CMAG Magnetic Flow Meter for Wastewater

The CMAG employs a revolutionary tube design. The CMAG is most effective where flow profiling is unavailable. The CMAG opens up new and retrofit installations to huge savings in design, layout or reconstruction/modification.

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The Cadillac® CMAG magnetic flow meter for wastewater is capable of measuring liquids of all types and consistency while providing an obstruction free flow path. Due to its unique flow tube/coil design, it is particularly suitable for new or retrofit into hot and chilled water systems where high accuracy is required and/or limited flow profiling or piping straight run is available. Employing a unique coil winding pattern and containment/focusing plates the Cadillac®  magnetic flow meter for wastewater does not require any flow profiling or piping straight run while still meeting the stated meter accuracy (+/-0.25% of rate). In any liquid measuring system the Cadillac® magnetic flow meter is the number one technology choice due to Cadillac’s® accuracy, linearity, reliability and rangeability.

Like many other flow meters, the Cadillac® magnetic flow meter is a velocity measuring device which computes flow by multiplying the effective cross sectional area of the flow meter with the detected fluid velocity. The meter has no moving parts and consists of a meter body with encapsulated coils, electrodes and an amplifier assembly. It detects velocity by measuring an induced voltage that is developed by moving the conductive fluid through a magnetic field.

The Hot/Chilled Energy Water Flow Meter of Choice

With its limited flow profiling or piping straight run requirement the CMAG makes an excellent choice for both Hot and Chilled water energy applications. The CMAG design will allow easy retrofit into tight mechanical rooms and basements, without affecting the measurement accuracy. In addition, the CMAG has the industry best turn-down at 300:1, which is ideal for the modulating flow rates common today with energy saving variable speed pumping systems.

The Water and Wastewater Industry Standard

With its limited flow profiling or piping straight run requirement the CMAG makes an excellent choice for both water and wastewater applications. With line sizes common above 16 inches the CMAG allows new designs to eliminate long piping straight runs in order to get an accurate and reliable flow measurement. This significantly reduces the footprint of a building or other areas where the flow meters would be mounted. With increased wetted material selections most Water, including potable, applications have also looked to magnetic flow meters as the preferred choice, especially in applications requiring analog (rate) or pulse (totalized) outputs.

Technical Product Guide

CMAG Magnetic Flow Meter for Wastewater

Explore the CMAG’s operating principle, wastewater applications, performance, flow ranges, construction, electronics, installation requirements, dimensions and configuration options.

±0.25% Stated accuracy with the specified 1.5D piping arrangement
300:1 Typical turndown at the stated ±0.25% accuracy
Full-Bore Design Obstruction-free measurement with no moving parts
≥3 µS/cm Published minimum fluid conductivity
Product Overview

Full-Bore Magnetic Flow Measurement for Wastewater

The Cadillac CMAG is a rate and totalizing magnetic flow meter for electrically conductive liquids. Its full-bore flow tube provides an obstruction-free flow path suitable for wastewater, clean water, reclamation water, water-based slurries and other conductive industrial liquids.

The meter uses a shaped coil-winding pattern with containment and focusing plates to create a controlled magnetic field across the flow tube. This reduces dependence on a fully developed flow profile and makes the CMAG particularly useful in compact installations and retrofit projects where conventional straight-pipe requirements would consume substantial space.

No Moving Parts

The solid-state measurement design contains no mechanical measuring components that obstruct the flow path or wear during normal operation.

Rate and Total Flow

Instantaneous flow rate and totalized volume can be displayed locally or transmitted to a control, monitoring or energy-management system.

Compact Installation

Reduced flow-profile requirements can simplify layouts where elbows, tees, valves or other piping constraints are close to the meter.

Wide Flow Range

Published turndown reaches 300:1 at the stated ±0.25% accuracy and up to 500:1 at ±1.00% under the specified installation conditions.

Applications

Water, Wastewater and Conductive Process Liquids

The CMAG can measure conductive liquids of varied consistency while maintaining a clear, full-bore flow path. This makes it suitable for municipal, commercial and industrial systems that require reliable flow rate, totalized volume or control-system data.

Wastewater Flow

Rate monitoring, process control and totalized-volume measurement for industrial and domestic wastewater systems.

Reclamation Water

Measurement for reclaimed-water distribution, reuse systems and plant-wide water accounting.

Clarifier Water

Flow data for clarifier operation, process balancing and control feedback within water-treatment facilities.

