Instrument for Balancing of Hydronic Systems
PFM3000 USB
User’s Guide
VU.E1.V2.02
PFM3000
Contents
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . .
Invaluable Advantages of PFM3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .
Important User Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .
Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .
Flushing of Hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 . . . . . . .
PFM3000 Zero Measuring Correction . . . . . . . . . . .7 . . . . . . .
Functions of Keys on the Instrument's Keyboard .8 . . . . . . .
PFM3000 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . .
Language Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . .
Clock Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . .
Pressure Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . . .
Flow Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . . .
Valve Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 . . . . . .
Measured Medium Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 . . . . . .
Selection of Minimum Pressure for Flow
Displaying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . .
Measuring with PFM3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . .
Measuring Without Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . .
System Over pressure Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . .
Differential Pressure and Flow Measuring . . . . . . .13 . . . . . .
Automatic in Process Zero Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . .
Flow Measuring Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . . . .
Measuring Flow in the Fittings Not Saved in the
PFM3000 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . . . .
Temperature Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . .
Heating Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . .
Calculation of Valve Presetting for a Requested
Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . .
|
PFM3000 |
Calculation of Valve Pressure Drop for a |
|
Requested flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .15 . . . . . . |
Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .16 . . . . . . |
Recording Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .16 . . . . . . |
Start of Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .16 . . . . . . |
Full Data Memory and Low Battery . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .17 . . . . . . |
End of Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .17 . . . . . . |
Processing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .18 . . . . . . |
Creating a New Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .18 . . . . . . |
Project without a Common Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .19 . . . . . . |
Measurements Necessary for the Project |
|
Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .19 . . . . . . |
Project Balancing Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .20 . . . . . . |
Project Balancing Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .20 . . . . . . |
Project Balancing Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .21 . . . . . . |
Balancing Calculations of Projects with Central |
|
Pressure Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .22 . . . . . . |
Communication with a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .23 . . . . . . |
User Software PFM3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .23 . . . . . . |
Minimum PC Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .23 . . . . . . |
Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .23 . . . . . . |
Windows USB Drivers Installation Guide . . . . . |
. . .23 . . . . . . |
Operating the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .26 . . . . . . |
Data Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .26 . . . . . . |
Maintenance Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .27 . . . . . . |
Parts of the Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .28 . . . . . . |
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .29 . . . . . . |
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PFM3000
4
Introduction
PFM3000 has been designed for the servicing and hydraulic balancing of most pressurised heating and/or cooling systems. It enables measuring of both under-pressure and over-pressure as well as that of differential pressure within a given system. Furthermore, using the differences in pressure between the balancing and measuring elements, the flow through individual branches of the system can be measured, thus allowing the whole system to be balanced.
PFM3000 has a number of key features that enable easy handling. The apparatus itself is relatively small and extremely hard wearing so that it can withstand the harshest of conditions during operation. After measuring, the acquired data can be transferred to a PC via a USB interface and subsequently analysed using a specialised software provided.
The basic module of the apparatus comprises of a differential pressure meter with an integrated pressure sensor that allows digital data processing. Owing to the advantages gained by the use of digital technology, the PFM3000 is able to compensate for inaccuracies normally associated with pressure measurements, such as temperature dependency and non-linearity. This forms the basics for the accuracy of subsequent measurements.
One of the essential components for balancing hydraulic systems is a built-in flow meter module. The flow meter works by calculating the flow through a given branch within the system using differences in pressure registered by the
PFM3000
measuring element. Specifications for both the balancing and measuring elements of well-recognised manufacturers are pre-programmed in the memory of the PFM3000. These easily accessed from its main menu. In addition, the flow meter automatically corrects the flow for different types of medium within the system being measured, such as systems with antifreeze additives or cooling systems.
The biggest advantage for the user is conferred by a module used for heating system balancing calculations. It allows regulation of complicated multi-branch heating systems inclusive of any shared valve. The PFM3000 utilises a sophisticated method for calculating hydraulic resistances within the system. As a result, the PFM3000 comes up with a proposal with the lowest energetic loss. This function dramatically decreases the time required for balancing.
