GE PT878GC User Manual

TransPort™ PT878GC

Portable Gas Flowmeter

Process Control Instruments

TransPort™ PT878GC
Portable Gas Flowmeter

April 2004

Operation & Installation Guide 910-229A

April 2004

Warranty

Each instrument manufactured by GE Panametrics is warranted to
be free from defects in material and workmanship. Liability under
this warranty is limited to restoring the instrument to normal
operation or replacing the instrument, at the sole discretion of GE
Panametrics. Fuses and batteries are specifically excluded from
any liability. This warranty is effective from the date of delivery
to the original purchaser. If GE Panametrics determines that the
equipment was defective, the warranty period is:

• one year from delivery for electronic or mechanical failures

• one year from delivery for sensor shelf life

If GE Panametrics determines that the equipment was damaged
by misuse, improper installation, the use of unauthorized
replacement parts, or operating conditions outside the guidelines
specified by GE Panametrics, the repairs are not covered under
this warranty.

The warranties set forth herein are exclusive and are in

lieu of all other warranties whether statutory, express

or implied (including warranties or merchantability and

fitness for a particular purpose, and warranties arising

from course of dealing or usage or trade).

iii

April 2004

Return Policy

If a GE Panametrics instrument malfunctions within the warranty
period, the following procedure must be completed:

1. Notify GE Panametrics, giving full details of the problem, and

provide the model number and serial number of the
instrument. If the nature of the problem indicates the need for
factory service, GE Panametrics will issue a RETURN
AUTHORIZATION number (RA), and shipping instructions
for the return of the instrument to a service center will be
provided.

2. If GE Panametrics instructs you to send your instrument to a

service center, it must be shipped prepaid to the authorized
repair station indicated in the shipping instructions.

3. Upon receipt, GE Panametrics will evaluate the instrument to

determine the cause of the malfunction.

Then, one of the following courses of action will then be taken:

• If the damage is covered under the terms of the warranty, the

instrument will be repaired at no cost to the owner and
returned.

• If GE Panametrics determines that the damage is not covered

under the terms of the warranty, or if the warranty has expired,
an estimate for the cost of the repairs at standard rates will be
provided. Upon receipt of the owner’s app roval to proceed, the
instrument will be repaired and returned.

iv

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Features and Capabilities

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

System Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

The Flowcell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

Electronics Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Chapter 2: Initial Setup

Making Electrical Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Power Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Transducer Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Analog Input/Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

The Infrared Wireless Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Charging and/or Replacing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Charging the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

Powering On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

Using the Screen and Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

Obtaining On-Line Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

April 2004

Chapter 3: Installing the Dampening Material,
Transducers and Fixtures

Application Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Preparing the Pipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Performing a Pipe Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Obtaining the Transducer Spacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Installing the V Series Clamping Fixture and Transducers 3-9

Installing the Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

Installing the Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Installing the PI Fixture and Transducers. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Surveying the Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Installing the First Bracket with a Chain . . . . . . . . . .3-16

Installing the Second Bracket with a Chain. . . . . . . .3-17

Installing the Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

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April 2004

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 3: Installing the Dampening Material,
Transducers and Fixtures (cont.)

Installing Dampening Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20

Installing DMP-1 Dampening Material with CFG-V

Series Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

Installing DMP-1 Dampening Material with PI

Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24

Installing DMP-3 Compound with All Fixtures. . . . .3-26

Installing the PDJ Dampening Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . .3-28

Chapter 4: Programming Site Data

Entering the Program Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Entering Transducer Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Entering Pipe Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Entering Pipe Lining Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11

Entering Fluid Types and Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13

Entering the Signal Path Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-15

Path Parameters for Clamp-On Transducers.. . . . . . .4-16

Entering the Standard Volume/

Mass Flow Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17

Entering Inputs in the Standard Volume Option . . . .4-19

Entering Mass Flow Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-22

Entering Skan/Measure Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-24

Entering Skan/Measure Integrate Parameters . . . . . .4-28

Entering Skan/Measure Count Parameters. . . . . . . . .4-30

Entering Skan/Correlation Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . .4-32

Entering Analog Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-34

Entering General-Purpose Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . .4-34

