The easiest way to calculate the flow rate of your line is to do a "bucket test".
Simply dispense water (or whatever liquid you are metering) into a bucket or barrel of a know volume.
Tips:
1) For the purposes of selecting a meter, you don't need to be extremely precise, but it doesn't hurt to make the effort. You want the flow rate to be comfortably below the maximum flow rate and comfortably above the minimum flow rate of the meter.
2) 5 gallon buckets are larger than 5 gallons. The exact 5 gallon mark is about an inch or two below the rim.
3) If using a hose, place it deep in the bucket towards the end so that the water level rises while remaining flat.
4) It is recommended that the test performed takes at least 30 seconds. Smaller, faster tests will be less accurate.
5) If you do not have a bucket or container of a known size... you can always go by weight. Click the button to change from Volume to Weight
Be sure to exclude the weight of the container!
- one gallon of water is 8.34 lbs.