
Doc nr.: 9.17.060A Date: 12-01-2010

SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL
EL-FLOW
measurement, fast response and stable control in common gas flow applications. The instruments operate on the
principle of thermal mass flow measurement in ranges starting from 0,2…10 mln/min up to 1,4…70 ln/min airequivalent. They offer analog I/O-signals as well as digital RS232 communication and/or Modbus-RTU/RS485 as a
standard feature. EL-FLOW
This manual covers the short-form instructions for EL-FLOW
- start-up
- mounting
- zeroing
- operation
This manual will help you start-up your EL-FLOW
documents listed below:
- Instruction manual EL-FLOW
Consists information for basic and advanced operation, more detailed product information and instructions for
troubleshooting
- FlowPlot Manual (document nr. 9.17.030)
- Hookup diagram EL-FLOW
These documents can be downloaded from the website: www.bronkhorst.com or can be sent by e-mail on request.
Base
instruments are standard and straightforward Mass Flow Controllers. They provide accurate
Base
is a member of Bronkhorst’s most popular and field proven EL-FLOW® series.
Base
mass flow instruments regarding:
Base
in only 10 steps. More detailed information can be found in
Base series
Base
(document nr. 9.16.091)
(document nr. 9.17.061)
Starting-up
1. Check EL-FLOW Base properties:
Before installing your Mass Flow Meter/Controller it is important to read
the attached label and check:
- Flow rate
- Fluid to be measured
- Up- and downstream pressures
- Input/output signal
- Temperature
- Valve type
2. Check test-pressure:
Check the red-coloured sticker and make sure the test-pressure is in
accordance with normal safety factors for your application.
EL-FLOW Base instruments are tested up to the pressure indicated
on the red sticker.
3. Check if system piping is clean:
For reliable measurement always make sure the fluid stream is clean.
Use filters to assure a moisture-, oil- and particle-free gas stream.
Recommended pore-size: 5 µm.
If back flow can occur, a downstream filter and a check valve are
recommended too.
For high flow rates select a suitable filter size, to avoid
too high pressure drop.
input/output
A – 0…5 Vdc
B – 0…10 Vdc
F – 0…20 mA
G – 4…20 mA
10
OK
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4. Mount/install instrument properly:
Install the EL-FLOW Base Meter/Controller in the line, in accordance
with the direction of the FLOW arrow. The arrow for flow direction is
indicated on the body of the instrument.
Tighten the fittings according to the instructions of the supplier of the
fittings.
The use of Swagelok RS-type stainless steel adapters is recommended,
e.g. part number SS-400-1-4RS with Viton O-ring AS013 70°Sh.
Avoid installation in close proximity of mechanic vibration and/or heat sources.
5. Leak check:
Check the system for leaks before applying (fluid) pressure. Especially if toxic, explosive or other dangerous fluids
are used!
6. Electrical connection:
Electrical connections must be made with a standard
cable or according to the EL-FLOW Base hook-up diagram.
IP-40:
Please note that an EL-FLOW Base instrument is IP-40, implying that the electronics housing and electrical connection
do not offer any protection against moist environments.
7a. Analog/Local operation:
Connect the EL-FLOW Base to the power
supply/readout unit using a cable with 9-pin sub-D
connector.
Examples:
+15...+24 Vdc
Analog input / output:
0…5Vdc / 0…10Vdc
0…20mA / 4…20mA
7b. BUS/digital operation:
For this procedure see description for RS232 operation
or Modbus. RS232 connection cable 7.03.366 enables
to use (free) Bronkhorst tooling programs for Windows.
Example:
+15...+24 Vdc
Analog input / output:
0…5Vdc / 0…10Vdc
0…20mA / 4…20mA
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8. Multi-functional switch operation:
Using the 2 colored LEDs and the switch on the EL-FLOW Base, several
actions can be monitored and started. The green LED is used for status
indication. The red LED is used for errors/warnings/messages.
The switch can be used to start several actions, such as auto-zero,
restore factory settings and bus-initialization actions, if applicable.
See specific zero-procedure below (10) or see ‘Instruction Manual
EL-FLOW Base series’ for more details.
9. Purging:
In systems for use with corrosive or reactive fluids, purging for at least 30 minutes with a dry, inert gas (like
Nitrogen or Argon) is absolutely necessary before use. After use with corrosive or reactive fluids, complete purging
is also required before exposing the system to air.
Warm-up time:
Let the EL-FLOW Base warm-up for at least 30 minutes for best accuracy.
10. Zeroing:
The zero-point of each instrument is factory adjusted. If so required the zero point may be re-adjusted over RS232
or Modbus or by means of using the micro switch. Procedure for zeroing by micro switch:
♦♦♦♦
Warm-up, pressure up the system and fill the instrument according to the process conditions.
♦♦♦♦
Make sure no flow is going through the instrument by closing valves near the instrument.
♦♦♦♦
The setpoint must be zero.
♦♦♦♦
Press micro switch and hold it. After a short time the red LED will go ON and OFF, then the green LED will go
ON. At that moment release the micro switch.
♦♦♦♦
The zeroing procedure will start at that moment and the green LED will blink fast. The zeroing procedure
waits for a stable signal and saves the zero. If the signal is not stable, zeroing will take long and the nearest
point to zero is accepted. The procedure will take approx. 10 seconds.
♦♦♦♦
When the indication is showing 0% signal and the green indication LED is burning continuously again, then
the zeroing action was successful.
Error/warning LED
Status LED
switch
Ready:
Your EL-FLOW Base MFC is now ready for operation.
9.17.060 4