Atec PF330 User Manual

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

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.

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