Cole-Parmer 05611-21 Positive Displacement Lubricant Flow Meter

Overview

The Cole-Parmer 05611-21 is a precision-engineered positive displacement (PD) flow meter specifically designed for reliable, repeatable measurement of viscous lubricants in industrial maintenance, hydraulic system monitoring, and heavy-duty machinery lubrication applications. Unlike inferential flow technologies—such as turbine or ultrasonic meters—the 05611-21 employs an oval gear (elliptical rotor) mechanism that directly displaces a fixed volume of fluid with each rotation. This mechanical principle ensures high accuracy across a broad viscosity range (1–1000 cP), independent of flow profile, Reynolds number, or fluid density variations—critical attributes when metering non-Newtonian or shear-thinning lubricants under variable pressure and temperature conditions. Its robust construction and chemically resistant wetted materials (acetal housing, aluminum end caps, stainless steel gears, and nitrile seals) enable long-term stability in harsh environments where exposure to petroleum-based oils, synthetic lubricants, greases, and hydraulic fluids is routine.

Key Features

• Oval gear positive displacement mechanism optimized for viscous media—provides ±0.5% of reading accuracy without calibration drift over time.
• Wide operating pressure rating up to 1500 psi (103 bar), suitable for pressurized lube oil delivery systems and centralized lubrication circuits.
• Temperature-stable performance from −5 °C to 55 °C (23–131 °F), validated for continuous operation in engine rooms, compressor skids, and outdoor equipment enclosures.
• 6-digit LCD local display with user-selectable volumetric units: gallons, liters, quarts, or pints—enabling direct readout alignment with facility-specific reporting standards.
• Low-power electronics powered by two AAA batteries, delivering up to 2000 hours of continuous operation—minimizing maintenance intervals and eliminating dependency on external power infrastructure.
• Compact 1/2″ NPT(F) threaded connection standardizes integration into existing lubrication manifolds, filter housings, and pump discharge lines without adapters.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 05611-21 is validated for use with mineral oils, PAO- and PAG-based synthetics, EP (extreme-pressure) additives, and multi-grade automotive and industrial lubricants. Its acetal body and nitrile elastomer seals exhibit excellent resistance to hydrocarbon solvents, oxidation byproducts, and common corrosion inhibitors found in API GL-4/GL-5 gear oils and ISO VG 32–68 hydraulic fluids. While not certified to ATEX or IECEx for hazardous area use, the device complies with general-purpose industrial safety requirements per UL 61010-1 and meets material compatibility guidelines referenced in ASTM D4176 (lubricant handling) and ISO 4406 (fluid cleanliness monitoring). It supports GLP-aligned recordkeeping when paired with compatible data loggers via optional analog output modules (available in model variants -25/-27).

Software & Data Management

The 05611-21 operates as a standalone field instrument with no embedded firmware or software dependencies. All measurement data—including instantaneous flow rate, cumulative total, and unit selection—is rendered locally on the 6-digit LCD. For facilities requiring digital integration, the companion models 05611-25 and 05611-27 provide pulse outputs (magnetic reed switch or Hall effect) compatible with PLCs, SCADA systems, and programmable counters compliant with IEC 61131-3. Pulse resolution is configurable at 100–1000 pulses per unit volume, supporting traceable volumetric accountability per ISO 5167-5 and enabling audit-ready usage logs under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated electronic record systems.

Applications

• Monitoring oil consumption in diesel engine crankcase ventilation systems and turbocharger feed lines.
• Quantifying grease volume dispensed during automated centralized lubrication cycles in mining conveyors and wind turbine pitch bearings.
• Verifying flow consistency in closed-loop hydraulic test benches used for component validation per SAE J1922.
• Tracking lubricant replenishment volumes in gearmotor maintenance logs for predictive maintenance programs aligned with ISO 55000 asset management frameworks.
• Calibration reference for inline flow sensors in OEM lubrication subsystems prior to final assembly verification.

FAQ

Is the 05611-21 suitable for measuring diesel fuel or gasoline?
No—this meter is engineered exclusively for lubricants with viscosities ≥1 cP. Light hydrocarbons such as diesel or gasoline may cause seal swelling or gear slippage due to insufficient fluid film strength; refer to model 05612 series for low-viscosity fuels.
Can the display be recalibrated in the field?
No—accuracy is factory-set via mechanical gear geometry and verified per ISO 17025-accredited procedures. No user-accessible calibration interface is provided.
What is the minimum recommended straight-pipe run upstream and downstream?
None required—positive displacement meters are insensitive to flow disturbances; installation may occur directly adjacent to valves, elbows, or filters without correction factors.
Does the battery compartment support IP65 ingress protection?
Yes—the sealed, gasketed battery cover maintains NEMA 4X equivalent environmental resistance when installed per manufacturer torque specifications.
Is there a CE or UKCA marking on this device?
No—this is a general-purpose industrial meter intended for non-safety-critical monitoring; it does not carry CE/UKCA declarations but conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions.