Technical Manual
Instructions for installation,
operation and maintenance
301
LIQUID FILTERS
Publication nr TIB-301-GB-1111
Supersedes TIB-301-GB-0711
CONTENTS
1. PREFACE........................................................................................2
1.1 General ...................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Symbols ..................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Copyright ................................................................................................... 2
2. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................3
2.1 Before installing filter ................................................................................. 3
2.2 Model number identification ....................................................................... 4
2.3 Technical specification .............................................................................. 5
3. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION ................................................6
3.1 System layout recommendations............................................................... 6
3.2 Initial start-up ............................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 Filters in a pressure line ..................................................................... 7
3.2.2 Filters in a suction line ........................................................................ 7
4. MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................8
4.1 To clean the filter element ......................................................................... 8
4.1.1 General............................................................................................... 8
4.1.2 Cleaning instructions .......................................................................... 8
4.1.3 Gum deposits ..................................................................................... 9
4.2 Recommended spare parts ..................................................................... 10
5. DIMENSIONS ................................................................................11
6. WARRANTY CONDITIONS ..........................................................16
1. PREFACE
1.1 GENERAL
This manual contains installation, operation and maintenance instructions for liquid filters used with
VAF Series LoFlow® and MidFlow® flowmeters.
This manual contains important information for the installer, the operator and for your maintenance
department.
To ensure safe and correct installation and operation of your VAF filter study this manual
carefully before starting operations.
For associated equipment supplied by VAF Instruments B.V. separate instruction manuals are
included with those products.
For any additional information contact:
VAF Instruments B.V. Tel. +31 78 618 3100
Vierlinghstraat 24, 3316 EL Dordrecht Fax +31 78 617 7068
P.O. Box 40, NL-3300 AA Dordrecht E-mail: sales@vaf.nl
The Netherlands Internet: www.vaf.nl
Or your local authorized VAF dealer.
Their addresses can be found on www.vaf.nl
1.2 SYMBOLS
The symbols below are used to call attention to specific types of information.
A warning to use caution! In some instances, personal injury or damage to the flowmeter
or control system may result if these instructions are not followed properly.
An explanation or information of interest.
1.3 COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, no responsibility for
errors or omissions is assumed. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein. Specifications can be changed without notice.
LoFlow®, and MidFlow® are registered trademarks of VAF Instruments B.V.
2
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 BEFORE INSTALLING FILTER
1. Identify your filter by comparing the code number on the text plate with the description on the
packing list.
2. Record the text plate data in the space below.
Always quote code and serial numbers when contacting the factory or your local VAF
Instruments service representative.
3. Ensure that the filter is suitable for your process conditions.
Never exceed the temperature and pressure limits specified on the text plate. Consult
the factory if the filter must be used for a different process liquid than originally ordered.
4. Store the filter in a safe place. Do not remove dust caps until just before installation.
Figure 1 Text plate
3
2.2 MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
F- … ...
Body material Connection size
1 = Carbon steel 015 = DN 15 mm (1/2”)
3 = AISI-316 025 = DN 25 mm (1”)
040 = DN 40 mm (1.5”)
050 = DN 50 mm (2”)
080 = DN 80 mm (3”)
100 = DN 100 mm (4”)
4
2.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Material of filter
Body Carbon steel, stainless steel AISI-316L
Star type filter element Stainless steel AISI-316
O-rings Steel filters: Viton, Viton/PFA optional;
Stainless steel filters: Viton/PFA
Material of optional air vent
Body Stainless steel 304L
Valve and seat Chrome-plated steel 440F
Float and lever Stainless steel 304L
Material of optional dearator tank Steel
Mesh width 0.05 mm (50 µm; 280 mesh); (DN 15…50 (1/2”…2”))
0.1 mm (100 µm; 150 mesh); (DN 25…80 (1” …3”))
0.2 mm (200 µm, 80 mesh); (DN 80 (3”) and larger))
See textplate on filter housing
Maximum operating temperature See textplate on filter housing
Maximum allowable differential 0.8 bar (80 kPa)
pressure across filter
Maximum working pressure
Filter See textplate on filter housing.
