How many pipe diameters should a meter be located in relationship to elbows or fittings?

Placing a meter at the correct distance from elbows or fittings is critical for ensuring accurate measurements of flow. The recommended practice is to install a meter a specific distance from these fittings to allow for laminar flow conditions as fluid navigates through the pipe system.

In this case, locating the meter three pipe diameters upstream from an elbow or fitting helps eliminate turbulence and disturbances caused by the fitting. This distance allows the fluid to stabilize before it reaches the meter, promoting more consistent and accurate readings. Furthermore, the recommendation to place the meter five pipe diameters downstream serves a similar purpose; it provides sufficient distance for the flow to settle back into a more uniform state after passing through any fittings or changes in direction. Proper placement enhances the reliability of the measurements, which is crucial for effective water system management.

In contrast, other choices suggest either a lesser or greater distance, which would not adequately account for the turbulence or changes in flow characteristics caused by elbows or fittings, potentially leading to inaccurate readings and inefficient operation of the water system.