Portaflow 330
Technical Datasheet
Description
Utilising advanced DSP technology, the
Portaflow 330 (PF330) is the latest portable
flow measurement and recording system to be
added to the Micronics range of equipment.
The PF330 can display instantaneous fluid flow
rates or velocity, together with totalised values. It
also incorporates a data logger that can record
up to 98k events which can be output directly to
a PC or printer or stored in the instrument’s
memory for downloading at a later time.
A variable current or pulse output, proportional
to the detected flow rate, is also produced by the
PF330 to enable it to interface with a range of
external control devices such as those found in
building management or site monitoring
systems.
The PF330 is very much designed with ‘ease of use’ in mind. An interactive QuickStart menu, which simplifies system installation at
any suitable location, together with minimal set-up requirements, means that the system can be installed and brought into service
very quickly. Furthermore, the application parameters for a particular site can be saved to non-volatile memory and instantly
recalled if a site is revisited for monitoring at a later time – further reducing the set-up time.
The flow sensors, or transducers, connected to the PF330 instrument are attached to the outside of the pipe being monitored and
provide totally non-invasive flow measurement without disturbing the existing plant equipment or process operation.
Application benefits: Standard features:
• Non-invasive installation – the process operation being
monitored is in no way interrupted or otherwise
affected by the use of this equipment
• Simple installation – there is no overhead for additional
fittings, plant modification, or retro-fit expenditure
• Zero fluid contact – no contamination risks of the
process fluid and possible exposure of the monitoring
equipment to corrosive or toxic liquids
Industries: Applications:
• Water
• Building services
• Energy management
• Power generation
• Petrochemical
• Oil/Gas
• Food/drink
• Pharmaceuticals
• Power plants
• Manufacturing
• HVAC & energy system
audits
• Pump verification
• Metering
• Process control
• Chemical addition
• Hydraulic systems
• Fire systems
• Leak detection
• Boiler testing
• Light-weight, hand-held instrument with large, easy to
read graphic display and switchable backlighting
• Flow range 0.1m/sec to 20m/sec bi-directional
• Two types of transducer sets supplied for use with
pipes ranging 13mm - 2000mm outside diameter
• 10 selectable operating languages
• Simple to follow dual function keypad
• Simple ‘Quick Start’ set up procedure
• Continuous flow monitoring, with ‘Totalised’ option
• Data logging with up to 98k stored data points
• Data logging can be controlled manually or set-up for
timed operation, allowing unattended operation
• Logged data can be viewed as text or graphically, with
the ability to scroll to any stored event
• RS232/USB outputs for downloading data logger
contents to PC. Live data logging also available at these
outputs
• Pulse output, 4-20mA, 0-20mA or 0-16mA output with
simple range calibration
• Rechargeable battery with up to 20hrs continuous
battery operation depending on load
• Mains/battery operation with battery management
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet 1
(Issue 2.1)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
U
U
U
U
D
D
D
D
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Reflex mode
Reflex mode (double bounce)
Reflex mode (triple bounce)
Diagonal mode
This is the mode most commonly used.
The two transducers (U & D) are attached
to the pipe in line with each other and the
signals passing between them are reflected
by the opposite pipe wall.
The Separation Distance is calculated by
the instrument in response to entered data
concerning the pipe and fluid characteristics.
In this mode the separation distance is
calculated to give a ‘double bounce. This is
most likely to occur if the pipe diameter is
so small that the calculated reflex mode
Separation Distance would be impractical
for the transducers in use.
This illustration goes one step further to show
a ‘triple bounce situation. This would normally
apply when working with very small pipes
relative to the transducer range in use.
This mode might be selected by the
instrument where relatively large pipes are
concerned. In this mode the transducers are
located on opposite sides of the pipe but the
Separation Distance is still critical in order
for the signals to be received correctly.
This mode might be used with the standard
‘A’ & ‘B’ transducer sets but for really large
pipe installation the optional transducer set ‘D’
might be recommended.
Upstream
transducer
Principles of Operation
When ultrasound is transmitted through a liquid the speed at
which the sound travels is accelerated slightly when
transmitted in the same direction as the liquid flow and
decelerated slightly when transmitted against it. The difference
in time taken by the sound to travel over the same distance but
in opposite directions is therefore proportional to the flow
velocity of the liquid and can be used to calculate the flow rate.
Transit time technique
This technique is known as ‘transit time’ measurement and is
the method used by the Portaflow 330 system to calculate the
liquid flow rate. Once the flow velocity is known it is a simple
matter for the PF330 to calculate the volumetric flow.