Optional deaerator tank 10 bar (1 MPa)
Optional air vent For liquids with a specific gravity of 0.8 to 1.0 kg/dm³:
Valve seat diameter Max. working pressure
mm inches MPa bar
3.2 1/8” 1.25 12.5
2.6 #38 2.10 21
2.0 5/64” 2.80 28
5
3. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
3.1 SYSTEM LAYOUT RECOMMENDATIONS
Remove dust caps from inlet and outlet connection and install the filter in vertical position as shown
in figure 2 or 3. The inlet and outlet ports are marked ‘IN’ and ‘OUT’ respectively.
1. Ensure sufficient space around the filter to allow easy removal of the filter element.
2. When a flowmeter is mounted at the outlet side of the filter, the filter and the flowmeter must be
installed as close to each other as possible. When a deaerator tank must also be installed, this
should be mounted ahead of and as close as possible to the filter.
3. The filter must never be used to support the piping system or other system components and
must never ‘hang’ by its flanges connections. Support the filter by means of the base plate or
support provided. The connection between filter and piping must be stress-free to avoid
leakage.
The filterbody will maintain the same temperature as the process liquid.
Take measures to avoid personal injury from touching a hot or cold filter.
Figure 2 Flowmeter system without bypass arrangement.
Figure3 Flowmeter system with bypass arrangement
6
3.2 INITIAL START-UP
3.2.1 Filters in a pressure line
1. If the filter is not fitted with an automatic air vent, open the vent plug on top of the filter. If the
filter is fitted with an air vent, venting takes place automatically.
2. Allow process liquid to enter the filter SLOWLY, so that the air can escape from the filter.
3. Close the vent plug as soon as all air has escaped and the process liquid begins to flow from
the vent opening.
3.2.2 Filters in a suction line
1. Fill the filter with process liquid and allow all air to escape via the vent plug or the automatic air
vent.
2. Start up the measuring installation as described in the technical manual supplied with the
flowmeter, or open the shut-off valves at both sides of the filter.
Figure 4 Liquid filter with air vent
7
4. MAINTENANCE
4.1 TO CLEAN THE FILTER ELEMENT
4.1.1 General
Dependent on the degree of contamination of the process liquid, the filter element should be
cleaned every 200 to 300 operating hours. However, it is advisable to carry out a check on the
degree of fouling of the filter element shortly after the initial, or each subsequent start-up of the
measuring installation. Routine maintenance practices can then be adapted according to the
results.
Generally the pressure drop across the filter gives an indication of the degree of fouling. This
pressure drop must not exceed 80 kPa (0.8 bar), otherwise there is a risk of failure of the filter
element.
All liquid filters that do not work automatically, i.e. have to be cleaned by hand, should in fact only
be considered as safety devices for the flowmeter. In many measuring installations actual liquid
cleaning takes place in separators. If, however, with such installations it proves necessary to clean
the filter frequently, the efficiency of the separators should be checked.
Pay particular attention to correct adjustment of the separators and to the percentage of loading to
which the separators are subjected.
4.1.2 Cleaning instructions
1. Close the shut-off valves at the inlet and outlet sides of the filter.
2. Open the vent plug, or unscrew the drain plug SLOWLY to relieve the pressure inside the filter.
3. Remove the drain plug and allow the filter to drain completely, so that no unfiltered liquid can
enter the process piping on the outlet side of the filter.
4. Remove the cover from the filter and take out the filter element.
5. Clean the element with petroleum, methyl alcohol or other solvent suitable for removing the
deposits left by the process liquid.
The element must not be fully immersed; otherwise loosened dirt will enter the clean side
of the element. If the element is then dried with compressed air, the dirt will be pressed
into the mesh openings, thereby causing blockages.