Entering Analog Inputs in Standard Volume or Mass

Flow Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-37

Entering the Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-39

Entering the Digital Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-42

Entering User Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-46

Entering Correction Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-50

Entering Reynolds Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-50

Entering a Calibration Factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-53

vi

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 5: Creating and Managing Sites

The Site Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Creating a New Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Opening an Existing Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

Saving a Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

Saving a Site with a Different Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Refreshing a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

Renaming a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

Deleting a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10

Creating a Site Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11

Printing a File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13

Transferring a Site File to a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13

Transferring a File as Text. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14

Transferring a File from a PC to the PT878GC. . . . .5-15

Listing Files by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17

Listing Files in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17

Chapter 6: Displaying and Configuring Data

The Format Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

The View Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4

The Limits Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5

The Measurement Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Customizing the Display Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9

Specifying the Number of Displayed Parameters . . .6-10

Customizing Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

Managing Files — The Drive Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-14

Refreshing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16

Transferring a File to a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16

Transferring a File from a PC to the PT878GC. . . . .6-17

Deleting a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-19

Listing Files by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-20

Listing Files in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .6-20

Accessing Meter Data —The About Option . . . . . . . . . .6-21

April 2004

vii

April 2004

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 7: Programming Meter Settings

Entering the Meter Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2

Selecting Measurement Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3

The Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5

Entering Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7

Changing Date and Time Appearance (Locale) . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Adjusting the Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

Setting Backlight Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14

Changing Communications Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-15

Resetting Forward and Reverse Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-18

Setting Up User Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-19

Taking a Bitmap Capture of a Current Screen . . . . . . . . .7-23

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Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 8: Logging Data

Entering the Logging Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2

The Log Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

The File Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4

Setting up a New Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5

Copying (Cloning) a Selected Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10

Renaming a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11

Deleting a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11

Deleting All Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12

Refreshing a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12

Printing a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13

Transferring a Log to a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13

The Log Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-14

Stopping (Pausing) a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15

Restarting a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15

Ending a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15

Pausing All Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-16

Restarting All Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-16

Ending All Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-16

View All Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-16

The View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-17

Displaying Log Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-18

Displaying Log Data in Graphical Form . . . . . . . . . .8-19

Displaying Log Data in Spreadsheet Form . . . . . . . .8-22

The Sort Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23

Listing Logs by Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23

Listing Logs in Chronological Order. . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23

April 2004

ix

April 2004

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 9: Servicing the PT878GC

Entering the Service Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2

Printing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3

Setting up the Thickness Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5

Measuring Pipe Wall Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-7

Entering the Material and Sound Speed. . . . . . . . . . . .9-7

Measuring Thickness in Numeric Format . . . . . . . . . .9-9

Displaying the Receive Signal in Graphical Format .9-10

Calibrating the Thickness Gauge Transducer . . . . . .9-12

Calculating Velocity (Pipe Material Sound Speed). .9-14

Programming the Thickness Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-17

Displaying Diagnostic Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20

Calibrating the Analog Output and Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21

Calibrating the Analog Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21

Calibrating Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-23

Setting up Signal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-25

Setting up Signal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-26

Setting up the Measurement Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-28

Setting Up Pulse/Code Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-30

Setting Error Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-32

The Test Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-35

Testing the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-36

Testing the Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-37

Testing the Watchdog Timer Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-38

Setting Impulse Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39

Taking Wave Samples for Diagnosis. . . . . . . . . . . . .9-40

Applying a Stored Signal for Diagnosis. . . . . . . . . . .9-40

Testing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-41

Resetting to Factory Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-42

Updating PT878GC Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-43

Updating Software Via IrOBEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-44

Updating Software Via IrCOMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-46

x

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 10: Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Error Code Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Displaying Diagnostic Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-6

Flowcell Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-9

Gas Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-9

Pipe Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-10

Transducer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

April 2004

xi

April 2004

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 11: Specifications

Operation and Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Fluid Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Pipe Sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Pipe Wall Thickness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Pipe Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Clamp-On Flow Accuracy (Velocity) . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Repeatability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Range (Bidirectional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Rangeability (Overall) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

Pressure Requirements, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3

Pressure Requirements, Other Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3

Measurement Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3

Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Flow Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Internal Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Battery Charger Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Storage Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Standard Inputs/Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Digital Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Site Parameter Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Display Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

European Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Temperature Range(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Transducer Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Fixture Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Mountings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Mounting Couplant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Area Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Transducer Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-7

xii

April 2004

Table of Contents (cont.)

Chapter 11: Specifications (cont.)

