Sonic Driver Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter Instruction Manual

: October 31, 2023
: Sonic Driver

Table of Contents

Sonic Driver Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flowmeter
Product Information
Introduction
General Precautions
App installation
Hardware Connection
Documents / Resources

Sonic Driver Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flowmeter

Product Information

Product Name: Sonic Driver POCKET MOBILE-UFM Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter
Version: 2.0 (Released on 13th March 2023)
Manufacturer: Sonic Driver Ltd
Country of Origin: Made in Britain
Copyright: Sonic Driver Ltd 2023

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing the Sonic Driver POCKET MOBILE-UFM clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter.

General Precautions:

Please read and follow the instructions in this manual carefully. Sonic Driver Ltd assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies in the manual.
The company reserves the right to make improvements to its products at any time without notice.
The latest revisions can be found on the company website.

App Installation:

To install the Sonic Driver flowmeter app on your Android phone or tablet:

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Search for “sonic driver flowmeter” in the Play Store.
Tap on the Sonic Driver MOBILE-UFM item in the search results.
Tap on “Install” or the item’s price to download and install the app.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Hardware Connection

To connect the UFM (Ultrasonic Flowmeter) to your phone or tablet:

Ensure that your device is turned on and its screen lock is off.
Connect the UFM to your phone or tablet.
The device will automatically identify the UFM and request permissions. You may tick the “Always Allow” box.
The mobile app will now run and attempt to connect to the UFM.

The User Interface

A standard top bar with the company logo, name, communications globe, and settings (3 vertical dots icon) at the top right.
A bar with 3 tabs: CONNECT, INSTALL, and MEASURE.

About and Exit

In the settings menu, you can find “About” and “Exit” options.

Pipe Information

Within the app, you can enter pipe information for measurement. The following values can be entered:

Pipe Type: Select the pipe material from a list. The transverse speed of sound in the pipe material is read from a database within the UFM.
Pipe Outer Diameter: Enter the value for the pipe outer diameter. Allowed values range from 15.0 to 500.0 mm, with a default of 60.6 mm.

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing the Sonic Driver POCKET MOBILE-UFM TM clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter, Figure (1).

The ultrasonic flowmeter (UFM) simply connects to your Android mobile smartphone or tablet device running the Sonic Driver App and turns it into an accurate and reliable clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter
The UFM makes flow velocity measurements using advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and transit time measurement techniques.
Using information about the installation, entered by the user, using the App and it’s intuitive and easy to use menu-driven User Interface (UI) the UFM can display
Flow velocity (m/s, ft/s)
Volumetric flow rate (l/min, m3/hr, GPM, GPH, ft3/min)
Mass flow rate (kg/min)
Totaliser (l)
Values are averaged and have flow profile compensation applied.

General Precautions

The content of this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate.
Sonic Driver Ltd assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this manual.
In no event will Sonic Driver be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if we are advised of the possibility of such damages?
Sonic Driver Ltd reserves the right to make improvements to its manuals, instructions, and products at any time, without notice or obligation. The latest revisions may be found on the company website, www.sonic-driver.com
The UFM is a precision measuring instrument and should be handled and operated with care;
Before operating the UFM for the first time read the installation manual and operating instructions fully.
Only use the UFM in the way and for the purpose that it is intended.
Do not subject the UFM to bumps and shocks such as those caused by dropping the UFM.
Keep the UFM and its transducers and probes clean.
Only use the UFM within its ambient temperature and stated level of Ingress Protection.
Avoid excessive stress and bending of transducer cables.
Always connect the UFM to the mobile device with the device screen unlocked, section 4.0.
Always use the Exit screen to correctly exit the App, section 12.0, figure(13). Failure to do so will result in multiple instances of the App running, which will each attempt to gain control and use of the mobile device’s single communication port. Reliable communication between the mobile device and UFM will fail.
Unreliable communication between the mobile device and UFM will cause the communication globe to flash orange, section 5.1.10. In addition, Device Information, section 5.1.1, USB Device, section 5.1.2 and Test Pattern, section 5.1.3 will become erratic.
It is advised to turn Do Not Disturb on to avoid background tasks interrupting the totalizer.

