Flow Sensor

Baseline’s flow solutions enable you to take precise control over the water at your site.

Baseline’s irrigation controller software can learn the flow for each zone, maximize the number of zones it can turn on at once to help shorten your water windows. In the event of unexpected high or low flow, the controller will automatically determine which zone is at fault and alert you without interrupting the rest of the watering cycle. And, of course, Baseline irrigation controllers can protect your site from mainline breaks with configurable high and low flow shutdown settings. 

Baseline’s Irrigation Flow Sensors and Flow Meters

Baseline offers flow solutions to fit just about any site.  From the PFS Series Flow Sensors that provide industry-leading low flow accuracy, to the BHM Series Hydrometers with a high-frequency output for real-time accuracy, Baseline has your flow needs covered. 

PFS Series Irrigation Flow Sensors

The Baseline PFS Series Flow Sensors have a unique low drag, a lightweight impeller design, and a specially engineered tee cavity and impeller placement to ensure smooth flow and precise performance at the lowest flow rates.   Every Baseline PFS Series Flow Sensor is two-wire ready with a Flow biCoder built into the tee insert.  Because a Flow biCoder is built into each flow sensor, every device comes pre-configured with the correct K and offset values. The PFS Series Flow Sensors are available in 1½” to 6” sizes.

BFS Brass Flow Sensor

The Baseline BFS Brass Flow Sensor has a unique low drag, a lightweight impeller design, and a specially engineered tee cavity and impeller placement to ensure smooth flow and precise performance at the lowest flow rates.  Every Baseline BFS Series Flow Sensor is two-wire ready with a Flow biCoder built into the tee insert.  Because a Flow biCoder is built into each flow sensor, every device comes pre-configured with the correct K and offset values. The BFS Brass Flow Sensor is available in 1½”.

BFM Series Irrigation Flow Meters

Baseline’s BFM Series Flow Meters are small, rugged, and highly reliable flow meters that are Baseline two-wire ready. The flow meter is available in 3/4” to 1 1/2” pipe sizes. The K and offset values are preconfigured in the flow meters.

IDFS Indoor Flow Sensor

Save massive amounts of time and money by installing a non-invasive solution to flow management. These ultrasonic flow sensors send real-time flow data to Baseline irrigation controllers and to BaseManager and BACnet Manager. With a clamp-on meter you don’t have to cut into the piping infrastructure of your building which puts you at considerable risk for damage and contamination.

Every device comes pre-configured with the correct K and offset values. The IDFS Series Flow Sensors are available in 1/4” to 2” sizes.

• Can be mounted to the pipe and ready in 60 seconds
• Can read almost any type of liquid moving through pipes
• Doesn’t require new pipe configurations to install

BHM Series Irrigation Hydrometers

Baseline’s BHM Series Hydrometer is a Flow Meter and Master Valve combination and is available in normally open and normally closed configurations.  The Hydrometer is available in 1½” to 4” pipe sizes, and every meter is two-wire ready with a built-in Flow biCoder and pre-configured K and offset values. 

Baseline’s Flow biCoders™, Flow Sensors, and Flow Meters
Features and Specifications

Flow biCoders™ Features

• The Flow biCoder has true two-way communication using a 9-byte packet for commands and replies.
• The Flow biCoder is capable of self-identifying to the two-wire controller and will report pre-configured unique serial numbers and zone addresses.
• The Flow biCoder serial number is printed on the side of the decoder.
• Each Flow biCoder has 24 inches of 16-gauge PVC jacketed solid core wire to connect to the two-wire.
• Each Flow biCoder has 24 inches of 18-gauge PVC jacketed stranded core wire to connect to a pulse output flow meter.
• The Flow biCoder can be connected to flow devices with either 2 or 3 wires.
• The Flow biCoder has collision detection on the two-wire and is able to resend messages if a collision is detected.
• The Flow biCoder reads a minimum of a 5-millisecond low pulse at 200 hertz and a maximum of 200 pulses per second.
• The Flow biCoder is able to search for a flow meter.
• The Flow biCoder is able to run a pulse-output flow meter up to 1000 feet away.
• The Flow biCoder has a built-in amperage meter to accurately measure and diagnose flow meter electrical problems such as no current, station short, or over current.

Connection Requirements

• Use two-wire connectors that are 3M™ DBR/Y-6 or equivalent direct bury splice that effectively seal moisture out.
• Make all connections per manufacturer’s specifications.
• Verify that no loose, unshielded wiring can touch the soil, water, or another copper conductor causing a leakage of current to the ground or a short circuit across wires.
• Make all splices inside a valve box.
• Mount all connections vertically to eliminate standing water inside the DBR/Y-6 connector.

