ESP-LX Series Controllers
Flow Sensing Overview
Sean Azad
Associate Product Manager
Goals for Today's Webinar
ESP-LX Series Controllers Flow Sensing Overview:
– Benefits of flow sensing
– FloWatch™ Terminology
– Flow sensor selection, sizing, installation
– Master valve/pump start selection, installation
– Flow sensing design, installation
– FloZone setup, designing with multiple points of connection
– Controller FloWatch™ Configuration
– Learn Flow Utility operation
– SEEF/SELF setup, operation
– Reviewing Flow Logs; reviewing & clearing Flow Alarms
– Answer your FloWatch™ questions
Benefits of Flow Sensing
Track irrigation water usage; monitor conservation
program progress
Controller carries out pre-programmed actions to
diagnose the high or low flow condition and
shutdown the problem water source or zone valves
Controller alerts personnel to flow problems
Limits liability and costs associated with by broken
pipes, stuck valves, water loss, and unauthorized
water use
Flow Sensing Terminology
FloWatch™ – Flow sensing features of ESP-LX Series
Controllers
Flow Sensor – Sensor installed at the water source to
monitor and record the real-time system water flow rate
Master Valve – Valve used to shutdown the irrigation
system water source to diagnose or isolate a mainline
flow problem
Pump Start – Electrical relay used to start a pump as
directed by the controller Master Valve circuit
FloZone – Irrigation mainline piping system fed by one
or more water sources
Flow Sensing Terminology
Learn Flow Utility - Automatically runs each irrigation
station and records the normal flow rate
SEEF – Seek and Eliminate Excessive Flow
SELF – Seek and Eliminate Low Flow
Master Valve Water Window – Utility to prevent manual
watering from being diagnosed as a high flow condition
Flow Alarms – Controller Alarm light is illuminated when
a flow alarm condition exists and screen messaging
provides the problem details (date, time, flow condition)
Flow Logs – Controller totalizes system flow for this
month and last month, and last 30 days and prior 30 days
Flow Sensing System Components
ESP-LX Series Controller with
FloWatch™ flow sensing features
A way to shut off the water source if a
flow problem is detected
– Master valve
– Pump start relay (master valve required if
pump is a booster pump)
– Pump station kill switch (master valve
required if pump is a booster pump)
A flow sensor at the water source
ESP-LX Series Controllers with FloWatch™
Traditionally-Wired
ESP-LXME with field
installed FSM-LXME
Flow Smart Module
FSM-LXME Flow
Smart Module
ESP-LXMEF with factory
installed FSM-LXME
Flow Smart Module
2-Wire
ESP-LXD with factory
installed ESPLXD-M50
Decoder/Flow Smart Module
SD-210 Sensor
Decoder (Green)
ESP-LX Series Controller Comparison
Feature
ESP-LXMEF
ESP-LXD
Type of controller wiring
Traditionally
Wired
Two-Wire
Decoder
8 or 12
50
4, 8, or 12
75
Maximum station capacity
48
200
Number of master valves outputs
1
5
Yes
Yes
Number of flow sensors inputs
1
5
Number of FloZones
1
5
Controller base station capacity
Station module capacity
Normally closed & open master valve support
• The ESP-LXMEF Controller has a single master valve output circuit that can
power 2 master valves, both either normally closed or open. The master valve
circuit is programmable by station.
• The ESP-LXMEF Controller has a single flow sensor input that can support the
input from 2 flow sensors using the Creative Sensor Technologies CombiFlow.
FloZone Concept
Single
FloZone
M
Single
FloZone
Water Meter
Multiple FloZones
ESP-LXD Only
M
M
MV
Flow Sensor
Valves
M
Looped
Mainline
Note: You cannot flow
sense across multiple
ESP-LX Series Controllers
M
Normally Closed vs. Open MVs
Feature
Normally
Closed
Normally
Open
Standard irrigation zone valves are -
Master valve solenoid is powered to -
Open
Close
Closed
Open
If power is lost to the controller or the valve wires are
cut, the MV will fail in this position Pump start relays are Preferred where manual watering (QCVs) are used
frequently because water is always on
• Rain Bird does not currently offer a normally open valve. Companies that do
offer normally open valves include Superior and Bermad.
• If you plan to use a non-Rain Bird valve, make sure the in-rush and holding
current requirements are equivalent to Rain Bird commercial valve specifications.
If they offer multiple solenoid options, use the low-power solenoid option.
Industrial valve solenoids with high in-rush and/or holding current requirements
may not work with the ESP-LX Series Controllers.
