Doppler Flow Meter
UFX Handheld Battery-Powered Meter
DPP-UM-01613-EN-03 (August 2018)
User Manual
Doppler Flow Meter, UFX Handheld Battery-Powered Meter
CONTENTS
Scope of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Terminology and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Quick-Start Operating Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction and
Operating Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Controls And Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transducer Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mounting Locations on the Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pipe Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting the Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Applying the Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Obtaining a Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Changing Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Conversion from Velocity to Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Low Battery Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Display Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Liquid Velocity to Volume Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Page 2 August 2018DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
Scope of This Manual
SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL
This manual is divided into two main sections:
• “Quick-Start
Operating Overview” on page3 is intended to help
you get the UFX flow meter up and running quickly.
Refer to the detailed instructions if you require additional
information.
• The remaining chapters provide a detailed description of
all software settings and hardware installation guidance.
MPORTANTI
Read this manual carefully before attempting any installation or
operation. Keep the manual accessible for future reference.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Upon opening the shipping container, visually inspect the
product and applicable accessories for any physical damage
such as scratches, loose or broken parts, or any other sign of
damage that may have occurred during shipment.
OTE:N If damage is found, request an inspection by the
carrier’s agent within 48 hours of delivery and file
a claim with the carrier. A claim for equipment
damage in transit is the sole responsibility of
the purchaser.
QUICKSTART
OPERATING OVERVIEW
This manual contains detailed operating instructions for
the UFX flow meter. The following condensed instructions
are provided to assist an experienced operator in basic
operation of the instrument. If the operator is unfamiliar with
this type of instrument, refer to the detailed explanations in
this document.
1. Select a transducer mounting location at least 10 pipe
diameters downstream and 5 diameters upstream of ow
disturbances (such as elbows, tees and valves).
10 dia. 5 dia.
Figure 1: Pipe diameters
2. On horizontal pipe, choose a transducer mounting
location approximately 90 degrees from the top of
the pipe.
No
YesYes
SAFETY
Terminology and Symbols
Indicates a hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, could result in severe
personal injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if
not avoided, is estimated to be capable
of causing minor or moderate personal
injury or damage to property.
No
Figure 2: Transducer location on the pipe
3. Remove rust, scale and paint from the transducer
mounting location. Clean to bare metal. Plastic pipes do
not require preparation.
4. Plug the transducer plug into the transducer jack.
Figure 3: Transducer plug
Page 3 August 2018 DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
Introduction and Operating Theory
5. Apply approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) of silicone grease
to the transducer face. Place the transducer face on the
prepared area of the pipe. Hold the transducer parallel to
the pipe with the cable pointing downstream of the
ow direction.
Flow
Figure 4: Operation
6. Press the ON/OFF key. Wait at least 30 seconds before
recording a reading. The UFX ow meter automatically
turns o after 3 minutes.
7. To change units of measure, press the FT/SEC M/SEC key.
INTRODUCTION AND
OPERATING THEORY
CONTROLS AND TERMINOLOGY
Transducer Cable
Display
Keypad
(On/O key
and units of
measure key)
Transducer Plug
Transducer Jack
The UFX Doppler Flow Meter provides flow velocity readings
in closed piping systems with suspended solids or entrained
gases in liquids. The UFX flow meter uses a non-invasive
transducer, which is handheld or strapped to the outside of
a pipe. The meter is designed to operate on metal, plastic or
rubber pipes containing liquids with greater than 100 ppm of
suspended solids or entrained gases that act as reflectors.
Doppler flow meters use two piezoelectric crystals contained
within one transducer to transmit ultrasonic sound energy
into the fluid stream and receive reflected sound from
reflectors (suspended solids or entrained gases) within the
liquid. See Figure 4. When the liquid is moving and carrying
the reflectors with it, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted
on the moving reflector, the reflected wave’s frequency will
be altered with respect to the transmitted frequency. The
magnitude of frequency change is directly proportional to
the velocity of the reflector.
Standard Pipe (over 1 in.) Transducer
Figure 5: Controls
OTE:N The UFX flow meter’s battery compartment is on the
back of the enclosure. Remove the two upper screws
to gain access to the battery compartment.