Flow Features in the Irrigation Controller Software

• Learn the flow for each zone
• Use flow data to maximize the number of zones the controller can turn on at once to help shorten your water windows
• In the event of unexpected high or low flow, automatically determine which zone is at fault and alert you without interrupting the rest of the watering cycle
• Protect your site from mainline breaks with configurable high and low flow shutdown settings

Baseline’s Irrigation Flow Sensors and Flow Meters

PFS Series Flow Sensor Features

• Molded Mounting Tee – improved sensor accuracy and low flow performance
• Threaded Retaining Nut – easier to service in valve box, more moisture resistant than competitive sensors
• Lightweight Impeller – improved low flow performance, detects and measures flows as low as 0.20 ft/sec
• Built-in two-wire decoder
• Pre-configured K and offset values
• Sensor can be connected directly to the two-wire path on any Baseline controller – no additional equipment required
• Diagnostic LEDs – visual indication of flow, improved troubleshooting
• Detects and properly measures lower flow rates – compatible with micro and subsurface drip applications
• Highly accurate over a large range of flows
• Available in 1”, 1.5”, 2”, 3”, 4”, and 6” versions

PFS Series Flow Sensor Specifications

• Wetted Materials:
  • Impeller: High Density Polyethylene
  • Shaft: Tungsten Carbide
  • O-ring: BUNA N
  • Tee, housing and retaining nut: Type 1 PVC
• Connection Type
  • 1″, 1.5″, & 2″  Slip
  • 3″, 4″, & 6″    Saddle mount
• Maximum Working Pressure
  • 1″, 1.5″, & 2″  240 psi
  • 3″, 4″, & 6″     150 psi
• Recommended Flow Range
  • 1″, 1.5″, & 2″  0.25 to 15 ft/sec
  • 3″ & 4″           0.25 to 12 ft/sec
  • 6″                    0.5 to 12 ft/sec
• Pressure Rating: designed to Schedule 40 specifications
• Electrical Output: Baseline two-wire, 30 VAC RMS
• Temperature Range: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)
• Accuracy: better than ±1% within recommended flow range
• Repeatability: better than ±0.3% within recommended flow range

BFS Brass Flow Sensor Features

• Brass bodied sensor with female NPT connections
• Threaded Retaining Nut – easier to service in valve box, more moisture resistant than competitive sensors
• Lightweight Impeller – improved low flow performance, detects and measures flows as low as 0.50 ft/sec
• Built-in two-wire decoder
• Pre-configured K and offset values
• Sensor can be connected directly to the two-wire path on any Baseline controller – no additional equipment required
• Diagnostic LEDs – visual indication of flow, improved troubleshooting
• Highly accurate over a large range of flows
• Available in 1.5”

BFS Brass Flow Sensor Specifications

• Wetted Materials:
  • Impeller: High Density Polyethylene
  • Shaft: Tungsten Carbide
  • O-ring: BUNA N
  • Tee, housing and retaining nut: Type 1 PVC
  • Body and Retaining Nut Material: Lead free Bronze Alloy C89833 Federalloy® I-836
• Connection Type
  • Female Pipe Thread (NPT)
• Maximum Working Pressure
  • 250 psi
• Recommended Flow Range
  • 0.50 to 15 ft/sec
  • 3 to 90 gpm
• Electrical Output: Baseline two-wire, 30 VAC RMS
• Temperature Range: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)

IDFS Indoor Flow Sensor Features

• The sensor clamps on to the outside of a pipe and accurately senses the flow of liquid through the pipe
• Requires no pipe modification
• Takes ultrasonic readings
• Specifically designed for indoor use
• Integrated Baseline BL-5309 Flow biCoder
• Pre-configured K and offset values
• Sensor can be connected directly to the two-wire path on any Baseline controller – no additional equipment required
• Settings are locked to prevent inadvertent changes. Can be unlocked with assistance from Baseline Support.
• Available in the following versions:

