Sonic Driver Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter Instruction Manual

Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter
Instruction Manual

13th March 2023
Copyright Sonic Driver Ltd 2023

Introduction

Congratulations on choosing the Sonic Driver™ Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter(UFT), pipe, wall or panel mounted clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter, figure(1).

The UFT uses advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and transit time measurement techniques (Sonic Driver™ ) to make accurate and reliable clamp-on ultrasonic flow velocity measurements on liquids flowing in closed pipes.
Using information about the installation, entered by the user, using the meter’s PC based configuration program (Windows) the UFT can calculate;

• Flow velocity (m/s)
• Volumetric flow rate (l/min)
• Mass flow rate (kg/min)
• Flow positive total (l)
• Flow negative total (l)
• Flow net total (l)

All of the above flow measurements and a complete set of diagnostics are available over Modbus  RTU RS485.
For installation a PC is connected to the UFT via a bidirectional USB/RS485 converter. All installation parameters are available for editing over Modbus RTU.
Once installed the PC and converter can be disconnected and the UFT connected to a Modbus RTU RS485 network and back to a control room, Cloud based monitoring applications or 3rd party datalogger where a Modbus Master polls the UFT Slave.
1.1 Transit Time Measurement
The principle of flow measurement using ultrasonic clamp-on transit time measurement is simple, see figure(2).

Two ultrasonic transducers are coupled or clamped to the outside of the pipe at a predetermined  distance apart.
Ultrasonic pulses travel between the transducers through the pipe wall and the fluid within the pipe.
If the fluid is flowing then it takes slightly longer for the ultrasound to travel against the flow (upstream time T_up) than with the flow (downstream time T_down), see figure(2).
In a typical installation the individual times measured upstream and downstream are just a few hundred microseconds, the difference between them is typically measured in tens of nanoseconds.
This very small time difference (T_up – T_down) is measured by the UFT and is directly  proportional to the flow velocity (V) of the fluid.
Knowing the pipe internal cross-sectional area the UFT can calculate volumetric flow rate in many common engineering units. A further knowledge of the density of the fluid allows the UFT to calculate mass flow rate.
Finally, a knowledge of inlet and outlet fluid temperature and Enthalpy of the fluid allows the UFT to calculate heat flow rate.
1.2 Packing List
Within the UFT packaging you should find;

Table(1) Packing List.
If any item on the packing list is missing or has been damaged in transit contact Service, see Appendix A.
1.3 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 web site, see appendix A.
The UFT is a precision measuring instrument and should be handled and operated with care;

• Before operating the UFT for the first time read the installation manual and operating instruction fully.
• Further detail on connecting and using the UFT on a Modus RTU network are available in Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter Modbus RTU Slave Meter, Operating Instructions, including a full register map.
• Only use the UFT in the way and for the purpose that it is intended.
• Do not subject the UFT to bumps and shocks such as caused by dropping the UFT.
• Keep the UFT and its transducers and probes clean.
• Only use the UFT within its ambient temperature and stated level of Ingress Protection.
• Avoid excessive stress and bending of transducer cables and connectors.

1.4 Cleaning
Wipe the UFT and sensors with tissue or soft cloth after use, remove excess coupling gel.
1.5 Mounting the Flow Transducers
Mount the flow transducers on the pipe using cable ties (small pipes), metal banding (large pipes) or chain clamps, see figure(3). Ensure that the arrow on the labels (arrowhead and flights) on the flow transducers is pointing in the direction of flow.
Measure the spacing of the transducers using the tape measure provided, note that spacing ismeasured between the front faces of the transducers. Ensure the transducers are facing each other and aligned axially along the pipe. Use coupling gel between the transducers and the pipe to give good ultrasonic contact. In figure(4) and figure(5) the transducers are misaligned and twisted, as a result the UFT will make poor flow measurements.

Installing and Using the Configuration Program

2.1 Installation
Create a folder on the PC drive, typically named C:\UFT
Download or copy the installation program from the supplied media to the folder.
If supplied in zip format then unzip the file into the folder.
Locate and run the setup.exe program.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
2.2 Using the Configuration Program
When the Configuration program is run the following dashboard is displayed, Figure(6). When run the dashboard is blank, as shown. It is necessary to connect to the UFT.
Click the Find Com button, see figure(7).

A list of available com ports will be shown. Highlight the com port associated with the USB/RS485 converter in use by clicking on the list, it will highlight in blue. To identify the com port use Windows Device Manager.
The baud rate will automatically change to 115200. Change this option to 19200.
As shipped the Modbus address of the UFT is set to 1. At this time do not change this value.
Press the Select Com button to use the highlighted com port.
Now press the Connect button, the configuration program will connect to the UFT and show a set of default factory parameters, see figure(8).