App installation

On your Android phone or tablet open Google Play Store, or visit Google Play Store on a web browser, figure(2).
Search or browse for the content “sonic driver flowmeter”, figure(3).
Scroll through the list and tap the “Sonic Driver MOBILE-UFM” item, the top item in figure(3).
Tap Install or the items price, figure(4).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction and get the content.

Hardware Connection

Before connecting the UFM to your phone or tablet ensure that the device is turned on and its screen lock is off.
Connect the UFM to your phone or tablet.
The device will automatically identify the UFM and request that you allow permissions. You may tick the Always Allow box.
The mobile App will now automatically run and attempt to connect to the UFM.

The User Interface

The App display consists of a standard top bar with the company logo, name, communications globe, and Settings (3 vertical dots icon) top right
Below the top bar is a bar with 3 tabs; CONNECT, INSTALL, and MEASURE, Figure (5).
Settings gives About and Exit options.

Connect Tab

This tab shows useful information about the connection between the mobile device and the UFM.

Device information

Device information consists of
Company Name
Model Name.
Serial Number uniquely assigned during manufacture.
Hardware and Software version numbers.

USB Device

The serial communication port on the phone or tablet to which the UFM has connected, for example,/dev/bus/USB/001/002.

Test Pattern

Upon successful connection, the test pattern 1234.0 should appear.
The following settings are designed for the MOBILE-UFM. They should not be changed. The ability to change the settings is intended for future product enhancements.

Baud Rate

The default is 115200.

Data Bits

The default is 8.

Parity

The default is Even.

Stop Bits

The default is 1.

Flow Control

The default is None.

Slave ID

The default is 1.

Connection Indicator

This communications indicator globe will flash green when communications are taking place correctly. If communication is interrupted, then it will flash orange.

Install Tab

This tab collects all of the information necessary to fully install the UFM on a pipe, see Figure (6).

Pipe Information

This menu allows the user to change pipe settings, figure(6).
By sliding the switch top right of the screen from “mm” to “in” the entry of values can be made in imperial units or translated into imperial units, see figure(7).
Other relevant values, such as sensor spacing and fluid temperature are also converted, see figure(8).

Pipe Type

The user can select the pipe material from a list;
Carbon Steel (Default)
Stainless
Copper
PVC
Cast Iron
Ductile Iron

HDPE

The transverse speed of sound in the pipe material is read from a database held in the UFM.

Pipe Outer Diameter

The user is prompted to enter a value for the pipe outer diameter. Allowed values are ranged 15.0 to 500.0 mm, default 60.6 mm.

Pipe Wall Thickness

The user is prompted to enter a value for the pipe wall thickness. Allowed values are ranged 0.5 to 100.0 mm, default 3.2 mm.

Pipe Inner Wall Roughness

The user is prompted to enter a value for the peak to trough height of the roughness on the inside surface of the pipe. Allowed values are ranged 0.001 to 2.00 mm, default 0.010 mm.
This value is used in flow profile correction calculations. It is unlikely the user will change this value.

Number of Passes

The user is prompted to enter the number of times the sound path crosses the pipe. Allowed values are 1 to 16 passes, the default is 4 passes.
Ideally, choose a number of passes that results in a total path length in the fluid of 100 mm or greater.
1 pass, most common on large diameter pipes, sensors are on opposite sides of the pipe.
2 passes, the most commonly used method, simplest to install as both sensors are on the same side of the pipe.
3 passes, used on small diameter pipes.
4 passes, used on the lowest diameter pipes.
5 to 15 and 16, etc.
It may be that on small diameter pipes then the recommended transducer spacing at 16 passes is not sufficient to allow the transducers to be coupled on the same side of the pipe, an even number of passes as they touch. In this case it is unavoidable to couple the transducers on opposite sides of the pipe using an odd number of passes, for example 15 passes.

Fluid Information

This tab allows the user to change fluid settings, figure(9).

Type

The user can select the fluid in the pipe from a list;
Water (Default)
Petrol
Diesel
Glycol/Water
The fluid longitudinal sound velocity, kinematic viscosity and density are read from a database held within the UFM.