IDFS Indoor Flow Sensor Specifications

• Supported Pipe Materials: Pre-configured for Schedule 40 copper pipe (The user can update the settings for other types of metal or resin pipe with assistance from Baseline Support.)
• Supported Fluids: Water, Oils, Chemicals
• Supported Fluid Temperature: 32°F to185°F (Pipe surface must be free of condensation or frost, which can affect the ultrasonic pulse)
• Flow Direction: Pre-configured for left-to-right flow (The user can update the settings to accommodate right-to-left flow with assistance from Baseline Support.)
• Connection Type: Clamp on
• Repeatability: 1.5%
• Maximum rated flow:
  • ¼”   5.2 gpm
  • ⅜”   7.9 gpm
  • ½”   15.9 gpm
  • ¾”   26.4 gpm
  • 1”    52.8 gpm
  • 1¼”   79.3 gpm
  • 1½”   105.7 gpm
  • 2”     132.1 gpm
• Pipe must be full
• No air pockets in liquid to be measured
• Oil-resistant Polyurethane connector cable
• Temperature Range: 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C), no freezing
• Relative Humidity: 35 to 85% non condensing
• Power Supply Voltage: 30 VDC
• Electrical Output: Baseline two-wire, 30 VAC RMS

BFM Series Flow Meter Features

• Small, rugged, highly reliable – only one moving part
• No straight pipe installation requirement
• Highly accurate over a large range of flows
• Magnetically driven sealed register with totalizer
• Baseline two-wire ready – no decoder required
• Compatible with all Baseline controllers
• Pre-configured K and offset values

BFM Series Flow Meter Specifications

• Maximum Working Pressure: 140 psi
• Maximum Liquid Temperature: 122^oF (50^oC)
• Body Material: Corrosion Proof Copper Alloy with Polyester Coating
• Connections: Male Pipe Thread (NPT)
• Electrical: Baseline two-wire (30 VAC RMS)

BHM Series Hydrometer & Master Valve

• Combination master valve, water meter, and flow sensor
• Rugged, heavy-duty construction
• Fast and highly reliable double-chambered valve
• No straight pipe installation requirement
• Highly accurate over a large range of flows
• Magnetically driven sealed register with totalizer
• Baseline two-wire ready – no additional decoders required
• Compatible with all Baseline controllers
• Pre-configured K and offset values
• Optional pressure regulation available

BHM Series Hydrometer Specifications

• Maximum Working Pressure: 235 psi
• Minimum Working Pressure: 14 psi
• Connections: National Pipe Thread or ANSI Flange
• Body Material: Cast Iron with Polyester Coating
• Diaphragm Material: Reinforced natural rubber
• Electrical: Baseline two-wire (30 VAC RMS)

Brochures

Technical Specifications

Installation Details

Installation Guides

General Specifications

Supporting Documents

How to Specify Flow biCoders, Flow Sensors, and Flow Meters

Baseline Flow biCoders

• BL-5308 Flow biCoder only
• BL-5309 Flow biCoder designed to work with the following:
  • Flow meter connected to a pump station
  • Electromagnetic flow meters with low power requirements
  • Systems with multiple flow meters on the same circuit

PFS Series Flow Sensors

• BL-PFS100 – 1” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor
• BL-PFS150 – 1 1/2” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor
• BL-PFS200 – 2” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor
• BL-PFS300 – 3” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor
• BL-PFS400 – 4” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor
• BL-PFS600 – 6” Two-Wire Ready PVC Flow Sensor

BFS Brass Flow Sensor

• BL-BFS150 – 1.5” Two-Wire Ready Brass Flow Sensor

BFM Series Flow Meters

• BL-BFM075 – 0.75” Two-Wire Ready Flow Meter with Integrated Flow biCoder
• BL-BFM100 – 1” Two-Wire Ready Flow Meter with Integrated Flow biCoder
• BL-BFM150 – 1.5” Two-Wire Ready Flow Meter with Integrated Flow biCoder

IDFS Indoor Flow Sensors

• BL-IDFS-25 – ¼” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-37 – ⅜” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-50 – ½” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-75 – ¾” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-100 – 1” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-125 – 1¼” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-150 – 1½” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor
• BL-IDFS-200 – 2” Two-Wire Ready Indoor Flow Sensor

BHM Series Hydrometer & Master Valve Combination

• BL-BHM150 – 1.5” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Closed (NPT Male Threaded)
• BL-BHM150-NO – 1.5” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Open (NPT Male Threaded)
• BL-BHM200 – 2” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Closed (NPT Female Threaded)
• BL-BHM200-NO – 2” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Open (NPT Female Threaded)
• BL-BHM300 – 3” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Closed (Flanged)
• BL-BHM300-NO – 3” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Open (Flanged)
• BL-BHM400 – 4” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Closed (Flanged)
• BL-BHM400-NO – 4” Two-Wire Ready Hydrometer, Normally Open (Flanged)