Rain Bird Normally Closed
Commercial Valves
PGA Series Valves:
PGA, PEB/PESB, PESBR,
GBR, EFBCPR & BPE/BPES
– Plastic globe angle valve in 1”, 1- ½”, & 2”
PEB/PESB/PESBR Series Valves:
– Glass Filled Nylon, globe valve with optional
scrubber & reclaimed water options in 1”,
1-½”, & 2”
GBR Series Valves:
– Brass globe valve in 1”, 1- ½”, & 2”
EFBCPR Series Valves
– Brass globe reclaimed water valve 1”, 1- ½”,
& 2”
BPE/BPES Series Valves:
– Brass globe angle valve with optional
scrubber option in 3”
– This valve has a heavy-duty solenoid
Master Valve Settings
Select Master Valve Type:
– Normally Closed or Normally Open
Enter Number of Valves Connected to the MV circuit
– 1 or 2
Rain Bird FS-Series Flow Sensors
FS100B, FS150B, FS200B
Brass Tee Flow Sensors:
FS100B, FS150P, FS200P,
FS300P, FS350B & FS350SS
– Sensor mounted in a 1”, 1- ½”, or 2”
brass tee
FS050P, FS075P, FS100P, FS150P,
FS200P, FS300P & FS400P
PVC Tee Flow Sensors:
– Sensor mounted in a ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1-½ ”, 2”,
3” or 4” PVC solvent weld tee
FS350B Brass & FS350SS Stainless Steel
Insertion-Style Flow Sensors:
– Sensor for insertion in pipe saddle or
weld-o-let on 2-½” to 12” pipe diameters
3rd-Party Flow Meters can be used in
Custom configuration mode if meter has:
– Reed-Switch output
– Minimum of 2 pulse/10 seconds output
Flow Sensor Setup
Select Flow Sensor Type from the list:
– Tee Sensor (select model number)
– Insert Sensor (select model number & enter inside pipe diameter)
– Custom Sensor (enter K-factor & Offset; K-Factor field will now
accept 3 primary digits)
ESP-LXMEF Controller
Flow Sensor/MV Wiring
ESP-LXMEF
Controller
Station
Module
Station 3 Wire + Common
Station 2 Wire + Common
Station 1 Wire + Common
FSM-LXME Flow
Smart Module
Valve 3
PE-Cable
MV Wire +
Common
Valve 2
Valve 1
Flow
Sensor
Master
Valve
ESP-LXD Controller
Flow Sensing/MV Wiring
Two-Wire Path / 14-2UF Decoder (Maxi) Cable / Max. 1.65 Miles
ESP-LXD
Decoder
Controller
Master Master
Valve
Valve
Decoder
Sensor
Decoder
Flow
Sensor
Station 1
Decoder
PE-Cable required between flow
sensor and sensor decoder
Valve 1
Station 2
Decoder
Valve 2
Flow Sensor Sizing
• FS050P, FS075P, & FS010P flow sensors have a operating
range 2 to 20 ft/sec (water velocity)
• FS100B, FS150P, FS200P, FS300P, FS400P, & FS350 flow
sensors have a operating range 1/2 to 30 ft/sec (water velocity)
• Select a pipe/meter size based on the lowest flow rate zone in
the irrigation system
• If the size required is too restrictive for the highest system flow
rate, a dual bypass meter system is recommended
Minimum flow rates for Schedule 40 PVC pipe sizes
Sch 40
Pipe Size
½”
¾”
1”
1”
1-½”
2”
3”
4”
6”
8”
10”
12”
Sensor
Type
PVC
Tee
PVC
Tee
PVC
Tee
Brass
Tee
PVC
Tee
PVC
Tee
PVC
Tee
PVC
Tee
Saddle
Insert
Saddle
Insert
Saddle
Insert
Saddle
Insert
Min. GPM
1.9
3.3
5.4
1.5
3
5
12
20
45
78
128
175
Flow Sensor Installation
Sensor to be placed in straight run (sensor run) of pipe
A sensor run of no less than 10 times the pipe diameter on
the sensor inlet is required
A sensor run of no less than 5 times the pipe diameter on
the sensor outlet is required
The associated master valve would typically be installed on
the upstream side before the sensor run
Rain Bird
Flow Sensor
10 x pipe
diameter
5 x pipe
diameter
Dual Bypass Flow Sensor Installation
2 flow sensors are utilized to accurately measure both low
& high flow rates on a single water source
2 pressure regulating MVs set at 3 to 5 PSI differential are
utilized to force the low flows through the low flow (small)
sensor run
As the flow and pressure loss increases and the pressure
differential is overcome, water will begin to flow through
both the small and large sensor runs
Master
Valves
Flow
Sensors
FloWatch On/Off
Turn On FloWatch™ to enable flow sensing features
including:
– SEEF & SELF
– Learn Flow Utility, Flow Logs
Learn Flow Station Selection
Learn Flow for:
– All Stations
– Selected Stations (1 or more stations)
Learn Flow Start
Optionally Delay Start of Learn Flow Start
– 0 Delay = Start Now
– Optional 1 Minute to 24 Hours Delay before start
Learn Flow Operation
Flow Meter
Station 1 Learned Flow
Rate Recorded as
25 GPM
50
Learned
Flow Rate
= 25 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
Station 1 On
25 GPM
Flow Rate
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Operation: Include only stations with
programmed runtime. Turn on each
station for 5 minutes or until flow stabilizes
for at least 2 minutes. Record stabilized
flow or highest flow in the last minute of
Learn Flow test.