Fluid Temperature

The user is prompted to enter the temperature of the fluid in the pipe. Allowed values are ranged -20 to +150 degC, default 18 degC.
Changing Fluid Temperature causes fluid longitudinal sound velocity, kinematic viscosity and density to be recalculated.

Transducer Information

This menu allows the user to change transducer settings, figure(10).

Type

The user is prompted to select the type of sensors mounted on the pipe from a list;
DN40
DM10 (Default)
DM20
DM sensors are Sonic Driver standard PEEK/stainless steel design. DN sensors are Sonic Driver small pipe design.

Flow Minimum Cut-Off

If the flow velocity falls below the low flow cutoff value, the measured flow velocity and calculated flow rate indication is driven to zero. This function can prevent the flow meter from reading flow after a pump is shut down but there is still circulating liquid creating movement in the pipe.
Generally, 0.025m/s is recommended as the low flow cutoff point. The low flow cutoff value has no relation to the measurement results once the velocity increases over the low flow cutoff value.
The user is prompted to enter a value in m/s below which the meter reports flow as zero. Allowed values are ranged 0.000 to 1.000 m/s, default 0.025 m/s.
Note. This absolute value is applied to both positive and negative flow as a +/- band either side of zero.

Flow Damping

The user is prompted to enter a display damping or averaging time.
Allowed values are ranged 1 to 255 seconds, the default is 10 seconds.
The damping time can be adjusted to stabilise the flow value being displayed. Essentially, it is a type of signal filter applying an RC time constant.
Increasing the damping increases the stability. However, the measurement displayed can be slightly delayed due to over damping. Too much damping may also result in no response to real time fluctuations, especially when flow rate fluctuates wildly.
Therefore, damping should be kept at a minimum and increased just enough to reduce the fluctuation to an acceptable degree.

Transducer Spacing

After entering the required parameters above, the spacing between the ends of the 2 transducers is calculated and displayed. Check the value displayed and space the transducers accordingly.
The Installation Manual that accompanies these Operating Instructions gives more details regarding mounting, coupling and spacing the transducers correctly.

Zero Tracking

When the measured delta time falls below a lower limit then the flow being measured is assumed by the UFM to be zero.
The user can turn a tracking algorithm On/Off so that such a small offset value is tracked/trended to zero.
By default zero tracking is always turned On.
At extremely low flows the meter can mistakenly identify a flow from for example a real leak as an erroneous offset. To avoid the leak being tracked off turn zero tracking Off.

Zero Calibration

If the Zero calibration function is enabled by ticking this box then a zero flow calibration will be made. It is vitally important to ensure that there is zero flow during this procedure.
When the process is complete the user is required to untick this option.
By default Set Zero calibration is turned Off.
NOTE. PIPE MUST BE FULL AND FLOW MUST BE ZERO.

Measure Tab

The Measurement tab shows a signal display graph, measurement values and diagnostics, figures(9,10,11)
The UFM calculates and displays the following measurements and diagnostics once per second. 5.3.1 Signal Display
The signal display graph is a useful diagnostic to confirm correct transducer installation, figure(11).

Measurements

The UFM flow measurement values are shown below the signal display graph.
Flow Velocity – displayed in m/s, ft/s
Flow Rate Volumetric – displayed l/min, m3/hr, GPM, GPH, ft3/min
Flow Rate Mass – displayed in kg/min
Flow Rate Heat – future product enhancement
Values are averaged and have flow profile compensation applied.

Diagnostics

Scrolling down the screen will show diagnostic values, figure(12,13).

Signal Amplitude

Signal strength indicates the detected strength of the sonic signal in decibels (dB). Signal strength is indicated by numbers from typically -25 to +55.0.
Normally, the stronger the signal strength detected the better and more reliable the flow measurement is, as well as the more stable the measurement value obtained.
Adjust the transducer positioning to the best position, within limits and check to ensure that enough sonic coupling compound is applied during installation in order to obtain the maximum signal strength.
The UFM normally requires signal strength over 0.0dB to measure reliably. If the signal strength detected is too low (is zero or negative), the transducer installation position and the transducer mounting spacing should be adjusted and the pipe should be re-inspected. If necessary, change the mounting method.