Operating modes
The Portaflow sensors can be set to operate in one of four
modes determined mainly by the pipe diameter and the
transducer set in use. The diagram below illustrates these
modes and shows the importance of applying the correct
separation distance between the transducers to obtain the
best possible signal.
In practice, the PF330 determines the operating mode and
calculates the appropriate transducer separation distance in
response to site application data entered by the user.
2 Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
(Issue 2.1)
PF330 System components
4-20mA/
Test block
RS232 Cable
USB Cable
Power supply
Pulse output
cable
Transducer cables (x2)
Chains (x2)
Guide rails (x2)
Transducers
(Sensors) (Ax2, Bx2)
Ultrasonic
Ruled separation bar
Portaflow 330 instrument
couplant
(Batt. Charger)
(194-0049 Red)
(194-0050 Blue)
(221-0120)
(292-0008)
(230-0008 Type A x2)
(230-0006 Type B x2)
(221-0122)
(230-0013)
(780-0004)
(780-0001)
(194-0001)
(194-0003)
(194-0002)
(230-0007)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Standard equipment Optional equipment
• Portaflow 330 instrument with backlit graphic display.
• Power supply - with UK, US, European adapters
110/240VAC
• Transducer cables (x2) 2 metres long
• Transducer set 'A' (Transducers x2)
• Transducer set 'B' (Transducers x2)
• Set of guide rails for use with ‘A’ or ‘B’ transducers
• Ruled separation bar (2-piece)
• 4-20mA/Pulse output cable
• USB cable and RS232-C cable
• 2 lengths of chain each at 3.3 metres long
• Test block
• Ultrasonic couplant and syringe applicator
• Manual (on CD)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet 3
(Issue 2.1)
• Transducer set 'D' – used for monitoring pipes of
1500mm to 5000mm diameter, over a temperature
range -20°C to +80°C. Kit is supplied in a separate
case and includes the sensors together with ratchet
straps and guide rails for attaching to the pipe
• Magnetic guide rail
• IP67 connectors in carrying case
The Portaflow 330 Standard equipment is supplied
in a rugged IP67 carrying case fitted with a foam
insert to give added protection for transportation.
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Application site specifications
When setting-up the PF330 using the QuickStart feature, specific data concerning the pipe construction and fluid conditions must
be entered into the instrument in order for it to determine the appropriate transducer selection and fitting details. Once these
parameters have been entered they can (optionally) be stored as a ‘named site’ in the Portaflow’s memory and recalled if the
equipment is used in the same site location in the future. This facility reduces the set-up time and is useful where the system is
used at several site locations on a regular basis. Details for up to 20 sites can be stored in this manner.
The parameters that are required to be entered in the QuickStart menu are shown in the tables below, which also illustrate the
range and limits of pipe and fluid conditions with which the system can be used.
Pipe material: Pipe lining materials:
Constructed of any sonic conducting medium such as – Permitted pipe linings include –
• Carbon Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Copper
• UPVC/PVDF
• Concrete
• Galvanised Steel
• Mild Steel
• Glass
• Brass
• Rubber
• Glass
• Concrete
Pipe wall thickness: Pipe lining thickness:
• Epoxy
• Steel
The pipe thickness must be in the range of 1mm - 75mm The pipe lining thickness can be up to 10mm
Pipe diameter: Fluid types & conditions:
The maximum permissible pipe outside diameter depends
on the type of ultrasonic transducer in use –
• Type ‘A’ transducer – usable with pipes in the range
13mm to 115mm
• Type ‘B’ transducer – usable with pipes in the range
50mm to 2000mm
• Type ‘D’ transducer – usable with pipes in the range
1500mm to 5000mm (optional equipment)
The Portaflow 330 will perform accurately with a wide range
of clean liquids or oils that have less than 3% by volume of
particulate content. Typical application include –
• river water
• potable water
• demineralised water
• glycol/water mixture
• hydraulic oil
• diesel oil
Pipe wall temperature:
The maximum permissible pipe temperature depends on the type of ultrasonic transducer in use –
• Type ‘A-ST’ (Standard) transducer
• Type ‘B-ST’ (Standard) transducer -20°C to +135°C
-20°C to +135°C
• Type ‘D’* transducer -20°C to +80°C
* Note that these transducers are not part of the standard Portaflow 330 kit but can be ordered as optional equipment.
If the application parameters at the intended site fall outside those shown above contact Micronics for advice.
