mironics PF D550 Portable Doppler Flow Meter User Guide

mironics PF D550 Portable Doppler Flow Meter User Guide

www.micronicsflowmeters.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: This instrument is manufactured and calibrated to meet product specifications.
Please read this manual carefully before installation and operation. Any unauthorized repairs or modifications may result in a suspension of the warranty.

If this product is not used as specified by the manufacturer, protection may be impaired.

Available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format

BATTERY

• A built-in rechargable NiMH battery supplies power for 18 hours continuous operation when fully charged.
• Display brightness is adjustable to conserve power.
• State of charge is shown for normal use, sleep mode and charging.
• When switched OFF with the AC power module connected the flashing battery indicates charging, solid battery shows fully charged.
• The PF D550 will switch off automatically when the battery is fully discharged.
• Full charge requires approximately 6 hours charging.
• Sleep mode extends battery life for long term data logging. Maximum log time is 18 days at 5 minute sample rate.

CONNECTIONS

TRANSDUCER:
Use type PSE4 supplied with 4 m (12 ft) cable. Optional 15 m (50 ft) extension cable available.

4-20mA
Active only when powered by AC charger, maximum load 500 ohm.

USB
Cable Part #USB-PD is supplied for connecting the PF D550 to a PC or laptop.

POWER
An AC powered 15 volt DC power module is supplied for battery charging and continuous use.

KEYPAD SYSTEM

CALIBRATION MENU

MESSAGE

PASSWORD

UNITS/MODE

CALIBRATION

DATA LOGGING

RETRIEVE LOG FILE
Install Micronics Logger on your PC or laptop. Refer to the Help menu in the program for detailed instructions.

• Connect the PF D550 to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
• Install the USB driver program from the install CD.
• Start the Micronics Logger Software.
• Select “xxxx scan for USB instruments xxxx” in the drop down window at the top of the main window. PF D550 will be indicated.
• Click the download icon to start transferring data.
• Downloaded data appears in a pop-up window.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

SLEEP MODE
Logging in sleep mode requires a minimum sample time of 30 seconds. Selecting sleep mode for 10 second sampling rate is indicated by a flashing display.

BACKLIGHT
Three levels of backlight are selectable to conserve power.

CHARGING
A flashing battery indicates charging.
A solid battery indicates fully charged.

SENSOR MOUNTING LOCATION

The position of the sensor is one of the most important considerations for accurate Doppler flow measurement. The same location guidelines apply to Doppler as most other types of flow meters. Before permanently mounting a Doppler sensor onsite testing is recommended to determine optimum mounting position. Use the sensor coupling compound (supplied with each Micronics flow meter, or petroleum gel, acoustic compound or electrocardiograph gel). Take several readings around the axis of the pipe and then at several points upstream and downstream from the selected position, checking for consistent readings. Avoid high or low reading areas. Mount the sensor where consistent (average) readings were obtained or continue testing on another pipe section.

VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL PIPE – Vertical pipe runs generally provide evenly distributed flow. On Horizontal pipes and liquids with high concentrations of gas or solids, the sensor should be mounted on the side (3 or 9 o’clock position) to avoid concentrations of gas at the top of the pipe, or solids at the bottom. For liquids with minimal gas bubbles (e.g. potable water) the sensor should be mounted on the top of a horizontal pipe (12 o’clock position) to obtain the best signal strength.

VELOCITY INCREASING DEVICES: Generally the sensor must be mounted away from flow disturbances such as valves, pumps, orifice plates, venturis or pipe inlets and discharges which tend to increase flow velocity. Velocity increasing devices often cause cavitation, or rapid release of gas bubbles, and readings both up and downstream may show much higher velocity. As a guideline, mount the sensor at least 20 diameters upstream or 30 diameters downstream from velocity increasing devices. Required distance from a velocity increasing device will vary in applications depending on the flow velocity and the characteristics of the liquid itself.

TURBULENCE INCREASING DEVICES: Elbows, flanged connections and tees tend to introduce desirable conditions of an evenly distributed flow profile with some air or gases entrained in the flow. Sensor mounting 6 pipe diameters upstream and 10 diameters downstream from these disturbances is generally optimum.