2
3
4
5
6
Learn Flow Operation
Flow Meter
Station 2 Learned Flow
Rate Recorded as
30 GPM
50
Learned
Flow Rate
= 30 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Station 2 On
30 GPM
Flow Rate
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Operation: Repeat for all remaining
stations in test.
2
3
4
5
6
Learn Flow on System Without Check
Valves and Pressure Regulation
2 Minute Minimum
Test Time
Flow Rate has Not Settled; Highest
Flow Rate in Last Minute is Recorded
Learned
Flow Rate
5% +/- Deviation
Real Time
Flow Rate
Test Start
5 Minute Maximum
Test Time
Min 1 Min 2
Min 3 Min 4
Min 5
Learn Flow On System With Check
Valves and Pressure Regulation
2 Minute Minimum
Test Time
Flow Rate has Settled; Highest Flow
Rate in Last Minute is Recorded
Learned
Flow Rate
5% +/- Deviation
Test Completed at
End of Minute 2;
Advance to Next
Station
Real Time
Flow Rate
Test Start
Min 1 Min 2
Min 3 Min 4
Min 5
SEEF Settings
High Flow Threshold
– 105% to 200% of Learned Flow Rate
Settling Time
– 1 to 10 Minutes above High Flow Threshold
SEEF Actions
Select Action if SEEF starts:
– Diagnose & Eliminate (shuts down problem MV or station valve)
– Shut Down & Alarm (shuts down MV only)
– Alarm Only (no valve shut down)
SELF Settings
Low Flow Threshold
– 95% to 1% of Learned Flow Rate
Settling Time
– 1 to 10 Minutes below Low Flow Threshold
SELF Actions
Select Action if SELF starts:
– Diagnose & Eliminate (shuts down problem MV or station valve)
– Shut Down & Alarm (shuts down MV only)
– Alarm Only (no valve shut down)
Delay to Re-Enable SEEF & SELF
Amount of time before FloWatch™ quarantined MVs and
Station Valves are Automatically Re-Enabled:
– 0 Minutes = Never Automatically Re-Enables (Manually Only)
– 1 Minute to 24 Hours Delay Time Before Automatic Re-Enable
Normal Operation - No Stations Active
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 0 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 0 GPM
Master
Valve
Closed
POC
Water
Source
No Stations On
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: No action needed.
2
3
4
5
6
Normal Single Station Operation
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 37 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned
Flow Rate
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: No action taken.
Flow has not exceeded SEEF
Threshold limits.
2
3
4
5
6
Normal Multi-Station Operation
Flow Meter
60 GPM
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 60 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 62 GPM
Station 1 On
35 GPM Learned
Flow Rate
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: No action taken.
Flow has not exceeded SEEF
Threshold limits.
2
Station 6 On
25 GPM Learned
Flow Rate
3
4
5
6
Normal Station Operation
No action taken on high flow because flow dropped
below the high flow threshold % before 3 minutes
High Flow Threshold
30% = 45.5 GPM
Learned Flow
Rate = 35 GPM
Flow Rate
Low Flow Threshold
50% = 17.5 GPM
Settling Time
Min 1
= Min 3
Irrigation start
Min 2
Min 3
Min 4
Min 5
Min 6
Min 7
MV Water Window
Set MV Water Window Start & End Time
MV Water Window can run during Program Operation
MV Water Window Duration is Automatically Calculated
Manual MV Water Window
Set Days of the Week MV Water Window should open
Manual MV Water Window
Set the Maximum Additional Flow Rate Allowed in the MV
Water Window
This Additional Flow Rate can be in Addition to Flow from
Program Operation
Manual MV Water Window
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 25 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 10 GPM
MV Manual Water Window
Programmed for:
Max. Additional Flow 25 GPM,
8am to 4pm, Mon-Fri
Manual
Watering
10 GPM
No Stations On
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: No action taken.
