Flow Meters & Enemas

Some additional input on "enema engineering". Admittedly, very dry material on a decidedly wet subject, but it may be interesting to a few members:

The PSI (pounds per square inch) equivalent of a "head" of one foot of water is indeed 0.433, as stated by Master Do. That gives some idea of what gravity provides to propel the solution from the bag into the rectum, and why flow slows somewhat as the bag empties without being raised. With a bulb syringe, gravity is not a factor -- injection pressure is produced by squeezing the bulb. That's why the rate of injection is less controlled with the bulb than with the bag -- gravity is constant; force of hand tends not to be.

Another factor that affects flow rate -- as a function of flow resistance -- is pressure drop through the hose. This became significant for my wife and I when I replaced the existing hose, which had an inside diameter ("ID") of something between 5/16" and 3/8", with small-diameter amber latex "surgical tubing". To reach from the hook on closet door to the center of the bed with a convenient amount of slack still in the hose, I made the replacement something like 10 feet long. It had an ID of 3/16" to 1/4" -- never measured it, that's from eyeballing. The combination of smaller ID and longer length slowed the flow perceptibly, as was evident when the clamp was opened to "bleed" air until only solution shot back into the preparation pitcher. The stream emitting from the nozzle was noticeably less energetic than with the original set-up. Note that the hole through the nozzle was only 1/8" to 5/32" ID, less than that of the hose. (At these smaller IDs, a change as small as 1/32" is significant in terms of through-flow at a given pressure.) But the effect of the smaller, longer hose was still significant, because the velocity of the water in the new hose compared to the original would have to have been greater for the same flow rate. And the requirement for increased velocity for equal nozzle flow means that an increase in entering end hose pressure would have to have been available to compensate for the greater flow resistance through the length of hose. Solution to the problem: raise the bag enough for increased "head" pressure to overcome the increased flow resistance and produce the needed extra velocity.

About the revolving-ball type of flow indicator (not meter -- it doesn't measure): It's not affected by bag height, hose or nozzle ID, hose length, a partially closed clamp or peristaltic backpressure in the rectum. It is a "positive displacement", "pressure independent" device -- in practical terms, it responds only to flow, and indicates the rate proportionally by the speed of the ball. I have a Zity friend who uses one to detect the onset of a cramp in the person he's giving to. From what he told me, if he sees the ball slow down, it signals backpressure, which in turn "anticipates" an imminent cramp. He stops the flow while spasmodic pressure is still relatively low, waits a few minutes to allow peristalsis to subside, and then continues giving the enema. Very clever, very caring!

For what it's all worth. . .

My experience with flow indicators: I agree with Rafter that they're not meters. The first one I tried was the rotating ball type. They look good in video closeups, but in real life, without full light, they're hard to see. I replaced that one with paddle indicator. Its visibility was much better in mood lighting, and I considered it a big improvement over the rotating ball type. I found a larger paddle indicator on Amazon, about twice as big as the previous one. Much better. The drawback that each of these indicators shared was no movement with low flow rates. By low flow rate, I mean over 5 minutes for 2 quarts. These days, I don't use a flow indicator. My body tells me all I need to know. Hanging the bag with a bungee cord works great to keep the flow reasonably constant. With my rig, I see a 24" height difference from start to finish. 2 to 3 liters, depending on my confidence and ambition.

A previous poster provided a link for in-line adjustable valves. Nice, but a little pricey. My favorite is a fuel shut-off valve for lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment. For a little over 10 bucks, I found a new Briggs and Stratton valve for 5/16" inside diameter tubing. They're made to withstand gasoline, so they last forever with the solutions we use. I still miss the click of the conventional clamp when its popped open.

I started using a flow meter and find it to be highly erotic to see that the solution is actually flowing. An added benefit is you can time how long it will take for the bag to empty much better. I have been able to adjust the flow to get my wife’s enemas to last as long as 30 minutes. She really likes this as she can take an entire bag without cramping.

I added one to my set up a couple of years ago. For me, it adds a practical dimension - being able to see the flow rate is useful. Aside from that it adds a psychological element watching the flow rate vary as my bucket drains into me and correlating what I see with my eyes to what I feel in my guts - increases and decreases in pressure. For the sake of a few dollars, I love it.

I had a setup where I used a larger diameter clear plastic tubing connected to the bag. Even with the clamp all the way open, the flow wouldn’t be enough to fill the tubing. I would have the clamp half open and that allowed the water to run down through the tubing so you could see the flow and relate it to the feeling of the water going inside.

Flow rate indicators are a great addition. You can evaluate spin rate of the paddle wheel to how the flow “feels” inside of you. My wife loves the paddle wheel device, she can judge the spin rate to give me a 3 quart soapy enema in 10 minutes, + or - 30 seconds every time. Over time, we have determined that 10 minutes is optimum delivery time for 3 quarts, easy for me to take, and allows some retention time before the cramps begin. She speeds up the rate for enema number 2, and even more if there is a third enema (not often). I like the fact that I will fill with soapy water in the most comfortable conditions.

I've never used one, but I like seeing them used in videos as it shows an enemas is really flowing into the person getting it.

Back in the eighties, I introduced a glass tube that was inserted between an enema container and a rubber hose. This helped to estimate the flow rate only if I used soapy water as the enema solution. If it was pure water, it was not possible to see the flow. That is why some time ago I bought a flow indicator from SNC's offer. I am very pleased because I can now set the minimum flow so that the solution is as imperceptible as possible.