FLOW
Top view of pipe
Figure 6: Small pipe (1/4…1 in.) transducer
Bottom view of transducer
Page 4 August 2018DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
Transducer Location
TRANSDUCER LOCATION
Selecting the proper location for taking a flow measurement
is the single most critical step in the operational procedure.
The transducer used by the UFX flow meter contains
two piezoelectric crystals for transmitting and receiving
ultrasonic signals through the wall of a pipe. Select a
transducer location with adequate straight runs (without
flow disturbances) of pipe, both upstream and downstream,
to achieve stable and accurate readings. Examples of
common piping configurations and the recommended
minimum upstream and downstream pipe lengths are
included in Table 1.
Piping Configuration and
Transducer Position
Flow
Flow
Flow
Upstream
Dimension
Pipe
Diameters
* * *
9 3
14 3
24 4
Downstream
Dimension
Pipe
Diameters
MOUNTING LOCATIONS ON THE PIPE
If the transducer is applied to horizontal pipe, choose a
mounting position at approximately 90 degrees from the
top of the pipe. These positions typically provide optimum
acoustic penetration into the moving liquid. As shown in
Figure 7, placement at the top or bottom of the pipe can
result in poor sound penetration due to air pockets (on the
top of the pipe).
If the transducer is applied to vertical pipe, orientation does
not matter.
No
YesYes
No
Figure 7: Transducer location on the pipe
PIPE PREPARATION
Before the transducer face can be coupled to a pipe
surface, an area slightly larger than the flat surface of the
transducer must be cleaned to bare metal on the pipe.
Remove all scale rust and paint. Thoroughly dry and clean the
mounting surface.
OTE:N For plastic pipes, such as PVC or PVDF, pipe
preparation is typically not required.
Flow
Flow
Flow
8 3
8 3
24 4
Table 1: Transducer location
CONNECTING THE TRANSDUCER
Connect the transducer plug into the transducer jack.
The connection is polarized, so alignment of the keyway
is necessary.
OTE:N The splash-resistant environmental seal is provided
only when the transducer plug is secured into
the transducer jack. It is advisable to make this
connection before entering an area where the
UFX flow meter may be dropped into or splashed
with liquid.
APPLYING THE TRANSDUCER
To provide an acoustically conductive path between the
transducer face and the prepared pipe surface, use the
coupling compound (Dow Corning 111 silicone-based
grease) supplied with the UFX flow meter. This grease is
adequate for the majority of installations. If an alternate
grease is used, the grease must be specified not to flow at the
temperature of the pipe surface or the ambient conditions.
Page 5 August 2018 DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
Obtaining a Reading
Apply an even layer of grease, approximately 1/8 inch
(3 mm) thick to the flat surface of the transducer. Place
the transducer on the prepared area of the pipe, with the
cable pointing downstream. Align the transducer with the
pipe so it is parallel with the pipe wall. Apply only enough
pressure to hold the transducer in place. If no reading is
shown, perform a “rub test” by rubbing your thumb across
the dry transducer head. The screen should display a low flow
reading. See the “Troubleshooting Guide” on page7 for
further recommendations.
Transducer Cable
Flow
Figure 8: Operation
CHANGING UNITS OF MEASURE
Toggle between FT/S (feet per second) and M/S (meters per
second) by pressing the FT/SEC M/SEC key.
CONVERSION FROM VELOCITY TO VOLUME
The velocity readings taken from the UFX flow meter can
be readily converted to volumetric flow rate measurements
such as GPM (gallons per minute) or LPM (liters per minute).
See the “Liquid Velocity to Volume Conversion Chart” on
page8 for conversions of many popular schedule 40
pipe sizes. If the pipe size is not located in this chart, use the
following equations:
• For conversion to GPM (pipe I.D. in inches):
GPM = FT/SEC × 2.448 x I.D.
• For conversion to LPM (pipe I.D. in millimeters):
LPM = M/SEC × 0.047 x I.D.