Transducers
The PF330 system is supplied with two sets of standard transducers described as ‘A-ST’ and ‘B-ST’ (ST = ‘Standard’). These
transducers are designed for use with pipe diameters ranging from 13mm to 2000mm carrying a fluid with a temperature in the
range -20°C to +135°C, which covers the majority of PF330 site applications.
Optional transducers for use with extended pipe diameters up to 5000mm can be obtained from Micronics Ltd and are directly
compatible with the PF330 system instrument.
A summary of the available transducer specifications is shown in the table below.
4 Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
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Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Standard transducers: Optional transducers:
Temperature range -20°C to +135°C
• 'A-ST' (2MHz) – used with 13mm 115mm pipe o.d.
• 'B-ST' (1MHz) – used with 50mm 2000mm pipe o.d.
Temperature range -20°C to +80°C
• 'D' (0.5MHz)* – used with 1500 mm…5000 mm pipe o.d.
* Note these transducers are not part of the standard Portaflow 330 kit but can be supplied as optional equipment.
Transducer mounting
Type ‘A’ & ‘B’ transducers are fitted to adjustable guide rails
which are secured to the pipe using wrap-around chains and
mechanically connected together by a steel separation bar. The
separation bar also acts as a ruler to allow the distance between
the transducers to be set to the value calculated by the
Portaflow instrument.
A thumb-wheel is used to adjust the chain tension until the
assembly is held firmly in place. The transducers are then
inserted into the guide rails and secured in place by a knurled
screw. This illustration shows a completed assembly with a
transducer fitted to the left-hand guide rail only.
The transducers are connected to the PF330 instrument by
means of a 2m mini-coaxial cable.
Data logger
The Portaflow 330 can record and store up to 98,000 (98k)
logged events which can be displayed on the instrument either
graphically or as text. Logged data comprises date & timed
stamped flow values together with the unit of measurement and
can be downloaded to a PC using the inbuilt RS232 or USB
interface. The interval between logged events can be set between
5 secs and 1 hour.
All data is saved to non-volatile memory and is retained even if the
battery totally discharges.
When viewing the data in either mode any stored event can be
accessed and displayed using the instrument’s scroll keys – see
the attached illustration.
If logging is taking place at a ‘named site’ the log is saved with same ‘name’ as the site name and can be recalled under that name
as and when required. This allows the instrument to be used at several site locations and the results can be downloaded
independently at a later, convenient time.
When used in this way the total 98k event memory is shared between the ‘named’ sites as needed and if the memory becomes full
the instrument can be configured to either stop logging altogether or continue logging by overwriting the earlier stored data on a
first-in first-out basis for the site in use.
Logging can be controlled manually using Start/Stop menu options or set to operate automatically on a timer. The timer option is
useful if logging is required during unattended operation.
A summary of the data logger specification is shown on the following page.
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet 5
(Issue 2.1)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Data logger specification:
Logged data – Time-stamped flow rate. Units may be changed at time of download by selecting the
corresponding unit on the keypad (e.g l, gals, USgals, m³).
Number of data points – 98,000 (98k) logged events distributed across up to 20 sites.
All free memory is allocated by demand.
Programmable logging interval – 5s to 1hr. The screen updates to show the end time of memory remaining as sample units
are selected.
Manual/Auto control – Logging can be started and stopped manually or set for automatic (timer) operation.
Memory overflow – User selectable to either overwrite old data or stop logging.
Download log – Logged data can be downloaded to PC using RS232/USB interface (see below). Data can be
downloaded directly to facilitate ‘live’ logging, or recalled from memory to download at any
time.
Portagraph II – Portagraph II logging software is supplied.
RS232/USB Output
The Portaflow 330 has a single RS232/USB output facility that can be used to download logged data to a PC or printer. Two, 2
metre interface cables are supplied with the equipment. The RS232 cable is terminated with a standard 9-pin D-type connector
suitable for connecting to the serial port of a PC/printer. The USB cable is terminated with a standard USB connector. In each
case these cables connect to an 8 pin LEMO connector on the top of the PF330 instrument.
USB interface: RS232 printer/terminal interface:
Protocol – The USB output supports full speed
(12Mbits/sec) data connection
Software – USB driver software can be downloaded
from the internet
Protocol – The PF330 has inbuilt Serial RS-232
communications facilities including
handshaking
Pin
Configuration –
LEMO
1
2
3
4
5
D-TYPE
6 DSR (red)
4 DTR (black)
5 Gnd. (screen)
2 TXD (green)
3 RXD (white)
Control Outputs
The PF330 provides analogue and pulse outputs that are
designed to be used in conjunction with external control and
site monitoring applications such as those typically found in
building management systems. These outputs can be
calibrated to suit a required flow operating range and a highflow alarm level.