Thickness Gauge Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Pipe Thickness Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Pipe Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Thermal Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Additional Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

PC Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

RS232-to-Infrared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-8

Appendix A: Menu Maps
Appendix B: Establishing IR Communic ations with the

PT878GC

Windows 2000/XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Windows NT4.0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Windows Me/98SE/98/95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Appendix C: Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge Theory of
Operation

Factors Affecting Performance and Accuracy . . . . . . . . . C-2

Appendix D: Material Safety Data Sheets for Couplants

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April 2004

Chapter 1

Features and Capabilities

The TransPort® Model PT878GC is a transit-time clamp-on gas
flowmeter which combines all the features of a full-size gas
flowmeter with the advantages of a portable instrument.

This section describes the TransPort features and general system,
and explains the theory of operation.

Overview

Depending on the selected application, the TransPort PT878GC
measures the flow of clean, dry gases in pipes from 4 to 24 in. in
diameter. The flowmeter provides one linear 0/4-20 mA analog
output of flow velocities or volumetric flow rate of these gases,
measuring velocities from ±1 to ±120 ft/sec (±0.3 to ±40 m/sec),
along with one selectable frequency or pulsed totalizer output.
Figure 1-1 illustrates the PT878GC in use on a typical pipe, along
with cases for the PT878GC and accessories.

Figure 1-1: PT878GC in Use and in Transport

Features and Capabilities 1-1

April 2004

Overview (cont.)

The TransPort has the ability to store site data in files which can
be accessed at a later time. Within the Main Menu, a set of forms
(windows) asks you all the necessary setup information for a
particular site. Once you answer the necessary questions, you
simply save the information to a file.

The TransPort stores these files and other data in non-volatile
memory, which retains the information even if power is turned
off. The flowmeter itself runs on rechargeable or alkaline
batteries for up to 8 hours.

This small, lightweight flowmeter displays measurements in both
numeric and graphical form on a 240 x 200 pixel, EL-backlit
LCD graphic screen. The TransPort also has the capability of
logging over 100,000 flow data points internally.

Using an infrared communications port, the TransPort can
transmit or print logged data, as well as site files, real time data
and other stored data.

To as sist you, the TransPort is fully equipped with context­sensitive on-line help which is accessible at any time by simply
pressing the “?” (Help) key. Internal diagnostic and
troubleshooting features help isolate and remedy common
flowcell and transducer problems.

1-2 Features and Capabilities

April 2004

System Description

The TransPort is only one part of the flowmeter system. The
other part of the system is the flowcell, which consists of the pipe
and the transducers.

The Flowcell

The flowcell is that part of the system that uses ultrasonic pulses
to interrogate the flow. It consists of the flowcell pipe and the
transducers.

A. FLOWCELL PIPE - The flowcell can either be created in the

existing piping (for example, by clamping non-wetted
transducers onto the pipe), or inserted as a substitute pipe
section (spoolpiece). The flowcell must provide mechanical
support for the transducers and assure stable conditions for
accurate flow measurement.

B. TRANSDUCERS - The transducers convert electrical energy

into ultrasonic pulses when in a transmit cycle, and convert
the ultrasonic pulses back to electrical energy when in a
receive cycle. In other words, they act like loudspeakers when
transmitting the signal and microphones when receiving it. In
the TransPort system, each transducer acts as both a receiver
and transmitter, since a series of ultrasonic pulses are
alternately sent upstream and then downstream through the
flowcell.

Features and Capabilities 1-3

April 2004

Electronics Package

The TransPort consists of circuits that generate, receive, and
measure the travel time of the ultrasonic pulses. It also contains a
microcomputer that controls operation and calculates flow
measurement parameters. Specific circuits function as follows:

A. TRANSMIT SIGNAL GENERATOR - The transmit signal

generator, under control of the microcomputer and timing
circuit, synthesizes the signal that drives the transmitter.

B. TRANSMITTER - The transmitter amplifies the signals from

the transmit signal generator to a signal that drives the
transmit transducer.

C. RECEIVER - The receiver amplifies the received signals to a

level suitable for the data acquisition circuitry.

D. DATA ACQUISITION - The data acquisition circuitry

digitizes the received signal and stores it in a buffer for
processing by the microcomputer.