The openings in the filter gauze may be blocked by rubbery or hard components, such as
paraffin wax and asphalt from fuel oil, or particles produced when different types of
lubricating oils are mixed together. In such cases filter screens with a mesh size smaller
than 100 µm can only be effectively cleaned with chemical cleaning fluids. Also refer to
para 4.1.3. If no chemical cleaning fluid is available, gasoil, special cleaning petrol or
diesel oil (heated to 70-80°C) can be used.
6. Remove the element from the cleaning fluid. Allow it to drain and dry by blowing compressed air
from the clean side to the dirty side. Never blow air in opposite direction.
8
7. Check that the filter element is completely clean. If necessary repeat the above procedures until
all dirt has disappeared. In the case of persistent deposits, use of a soft brush may help. Take
care, however, not to damage the filter gauze.
8. It is important to clean the inside of the filter housing thoroughly at the same time the filter
element is cleaned. With the drain plug removed flush the housing with a suitable cleaning fluid.
Blow dry with compressed air.
9. Re-install the cleaned element ensuring that the element O-ring is properly seated.
10.Fit the cover, but check first:
a. that the vent plug (if present) is open.
b. the condition of the cover O-ring. Replace if necessary.
11.Tighten the drain plug.
12.To start the system up follow the procedures in section 3.2.
4.1.3 Gum deposits
Despite regular cleaning of the filter element, some liquids and process conditions result after
some time in the formation of a rubbery deposit on the element, as a result of which the mesh
openings can become blocked. This becomes apparent by progressive shortening of the cleaning
interval. The gum deposit is scarsely visible to the naked eye. Visual inspection of the element
after cleaning may therefore lead to false conclusions. The only effective method of checking is to
place a powerful light inside the filter element and to examine the meshes meticulously with a
magnifying glass. If you have an unused filter element at hand, you can clearly see the difference
in light transmission through the new and the used filter gauze.
To remove gum deposits dip the filter element as far as the top ring into a container filled with a
suitable solvent, until the gum has dissolved.
The element must not be fully immersed; otherwise loosened dirt will enter the clean side
of the element. If the element is then dried with compressed air, the dirt will be pressed
into the mesh openings, thereby causing blockages.
9
4.2 RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS
Select spare parts from the listing below, as required for your typical liquid filter.
Filter Part name Material Mesh width Steel filter AISI-316 filter
Connection size
DN 15 mm (1/2”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3147 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4147 0630-4147
Filter element 1 Viton (tmax= 120°C) 50µm 0673-1057 -
Viton (tmax= 200°C) 50µm 0673-1121 -
Viton/PFA (tmax= 120°C) 50µm 0673-1058 0673-1058
Viton/PFA (tmax= 200°C) 50µm 0673-1122 0673-1122
DN 25 mm (1”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3237 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4237 0630-4237
Filter element 1 Viton 50µm 0673-1035 -
Viton 100µm 0673-1036 -
Viton/PFA 50µm 0673-1050 0673-1050
Viton/PFA 100µm 0673-1051 0673-1051
DN 40 mm (1.5”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3244 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4244 0630-4244
Filter element 1 Viton 50µm 0673-1037 -
Viton 100µm 0673-1038 -
Viton/PFA 50µm 0673-1054 0673-1054
Viton/PFA 100µm 0673-1055
DN 50 mm (2”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3244 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4244 0630-4244
Filter element 1 Viton 50µm 0673-1039 -
Viton 100µm 0673-1040 -
Viton 200µm 0673-1082 -
Viton/PFA 50µm 0673-1062 0673-1062
Viton/PFA 100µm 0673-1063 0673-1063
Viton/PFA 200µm 0673-1083 0673-1083
DN 80 mm (3”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3259 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4259 0630-4259
Filter element 1 Viton 100µm 0673-1066 -
Viton 200µm 0673-1067 -
Viton/PFA 100µm 0673-1068 0673-1068
Viton/PFA 200µm 0673-1069 0673-1069
DN 100 mm (4”) Cover O-ring Viton 0630-3267 -
Viton/PFA 0630-4267 0630-4267
Filter element 1 Viton 100µm 0673-1077 -
Viton 200µm 0673-1074 -
Viton/PFA 100µm 0673-1079 0673-1079
Viton/PFA 200µm 0673-1075 0673-1075
1)
AISI-316 filter element complete with element 0-ring in the material indicated.