Most importantly the Company, Model, serial number and hardware and software version of the  UFT will be read and displayed.
Now press the Read Meter Setup button, the configuration program will read the actual setup of the UFT, which will be different to the factory defaults if the UFT has previously been programmed with different values, see figure(9)

The configuration program reads and displays the ultrasonic signal being measured. The first arrival of the signal should appear in the blue square, the green line indicates where the UFT has determined the first arrival to be. If the UFT is not confident then this line will be red.
Flow measurement and diagnostics are shown in the relevant text boxes on the dashboard.
Given the parameter values entered the UFT displays the required spacing for the transducers clamped on the pipe in the diagnostics listing.
The progress bar under the scope display updates as data and parameters are downloaded.
2.3 Configuring the UFT
The UFT requires correct entry of the Quick Start parameters shown on the left-hand side of the dashboard, see figure(10).

Parameters and settings in the UFT can be edited by;

• Selecting an item using a scrolling list
• Ticking a Tick Box
• Direct numerical entry

It is important to note that after direct numerical entry of a parameter value it is important to press the named button next to the entry for it to be checked against limits, entered and saved.
If the value entered it not within limits, then the entry is rejected.
Once the installation configuration has been set press the Write Meter Settings button see figure(11), which sends the configuration to the UFT. To read a previously configured UFT configuration press the Read Meter Settings button.
To make flow measurements continue to press the Read Meter Settings button.
For more details on using the dashboard read the Operating Instructions manual that accompanies this Installation Manual.
2.4 Other Communication Software
For experienced users of Modbus RTU there are several communications programs available for download online.
The UFT has been tested using Modbus Poll (for Windows platform) and Modbus Monitor (for Android and Windows platforms).

Quick Start Sequence

Once powered on the UFT will be in Modbus Idle State awaiting communication.
From the Configuration program the user can use the Quick Start sequence down the left-hand side of the window which takes them through the minimum sequence of parameters needed to get the
UFT measuring reliably and accurately, see figure(13);

• Transducer Type
• Transducer Number of Passes
• Pipe Material
• Pipe Outer Diameter
• Pipe Wall Thickness
• Pipe Wall Roughness
• Pipe Material
• Fluid Type
• Fluid Temperature

Each parameter is described below in the relevant section.
3.1 Transducer Menu
This menu allows the user to change transducer settings.
3.1.1 Type
The user is prompted to select the type of sensors mounted on the pipe from a list;

• DN40
• DM10(Default)
• DM20
• DS10

DM sensors are Sonic Driver standard PEEK/stainless steel design. DN sensors are Sonic Driver small pipe design. DS sensors are for larger diameter pipes.
3.1.2 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.
Ideally choose a number of passes that results in a path length in the fluid of 100mm or greater.

• 1 pass, most common on large diameter pipes, typically 100mm or more in diameter. If the UFT suggests a negative spacing, then this is measured as in figure(12).
• 2 passes, the most commonly used method, this is the simplest to install as both sensors are on the same side of the pipe, see figure(13).
• 3 passes, used on small diameter pipes.
• 4 passes, used on the smallest diameter pipes, see figure(14).
• 5 to 15 and 16, etc.

It may be that on the smallest 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, using an even number of passes as they still 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 13 or 15 passes.
3.2 Pipe Menu
The following parameters allow the user to specify the pipe.
3.2.1 Material
The user can select the pipe material from a list;

• Carbon Steel (Default)
• Stainless Steel
• Copper
• PVC
• Cast Iron
• Ductile Iron
• HDPE

3.2.2 Outer Diameter
The user is prompted to enter a value for the pipe outer diameter. Allowed values are ranged 10.0 to 750.0mm, default 60.6mm.
3.2.3 Wall Thickness
The user is prompted to enter a value for the pipe wall thickness. Allowed values are ranged 0.5 to 100.0mm, default 3.2mm.
3.2.4 Pipe Wall Roughness
The user is prompted to enter a value for the peak/trough height of the roughness on the inside surface of the pipe. Allowed values are ranged 0.001 to 10.000mm, default 0.010mm.
This value is used in flow profile correction calculations. See Appendix B for a list of typical values.
3.4 Fluid Menu
This menu allows the user to change fluid settings.
3.4.1 Type
The user can select the fluid in the pipe from a list;

• Water (Default)
• Petrol
• Diesel
• Glycol/Water

Sound Velocity, Kinematic Viscosity and Density for the selected fluid are stored in an internal database withing the UFT. These values are automatically temperature compensated.
3.4.2 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 Sound Velocity, Fluid Kinematic Viscosity and Fluid Density to be recalculated.