Water-Based Slurries

Obstruction-free measurement of conductive mixtures containing suspended material, subject to application and material review.

Aquifer Injection Water

Flow-rate monitoring and totalized-volume measurement for conductive water entering aquifer-injection systems.

Process and Cooling Water

Operational measurement and data input for process control, cooling-tower systems, energy management and distributed controls.

Measurement Technology

How the CMAG Measures Conductive Liquid Flow

The CMAG operates according to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. When an electrical conductor moves perpendicularly through a magnetic field, it produces a voltage proportional to the conductor’s velocity.

Inside the meter, encapsulated coils generate a magnetic field across the full-bore flow tube. As the conductive liquid moves through that field, a pair of electrodes measures the induced voltage. The converter uses this signal to determine liquid velocity.

Volumetric flow is calculated by combining the measured velocity with the known cross-sectional area of the flow tube. The resulting value can be displayed, totalized or retransmitted in the required engineering units.

Step 01

Magnetic Field

Encapsulated coils generate a controlled magnetic field across the meter’s flow tube.

Step 02

Induced Voltage

Conductive liquid moving through the field produces a voltage detected by the electrodes.

Step 03

Velocity Calculation

The measured voltage is converted into liquid velocity using the calibrated meter relationship.

Step 04

Flow Output

The converter calculates volumetric flow and provides rate, totalization and system outputs.

Meter Performance

Accuracy, Turndown and Low-Flow Capability

The CMAG combines high stated accuracy with a wide operating range. The applicable accuracy depends on the available straight piping, meter sizing, turndown and installation conditions.

Operating Condition Published Piping or Turndown Condition Stated Accuracy
Standard high-accuracy range 1.5 pipe diameters from the meter centerline upstream and downstream, through 300:1 turndown ±0.25% of rate
Zero straight run No upstream or downstream straight piping ±0.50% of reading
Extended turndown From 300:1 through 400:1 with the stated 1.5D piping arrangement ±0.50% of rate
Maximum published turndown From 400:1 through 500:1 with the stated 1.5D piping arrangement ±1.00% of rate
300:1

High-Accuracy Turndown

The published standard operating range reaches 300:1 while retaining the stated ±0.25% accuracy under the specified piping arrangement.

500:1

Maximum Published Range

The CMAG can extend through 500:1 turndown at the published ±1.00% accuracy under the stated installation conditions.

No Cutoff

Low-Flow Measurement

Unlike several mechanical and differential-pressure technologies, magnetic flow measurement does not require a mechanical low-flow cutoff.

General Specifications

Construction, Electronics and Output Options

The CMAG combines a full-bore magnetic flow tube with integral or remote electronics. Available indication, totalization, communication and alarm functions allow the meter to operate as a local instrument or as part of a larger process-control or monitoring system.

Specification Published Configuration or Capability
Meter body Full-bore body with an encapsulated and rigidly retained set of electromagnetic coils
Electronics Integral or remote converter with indication and totalization options
Analog output 4–20 mA current signal for instantaneous flow rate
Pulse output Conditioned pulse output for totalized-flow transmission
Digital communications Modbus and Profibus communication options
Power supply 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; optional 24 VDC supply
Power consumption Approximately 14 watts
Diagnostics Empty-pipe detection with a digital or contact output available for alarming
Pressure classes ANSI Class 150 or ANSI Class 300
Fluid conductivity 3.0 µS/cm or greater
Calibration Meter-specific NIST-traceable flow test and documented K-factor

Published Liner Temperature Limits

Liner Electronics Arrangement Fluid Temperature Range
EPDM Integral or remote 14°F to 176°F
PFA Integral or remote 14°F to 248°F
Ceramic Integral 14°F to 248°F
Ceramic Remote 14°F to 356°F
Preliminary Sizing

Published CMAG Liquid Flow Ranges

The published brochure lists the following minimum and maximum configurable 4–20 mA output spans for liquid service. These values provide an initial sizing reference rather than a final meter selection.

Final sizing should account for the expected minimum, normal and maximum flow rates, fluid velocity, conductivity, suspended solids, pressure, temperature and the required measurement accuracy.

