PCE Instruments PCE-TDS 100 Ultrasonic Flow Meter User Manual

PCE Instruments PCE-TDS 100 Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Product Information

Product Name: TDS Meter
Model Number: PCE-TDS 100
Language: User Manual available in Deutsch and
English – Manufacturer: PCE Instruments – Website: www.pce- instruments.com

Specifications:

Technical specifications:

• Measurement unit: Cubic meter, Liter, Gallon (USA), Imperial Gallon (UK), Million USA Gallons, Barrel (USA), Imperial Barrel (UK)

• Time units: Day, Hour, Minute, Second

• Data storage capacity: 60,000 measurement points

• Protection rating: IP 52

• Power source: 3 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (2100 mAh)

• Battery life: 12 hours (when fully charged)

• Power supply: 100-240 V AC 50/60 Hz

• Dimensions: 214 x 104 x 40 mm

• Weight: 450 g
  Delivery Contents:

• TDS Meter (PCE-TDS 100)

• Sensors: S1, M1, HS, HM

• Sensor cables

• Ultrasound contact gel (TT-GEL)

• Sensor cable set (2 x 5 m)

• Software (SOFT-PCE-TDS)

• Calibration certificate (CAL-PCE-TDS-ISO or CAL-PCE-TDS-DAkkS)

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Notes:

1. Refer to the safety notes provided in the user manual.
2. Getting Started:
3. Internal Battery:
4. Insert 3 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries into the battery compartment.
5. Ensure the batteries are fully charged for a 12-hour battery life.

Power On:

• Press the power button to turn on the TDS meter.

Menu Windows:

• Use the function keys to navigate through the menu windows.

Operation

Principle of Measurement:

• The TDS meter measures the total dissolved solids in a liquid sample.
• Follow the instructions provided in section 5.3 for sensor selection and positioning.

Configuration of Parameters:

• Use the function keys to configure parameters such as battery voltage display, pipe inner diameter, inner lining selection, and sensor type.

Calibration:

• Refer to the calibration instructions provided in the user manual.

Maintenance:

• Troubleshooting:

• In case of any issues or errors, refer to the troubleshooting section in the user manual.
  Warranty:

• Refer to the warranty  information provided in the user manual.
  Disposal:
  Follow theproper disposal methods for electronic devices as per local regulations.
  For more detailed information and instructions, refer to the user manual provided with the TDS meter.

Thank you for purchasing an ultrasonic flow meter from PCE Instruments.

Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non- observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used within the approved temperature range:
  Environmental humidity max. <80 % RH
  Environmental temperature 0 … +70 °C

• Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity, condensation or moisture.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• Before taking a measurement, the device should be stabilised to the ambient temperature (important when carrying the device from cold to warm rooms and vice versa).

• Avoid strong shocks.

• Do not use the meter around corrosive or explosive gases.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Repairs and maintenance work may only be carried out by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never place the front side of the device on a workbench or work surface to avoid damage to the operating elements.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• Keep the flow meter clean and dry.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Specifications

Technical specifications

Hand-held device

reading
Repeatability| ±1.0 % of reading
Media| All liquids with an impurity of <5 % and a flow of >0.03m³/h

Flow units

| Cubic metre                            [m³]

Litre                                        [l]

Gallon (USA)                          [gal]

Imperial Gallon (UK)               [igl]

Million USA Gallons               [mgl]

Cubic foot                               [cf]

Barrel (USA)                           [bal]

Imperial Barrel (UK)                [ib]

Oil Barrel                                [ob]

The time can be per day [/d], per hour [/h], per minute [/m] and per second [/s]

Data logger| 16,000 measuring data sets
Interface| USB (for online measurement and to read out internal memory)
Protection class| IP 52

Power supply

| 3 x rechargeable AA NiMH batteries / 2100 mAh (operating hours 12 h when fully charged)

100 … 240 V AC 50/60 H

Dimensions| 214 x 104 x 40 mm
Weight| 450 g

Sensors

Delivery contents

• 1 x ultrasonic flow meter
• 2 x sensor (depending on model)
• 2 x 5 m connection cable
• 2 x releasable cable tie
• 1 x mains adaptor
• 1 x contact gel
• 1 x PCE measuring tape
• 1 x carrying case
• 1 x user manual