E. TIMING CIRCUIT - The timing circuit generates the

transmitter frequency, receive window, controls the data
acquisition circuit and the direction of the transmission.

F. MICROCOMPUTER - The microcomputer controls the

TransPort flowmeter’s operation and calculates flow
measurements derived from the transmitted and digitized
received signals. Also, the microcomputer continually checks
for faults and allows the use of built-in diagnostics for
troubleshooting.

G. INPUT/OUTPUT - The input/output circuitry allows the

flowmeter to indicate the measured flow with the
0/4 to 20-mA current loop, and to output to a printer or other
remote device.

1-4 Features and Capabilities

April 2004

Theory of Operation

The TransPort is a transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter. When
ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a moving liquid or gas,
the pulses that travel in the same direction as the fluid flow
(downstream) travel slightly faster than the pulses that travel
against the flow (upstream). The TransPort uses various digital
signal processing techniques, including cross-correlation, to
determine transit times and then uses the difference in transit
times to calculate flow velocity.

During operation, two transducers serve as both ultrasonic signal
generators and receivers. When mounted on a pipe, they are in
acoustic communication with each other, so that each transducer
can receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the other transducer.
Each transducer thus functions as a transmitter generating a
certain number of acoustic pulses, and as a receiver for an
identical number of pulses.

The flowmeter measures the time interval between transmission
and reception of the ultrasonic signals in both directions. When
the gas in the pipe is not flowing, the transit-time downstream
equals the transit-time upstream. When the gas is flowing, the
transit-time downstream is less than the transit-time upstream.
The difference between the downstream and upstream transit­times is proportional to the velocity of the flowing gas, and its
sign indicates the direction of flow.

Features and Capabilities 1-5

April 2004

Chapter 2

Initial Setup

Before making measurements, you must prepare the TransPort
for operation. This includes the following procedures:

• Making Electrical Connections

• Charging and/or Replacing Batteries

• Powering On and Off

• Using the Screen and Keypad

• Obtaining On-Line Help

Figure 2-1 below shows the PT878GC in its specially designed
case. The interior is molded for optimal protection of the meter
and its accessories.

Figure 2-1: The PT878GC and Accessories

Initial Setup 2-1

April 2004

Making Electrical Connections

Before making measurements with the TransPort, you must make
all the necessary connections to the unit. This section describes
how to connect the following:

• Power

• Transducer

• Analog Input/Output

• Infrared Interface

Make all connections to the top of the TransPort unit as shown in
Figure 2-2 below. Please note that you only need to make the
proper transducer connections. The other connections are
required for particular functions, but are not necessary for basic
operation.

Input/Output

(See Table 2-1

on page 2-4)

Infrared

Transceiver

Power

Upstream

XDCR

Downstream

Figure 2-2: Connection Locations

Power Connections

The PT878GC is powered by either a 100-120/200-260 VAC
wall mount plug-in module, or by 5 internal C

energy rechargeable batteries or by a pack of 3.0 Ahr NiMH
batteries. (An optional power supplement, part #703-1283, uses 6
AA alkaline batteries.) When you receive the PT878GC, the
batteries are not charged; therefore, to make remote
measurements using the batteries, follow the instructions on
page 2-5 to charge the batteries. In either case, you must connect
the power cord to the appropriate terminal as shown in Figure 2-2
above.

-size NiCad high-

s

2-2 Initial Setup

April 2004

!WARNING!
To ensure the safe operation of the TransPort,
you must install and operate it as described in

this manual. In addition, be sure to follow all

applicable safety codes and regulations for
installing electrical equipment in your area.

Transducer Connections

The transducer cables connect to the TransPort with LEMO®
coaxial type connectors. Each color-coded cable has a collar
labeled UPSTREAM or DOWNSTREAM. Make transducer
cable connections to the top of the flowmeter as shown in Figure
2-2 on the previous page. Transducer installation is discussed
separately in Chapter 3.

Analog Input/Output Connections

The TransPort provides one 0/4-20 mA current output and two
4 to 20-mA analog inputs with switchable 16-V supply for
loop- powered temperature transmitters. Connect the inputs/

outputs using a LEMO
2-2 on the previous page. The pin numbers for the connector and
the color code for the standard input/output cable are shown in
Table 2-1 on the next page.

