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[muffin]

I am looking for a way to measure my flow rate.  I would love something strap-on, but an inline device would be fine to.  I would prefer something that was non-intrusive as I do not want to impede my flow rate just to measure it.  i was hoping for something under $200.

[BoilerHouse]

The cheapest option would be to plumb a connection on the return line at the boiler.  You could time how long it takes to fill a 5 gallon pail and figure out gpm from there.
A non intrusive meter, - venturi, orfice plate etc. - would be an expensive option I would think.  On the more intrusive side there are variable area flow meters or rotating or nutating disc meters that are less expensive just make sure they take the temp and are sized for estimated flow.

[muffin]

I have been looking at the inline ones, but as soon as you go to 200F the price jumps up over $500+.  I like the bucket idea, perhaps I will try that.  I would think I should be in the 1/2 gallon/sec (30-40 GPM) range so this would seem reasonably accurate to measure if I had a 5 gal bucket and a stopwatch.

[ijon]

I have a sight glass on mine. It has a pattle wheel in it that turns. Nice to know your water is flowing.

[muffin]

I have a sight glass on mine. It has a pattle wheel in it that turns. Nice to know your water is flowing.

What do you use? and do you know where you got it?

[Bull]

I have a sight glass on mine. It has a pattle wheel in it that turns. Nice to know your water is flowing.

What do you use? and do you know where you got it?

and does it let you know your GPM?

[ijon]

No it just shows that your water is moving. It turns the pattle pretty fast. When your pump is on your stove its nice to know its working. I didn't get the sight glasses my son did.

[ijon]

I looked at the flow sensor and its from RotorFlow sensors on the web.

[Bull]

Thanks