Nominal Meter Size Minimum Volumetric Span Maximum Volumetric Span
½ inch 0.00–0.250 GPM 0.00–25 GPM
1 inch 0.00–0.750 GPM 0.00–75 GPM
1½ inch 0.00–1.750 GPM 0.00–175 GPM
2 inch 0.00–3.000 GPM 0.00–300 GPM
3 inch 0.00–8.000 GPM 0.00–800 GPM
4 inch 0.00–12.50 GPM 0.00–1,250 GPM
6 inch 0.00–25.00 GPM 0.00–2,500 GPM
8 inch 0.00–50.00 GPM 0.00–5,000 GPM
10 inch 0.00–75.00 GPM 0.00–7,500 GPM

Published ranges reproduced from the supplied CMAG general-information brochure. Consult Cadillac Meter for sizes or ranges not shown.

Information Required for Final Sizing

Flow Conditions

Minimum, normal and maximum flow rates, including seasonal or process variations.

Fluid Properties

Conductivity, chemistry, suspended solids, abrasiveness and expected temperature.

Piping Conditions

Line size, pressure class, orientation, available space and nearby disturbances.

Instrumentation

Required accuracy, display arrangement, power, outputs, communications and alarm functions.

Installation

Reduced Straight-Pipe Requirements

Conventional magnetic flow meters frequently require substantial lengths of straight piping to establish an acceptable flow profile. This can increase the footprint and cost of a wastewater installation, particularly on larger lines or in retrofit projects.

The CMAG uses coil and containment-plate shaping to produce a controlled magnetic field across the flow tube. High-frequency signal generation and sampling help the meter respond to turbulent or tumbling flow conditions, reducing its dependence on conventional flow profiling.

Comparison of traditional magnetic flow meter straight-run requirements with the CMAG 1.5-diameter piping arrangement
The illustrated CMAG arrangement uses 1.5 pipe diameters upstream and downstream from the flow-tube centerline for the stated ±0.25% accuracy.

±0.25% Accuracy

Use 1.5 pipe diameters from the meter centerline upstream and downstream under the published high-accuracy arrangement.

±0.50% Accuracy

The published performance guidance permits operation with no upstream or downstream straight piping at the stated ±0.50% accuracy.

Compact Retrofit Layouts

Reduced straight-run requirements can limit pipework modification and preserve space near existing elbows, tees and valves.

Piping Requirements

Meter Orientation and Full-Pipe Operation

The CMAG flow tube must remain completely full during measurement. Partially filled piping, trapped air or an unsuitable electrode orientation can produce unstable or inaccurate readings even when the available straight-pipe length is acceptable.

Gravity-flow applications require a piping arrangement that maintains a wet leg or equivalent positive full-pipe condition. Vertical installations should normally carry liquid upward through the meter so that entrained air can move through the line rather than collect in the measuring tube.

CMAG magnetic flow meter horizontal and vertical piping requirements
General CMAG horizontal and vertical installation arrangements. Read the zero-straight-run examples with the current performance guidance: no straight run corresponds to the stated ±0.50% accuracy.

Installation Checklist

Maintain a Full Flow Tube

Position the meter where the flow tube remains full during startup, normal operation and low-flow conditions.

Prevent Air Accumulation

Avoid high points and piping arrangements where air can collect inside the flow tube or pass intermittently across the electrodes.

Control Solids Deposition

Choose an orientation that reduces the likelihood of settled solids coating or blanketing the measuring electrodes.

Provide a Wet Leg

Use a wet-leg arrangement in gravity systems so the meter cannot drain or operate with a partially filled flow tube.

Ground the Meter Correctly

Install the specified grounding rings and follow the converter’s grounding and electrical-installation instructions.

Preserve Service Access

Allow sufficient clearance for viewing, wiring, inspection and future removal of the converter or complete meter.

Physical Data

CMAG Meter Dimensions

The following dimensions provide preliminary planning information. Obtain a certified dimensional drawing for the exact meter size, body style, flange class, liner and converter arrangement before finalizing pipework, supports or equipment clearances.

ANSI Class 150 Flanged Meter Dimensions

Meter Size L1: Face to Face L2: Centerline to Top L3: Top to Bottom
½ inch 5.51 inches 7.99 inches 9.88 inches
1 inch 6.30 inches 8.23 inches 10.71 inches
1½ inch 6.69 inches 8.58 inches 11.34 inches
2 inch 7.09 inches 9.13 inches 12.20 inches
3 inch 9.06 inches 10.04 inches 13.66 inches
4 inch 9.45 inches 10.31 inches 14.45 inches
6 inch 10.24 inches 11.22 inches 16.73 inches
8 inch 11.81 inches 12.20 inches 18.70 inches
10 inch 13.78 inches 13.18 inches 21.06 inches
12 inch 15.75 inches 14.37 inches 23.15 inches
14 inch 17.72 inches 14.72 inches 24.37 inches
16 inch 19.69 inches 15.63 inches 26.65 inches
18 inch 21.65 inches 16.54 inches 28.74 inches