The sensor is designed to mount longitudinally on a straight section of pipe. Do not attempt to mount it on bends, elbows or fittings.

SENSOR MOUNTING

Prepare an area 50mm x 100mm long (2″ wide by 4″) for sensor bonding by removing loose paint, scale and rust. The objective of site preparation is to eliminate any discontinuity between the sensor and the pipe wall, which would prevent acoustical coupling.

A PC4 Sensor Mounting Kit is supplied with each Micronics flow meter. It includes recommended coupling compound in a plastic applicator and a stainless steel mounting bracket with adjustable pipe straps.

SENSOR COUPLING
For permanent or temporary bonding, the following are recommended:
a) Dow Corning silicon compound #4 (supplied) Additional supply: order Micronics Option CC
b) High Temperature compound (supplied with Sensor Option SE3H) Additional supply: order Micronics Option AP-1W
c) Water-based sonic compound: Order Micronics Option CC30
d) Electrocardiograph gel
e) Petroleum gel (Vaseline)

The above are arranged in their order of preferred application.
d & e are only good for temporary bonding at room temperature.
DO NOT USE: Silicon RTV caulking compound (silicon rubber).

Use the PC4 pipe clamp (supplied) as illustrated above or use a loop of electrical tape for temporary mounting. Apply silicon coupling compound #4 to the coloured face of the sensor. A bead, similar to toothpaste on a toothbrush, is ideal. Do not overtighten (crush the sensor).

The sensor must be fixed securely to the pipe with coupling material between the sensor face and the pipe. Sensor installation with excessive coupling compound can result in gaps or voids in the coupling and cause errors or loss of signal. Insufficient coupling compound will create similar conditions.

Over time temporary coupling compounds (e.g. Petroleum Gel) may gradually sag away from the sensor resulting in reduced signal strength and finally complete loss of signal. Warm temperatures, moisture and vibration will accelerate this process. Dow Corning Silicone Compound #4 as supplied with the PF D550 (and available from Micronics Limited) is recommended for semi-permanent installations.

SENSOR MOUNTING/COUPLING RECOMMENDATIONS

FIELD TROUBLESHOOTING

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The pipe vibrates. Will it affect the flow meter?
Common vibration frequencies are far lower than the sonic frequencies used by the Micronics flow meter, and will not normally affect accuracy or performance. However, applications where very weak Doppler signal is present (when sensitivity is adjusted to maximum and signal strength is low), accuracy may be affected by pipe vibration, or the flow meter may show readings under no-flow conditions. Attempt to relocate the sensor on a pipe section where vibration is reduced, or arrange pipe mounting brackets to reduce vibration at the sensor mounting location.

The flow meter must be installed in a high noise environment. Will this affect operation?
Micronics flow meters are designed to discriminate between environmental noise and the Doppler signal. High noise environments may affect the flow meter’s performance where low signal strength and/or low flow velocities are being measured. Relocate the sensor in a more quiet environment if possible.

Will pipe corrosion affect accuracy of the flow meter?
Yes. Rust, loose paint etc. must be removed from the outside of the pipe to provide a clean mounting position when installing a Doppler sensor. Severe corrosion/oxidation on the inside of the pipe may prevent the Doppler signal from penetrating into the flow. If the pipe cannot be cleaned, a spool piece (PVC recommended) should be installed for sensor mounting.

What effect do pipe liners have on the flow meter?
The air gap between loose insertion liners and the pipe wall prevent the Doppler signal from entering the flow. Better results can be expected with bonded liners such as cement, epoxy or tar, however an on site test is recommended to determine if the application is suitable for a Doppler flow meter.

Why is Doppler only recommended for liquids containing suspended solids or gases?
The Doppler sensor transmits sound into the flow stream which must be reflected back to the sensor to indicate flow velocity. Gas bubbles or suspended solids act as reflectors for the Doppler signal. As a guideline, Micronics Doppler flow meters are recommended for liquids containing solids or bubbles with a minimum size of 100 microns and a minimum concentration of 75 ppm. Most applications (except potable, distilled or deionized water) will meet this minimum requirement.