®

multi-pin connector as shown in Figure

Initial Setup 2-3

April 2004

Analog Input/Output Connections (cont.)

Table 2-1: Cable Assembly for Analog Inputs/Outputs

Wire

Pin Number

Color Description

1 Black Analog Out 1
2 Red 16 V (switched)
3 White Supply Temperature
4 Yellow Return Temperature
5 Green Analog Ground
6 Orange Digital Output
7 Blue Digital Ground
8 Violet Receive Monitor

The Infrared Wireless Interface

The PT878GC comes equipped with an internal infrared
transceiver (see Figure 2-2 on page 2-2) that enables
communication between the meter and other IR devices,
particularly the IR ports or dongles (IR to RS232 adapters) of

Windows
data. The PT878GC was designed for use with products that
comply to the IrDA protocol. For more information on
establishing IR communications between the PT878GC and your
PC, refer to Appendix B.

®

-based PCs. Users can send and receive site and log

2-4 Initial Setup

April 2004

Charging and/or Replacing Batteries

The PT878GC comes with self-contained, built-in rechargeable
batteries to support portable operation. For optimum
performance, these batteries require a minimum of maintenance.

Charging the Batteries

When you receive the P T878GC, you will need to i nitially charge
the batteries. The batteries must be charged up to 8 hours to
receive the maximum charge. When fully charged, the batteries
provide 8 hours of continuous operation. An internal battery
gauge indicates the remaining power in the batteries.

To charge the batteries, simply plug the AC power module cord
into the power jack (shown in Figure 2-2 on page 2-2) and be sure
the battery pack is installed. When the PT878GC is plugged into
line voltage, the internal battery charger automatically charges
the batteries, whether the PT878GC is on or off. If the PT878GC
is on, the Battery icon in the upper right corner of the screen
indicates battery status (as shown in Table 2-2 below).

IMPORTANT: For CE compliance, the PT878GC is classified

as a battery-powered device, not to be used with
the AC adaptor.

Table 2-2: Battery Status Icons

Icon Battery Status

Full battery
Partially full battery

Empty battery
Fully charged battery,

connected to AC power
Charging battery

Discharging battery
Failure/missing battery
Notification to check battery

form (see page 7-5)

Initial Setup 2-5

April 2004

Replacing the Batteries

Caution!

Replace batteries only with the specified

rechargeable batteries. The battery charges when

the unit is off. Do not attempt to recharge non-

rechargeable batteries.

If you need to replace the rechargeable batteries, use 5 C

-size

s

NiCad high energy rechargeable batteries (GE Panametrics Part
Number 200-058) or 3.0 Ahr NiMH batteries (part number 200-

081). To replace the batteries, remove the rubber boot, open the
panel located on the back of the PT878GC unit, disconnect the
batteries, and replace with new ones (see Figure 2-3 below).

Battery Location
(Behind Panel)

Figure 2-3: Rear View of PT878GC

To further extend the battery power on the PT878GC, the GE
Panametrics Part #705-1283 power pack option uses 6 AA
alkaline batteries.

2-6 Initial Setup

April 2004

Powering On and Off

To operate the PT878GC, the power cord must be plugged into
line voltage or the battery must be charged as described
previously.

IMPORTANT: For CE compliance, the PT878GC is classified

as a battery-powered device, and cannot be used
with the AC adaptor.

To turn the meter on, press the red button in the upper-right-hand
corner of the keypad. Immediately upon power up the PT878GC
emits a short beep and displays a “PCI Loader” message. It then
validates the instrument programming, and then displays the GE
Panametrics logo and the software version and emits a long beep.
If the meter fails any of these tests, contact GE Panametrics.

Caution!

If the meter fails the backup battery test, you must

send the unit back to the factory for a battery
replacement. Make sure you keep the NiCad

batteries charged until you are ready to ship the unit

back to the factory. Before shipping, print out all the

log and site data, or transfer it to your PC, as this

data will be lost during the service procedure.

Initial Setup 2-7

April 2004

Powering On and Off (cont.)

After the meter conducts all the self checks, the screen then
appears similar to the one shown in Figure 2-4 below.