Optional accessories

• TDS-S1 Sensor type S1 (loose)
• TDS-M1 Sensor type M1 (loose)
• TDS-HS Sensor type HS (on rail)
• TDS-HM Sensor type HM (on rail)
• TT-GEL Ultrasonic contact gel
• Sensor cable PCE-TDS 100 Series Set of sensor cables 2 x 5 m
• SOFT-PCE-TDS Data cable + software for data transfer
• CAL-PCE-TDS-ISO ISO calibration certificate
• CAL-PCE-TDS-DAkkS DAkkS calibration certificate

System description

Device

1. Sensor connection (down)
2. Sensor connection (up)
3. Display
4. LED charging lamp
5. Membrane keypad
6. Charging socket
7. USB interface

Cable 5 m (2 x)

1. Plug orange
2. Plug blue

Mains adaptor

Function keys
The keypad consists of 18 keys. The keys from 0 to 9 and the decimal point are used to enter numbers

Getting started

Internal battery
The device can be powered either by the internal rechargeable battery (more than 12 hours with continuous operation) or via the mains adaptor.
During charging, the LED glows red. It will turn green as soon as the battery is fully charged.
When the battery is fully charged, the voltage is approx. 4.25 V. The voltage is shown in window M07. The battery is nearly flat when the voltage falls below 3 V. The device also indicates the remaining battery life which is determined internally via the voltage. The indication of the remaining battery life is just a rough guide value.

Power on
The device can be switched on via the ON key and switched off using the OFF key. After switching on, the device runs a self-diagnostic programme. The hardware and the internal software are tested. If an error is detected, this will be shown in the display.
After the start-up, the device will show window M01. This is the most common window und shows the positive totaliser, the volume flow, the flow velocity, the signal strength, the signal quality and the operating status, based on the values last set for the pipe.

Menu windows

M00 … M04| Window for volume flow, velocity, date, time, totaliser, battery voltage, remaining battery life, etc.
---|---
M10 … M22| Window for pipe parameters, etc.
M30 … M37| Window for unit selection and totaliser
M40 … M45| Window for response time, zero setting, calibration and PIN protection, etc.
M50| Window for data logger
M60 … M77| Window for date / time setup, display of software version and serial number, alarm, etc.
M85 … M94| Further parameter setting and diagnostic window for better accuracy

The device has approx. 50 menu windows. These windows are numbered from M00, M01, M02, M03…, through to M94.

There are two ways to select these windows:

1. Directly, using the MENU key and the two digits

2. Via the Up / Down keys; each keystroke changes to the next higher or previous window, whereas the window M00 is at the top, which means that the Down key will lead you to the next higher window.
   The device has three different types of windows:

3. Window to enter numbers, e. g. M11 to enter the pipe diameter

4. Window to select options, e. g. M14 to select the pipe material

5. Windows to view data, without being able to make a selection, e. g. M+1 to show the complete operating time of the device

About (1): When you are in a window for data entry, you can enter the data and confirm with ENTER. For example, if you are in window M11, you can directly enter for the outer diameter of the pipe.

About (2): In a selection window, first press the ENTER key and then make a selection using the Up and Down keys or the number keys if a number needs to be selected. Finally, confirm your selection with the ENTER key.
Example M 14 (material selection):
Stainless steel, for instance, is assigned no. 1. To select a different material, press ENTER to be able to make your selection using the Up and Down keys. Confirm your selection with ENTER. You can also enter the numbers directly via the numeric keypad.

Operation

Principle of measurement
The ultrasonic flow meter has been developed to measure the flow velocity of liquids in pipes. The non-contact transducers/sensors are placed on the pipes and are thus not subject to any wear and tear.
The PCE-TDS 100H/HS works with two signal transducers (sensors) which serve as ultrasonic transmitters and also as ultrasonic receivers. The sensors are installed on the outer wall of the pipe at a defined distance, one below the other.
The sensors can be installed in Z shape (Z method). In this case, the ultrasound will pass through the pipe once. If the sensors are installed in W shape (W method), the ultrasound will pass through the pipe four times. When using the Z method, the sensors are placed opposite to each other. The sound passes through the pipe or liquid diagonally. The selection of the right method depends on the characteristics of the liquid.

1. Downstream transducer
2. Flow direction
3. Upstream transducer
4. Spacing

You can find more detailed information on how to place the sensors and how to select the right method of measurement in chapter 5.3.Sensors.