2
2
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
OBTAINING A READING
Press the ON/OFF key on the keypad. On power up, the
UFX flow meter performs internal diagnostics and starts
the ultrasonic transmitter. The display will read Hold for
approximately 5 seconds during this time. If the transducer is
properly mounted to a pipe containing flowing liquid with at
least 100 ppm of 100 micron or larger particles or entrained
gases, the display will begin to indicate velocity. The default
units of measure are FT/S (feet per second). The response
time of the UFX flow meter is approximately 10 seconds to
obtain a reading. Adequate signal strength is obtained when
the OK icon appears in the upper right corner of the display.
See Figure 9. Readings taken without this icon present may
be erroneous. It is recommended that survey readings of at
least 30 seconds be taken to provide reading stability. The
UFX flow meter can be turned off by pressing the ON/OFF
key on the keypad, or the unit will automatically turn off after
approximately 3 minutes of operation.
When the power supply batteries become drained to a level
of 4 volts, the LOW BAT icon will illuminate on the right side
of the display. Typical alkaline batteries will provide about 2
hours of operation after the LOW BAT icon turns on. The flow
meter will no longer operate when battery voltage is less
than 3.5 volts. At 3.5 volts and lower, an Err1 will be displayed
and then unit will shut off.
Replace the batteries by removing the two screws located
on the upper portion of the enclosure back. Install four fresh
AA alkaline batteries following the polarity indicated within
the battery compartment and replace the battery cover.
A fresh set of alkaline batteries will provide approximately
30 hours of service. Use of carbon-based batteries is
not recommended.
DO NOT ALLOW DISCHARGED BATTERIES TO REMAIN IN
THE UFX FLOW METER DURING STORAGE. DISCHARGED
BAT TERIES CAN LEAK AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE
TO THE INTERNAL CIRCUITS OF THE UFX FLOW METER.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY LEAKING BAT TERIES WILL NOT BE
COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.
Figure 9: Reading
Page 6 August 2018DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
DISPLAY TEST
The UFX flow meter contains software to verify operation of
the individual LCD segments. To run the display test:
1. Turn o the UFX ow meter.
2. Press and hold the FT/SEC M/SEC key, then press the
ON/OFF key.
3. Release both keys and verify that all segments illustrated
in Figure 9 illuminate.
The UFX firmware version number (FX.XX) is displayed at the
end of the test.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Display Test
Unit does not turn
“ON” when ON/OFF
key is pressed
“Err1” is indicated The batteries must be replaced.
No display readings
are obtained and no
“OK” icon is observed
Dashes appear on
display
Readings are
obtained, but the “OK”
icon does not turn on
Erroneous Readings • Transducer mounted incorrectly.
Verify that batteries are installed
and contain a charge
• Poor acoustic coupling to
pipe. Apply silicone grease to
transducer.
• Ensure pipe is full of a flowing
liquid.
• If the pipe has a plastic liner, move
the transducer to another location.
The liner may contain an air void.
• Non-working transducer. Rub
transducer head with thumb for
reading.
• Liquid contains less than 3% total
suspended solids.
• Move transducer closer to a source
of flow disturbance (i.e. an elbow,
pump outlet or control valve).
Liquid velocity is greater than 30
FT/S (9 M/S).
Signal strength is low. Flow readings
may be erroneous. Move the
transducer closer to a source of
hydraulic disturbance.
• Another local ultrasonic
instrument is operating at
approximately the same frequency
as the UFX flow meter.
• Excessive pipe vibration.
• Very viscous (thick) liquids will
cause the unit to read lower than
actual flow.
• The pipe is not completely full of
liquid.
Page 7 August 2018 DPP-UM-01613-EN-03
Doppler Flow Meter, UFX Handheld Battery-Powered Meter
LIQUID VELOCITY TO VOLUME CONVERSION CHART
Dynasonics FPS to GPM Cross-Reference (Schedule 40)
Nom.
I.D.