An inverse module to the flow meter module is that used for the calculation of valve pre-settings, the output of which is a valve pre-setting value for a required flow. For a given valve, the pre-setting value is calculated using its respective parameters stored in the memory of the PFM3000.
The PFM3000 can be supplemented with an external thermometer connected via the coaxial connector. The temperature of the working medium can be easily measured by inserting the thermometer into the differential pressure outputs due to their size compatibility with the balancing valve measuring needles. The temperature value is recorded in the memory of the PFM3000 along with other collected data.
5
PFM3000
Apart from the usual recording and archiving of collected data, the PFM3000 has an integrated recording module equipped with a real time circuit. This also enables the diagnosis of any timed processes taking place in the system, the analysis of which aids selecting the most optimal system set up. During recordings with longer measuring periods, the PFM3000 automatically enters a lower energy consumption mode. This ensures prolonged recording from the internal energy source (a lithium battery).
Data can be collected from various points around the heating system as and when required. In addition, it can also be collected periodically. The values recorded by the PFM3000 include pressure, flow (velocity), temperature, chosen valve and its pre-settings. Each measurement is given an id, which makes the subsequent data handling easier. The recorded data can be subsequently transferred into a PC using the software provided. The software further enables its analysis in tabulated or graphic formats. Alternatively, the data can be exported using standard PC formats and analysed in text editing, table processing or database programmes. All data can also be printed.
Important User Notice
Do not expose the PFM3000 to temperatures lower than the freezing point of the previously measured liquid medium as the pressure sensor may get damaged.
The R20 quick release couplers that are used on the smaller size measuring tubing contain charcoal filters with filtering capacity of 50µm, which can get clogged when measuring systems with abundant particles. These filters should be changed if an unrealistic pressure value is displayed or if any of the pressure inputs appear non-functional.
Getting Started
The PFM3000 is supplied with a pre-charged lithium battery ready for use. After switching on the PFM3000 for the first time, check alternatively set the real time circuit according to instructions.
Invaluable Advantages of PFM3000
yMechanical design
yIntegrated pressure sensor
yRobust metal case
yWater resistant
yBig 4-line display
yIlluminated display
yWell-arranged 16-key foil keyboard
yChargeable lithium battery
Battery Charging
The battery status can be checked during measuring by pressing the hot key
.Its capacity will be subsequently displayed in a form of bargraph.
6
Message Low Battery! flashes on the display every 15 seconds if the battery capacity reaches less than 5%. It is possible to run the PFM3000 for a further 6 hours following the appearance of the above message, after that the PFM3000 automatically turns itself off. To recharge the battery, plug charger cable into a port situated at the bottom of the PFM3000 (see Figure 1), plug power supply unit into a mains power socket and charge for at least 7 hours.
PFM3000
yFlush the tubing with water until all air bubbles have disappeared.
yTurn the ball valve off.
yReplace the R20 quick release coupler .
yThe tubing will remain filled with watter as both the R20 and R21 quick release couplers have a check-valve.
The tubes should be de-aerated prior to measuring in order to minimise errors.
Flushing of Hoses
The supplied connecting hoses are pre-filled with 50 % ethylene glycol solution.
If you need to flush them immediately after purchase, follow the instruction outlined below:
yConnect the tubing to a measuring needle fitted with a ball valve.
yRemove the smaller R20 quick release coupler from the tubing by pressing the black safety clasp towards it .
yDo not remove attempt to remove the quick release coupler by pulling using a force, the surface of the connecting tubes may get damaged
yPlug the measuring needle into the measuring nipple of the balancing valve.
yCarefully turn the ball valve on.
PFM3000 Zero Measuring Correction
Should the zero pressure value shift while the PFM3000 is in use, the ZERO key can be used to correct it. For detailed Zero Procedure description see chapter Automatic in Process Zero Setting.