Sensor Positioning

Using the entered parameters, the UFT calculates and gives the required transducer spacing on the  pipe under diagnostics.
The user is then presented with a sensor positioning screen and diagnostics showing,

• Graph of received ultrasonic signal
• Calculated sensor spacing
• Number of sound passes in the pipe
• Signal to Noise Ratio
• ATA/ETA

If the parameters entered are all correct, then the graph should appear as in figure(15).   However, if the user has an incomplete knowledge of the pipe, then the screen may look like figure(16) or figure(17).

In figure(16) the received signal is too far to the right, the user should slide the transducers closer  together.
In figure(17) the received signal is too far to the left, the user should slide the transducers further apart.
The most common cause of an incomplete or incorrect spacing is a lack of knowledge about the pipe wall thickness.
As long as the vertical green line acting as arrival marker is within the blue square, resulting in an ATE/ETA value between 97 and 103% then the UFT will measure accurately. It is acceptable to reposition the transducers to adjust their spacing by +/- 5 mm to  optimise the positioning screen, the arrival marker will move on the screen accordingly.
If the UFT is not confident then the vertical line will turn red.
SNR should peak and be above 24 dB.
4.1 Optimising Transducer Mounting Location
For the best results ensure that,

• Ideally the transducers are mounted on bare pipe material, for metal pipes this should be metal free from dust, rust and paint.
• Consider a location away from internal corrosion, sediment and streams of entrained air, do not mount the transducers top to bottom on the pipe, mount at 2 or 10 o’clock.
• Avoid mounting the transducers either on or opposite axial welds along the pipe.
• Ensure the transducers are aligned axially along the pipe.
• Mount the transducers away from bends, valves and other inserted instrumentation.
• Observe were practical the advised upstream and downstream straight sections, see below, figure(20).
• Ensure the pipe will always be full at the point of installation, ideally mount the transducers at a low point in the system.
• If mounting the transducers on a vertical pipe section ensure the flow direction is upwards in the section.
• Composite pipes can have de-laminations in their wall thickness, this type of pipe is notoriously bad when installing a UFT.
• Ensure the temperature at the transducer location is within the transducers rated range.
• Ideally the fluid should be free of particulates and bubbles, in the limit then an alternative method such as Doppler flow measurement may be required.
• Porous pipes, such as concrete can cause measurement problems.
• Using information from Standard Pipe Tables can be inaccurate, it is always best to measure the pipe outer diameter and wall thickness.
• No matter how accurate the meter is at making a velocity measurement, an inaccurate knowledge of the internal cross-sectional area of the pipe will lead to inaccuracy in the conversion to volumetric flow rate.

4.2 Upstream and Downstream Pipe Runs
Ideally the UFT transducers should be installed on as long a section of straight pipe as is possible, see figure(18).

Considering a pipe with an outer diameter of D then if possible, ensure at least 10D upstream distance between the transducers and a bend in the pipework.
In the case of an upstream Valve then if possible, ensure at least 20D upstream.
In the case of an upstream Pump then if possible ensure at least 30D upstream.
In all cases ideally ensure 5D downstream exists before a bend or obstruction in the pipework.
4.3 Transducer Mounting
Locate an optimum position on the pipe following the advice above.
Use Coupling gel. Apply adequate couplant and ensure no gap exists between the transducer and the pipe surfaces.
Banding or clamping is required to keep the transducers in place. It is recommended to use chain clamps or 10mm wide jubilee clips.
4.4 Transducer Spacing
Given that all information regarding the installation has been entered accurately and the advice  above has been followed then the UFT will measure reliably and accurately.
This is confirmed by,

• A strong received signal strength
• A high SNR value
• Value of ATA/ETA close to 100%

If is acceptable to make small adjustments to the transducer spacing to optimise the received signal strength and ATA//ETA.
However, if large adjustments are necessary then the importance of wall thickness should be considered. Wall thickness is typically the parameter about which the user has the least knowledge.
If all other avenues have been explored, including recoupling the transducers at several different locations on the pipework then adjusting the wall thickness parameter may help.

Error Codes

As soon as the UFT is switched on a self-diagnostic program will start. This program fully tests both the UFT hardware and software.
If an error is detected an error code is generated prompting user action. If the error persists contact customer support, see appendix A.
Error codes and their meanings can be found in Appendix C.

Specification

The UFT specification, features and performance are listed below;

• Pipe outer diameters ranging from 10 to 750 mm.
• Temperature range for control unit -10 to +65 degC.
• Weight 300 g.
• Dimensions 120 x 60 x 30 mm.
• IP54 enclosure.
• 5 or 12Vdc PSU options at 10W.