Configuration of parameters

quality and operating status
M01| Indication as in M91, volume flow, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and operating status
M02| View negative totaliser, volume flow, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and operating status
M03| View net totaliser, volume flow, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and operating status
M04| Indication of battery voltage and remaining battery life
M10| Enter outer perimeter of pipe
M11| Enter outer diameter of pipe, value between 0 and 6,000 mm can be selected
M12| Enter wall thickness of pipe
M13| Enter inner diameter of pipe
M14| Select standard pipe material (if pipe material is included here, no pipe sound velocity is needed):

0. Carbon Steel, 1. Stainless Steel, 2. Cast Iron, 3. Ductile Iron, 4. Copper,

5. PVC, 6. Aluminium, 7. Asbestos, 8. Fiber Glass 9. Other

M15| Enter pipe sound velocity; only necessary if material does not belong to standard materials
M16| Select liner material; if the pipe used does not have a liner, select „0. No Liner“

1. Tar Epoxy, 2. Rubber, 3. Mortar, 4. Polypropylen, 5. Polystyrol,

6. Polystyrene, 7. Polyester, 8. Polyethylene, 9. Ebonite, A. Teflon, B. Other

M17| Enter liner sound velocity; only necessary if “B. Other” has been selected under M16
M18| Enter material thickness of liner; only necessary if “B. Other” has been selected under M16
M19| Enter absolute thickness of inner wall
M20| Select standard liquid:

0. Water, 1. Sea Water, 2. Kerosene, 3. Gasoline, 4. Fuel Oil, 5.Crude Oil,

6. Propane, 7. Butane, 8. Other, 9. Diesel Oil, 10. Castor Oil,

11. Peanut Oil, 12. Gasoline ROZ 90, 13. Gasoline ROZ 93, 14. Alcohol, 15. Water (125 °C)

M21| Enter fluid sound velocity; only necessary if liquid does not belong to standard liquids
M22| Enter viscosity of liquid (only necessary if liquid does not belong to standard liquids)
M23| Select sensors out of 16 types:

1.     User Insert

2.     Insert C11_45

3.     Insert C11_60

4.     Clamp-On M2 (TDS-M1)

5.     Clamp-On S1

6.     Clamp-On S2 (TDS-S1)

7.     Clamp-On L2 (TDS-L1)

8.     Clamp-On TS-2

9.     Standard-HS (TDS-HS)

10.   Standard-HM (TDS-HM)

11.   Clamp-On TL-1

12.   Clamp TM-1

13.   Clamp-FS410

14.   Insert C15_45

15.   Insert C15_51

 | 16.   Insert C15_60

17.   RW_HM Standard

18.   Clamp RW_S1

19.   Clamp RW_M1

20.   Clamp RW_M2

21.   Clamp RW_L1

22.   Clamp RW_L2

23.   Inner RW_TM_1

24.   Clamp Dyna_S

25.   Clamp Dyna_M

26.   Clamp Dyna_L

27.   Clamp KaYi-A

28.   π-Type

---|---
M24| Select sensor installation:

0. V method, 1. Z method, 2. N method, 3. W method

M25| View distance between sensors; should be stuck to as exactly as possible
M30| Select unit system: metric or English
M31| Select flow rate unit:

Cubic Meters                          [m³]

Liters                                      [l]

USA Gallons                          [gal]

Imperial Gallons                     [igl]

USA M Gallons                      [mgl]

Cubic Feet                              [cf]

USA Barrels                           [bal]

Imperial Barrels                      [ib]

Oil Barrels                              [ob]

Time can be per day, per hour, per minute or per second, which means 36 different unit combinations are possible

M36| Enable / disable negative totaliser
M37| 1. Reset totaliser

2. Reset device to factory default settings by pressing Reset key, followed by Back key. Be careful with this function and note down your personal

settings before using it

M39| Select the language (English or Chinese)
M40| Set damping which can be a value between 0 and 999 seconds; if “0“ is

selected, damping is disabled

M41| Set low cutoff value
M42| Set zero point; make sure no liquid passes through the pipe
M43| Delete zero point, reset to default zero point
M44| Set flow value manually (offset value); this value should normally be “0“
M45| Set scale factor; this value is set to the delivered sensors by PCE before

shipping and should only be changed after a calibration by PCE

M50| Setting the memory interval 1 … 65535 s; 0 Logger is deactivated
M52| Set Modbus RTU address 0 … 34463
M57| Number of pulses per litre
M60| View date and time (calendar for 99 years); press ENTER to make changes;

press Reset to go to the next digit

M61| View software version and serial number (ESN)
M70| Set display backlight; select how many seconds backlight will glow without keystroke