I have used one for a few years now. I like the idea of being able to see how fast the flow is. I usually set it for a slow flow and sometimes it will stop and then start again as it goes in higher in the colon.

I love them visually erotic as well as a inline pump on my large ID bore silicone tubing that’s 10’ long . It’s fun to see peoples face when there introduced to it and the big German latex bag 😉

I have one. I don't watch it all the time, but it is nice to see if it is really flowing as fast as it seems or if you've blocked the nozzle. Psychologically it does emphasize that you're getting an enema.

It's just an easy way to see that you're taking the enema water, and the rate that it's flowing into you.

Yes, I love it. Similar reasons to the other respondents. More detail after grocery run.

Eric

P.S. I just noticed the Zity software for age in your Profile works. It flipped me over from 60+ to 70+ recently. I should have noticed right on my birthday, 12 days ago, but just noticed today. I’ve been “60+” ever since joining Zity ~7 years ago. Good work, Webby.

The plastic paddle-wheel so-called ‘flow metes’ are more properly called flow indicators because they really only indicate slow or fast.

They are most useful when giving an enema to another person, so the giver can have a rough idea of the flow rate of the solution, which can vary widely depending on the bag height, flow regulating clamp opening, and back pressure from the recipient's GI tract.

Also, the device can be useful watch for solution back flow, so the give can close the clamp to prevent water soiled with poo from getting back into the bag.

Some (overpriced) bags come complete with a paddle flow meter. The Coloplast Assura, for example.

Very useful for regulating the flow, I have been using it for many years and I have one for each bag, I have 12.

I have a Flow meter on my bag and just love it. I can see when the flow stops and also regulate the flow with my roll clamp.

https://siliconenozzles.com/RMPCLMP-Blue-5-16-Roller-Style-Thin-Wall-Tubing-Control-Clamp-RMPCLMP-Blue.htm

The plastic paddle-wheel so-called ‘flow metes’ are more properly called flow indicators because they really only indicate slow or fast.

It could be cool to have a conical tube flow meter though, giving your setup more of a “mad science” feel. For a while I had one from a gas setup and considered trying to repurpose, but it wouldn't have been anywhere near the range needed for water.

I've used flow indicators for several years now. Great way to know how much/how fast your flow rate is rather than just watching the bag empty. I usually go for about a quart every 2-3 minutes.

I had a setup where I used a larger diameter clear plastic tubing connected to the bag. Even with the clamp all the way open, the flow wouldn’t be enough to fill the tubing. I would have the clamp half open and that allowed the water to run down through the tubing so you could see the flow and relate it to the feeling of the water going inside.

@easy3, the larger diameter tubing can be hard to fill to get a proper flow rate. The key is to get all the air out of the line. Start by filling the tubing until the solution is coming out of the nozzle before shutting, the clamp. Then raise the nozzle and as much of the tubing as you can above the bag and open the clamp. The trapped air and water should flow back into the bag. Lower the nozzle and tubing back down and it should fill completely with the solution. (Using clear tubing makes this easier to see.) This should improve your flow rate.

Having upgraded my enema bag with a flow meter and ramp clamp. I can't say enough how this gives me alot more control for a comfortable fill. It's nice to have the visual paddle wheel to reinforce what my butt is also feeling.

Having upgraded my enema bag with a flow meter and ramp clamp. I can't say enough how this gives me alot more control for a comfortable fill. It's nice to have the visual paddle wheel to reinforce what my butt is also feeling.

One of those wheeled ramp clamps by Keck is a phenomenal addition. Put that in along with the pinch clamp and you have great fingertip control.

Sure enough, I see Amazon sells “enema flow meters”…

I do like the flow meter, an interesting thing I noticed is when you start cramping the flow stops and resumes when the cramping goes away

I noticed is when you start cramping the flow stops and resumes when the cramping goes away

If the cramp is really strong, you may see the meter go in reverse depending upon how high your bag is. When using a DBRN I find it scary as it shows pressure is building in my colon and fear I might pop a diverticula.

I have a check valve about 12" above nozzle so I don't get backflow.

Having adapted a thick wall 9/16 colon tube with a 10 fine hole radial spray set back 1 inch from tip,

i like to work the spray.

A Paddle Flow Indicator helps with that as my sphincter actually controls the flow,,, or not. Then my cousin, a health services practitioner, (in home health care) allows special visits to “learn” the finer points of possibilities, get bigged, weighed and praised. Refresher courses and tests with token exchanges, keep us in a pseudo scientific relationship with planned appointments.

She brings her own stuff, but we sterilize my colon tube when she wants to see about its unique ways. She picks up a little lift in her step when we work together and really believes in having a Paddle Flow indicator just under her bag with the words, “Seeking Health”.

Anyone tried one of the three-lobed “PC water cooling” type indicators?

For years it drove me crazy to know people had them, but I had no idea how fast my en3ma was running. Or, occasionally, if it WAS running. I bought mine a few years back, one each ball and paddle wheel, which both work. It’s probably just me being a control freak, but I like to look at it during filling, also because I love taking big long enemas as my GFs sub, and looking at the measuring device present and flow rate makes me feel more controlled and submissive to her.

Eric

We use the paddle wheel from SiliconeNozzle. They work great. Had one spring a leak on the glued part. A little CA glue took care of that. Highly recommend.

We use the paddle wheel from SiliconeNozzle. They work great. Had one spring a leak on the glued part. A little CA glue took care of that. Highly recommend.

@E42,

What is CA glue? Glad it worked for you.

Eric