Can the sensor be submerged in water?
Yes, for short periods of time or by accident, but it is not recommended for continuous operation. The sensor is constructed to withstand submersion to 10 psi without damage, but external liquid moving in contact with the sensor can be interpreted as flow and cause false readings.

What is the purpose of the Signal Strength Display?
Doppler signals of very low strength are not accepted or processed by the instrument. This feature assists in rejection of environmental noise and vibration. Use the display to evaluate signal strength in your application. Strong signals will increase in percentage to a maximum of 100% or greater.

Does the PF D550 require periodic recalibration?
No. PF D550 calibration does not drift over time. The solid state sensor has no moving parts to wear and affect calibration. The Doppler flow technique generates an ultrasonic signal proportional to the velocity of flow. All Micronics timing/counting circuits use crystal-controlled frequency references to eliminate any drift in the processing circuitry.

APPLICATIONS HOTLINE

For applications assistance, advice or information on any Micronics Instrument contact your Sales Representative, write to Micronics or phone the Applications Hotline below:

Micronics Limited.
Knaves Beech Business Centre,
Davies Way, Loudwater,
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire,
United Kingdom, HP10 9QR

Tel: +44 (0)1628 810456
sales@micronicsltd.co.uk

Fax: +44 (0)1628 531540
www.micronicsflowmeters.com

PRODUCT RETURN PROCEDURE

Instruments may be returned to Micronics for service or warranty repair.

1 Obtain an RMA Number from Micronics –
Before shipping a product to the factory please contact Micronics by telephone, fax or email to obtain an RMA number (Returned Merchandise Authorization). This ensures fast service and correct billing or credit.

When you contact Micronics please have the following information available:

1. Model number / Software Version
2. Serial number
3. Date of Purchase
4. Reason for return (description of fault or modification required)
5. Your name, company name, address and phone number

2 Clean the Sensor/Product –
Important: unclean products will not be serviced and will be returned to the sender at their expense.

1. Rinse sensor and cable to remove debris.
2. If the sensor has been exposed to sewage, immerse both sensor and cable in a solution of 1 part household bleach (Javex, Clorox etc.) to 20 parts water for 5 minutes. Important: do not immerse plug end of sensor cable.
3. Dry with paper towels and pack sensor and cable in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Wipe the outside of the enclosure to remove dirt or deposits.
5. Return to Micronics for service.

3 Ship to Micronics –
After obtaining an RMA number please ship the product to the appropriate address below:
Micronics Limited.
Knaves Beech Business Centre,
Davies Way, Loudwater,
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire,
United Kingdom, HP10 9QR

FLOW METER DATA SHEET

LIMITEDWARRANTY

Micronics Limited warrants, to the original purchaser, its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of invoice. Micronics will replace or repair, free of charge, any Micronics product if it has been proven to be defective within the warranty period. This warranty does not cover any expenses incurred in the removal and re- installation of the product.

If a product manufactured by Micronics should prove defective within the first year, return it freight prepaid to Micronics Limited along with a copy of your invoice.

This warranty does not cover damages due to improper installation or handling, acts of nature, or unauthorized service. Modifications to or tampering with any part shall void this warranty. This warranty does not cover any equipment used in connection with the product or consequential damages due to a defect in the product.

All implied warranties are limited to the duration of this warranty.
This is the complete warranty by Micronics and no other warranty is valid against Micronics. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Micronics Limited.

SPECIFICATIONS

PSE4 Doppler Sensor

Options
Sensor Cable: 15 m (50 ft) sensor cable extension, shielded, with connectors
Sensor Mounting: Extra silicone coupling compound. Additional stainless steel pipe clamps
Carrying Case: Watertight carrying case with foam inserts

APPENDIX A – CONVERSION TABLE

Note: BARRELS are U.S. oil barrels.

PIPE CHARTS

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References

• Test Equipment Rentals, Sales, Calibration | ATEC
• Flow Meters | Ultrasonic Flow Meters | Clamp-on & Fixed Meters

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