Pipe
(inch)
Size
1 1.05 2.6989 4.0484 5.3978 6.7473 8.097 9.4462 10.796 12.145 13.49 14.844 16.19 17.54 18.89 20.24 21.59 22.941 24.29
1.25 1.38 4.662 6.9929 9.3239 11.655 13.99 16.317 18.648 20.979 23.31 25.641 17.97 30.3 32.63 34.96 37.3 39.627 41.958
1.5 1.61 6.3454 9.5182 12.691 15.864 19.04 22.209 25.382 28.555 31.73 34.9 38.07 41.25 44.42 47.59 50.76 53.936 57.109
2 2.07 10.489 15.734 20.6446 26.224 31.47 36.713 41.958 47.202 52.45 57.692 62.94 68.18 73.43 78.67 83.92 89.16 94.405
2.5 2.47 14.935 22.402 29.87 37.337 44.8 52.272 59374 67.207 74.67 82.142 89.61 97.08 104.5 112 119.5 126.95 134.41
3 3.07 23.072 34.608 16.144 57.68 69.00 80.752 92.288 103.82 115.4 126.9 138.4 150 161.5 173 184.6 196.11 207.65
3.5 3.55 30.851 46.276 61.702 77.127 92.55 107.98 123.4 138.83 154.3 169.68 185.1 200.5 216 231.4 246.8 262.23 277.66
4 4.03 39.758 59.636 79.515 99.394 119.3 139.15 159.03 178.91 198.8 218.67 238.5 258.4 278.3 298.2 318.1 337.94 357.82
5 5.05 62.43 93.645 124.86 156.07 187.3 218.5 249.72 280.93 312.1 343.36 374.6 4.5.8 437 468.2 499.4 530.65 561.87
6 6.06 89.899 164.85 179.8 224.75 269.7 314.65 359.6 404.55 449.5 494.45 539.4 584.3 629.3 674.2 719.2 764.14 809.09
8 7.98 155.89 233.83 311.78 389.72 167.7 545.61 623.56 701.5 779.4 857.39 935.3 1013 1091 1169 1247 1325.1 1403
10 10.02 245.78 368.67 491.56 614.45 737.3 860.23 983.12 1106 1229 1351.8 1475 1598 1720 1843 1966 2089.1 2212
12 11.94 348.99 523.49 697.99 872.49 1047 1221.5 1396 1570.5 1745 1919.5 2094 2268 2443 2617 2792 2966.5 3141
14 13.13 422.03 633.04 844.05 1055.1 1266 1477.1 1688.1 1899.1 2110 2321.1 2532 2743 2954 3165 3376 3587.2 3798.2
16 15 550.8 826.2 1101.6 1377 1652 1927.8 2203.2 2478.6 2754 3029.4 3305 3580 3856 4131 4406 4681.8 4957.2
18 16.88 697.52 1046.3 1395 1743.8 2093 2441.3 2790.1 3138.8 3488 3836.3 4185 4534 4883 5231 5580 5928.9 6277.7
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9
SPECIFICATIONS
Liquid Requirements
Pipe Sizes
Flow Range 0.3…30 fps (0.1…9 mps)
Accuracy ±2% of full scale
Display
Enclosure
Rating Dimensions
Transducer Material
Ambient Temperature –28…140° F (–20…60° C)
Liquid Temperature –40…180° F (–40…82° C)
Humidity 0…95% non-condensing
Supply Voltage
Cable 6.6 feet (2 m) cable and connector
Mounting Method
100 ppm of 100 micron size suspended
solids or entrained gases
Std. 1 in. (25 mm) and greater
Small pipe 1/4.…1 in. (6…25 mm)
Single line, four digit LCD readout of
velocity, signal strength, measuring units,
and low battery indication
NEMA 4 (IP65) ABS plastic; 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)
4 in. W × 7.7 in. H × 1.7 in. D
(101.6 mm × 195.6 mm × 43.2 mm)
Plated body; Ultem® 1000
sensor material
Battery powered; non-rechargeable alkaline, four AA cells; providing greater than
30 hours of operation
Handheld with acoustic
couplant compound
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Nylon Mounting Strap 30 in. (750 mm) D002-2007-002
Couplant, Silicone (for temporary mounting) D002-2011-001
SS Identification Tag D001117
UFX Standard Pipe Transducer DTUFX-D1
UFX Small Pipe Transducer DTUFX-B1
UFX Carrying Case D003-1009-005
Velocity Conversion Slide Chart D003-0913-002
Control. Manage. Optimize.
Dynasonics is a registered trademark of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective entities. Due to continuous research,
product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or system specications without notice, except to the extent an outstanding
contractual obligation exists. © 2018 Badger Meter, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.badgermeter.com
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