10
5. DIMENSIONS
Except where noted all dimensions are in millimetres.
Consult factory for filter versions not shown here.
Basic Type of Body A A1 B B1
Model No. connections Material
F1015 Threaded Steel - 150 220 200
F1015 Pipe couplings Steel 212 150 220 200
F3015 Threaded AISI-316 - 125 245 225
F3015 Pipe couplings AISI-316 187 125 245 225
Figure 5 Liquid filters DN 15 (1/2”) with threaded or pipe connections
11
Except where noted all dimensions are in millimetres.
Flange dimensions refer to liquid filters with DIN PN 10/16/25/40 flanges. Face-to-face dimensions
of liquid filters with ANSI or JIS flanges are available on application.
Basic Body Flange size C D E F L M
Model Material
No:
F1015 Steel DIN DN 15 95 14 65 45 16 2
DIN DN 25 115 14 85 68 18 2
F3015 AISI-316 DIN DN 15 95 14 65 45 16 2
DIN DN 25 115 14 85 68 18 2
Figure 6 Liquid filters DN 15 (1/2”) with flange connections
12
Except where noted all dimensions are in millimetres.
Flange dimensions refer to liquid filters with DIN PN 10/16/25/40 flanges. Face-to-face dimensions
of liquid filters with ANSI or JIS flanges are available on application.
Conn. Basic A B C nxD E F G H I J K L M
Size Model
mm No
inches
DN25 F1025/ 200 225 115 4X14 85 68 165 225 89 130 200 18 2
F3025
DN40 F1040 250 355 150 4X18 110 88 275 385 115 160 290 18 3
(1,5”) F3040 280 355 150 4X18 110 88 275 385 115 160 290 18 3
DN50 F1050 260 415 165 4X18 125 102 325 445 115 160 365 20 3
(2”) F3050 270 415 165 4X18 125 102 325 445 115 160 365 20 3
DN80 F1080/ 330 445 200 8X18 160 138 335 485 168 225 300 24 3
(3”) F3080
Figure 7 Liquid filters DN 25 (1”) to DN 80 (3”)
13
Except where noted all dimensions are in millimetres.
Flange dimensions refer to liquid filters with DIN PN 10/16/25/40 flanges. Face-to-face dimensions
of liquid filters with ANSI or JIS flanges are available on application.
Basic Model No. Flange C nxD E F L M
type
F1100/F3100 PN 10/16 220 8x18 180 158 20 3
PN 25/40 235 8x22 190 162 24 3
Figure 8 Liquid filters DN 100 (4”)
14
Figure 9 Air vent
Figure 10 Deaerator tank
15
6. WARRANTY CONDITIONS
1. Without prejudice to the restrictions stated hereinafter, the contractor guarantees both the
soundness of the product delivered by him and the quality of the material used and/or delivered
for it, insofar as this concerns faults in the product delivered which do not become apparent
during inspection or transfer test, which the principal shall demonstrate to have arisen within 12
months from delivery in accordance with subarticle 1A exclusively or predominantly as a direct
consequence of unsoundness of the construction used by the contractor or as a consequence
of faulty finishing or the use of poor materials.
1A. The product shall be deemed to have been delivered when it is ready for inspection (if
inspection at the premises of the contractor has been agreed) and otherwise when it is
ready for shipment.
2. Articles 1 and 1a shall equally apply to faults which do not become apparent during inspection
or transfer test which are caused exclusively or predominantly by unsound assembly/installation
by the contractor. If assembly/installation is carried out by the contractor, the guarantee period
intended in article 1 shall last 12 months from the day on which assembly/installation is
completed by the contractor, with the understanding that in this case the guarantee period shall
end not later than 18 months after delivery in accordance with the terms of subarticle 1A.
