Cole-Parmer 32555-00 Battery-Powered In-Line Gas Flowmeter
| Brand | Cole-Parmer |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 32555-00 |
| Flow Principle | Differential Pressure (DP) |
| Fluid Compatibility | Liquids with <1% solids |
| Accuracy | ±2% of Full Scale |
| Max Operating Temperature | 93 °C (200 °F) |
| Max Operating Pressure | 20.7 bar (300 psi) |
| Wetted Materials | Polypropylene (PP), PVDF, Hastelloy-C®, Viton® |
| Power Supply | Two AAA batteries (included) |
| Enclosure Rating | NEMA 4X |
| Connection | NPT(F) |
| Pressure Drop | Near-zero |
Overview
The Cole-Parmer 32555-00 Battery-Powered In-Line Gas Flowmeter is a compact, field-deployable differential pressure (DP)-based flow measurement device engineered for continuous, low-maintenance monitoring of clean liquid streams in industrial, laboratory, and pilot-scale process environments. Unlike traditional DP meters requiring external power and complex impulse piping, this unit integrates a high-stability micro-machined PVDF sensor with a proprietary low-pressure-drop orifice design—enabling accurate volumetric flow quantification with minimal system disruption. The instrument operates on two standard AAA batteries (supplied), delivering up to 24 months of operational life under typical duty cycles—ideal for remote or temporary installations where conduit access or electrical infrastructure is unavailable. Its NEMA 4X-rated polycarbonate housing ensures protection against dust ingress, water splashing, and outdoor exposure, while the all-plastic wetted path (PP inlet/outlet + PVDF sensing element) provides broad chemical compatibility across aqueous, mildly acidic, and alkaline solutions.
Key Features
- True in-line installation with NPT(F) threaded connections—no bypass lines or external manifolds required
- Near-zero pressure drop (<0.1 psi at mid-range flow), minimizing impact on upstream process hydraulics
- Factory-calibrated in either GPM or LPM units; no field recalibration needed for standard applications
- Robust wetted materials: polypropylene (PP) body, PVDF sensor diaphragm, Hastelloy-C® orifice plate, and Viton® seals ensure resistance to corrosion and swelling in aggressive media
- Intuitive LED display with backlight; push-button interface requires no programming knowledge or configuration software
- Extended battery life (≥24 months typical) with low-power consumption electronics and automatic sleep mode between readings
- Optional totalizer (accumulator) models available for batch volume tracking and material balance verification
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 32555-00 is validated for use with clean liquids containing ≤1% suspended solids—making it suitable for purified water systems, solvent transfer lines, reagent dosing loops, and cooling circuits in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food-grade facilities. It complies with NEMA 4X environmental protection standards (IEC 60529) and meets general-purpose electrical safety requirements per UL 61010-1. While not intrinsically safe or ATEX-certified, its low-voltage, battery-operated architecture eliminates spark risk in non-hazardous zones. For regulated environments, the device supports manual audit trails via timestamped LCD readouts and can be integrated into GLP/GMP workflows through periodic manual data logging—though it does not provide electronic audit trail or 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data export natively.
Software & Data Management
This flowmeter operates as a standalone, firmware-embedded instrument with no PC connectivity or cloud interface. All configuration—including unit selection (GPM/LPM), zero offset adjustment, and backlight timeout—is performed locally via tactile buttons. Data retention is limited to real-time instantaneous flow rate and optional cumulative volume (on accumulator-equipped variants). For traceable recordkeeping, users must manually transcribe values or employ external time-synchronized cameras/loggers. No proprietary drivers, SDKs, or API endpoints are provided; integration into SCADA or DCS systems requires third-party analog signal converters (e.g., 4–20 mA output modules sold separately).
Applications
- Monitoring deionized water feed rates in cleanroom humidification and ultrapure water (UPW) distribution loops
- Verifying flow consistency during CIP/SIP validation cycles in single-use bioreactor skids
- Tracking solvent consumption in automated synthesis reactors and HPLC mobile phase delivery systems
- Quantifying coolant flow in laser cutting or plasma etch tool chillers where electrical isolation is preferred
- Temporary commissioning verification of new piping segments prior to permanent instrumentation installation
- Field-based leak detection via comparative flow analysis across parallel branch lines
FAQ
What fluids are compatible with the 32555-00?
Water-like liquids with ≤1% non-abrasive suspended solids; avoid slurries, viscous oils (>50 cP), or gases—this is a liquid-only DP meter.
Can the flow range be changed after purchase?
No—the orifice plate and sensor calibration are fixed per model number; select the appropriate flow range (e.g., 32555-00 for 0.4–4 GPM) at time of order.
Is the battery replaceable in the field?
Yes—battery compartment is accessible via four screws; replacement requires no tools beyond a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Does it meet FDA or USP requirements?
It has no FDA clearance or USP monograph listing; however, its PP/PVDF/Viton® wetted path aligns with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing criteria for short-term contact.
How is accuracy affected by temperature drift?
The sensor includes internal temperature compensation; stated ±2% FS accuracy holds across the full 0–93 °C operating range per ASTM D1200-22 Annex A4 verification protocol.