1 … 65535 s; 0 s means display is turned off

M71| Display backlight brightness 0 … 100 %
M77| Set duration of key sound 0 … 16959 ms

Sensors
Selection of sensor position
The first step before installation should be finding a suitable position to place the sensors. This is a requirement for accurate measurement results. Some basic knowledge about the pipes / the plumbing system is necessary.
The ideal location would be an infinitely long, straight pipe, whereas there must be no entrapped air (air bubbles) in the liquid. The pipes can either run vertically or horizontally. To avoid inaccuracies due to turbulence in the liquid, a straight flow-calming section before and behind the measuring point should be considered. In general, the section in front of the measuring point should be at least 10 x the pipe diameter and after the measuring point, it should be 5 x the pipe diameter.

The following chart shows examples of good positions:

The following should be considered when looking for a good measuring position:

1. Install the sensors on a preferably long, straight pipe which is completely filled with the liquid and does not contain any air bubbles.
2. Make sure that the liquid and thus the pipe is not too hot for the sensors. The temperature should be as similar to the room temperature as possible.
3. Consider fouling of the pipes. If possible, choose a clean or new pipe for measurement. You can also clean the pipe. If this is not possible, consider the thickness of the fouling as part of the liner.
4. Some pipes have a synthetic liner. There can be a boundary layer between the outer pipe and the liner. This boundary layer can divert or weaken the ultrasonic waves, which will make a measurement very difficult. If possible, these types of pipes should be avoided. If this is not possible, sensors can also be built into the pipe.

Sensor installation
The PCE-TDS 100H/HS has piezoelectric sensors which can transmit and also receive ultrasonic waves. The time the ultrasonic waves take to pass through the pipe walls and the liquid allows conclusions about the flow velocity. As the transit time of the ultrasonic pulses is very short, the sensors should be installed as precisely as possible to ensure highest system accuracy.

Take the following steps to install the sensors:

1. Some pipes have a plastic liner. There can be a boundary layer between the outer diameter of the pipe and the inner liner. This boundary layer can divert or weaken the ultrasonic waves. In this case, an accurate measurement will be very difficult. If possible, these types of pipes should be avoided.
2. Find an ideal position in the piping system, i. e. a straight section with new and clean pipes, if possible.
3. It is very important that the pipes are clean. Grind or polish the locations where you would like to place the sensors.
4. If a pollution cannot be removed, its thickness should be considered as part of the liner of the pipe.
5. There must not be an air gap between the sensors and the surface of the pipe. Attach the sensors using sufficient contact gel.
6. Moreover, you should make sure there is no dust or sand between the pipe and the sensor.
   To avoid air bubbles from causing measurement errors, place the sensors on the pipe laterally.

Spacing between the sensors
The distance between the upstream and the downstream sensor can be seen in window M25. The window states the inner distance between the two sensors which you should stick to as accurately as possible. The information in M25, however, must only be considered a coarse adjustment. The fine adjustment is carried out by arranging the spacing in a way that the time constant in M90 is exactly 100%.

To ensure accurate measurement values, the following data must be entered:

1. Outer diameter of the pipe (M11)
2. Material thickness of the pipe (M12)
3. Material of the pipe (M14)
4. Liner of the pipe (M16)
5. Type of liquid (M20)
6. Type of sensors connected (M23)
7. Mounting method of sensors (M24)
8. Check the spacing in window M25 and fix the sensors accordingly.
9. !!! During installation, make sure that the value of the time constant in M90 is 100 %, that the signal strength is >700 and that the signal quality is >60.
   Selection of the measurement method

V method
The V method is the most commonly used method for everyday use. It is ideal for inner pipe diameters of 20 to 300 mm. It is also called reflective method.

Top view of pipe

1. Upstream transducer
2. Spacing
3. Downstream transducer
4. Flow direction

Z method
The Z method is recommended for pipe diameters of 300 to 500 mm.

Top view of pipe

1. Upstream transducer
2. Spacing
3. Flow direction
4. Downstream transducer

W method
The W method is suitable for measurements of plastic pipes with diameters of 20 to 100 mm.

