribution system.
The CDI 5200 clamps onto a pipe, with two flow-sensing probes projecting into the pipe through 3/16-in. drilled holes. It seals directly to the pipe; no cutting or welding is required for installation. Because each flowmeter is made and calibrated for a specific size of pipe, the digital display indicates flow directly, with no setup or adjustment.
?The CDI 5200 is a true thermal-mass flowmeter, adapted for easy installation in existing piping systems. Its large, bright LED display is easy to read from a distance and its weather-proof enclosure and surge protection make it suitable for outdoor installation. A 4-20 mA output and a pulse output are standard; wired outputs are available as an option.
The CDI 5200 meters are commonly used for point-of-use monitoring of compressed air in textile mills, food packaging plants, groundwater remediation, printing plants and bottling plants; they are also widely used for branch-line monitoring.
The display can be configured to show flow in scfm, m3/min and m3/hr; it can also be configured to display daily usage or cumulative usage rather than current flow.
The CDI 5250 is a modified version of the 5200 model that allows installation under pressure. It incorporates two valves through which the probes pass and a muffler that collects chips from the drilling process. It takes an equal amount of installation time as our standard meters and requires no shutdown of the compressed-air system.
The installation of the 5250 is quick, easy and safe, if done with adequate preparation and with care. A solid footing and face protection are essential. Once installed, the meter provides the same features as our 5200-series meters.
The CDI 5400 clamps onto a pipe, with two flow-sensing probes projecting into the pipe through 3/16-in. drilled holes. It seals directly to the pipe; no cutting or welding is required for installation. Because each flowmeter is made and calibrated for a specific size of pipe, the digital display indicates flow directly, with no setup or adjustment.
The CDI 5400 is similar to the CDI 5200, except that it has its probes mounted side-by-side in a single ring, its display can rotate to accommodate pipe orientation, and it is built for larger pipe sizes. Like the 5200, it is a thermal mass flow meter in which one probe senses the air temperature and the other is maintained ten degrees above the air temperature. It has the same milliamp and pulse outputs, the same large, bright display, and optional wired outputs.
The CDI 5400 is commonly used for monitoring of compressor-room output and distribution lines in medium to large-sized facilities. It is also used for point-of-use monitoring in industrial processes that use large amounts of compressed air.
The CDI 5450 is a modified version of the 5400 model that allows installation under pressure. It incorporates two valves through which the probes pass and a muffler that collects chips from the drilling process. It takes an equal amount of installation time as our standard meters and requires no shutdown of the compressed-air system.
The CDI 5100 extends the capability of the CDI 5000 series to the low flow rates found in many point-of-use applications. It does this by concentrating the flow into a small area that is chosen to optimize the tradeoff between pressure drop and low-flow sensitivity. Used in its intended flow range and at a pressure of 100 psig, the 5100 will create a pressure drop no greater than one psi.
Like the other 5000-series flowmeters, the 5100 is a thermal mass design, using one probe to sense the air temperature and maintaining the other ten degrees warmer. By concentrating the flow where it passes the two probes, it is able to measure low air flows without requiring small passages that could clog or create excessive pressure drops.
?The meter is furnished with a carefully-reamed six-inch piece of size-specificpipe to be installed where the air enters the meter. With this pipe in place, there is no other requirement for flow conditioning or straight upstream pipe. The meter may be installed between quick disconnect fittings to test air usage by small pieces of equipment.
The CDI 25 represents a price-performance breakthrough in compressed-air metering. It fills a need for low-cost measurement of air usage by individual pieces of industrial equipment. It indicates leakage and excessive usage locally with blinking lights, thereby eliminating the need for central monitoring and enabling equipment operators and maintenance mechanics to observe and respond to developing problems.
The CDI 25 is based on CDIs proven technology, but it has been streamlined to reduce cost, reduce material usage and facilitate installation. The meter measures flow by maintaining one of its two probes warmer than the other; it calculates flow from the amount of heat required. Current flow, as well as minimum, average and totalized flows can be seen on a four-digit display.
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Series |
25 |
5100 |
5200 |
5250 |
5400 |
5450 |
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Sizes |
1/2″ – 1″ |
3/8″ – 1/2″ |
1/2″ – 1-1/2″ |
1/2″ – 1-1/2″ |
2″ – 8″ |
2″ – 8″ |
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4-20mA |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Pulse |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Pressure |
No |
Optional |
Optional |
No |
Optional |
No |
|
Serial Output |
No |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
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Mounting |
Band Clamp |
Threaded |
Ring |
Ring |
Ring |
Ring |
|
Weather |
NEMA 1 |
NEMA 4 |
NEMA 4 |
NEMA 4 |
NEMA 4 |
NEMA 4 |
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Technology |
Thermal Mass |
Thermal Mass |
Thermal Mass |
Thermal Mass |
Thermal Mass |
Thermal Mass |
|
Hot-Tap |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
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Wet Air |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