Both outputs are connected to a single (green), 7-pin LEMO
socket located on the top of the PF330 instrument. A single
2 metre cable is provided that can be adapted for use for
either of these output functions. The ‘tails’ on the free end of
the cable must be terminated to suit the intended application
Cable termination
Red –
Black –
White –
Green –
Brown –
Blue –
Thick Black –
4-20mA positive
4-20mA negative
Pulse output (+)
Pulse return (-)
Set Point (not in present use)
Set Point return (not in present use)
Cable screen
6 Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
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Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Analogue output: Pulse output:
Range – 4–20mA
0–20mA
0–16mA
Resolution – 0.1% of full scale Pulse repetition – Up to 500 pulses/sec (depending on
Alarm current – Adjustable between 0–26mA
Isolation – 1500V Opto-isolated
Maximum load – 620 Ohms
Output type – One open collector opto-isolated digital
output
pulse width)
Pulse width – 500ms for 1pulse/s
5ms for 100 pulses/s
Max current – 150mA
Technical data
General specification:
DSP measurement technique – The PF330 uses ‘transit time’ measurement with a sampling resolution of 50 pico-
second, with a continuous signal level indication to the display
Flow velocity range (bi-directional) – • Minimum velocity 0.1m/s
• Max velocity 20m/s
Flow measurement accuracy – • ±0.5% to ±2% of flow reading for flow rate >0.2m/s and Pipe ID >75mm
• ±3% of flow reading for flow rate >0.2m/s and Pipe ID in range 13mm - 75mm
• ±6% of flow reading for flow rate < 0.2m/s
•
Flow velocity corrected for Reynolds number over entire velocity range
Repeatability – • ±0.5% of measured value or ±0.02m/s whichever is the greater
Response time – • < 500ms depending on pipe diameter
Selectable flow units –
Selectable volume units – • l, gal, USgals, Barrel, m³
Total volume – • 12 Digits - forward and reverse
Display languages – The following operator languages can be selected from the PF330 set-up menu
• VELOCITY: m/sec, ft/sec
• VOLUME: l/s, l/min, l/h, gal/min, gal/h, USgals/min, USgals/h, Barrel/h,
Barrel/day, m³/s, m³/min, m³/h
• English
• French
• German
• Swedish
• Italian
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Norwegian
• Dutch
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet 7
(Issue 2.1)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Electrical
Supply voltage: Power supply charger:
Input voltage range – 9–24Vdc Manufacturer – Model ECO-181WP12
Power consumption – 10.5W Input voltage range – 90–264Vac
Battery:
Technology – 5-cell NiMH Output voltage – 12Vdc
Capacity – 3.8AHr Max. Output current – 1.5A
Operating time – Typically 20 hours continuous with
backlight and 4-20mA output OFF
Recharge time – 6.5 Hours
Service life – >500 charge/discharge cycles
Input frequency range – 47–63Hz
Approvals – UL, CUL, TUV, CB & CE
Mechanical & miscellaneous data
All components are contained in a hard-wearing IP67 rated carrying case with a protective moulded foam insert.
Instrument enclosure: Shipping information:
Material – Flame retardant injection moulded
ABS
Dimensions – 264mm x 168mm x 50mm Weight – 7.5 kg
Weight – 1.1 kg (including battery) EMC – BS EN 61326 - 1:2006,
Number of Keys – 16 Volumetric weight: 5.7 kg
Display – 240 x 64 pixel graphic display, high
contrast black-on-white, with
backlight.
Viewing angle: Min 30°, typically 40°
Box dimensions – 430mm x 360mm x 220mm
BS EN 61326-2-3:2006
Environmental: Approvals:
Operating temperature – -20°C to +50°C Safety –BS EN 61010
Storage temperature – -25°C to +65°C Battery charger – EN61204 - 3
Operating humidity – 90% RH MAX at +50°C EMC – BS EN 61326 - 1:2006,
BS EN 61326-2-3:2006
8 Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
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Dimensions
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
Micronics reserve the right to alter any specification without notification.
PORTAFLOW™ 330 and PF330 are identical.
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet 9
(Issue 2.1)
Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
10 Portaflow 330 Technical Datasheet
(Issue 2.1)
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