Service Center 800-441-8246
  1. SM magmeters
  2. Setup and support

SM flow meter | Setup and support

Thank you for your purchase of an SM magmeter. On the following pages, you will find information to help you install and program the sensor as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Aftermarket support for SM magmeters

Should you need additional support, feel free to contact our service center at 800-441-8246 and speak to one of our applications engineers.

Best practices for installing SM magmeters

Ensure your magmeter or water flow meter from ifm works efficiently and with precision by following these installation best practices and considerations.

Flow direction

SM magmeters have an arrow etched onto their housing, showing the flow direction. If the flow goes against the arrow's direction, the display indicates it with a minus sign. Remember, the analog and switching signals only recognize the designated flow direction.

But the IO-Link is versatile – it encompasses the flow direction, allowing negative flow measurements. If you change the direction, don't forget to label the sensor housing accordingly.

Optimal mounting locations

SM magmeters are sensitive to air bubbles and partially filled pipes. For closed-loop systems, where pipes are consistently filled and bubble-free, sensor orientation isn't crucial.

However, in open piping systems, follow the recommended orientations. Ideally, install the SM magmeter horizontally before a vertical rise or in an upward-flowing vertical pipe.

Electrical grounding

Grounding is particularly vital in plastic or ungrounded piping systems. Stray signals can skew the readings, especially if the piping system isn't grounded. The grounding clamp E40234 can help ensure proper installation on plastic pipes.

Straight pipe run recommendations

While installing the magmeter, ensure you have three times the pipe diameter upstream and one pipe diameter downstream. This isn't stringent, but maintaining it can prevent any discrepancies due to air bubbles.

Safety precautions for high temperatures

If the medium temperature exceeds 50°C (122°F), parts of the housing can heat up to over 65°C (149°F). So, be wary of burns and avoid contact with flammable substances. Place the provided warning label close to the housing for increased safety.

Using the display and pushbuttons

Different SM magmeter models have varied display features, but all offer clear indications of the process values. Both SM 2/9 with LED Display and SM 4/6/7/8 with LED Display allow users to monitor flow rate, temperature, and total flow, among other functionalities. Refer to the respective manuals for in-depth navigation.