Wafer-Body Dimensions

Meter Size L1 L2 D1 Published Weight
½ inch 2.76 inches 9.33 inches 1.93 inches 17 lb
1 inch 3.15 inches 8.90 inches 2.60 inches 21 lb
1½ inch 3.94 inches 9.80 inches 3.35 inches 25 lb
2 inch 4.33 inches 10.43 inches 4.02 inches 29 lb
3 inch 4.33 inches 11.46 inches 5.00 inches 35 lb
4 inch 4.72 inches 12.72 inches 6.26 inches 40 lb
Meter Configuration

CMAG Model-Code Selection Guidance

A CMAG model is configured from the nominal meter size, converter arrangement, body style, flange rating, electrode material, liner material, grounding-ring material and any required electrical or approval options.

The following information explains the published selection structure but should not be used to construct an orderable part number without the current factory model-code sheet and application review.

Selection Field Published Options
Nominal size ½, 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches. Consult Cadillac Meter for larger sizes.
Converter Integral converter with indicator and totalizer, or a remotely mounted converter
Body style Wafer body with ceramic liner through 4 inches, or flanged body
Flange rating ANSI Class 150 or ANSI Class 300
Electrode material 316L stainless steel, Hastelloy C or another application-specific material
Liner material PTFE/PFA, polyurethane, EPDM or ceramic
Grounding-ring material 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy C or another specified material
Power option Optional 24 VDC power supply
Approval option FM approval option appears in the legacy model-code structure; confirm current availability and applicability

Information to Include with a Quote Request

Process Information

Fluid description, conductivity, suspended solids, chemical composition and coating or abrasion potential.

Hydraulic Conditions

Minimum, normal and maximum flow, line size, operating pressure and confirmation that the pipe remains full.

Mechanical Requirements

Temperature, flange class, orientation, installation space and nearby piping disturbances.

Electrical Requirements

Power supply, local display, output signals, communications, alarm functions and remote-converter cable length.

Frequently Asked Questions

CMAG Wastewater Flow Meter FAQ

What liquids can the CMAG measure?

The CMAG measures electrically conductive liquids, including clean water, wastewater, reclamation water, water-based slurries and many conductive industrial process liquids. The published minimum conductivity is 3.0 µS/cm.

Can it measure nonconductive liquids?

No. Electromagnetic measurement requires a conductive liquid. Petroleum oils, many solvents and other nonconductive fluids are not suitable for a magnetic flow meter.

Does the CMAG require straight pipe?

The published guidance states ±0.25% accuracy with 1.5 pipe diameters from the meter centerline upstream and downstream. It states ±0.50% accuracy with no straight run. Confirm the arrangement for the actual disturbances and required accuracy.

Must the pipe remain full?

Yes. The complete flow tube must remain filled with liquid. Gravity systems may require a wet leg or another piping arrangement that prevents the meter from draining or operating partially full.

Can it handle suspended solids?

The full-bore design can be suitable for conductive liquids containing suspended material. Solids loading, abrasiveness, coating potential, velocity and material compatibility must still be reviewed for the application.

What outputs are available?

Published options include 4–20 mA analog output, conditioned pulse, Modbus and Profibus. Local rate indication and totalization are also available with the appropriate converter configuration.

Is a remote converter available?

Yes. The CMAG can be configured with integral or remote electronics. Remote mounting may be appropriate for accessibility, environmental conditions or higher-temperature ceramic-lined applications.

What information is needed for selection?

Provide the fluid composition, conductivity, solids, minimum and maximum flow, line size, pressure, temperature, flange requirement, installation orientation, nearby disturbances and required electrical outputs.

Selection and Specification Support

Discuss Your CMAG Wastewater Application

Cadillac Meter can review the fluid, flow range, materials, installation constraints, required accuracy, electronics and output requirements before confirming the appropriate CMAG configuration.

Process Fluid, conductivity, solids and chemical compatibility
Hydraulics Minimum, normal and maximum flow, pressure and full-pipe condition
Installation Line size, orientation, available space and nearby disturbances
Instrumentation Display, power, outputs, communications and alarm requirements

Certified drawings, current model codes and Cadillac Meter’s application review govern the meter supplied for the project.