3. Defects covered by the guarantee intended under articles 1, 1a and 2 shall be remedied by the
contractor by repair or replacement of the faulty component either on or off the premises of the
contractor, or by shipment of a replacement component, this remaining at the discretion of the
contractor. Subarticle 3A shall equally apply if repair or replacement takes place at the site
where the product has been assembled/installed. All costs accruing above the single obligation
described in the first sentence, such as are not restricted to shipment costs, travelling and
accommodation costs or disassembly or assembly costs insofar as they are not covered by the
agreement, shall be paid by the principal.
3A.If repair or replacement takes place at the site where the product has been
assembled/installed, the principal shall ensure, at his own expense and risk, that:
a. the employees of the contractor shall be able to commence their work as soon as they
have arrived at the erection site and continue to do so during normal working hours, and
moreover, if the contractor deems it necessary, outside the normal working hours, with the
proviso that the contractor informs the principal of this in good time;
b. suitable accommodation and/or all facilities required in accordance with government
regulations, the agreement and common usage, shall be available for the employees of
the contractor;
c. the access roads to the erection site shall be suitable for the transport required;
d. the allocated site shall be suitable for storage and assembly;
e. the necessary lockable storage sites for materials, tools and other goods shall be
available;
f. the necessary and usual auxiliary workmen, auxiliary machines, auxiliary tools, materials
and working materials (including process liquids, oils and greases, cleaning and other
minor materials, gas, water, electricity, steam, compressed air, heating, lighting, etc.) and
the measurement and testing equipment usual for in the business operations of the
principal, shall be available at the correct place and at the disposal of the contractor at the
correct time and without charge;
16
g. all necessary safety and precautionary measures shall have been taken and adhered to,
and all measures shall have been taken and adhered to necessary to observe the
applicable government regulations in the context of assembly/installation;
h. the products shipped shall be available at the correct site at the commencement of and
during assembly.
4. Defects not covered by the guarantee are those which occur partially or wholly as a result of:
A. non-observance of the operation and maintenance instructions or other than foreseeable
normal usage;
B. normal wear and tear;
C. assembly/installation by third parties, including the principal;
D. the application of any government regulation regarding the nature or quality of the material
used;
E. materials or goods used in consultation with the principal;
F. materials or goods provided by the principal to the contractor for processing;
G. materials, goods, working methods and constructions insofar as are applied at the express
instruction of the principal, and materials or goods supplied by or on behalf of the principal;
H. components obtained from third parties by the contractor insofar as that party has given no
guarantee to the contractor.
5. If the principal fails to fulfil any obligation properly or on time ensuing from the agreement
concluded between the principal and the contractor or any agreement connected to it, the
contractor shall not be bound by any of these agreements to any guarantee regardless of how it
is referred to. If, without previous written approval from the contractor, the principal commences
disassembly, repair or other work on the product or allows it to be commenced, then every
agreement with regard to guarantee shall be void.
6. Claims regarding defects must be submitted in writing as quickly as possible and not later than
14 days after the discovery of such. All claims against the contractor regarding faults shall be
void if this term is exceeded. Claims pertaining to the guarantee must be submitted within one
year of the valid complaint on penalty of invalidity.
7. If the contractor replaces components/products under the terms of his guarantee obligations,
the replaced components/products shall become the property of the contractor.
8. Unless otherwise agreed, a guarantee on repair or overhaul work carried out by the contractor
or other services shall only be given on the correctness of the manner in which the
commissioned work is carried out, this for a period of 6 months. This guarantee only covers the
single obligation of the contractor to carry out the work concerned once again in the event of
unsound work. In this case, subarticle 3A shall apply equally.
9. No guarantee shall be given regarded the inspection conducted, advice given and similar
matters.
10.Alleged failure to comply with his guarantee commitments on the part of the contractor shall not
absolve the principal from his obligations ensuing from any agreement concluded with the
contractor.
11.No guarantee shall be given on products which form a part of, or on work and services on,
goods older than 8 years.
17
Revision 0108:
FZ150 and larger deleted
Revision 0711
House style change
Revision 1111
Chapter 4.1.2 Cleaning instructions adjusted
18