Flow is within MV Manual Water Window
Max. Additional Flow limits.
2
3
4
5
6
SEEF - Lateral Line Break
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 60 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned
Flow Rate +25
GPM Pipe Break Flow
Master
Valve
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
2
3
4
5
Flow
Sensor
Action: Pause Station 5, close MV, wait for
Settling Time. Turn on MV only. If zero
flow detected resume Station 5 with open
MV. If flow is still above SEEF Threshold
after Settling Time quarantine Station 5
and post Lateral Line Break Alarm.
Pipe
Break
25 GPM
6
SEEF - Mainline Break
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 90 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned
Flow Rate
Master
Valve
Open
POC
Water
Source
MV
Pipe
Break
Flow
Sensor 55 GPM
Action: Pause Station 5, close MV, wait for
Settling Time. Turn on MV only. If flow
detected after Settling Time turn off MV,
quarantine all stations on this FloZone, and
post Mainline Break Alarm.
1
2
3
4
5
6
SEEF - False Alarm
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 60 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned
Flow Rate but Station 4
valve has not yet closed
Master
Valve
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: Pause Station 5, close MV, wait for
Settling Time. Turn on MV only. If zero
flow detected resume Station 5. If valve
on Station 4 closes during Settling Time
the flow rate will now be the expected rate.
A False Alarm event log is posted.
2
3
4
5
6
High Flow – SEEF Starting
No action taken on high flow because flow
Action taken, flow above SEEF High Flow
dropped below the SEEF High Flow
Threshold for 3 minute Settling Time
Threshold % before 3 minute Settling Time
High Flow Threshold
30% = 45.5 GPM
Learned Flow
Rate = 35 GPM
3 Minute Settling Time
Flow Rate
Low Flow Threshold
50% = 17.5 GPM
Settling Time
Min 1
= Min 3
Irrigation start
Min 2
Min 3
Min 4
Min 5
Min 6
Min 7
SELF – Low Station Flow Rate
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 10 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned Flow Rate
Actual Flow Rate = 10
Master
Valve
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: If flow is still below Low Flow
Threshold after Settling Time pause
station 5, turn off MV, wait for Settling
time. Resume Station 5, open MV. If flow
is still below Low Flow Threshold
quarantine valve, post Low Flow Alarm
2
3
4
5
6
SELF – Valve Fails to Open
Flow Meter
50
Expected
Flow Rate
= 35 GPM
50
75
25
0
100
Real-Time
Flow Rate
= 0 GPM
Station 5 On
35 GPM Learned Flow Rate
but valve fails to open
Master
Valve
POC
Water
Source
1
MV
Flow
Sensor
Action: If flow is still below Low Flow
Threshold after Settling Time pause
station 5, turn off MV, wait for Settling
time. Resume Station 5, open MV. If flow
is above Low Flow Threshold, post SELF
False Alarm and resume operation.
2
3
4
5
6
Low Flow – SELF Starting
Action taken, flow below SELF Low Flow
Threshold for 3 minute settling time
High Flow Threshold
30% = 45.5 GPM
Learned Flow
Rate = 35 GPM
Flow Rate
3 Minute Settling Time
Low Flow Threshold
50% = 17.5 GPM
Settling Time
Min 1
= Min 3
Irrigation start
Min 2
Min 3
Min 4
Min 5
Min 6
Min 7
Flow Alarms
Controller Alarm Light will be On
Turn Dial to Auto
Select Alarm Button (will show Flow Alarm)
ALARM
Review/Clear Flow Alarms
Review Station & Mainline Flow Alarms
Clear Flow Alarms
– Required to Manually Re-Enable MV and Station Valves if you did
not use the Delay to Re-Enable Feature
Flow Logs
Logs total accumulated flow for:
– This Month & Last Month
– Last 30-Days & Previous 30-Days
View Current Flow
Current Flow Rate
Expected Flow Rate
Deviation % Between Current & Expected Flow Rate
Monitor Station & Flow Activity
Current Operating Station(s) and Flow Rate Shown in Auto
Dial Position
Questions? Contact
Sean Azad – Associate Product Manager
sazad@rainbird.com
Thank you!