ABC.SIT

Velocity, ft/s

2004/11/30 09:53 AM

Signal, dB

32

0.00

Delta-T, ns

Volume, l/s

0.10

E0: No Errors

Figure 2-4: Screen After Powering On

0.0

2-8 Initial Setup

April 2004

Powering On and Off (cont.)

To turn the PT878GC off, press the red key for 3 seconds. The
screen now appears similar to Figure 2-5 below.

Velocity, ft/s

SHUTDOWN: Meter OFF

Signal, dB

SLEEP: Meter Idle
CANCEL: Resume Operations

Delta-T, ns

Shutdown

Figure 2-5: The Shutdown Menu

Three options are available:

Sleep

Volume, l/s

Resume

• Press [F1] to shut down the PT878GC, turning it completely

off.

• Press [F2] to send the PT878GC into sleep mode. In this mode,

some of the power supplies shut down, but the PT878GC
remains in a standby mode. Users can resume taking
measurements immediately by pressing the power button.

• Press [F3] to cancel the command and return the PT878GC to

normal operation.

If the PT878GC locks up, you can reset it by holding the power
key (the red key in the upper right corner) for 15 seconds.

Initial Setup 2-9

April 2004

Using the Screen and Keypad

The essential features for operating the TransPort are the screen
and keypad. Although these features are common on portable
instruments, the PT878GC design offers unique features to
simplify and speed operation.

Screen

The primary function of the screen is to display information in
order for you to accurately and easily take measurements. The
TransPort screen consists of seven parts (see Figure 2-6 below).

Current

Site

DEFAULT

Velocity, ft/s

Status Bar

(alternates with

Menu Bar)

2000/11/30 09:53 AM

Signal, dB

Battery
Status

32

0.00

(Work

Area)

Delta-T, ns

0.10

E0: No Errors

Error Messages

Figure 2-6: The PT878GC Screen in Operate Mode

The top line of the screen is the status bar, which normally
displays the time, date and current site. However, when you press

[MENU] (the menu key), the Menu Bar replaces the status bar.

System
Tray

Volume, l/s

0.0

Function Keys

2-10 Initial Setup

April 2004

Screen (cont).

The middle of the screen is the work area, which displays the
measured parameters, numeric measurements, and both bar and
line graphs. (When you enter a selection on the Main Menu
discussed in Chapter 4, Programming Site Data, this area
displays menu prompts.) A line at the bottom of the area also
displays error code messages, which are described in more detail
in Chapter 10, Diagnostics and Trou bleshooting.

The system tray, shown in Figure 2-6 on page 2-10, displays
icons that indicate meter operations not otherwise shown. Table
2-3 below lists the icons and their meanings.

Table 2-3: Icons in the System Tray

Icon Function Meaning

IR Transfer IR data transfer in progress.

Alert Indicates the meter encoun-

tered an error in operation.

Log Running Indicates a log is running

(marks).

Log Pending Indicates a log is pending (no

marks).

Stopwatch Calibration Gate Operation:

Watch is stopped when the
gate is closed, or runs when it
is open. (See page 3-46.)

Snapshot
(To file)

(To Printer)

Indicates that the Snapshot
function has been activated,
so users can take screen cap­tures (see page 6-23).

The bottom of the screen displays the three feature key options:
F1, F2 and F3. The feature keys have different functions,
depending on the task you are performing.

Initial Setup 2-11

April 2004

Keypad

The PT878GC keypad has 25 keys. The functions for each key
are as follows (see Figure 2-7 on the next page):

• 3 function keys ([F1], [F2], [F3]) — enable you to select the

special functions which appear at the bottom of the screen.

• 12 numeric keys (including - and .) — enable you to enter

numeric data.

• 4 arrow keys ([W ], [X], [S], [T]) — enable you to move

through the menu options.

• [?] — Help key enables you to access on-line help.

• [MENU] — Menu key enables you to access the Menu Bar.

• [ENTER] — enables you to enter a particular menu, and

enters selected values into the TransPort memory.

• [SEL] — enables you to move between data measurements on

the screen.

• [ESC] — enables you to exit menus or menu options at any

time; cancels numeric entry.

• Red key [ ] turns the power on or off, and toggles the

backlight on or off.

2-12 Initial Setup