Features

• Intuitive installation and commissioning using configuration program running on a PC.
• Full set of measured values and instrument and measurement diagnostics available over Modbus RTU RS485.
• Signal oscilloscope for sensor positioning and diagnostics.
• Internal database of pipe and fluid materials.
• Fluid database of sound speed, density and viscosity compensated for fluid temperature.
• Flow positive, negative and net totalisers.

Performance

• Measurement principle ultrasonic transit time difference.
• Flow velocity range 0.01 to 25 m/s.
• Resolution 0.25 mm/s.
• Repeatability 0.15% of measured value.
• Accuracy +/- 1 to 3% of measured value depending on application, +/- 0.5% of measured value with process calibration against reference meter.
• Turn down ratio 1/100.
• Measurement rate 1Hz as standard.
• Gas/solids <10% of volume.

Quantity and units of measurement

• Flow velocity (m/s)
• Volumetric flow rate (l/min)
• Mass flow rate (kg/min)
• Flow positive total (l)
• Flow negative total (l)
• Flow net total (l)

Transducers

• DM10 sensor cover the range of pipe outer diameter 10 to 750mm.
• Material stainless steel and PEEK.
• Temperature range, -10 to +80 degC standard.
• Ingress Protection rated IP66, with IP68 option.
• Cable length 1.5m as standard.
• Matched pairs for accurate zero flow measurement.

Product Identification

Each UFT and pair of flow transducers come with a unique Identification code. This is printed in the lid to the screw terminal area.
In the case of the UFT this is also written into the software and can be read using the Configuration  program.
In the event of a need to contact Sonic Driver please have these codes available to quote.

Service

The UFT is a sophisticated measuring instrument and contains no user serviceable parts.
For all operational problems please contact our service department by telephone or email, see Appendix A.
Sonic Driver do offer a software upgrade service. Please contact the factory for information about the latest software.

Limited Warranty and Disclaimer

Sonic Driver Ltd warrants to the end purchaser, for a period of one year from the date of shipment from our factory, that all new products manufactured by it are free from defects in materials and workmanship.
This warranty does not cover products that have been damaged due to normal use, misapplication, abuse, lack of maintenance, or improper installation.
Sonic Driver obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, if the product is inspected by Sonic Driver Ltd and found to be defective. Repair or replacement is at the discretion of Sonic Driver Ltd.
If the product is outside of the warranty period a purchase order must be received from the end purchaser before repair work will start.
The product must be thoroughly cleaned and any contamination removed before it will be accepted for return.
The purchaser must determine the applicability of the product for its desired use and assumes all risks in connection therewith. Sonic Driver Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any omissions or errors in connection with the use of its products.
Sonic Driver Ltd will under no circumstances be liable for any incidental, consequential, contingent or special damages or loss to any person or property arising out of the failure of any product, component or accessory.
All expressed or implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability and the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or application are expressly disclaimed and shall not apply to any products sold or services rendered by Sonic Driver Ltd.
The above warranty supersedes and is in lieu of all other warranties, either expressed or implied and all other obligations or liabilities.
No agent or representative of Sonic Driver Ltd has any authority to alter the terms of this warranty in any way.

Appendix A Contact Details

Telephone: +44(0)7971 273000
Postal Address: Sonic Driver Ltd, Lochiel, Llaneilian Road, Amlwch, Gwynedd, LL68 9HU, UK.
Email: service@sonic-driver.com
Website: www.sonic-driver.com

Appendix B Table of typical pipe roughness values

When a fluid flows through a pipe then the pipes own internal roughness is important when considering friction losses.
Pipe manufacturers often quote a pipe roughness value for their products.
Some typical figures are given below.

By default the Sonic Driver flowmeter uses a figure of 0.01mm as a good compromise for most common pipes.

Appendix C Error codes

Error codes are a 16 bit value, where each bit represents an error flag with value 0 when there is no error and 1 when an error condition is present;

• 0 Processor internal address error
• 1 Processor internal math error
• 2 Processor internal oscillator error
• 3 Processor internal stack error
• 4 Meter external FRAM memory error
• 5 SPI1 bus error
• 6 SPI2 bus error
• 7 TOFM communications error
• 8 UART error
• 9 Spare
• 10 Spare
• 11 Spare
• 12 Spare
• 13 Spare
• 14 Spare
• 15 Spare

Spare bits are always 0.
Sonic Driver

References

• driver.com | Venture
• Home - Clamp-on flow solutions ®

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