Signal Noise

Noise indicates the level of extraneous sonic and electrical noise being detected in dB. Noise is indicated by numbers from typically -25.0 to +55.0.
The UFM normally requires noise strength below +10.0dB to measure reliably.

SNR

SNR indicates the quality of the sonic signal detected. SNR is indicated by numbers from typically 1.0 to 99.0, in dB.
1.0 represents the minimum SNR whilst 99.0 represents the maximum.
Normally, the transducer position should be adjusted and coupling compound application should be checked until the SNR detected is as large as possible.
The UFM normally requires SNR over 12.0dB to measure reliably.

Amplifier Gain

Gain indicates the amount of electronic gain being used by the UFM receiver amplifier. Gain is indicated by numbers from typically 0.0 to 81.0, in dB.
0.0 represents the minimum gain whilst 81.0 represents the maximum.
Old pipes, attenuating pipes, corrosion, attenuating fluids, etc. can require the UFM to automatically turn up its gain.
The UFM normally operates with a gain typically around 30.0 to 60.0dB.

Delta Time Difference

Delta Time is the difference in time between the two absolute transit times through the fluid. Delta Time is of the order of tens of nanoseconds because the absolute upstream and downstream times are so close together in value.
These values can help indicate the accuracy and condition of the installation. The measurement calculations in the UFM are based upon these two values.
Therefore, when transit time difference fluctuates widely, the flow and velocities fluctuate accordingly. This is usually accompanied by a signal strength and/or signal to noise ratio (SNR) that is too low and varying. This may be the result of poor pipe installation conditions, inadequate transducer installation, or incorrect parameter input. Generally, fluctuations should be less than ± 20%.

Upstream Transit Time

The absolute upstream transit time through the fluid in the pipe and the absolute downstream transit time through the fluid in the pipe are usually of the order of hundreds of microseconds. They are very nearly identical. For this reason, transit time is simply displaying the absolute upstream transit time through the fluid in the pipe.

Delta Time Offset

dT Offset is the offset value currently being used by the zero tracking function. This is usually in the range ± 2.5ns.

ATA/ETA

This is a measure of the ratio of the measured transit time to that which is expected given the parameters entered by the user during installation. It indicates if the transducer mounting and spacing are accurate. The normal transit time ratio should be 100 ± 3% if the installation is correct.
It is acceptable to have to move one of the transducers up to ± 5mm to achieve a figure of 100%. If more movement is necessary, then one of the pipe parameters is probably incorrect. This is most likely to be the value entered for pipe wall thickness as this is often taken from tables or is an estimated value.

Totaliser

At the bottom of the Measure Tab, it is possible to; START, STOP, and RESET a totalizer in units of liters, see Figure (14).
Since mobile devices are complex devices with many possible functions running in the background it is advisable to turn the smart device’s “Do Not Disturb” function on to avoid background tasks interrupting the totalizer.
If such an event should occur then a red circle with an exclamation mark will appear next to the totalized value to warn the user.

About

The About screen shows useful information about the App and a link to the Sonic Driver website, Figure (15).

Exit

Use this screen to correctly exit the App, figure(16). Failure to do so will result in multiple instances of the App running, which will each attempt to gain control and use of the mobile device’s single communication port.
Sonic Driver
www.sonic-driver.com

Documents / Resources

| Sonic Driver Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter [pdf] Instruction Manual
Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter, Pocket Mobile, Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter, Clamp On Flowmeter, Flowmeter
---|---
| Sonic Driver POCKET MOBILE-UFM Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter [pdf] Instruction Manual
POCKET MOBILE-UFM Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter, POCKET MOBILE-UFM, Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter, Clamp-on Flowmeter, Flowmeter
| Sonic Driver POCKET MOBILE-UFM Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter [pdf] Instruction Manual
POCKET MOBILE-UFM Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter, Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeter, Clamp-on Flowmeter, Flowmeter
| Sonic Driver Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter [pdf] Instruction Manual
Pocket Mobile Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter, Pocket Mobile, Ufm Ultrasonic Clamp On Flowmeter, Clamp On Flowmeter, Flowmeter