If, however, the zero value error is greater than several kPa, it is recommended to clean the sintered filters within measuring tubing. Should the problem persist, please contact our customer service for assistance. The zero setting is not registered in the memory of the PFM3000 so the original pressure and flow values are displayed each time the PFM3000 is turned on.
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PFM3000
Functions of Keys on the Instrument's Keyboard
Keys with standard numbers or letters are used to enter data into computer. Following keys have special functions:
Hold down the key for about a second to turn the PFM3000 on.
Starts zero procedure used for the correction of zero setting or differential pressure in face of static pressure.
Opens main MENU during measuring. Once in MENU, the key functions to move up a level. Pressing the ESC/MENU key while entering data, not the new but the original value is entered.
Enters values or confirms choices from menu.
Valve hot key. Calls up choice of valves during measuring.
Presetting hot key. Calls up valve presetting option
Battery hot key. Calls up battery capacity during measuring.
Project Change hot key. Lists projects down while in the Projects Making mode.
Project Change hot key. Lists projects up while in the Projects Making mode.
Quick record hot key. PFM3000 makes one record if you press this button while in measuring mode. Record contains valve type and preset, actual pressure, flow and temperature values. You can write 16 chars description at the end of this function. You can view quick record as an standard record in PFM3000 User Software.
KVS hot key. Displays the current KVS of a valve during measuring.
KV hot key. Displays the current KV of a valve during measuring.
Pressing the key deletes the last character or deletes a whole line if held. Of a number being entered, holding it down deletes the whole number.
Navigates around the main menu or branches within the Working with Projects mode. Moves cursor in data entry regime. While in the measuring mode, it switches displaying modes.
PFM3000 Configuration
Prior to measuring for the first time, the following parameters can be preset according to your requirements. Once configured, these settings will automatically be recalled each time the PFM3000 is switched back on.
Use the following instructions to configure the PFM3000:
8
Choose menu by pressing the ESC/MENU key. The first line in the menu gives the name of an item followed by a list of subentries. A selected item is marked by an 
at the beginning of the line. If the item selected has further sub entries, 
is displayed at the end of the line.
Select and confirm entry.
Return to measuring from any level of menu by holding down the ESC/MENU key for second.
Language Setting
Open menu
Main Menu
Select Configuration and confirm.
Menu Configuration. Select
Language and confirm.
Menu Language. Select desired language and confirm.
Clock Setting
Both the time and date are entered this way.
Mode hot key
PFM3000
Mode menu
Select Date and Time and confirm.
If incorrect, set date and time as follows:
Open menu. Select
Configuration and confirm.
Configuration menu. Select
Date and Time and confirm.
Menu Date and Time. Select
Minute and confirm.
Enter minutes by pressing respective number keys.
Moves cursor to the required position.
Enters number.
...
Press briefly to delete the number at the position of the cursor, hold down to delete the whole number.
9
PFM3000
Confirms minute entry.
Hours, days, months and years can be entered accordingly. There is no need to enter every decade, just those that are incorrect.
Automatic Switch OFF
The PFM3000 turns itself off automatically after ten minutes of keyboard inaction. It is therefore recommended to disable this function prior to prolonged measuring as this can not be carried out while in the recording mode. Unlike the above functions, disabling the automatic switch off is not saved in the starting configuration of the PFM3000 and will be enabled again each time the PFM3000 is turned back on.
Open menu.
Select Configuration and confirm.
Menu Configuration. Select Automatic OFF and confirm.
Menu Automatic OFF.
Select Disable and confirm.
Display Illumination
Use this function when measuring in poor lighting conditions or at night. However, due to the high energy consumption, display illumination decreases the operating time by 50%. This function can be disabled by setting the illumination time to zero.
Open menu. Select Display and confirm.
Display menu. Select Backlight
Time and confirm.
Menu Backlight Time. Enter illumination time and confirm.
Pressure Units
Main menu. Select Display and confirm.
Display menu. Select Units and confirm.
Units menu. Select Pressure
Units and confirm.
Select the unit required and confirm.
Move up one level.
Flow Units
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