Top view of pipe

1. Upstream transducer
2. Spacing
3. Downstream transducer
4. Flow direction

Data logger
The internal memory of the device can save up to 60,000 values. To set or start the logger, set the memory interval in M50. In M52, you can select the Modbus address.
To transfer data to a computer, you will need the software SOFT-PCE-TDS. Via this software, you can also clear the memory.

Calibration
There is a (calibration) factor between the real flow velocity and the flow velocity displayed by the device. This calibration factor can be determined by carrying out a calibration. However, you will need flow calibration equipment to do so.
Please send the device to PCE Instruments for calibration. Our contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Maintenance

Troubleshooting
Error messages after switching on
The device runs a self-diagnostic programme when switched on. This diagnostic programme is supposed to find hardware errors. The following chart shows possible error messages.

„ROM Testing Error”

„Segment Test Error”

| Software problem| (1) Restart the device

(2) Contact PCE Instruments

„Stored Data Error“| The parameters entered by the user are not integrated| Press the ENTER key. All values are reset to default.
„Timer Slow Error”

„Timer Fast Error”

| Problems with the timekeeper| (1) Restart the device

(2) Contact PCE Instruments

„Date Time Error”| Number error in the calendar| Initialise the calendar via window M61
Repeated reboot| Hardware problem| Contact PCE Instruments

Error codes and countermeasures
Error codes are indicated by a single letter in the lower right corner of the display. However, these only occur in the menus M00, M01, M02, M03, M90 and M08. The following chart shows the error codes and countermeasures.

Error code| Message in window M08| Reason| Countermeasure
---|---|---|---
R| System Normal| No error| – – –

I

| Detect No Signal| (1) No signal

(2) Sensors installed improperly

(3) Too much fouling

(4) Liner too thick

(5) Sensor cable not

properly connected

| (1) Change measuring location

(2) Clean measuring location

(3) Check the cables

J| Hardware Error| Hardware problem| Contact PCE Instruments

H

| PoorSig Detected| (1) Poor signal

(2) Sensors installed improperly

(3) Too much fouling or contamination

(4) Liner too thick

(5) Sensor cable not properly

connected

| (1) Change measuring location

(2) Clean measuring location

(3) Check the cables

(4) Check the contact gel

Q

| Frequ OutputOver| The output frequency is outside the permitted range| Check the values in the windows M67, M68 and M69. Enter higher values in

window M69.

F

| System RAM Error Date Time Error CPU or IRQ Error ROM Parity Error| (1) Temporary Problems with the RAM or RTC

(2) Permanent

Problems with the hardware

| (1) Restart the device

(2) Contact PCE Instruments

1

2

3

| Adjusting Gain| The device is currently re-setting the signal gain; the number indicates the

current work progress

| – – –

K

| Empty pipe| (1) No liquid

in the pipeline

(2) Setting error in menu M29

| (1) Choose a pipe that contains liquid

(2) Enter “0“ in window M29.

Further errors and countermeasures

1. When the device indicates 0.0000 even though there is a volume flow and an “R“ glows in the display and the signal quality Q is ok, there must be a different error. In many cases, this means that the zero point has been set incorrectly. Go to menu M432 and reset the zero point.
2. The displayed volume flow is obviously too low or too high:
   • Probably, the volume flow in window M44 has been entered manually. Set this value to “0“.
   • Problems with the sensor installation
   • Possibly, the display was set to “0“ via M42 despite an existing volume flow. Repeat the zero point setting and make sure that there is no flow in the pipe.
3. The real battery life is shorter than the value stated in M07.
   • The battery has exceeded its life cycle.
   • The battery has not been charged completely or the charging procedure has been interrupted too frequently. Charge the battery again. If the problem persists, contact PCE Instruments.
   • When the battery voltage is between 3.70 and 3.90 V, discrepancies between the estimated and the actual transit time can occur.

Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/agb.

Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company that disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany

PCE Deutschland GmbH
Im Langel 4
D-59872 Meschede
Deutschland
Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29 info@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch

United States of America
PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Jupiter / Palm Beach
33458 FL
USA
Tel: +1 561-320-9162
Fax: +1 561-320-9176
info@pce-americas.com

User manuals in various languages can be downloaded here: www.pcepce- instruments.com

References

• France.fr : Explore France and its wonders - Explore France
• iberica.es
• Make an offer on the domain instruments.co.uk - Domains.co.uk
• Computer Instruments | Home
• Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website - Italia.it
• PCE Americas Inc. : Test Instruments | PCE Instruments

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