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GE
Sensing
TransPort
®
PT878GC
Panametrics Portable Gas
Ultrasonic Flowmeter
TransPort PT878GC is a Panametrics
product. Panametrics has joined
other GE high-technology sensing
businesses under a new name
_
GE Industrial, Sensing.
Applications
The TransPort PT878GC clamp-on gas flowmeter is a
complete ultrasonic flow metering system for
measurement of most gases, including:
• Natural gas
• Compressed air
• Fuel gases
• Erosive gases
• Corrosive gases
• Toxic gases
• High-purity gases
• Air separation gases
Features
• Clamp-on unobstructed installation
• No wetted parts
• No moving parts
• No pressure drop
• Sound speed output
• Standard volumetric flow calculation
• Small, lightweight and easy to use
• Large, backlit LCD display
• Rechargeable battery pack
• Logs over 100,000 flow data points
• Submersible package
• 32 site locations
• Optional thickness gauge
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GE’s technologically advanced clamp-on gas ultrasonic transducers
The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter is a highly versatile,
self-contained, portable transit-time system with options
and accessories to meet a variety of gas flow
measurement needs. Its compact size, lightweight,
rechargeable battery pack, and universal power supply
charger make it the ideal go-anywhere flowmeter.
Historically, clamp-on flow metering was limited to
liquids because existing methods could not work on metal
pipes containing gases. GE developed new technology
that extends all the benefits of clamp-on flow metering
to gas measurement. This remarkable ultrasonic
technology works with gases at high or low pressure in
pipes made of metal and most other materials.
The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter can be used to
measure the flow of any gas. It is especially useful for
metering erosive, corrosive, toxic, high-purity or sterile
gases, or in any application where penetrating the pipe
wall is undesirable. Since no tapping or cutting of the pipe
is required, permanent installation costs are
significantly reduced. The meter has no wetted or
moving parts, causes no pressure drop and has very
wide rangeability.
The new meter was tested extensively on metal pipes
with diameters as small as 0.75 inches (20 mm) and as
large as 24 inches (600 mm). This meter is suitable for
measuring the flow of air, hydrogen, natural gas and
many other gases.
Portable Flow Metering at Its Best
Because the transducers clamp onto the outside of the
pipe, they do not obstruct the flow inside the pipe. This
prevents the pressure drops typically caused by other
types of flowmeters. The TransPort PT878GC has no
components that will foul or collect debris, and there are
no moving parts to wear out. As a result, it requires no
lubrication and little or no routine maintenance.
No Pressure Drop, Low Maintenance
Advanced Clamp-On Ultrasonic
Transducers
One of the biggest challenges in developing clamp-on
ultrasonic transducers for gas applications is the
difficulty in transmitting a coded ultrasonic signal
through a metal pipe wall, through the gas, and then
back through the pipe wall to the second transducer that
is waiting to receive the signal. In gas systems, only
4.9 x10–7percent of the transmitted sound energy is
actually received by traditional ultrasonic transducers.
This simply isn’t enough to produce reliable
measurements.
The new line of clamp-on gas transducers produces
signals that are five to ten times more powerful than
those of traditional ultrasonic transducers. The new
transducers produce clean, coded signals with very
minimal background noise. The result is that the
TransPort PT878GC flowmeter system performs well even
with low-density gas applications.
TransPort PT878GC portable flowmeter and accessories
GE
Sensing
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Optional pipe wall thickness gauge
Optional Pipe Wall Thickness-Gauge
Transducer
Pipe wall thickness is a critical parameter used by the
TransPort PT878GC flowmeter for clamp-on flow
measurements. The thickness-gauge option allows
accurate wall thickness measurement from outside the
pipe.
The TransPort PT878GC Flowmeter
Uses the Transit-Time Flow
Measurement Technique
The transit-time technique uses a pair of transducers,
with each transducer sending and receiving coded
ultrasonic signals through the fluid. When the fluid is
flowing, signal transit time in the downstream direction is
shorter than in the upstream direction; the difference
between these transit times is proportional to the flow of
velocity. The TransPort PT878GC measures this time
difference and uses programmed pipe parameters to
determine flow rate and direction.
Alphanumeric and Graphic Liquid
Crystal Display Completes the Picture
A large, multifunction LCD presents measured data in
both alphanumeric and graphic forms. In addition, it
helps make programming easy by presenting a software
menu that walks you through data entry and function
selection.
Standard alphanumeric functions include flow velocity,
volumetric or mass flow, and totalized flow in either
English (U.S.) or metric units.
Quick and Easy to Use
It’s possible to make the first flow measurement within
minutes of opening the box—the TransPort PT878GC
flowmeter is that easy to use. Input the site parameters,
clamp the transducers onto the pipe, and adjust the
spacing. No ancillary equipment is needed, and there’s
no need to break into the pipeline. An experienced user
can make scores of different measurements in a single
day. The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter is ideal for all
kinds of flow survey work.
Built to Be Economical and Stay
Economical
To be of real value, a portable flowmeter must be as
economical to own and operate as it is capable in the
field. The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter is built to stay in
service for many years. Completely solid state, the device
rarely wears out or needs servicing, resulting in little
downtime and low maintenance costs.
In graphic mode, the LCD shows both real time and
logged data. The result is a chart recording right on the
display, which is very useful for reviewing data and
observing trends while on site.
Ultrasonic
signal path
Gas flow
Transducer
Transducer
Transit-time flow measurement technique
GE
Sensing
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1
Transducer alignment is crucial in obtaining accurate
measurements in clamp-on gas installations. GE offers a
wide range of clamping fixtures to help ensure proper
alignment of transducers with minimal effort.
Submersible, Rugged Electronics
Housing
This flowmeter is protected from the day-to-day rigors of
industrial usage. The TransPort PT878GC is equipped with a
rubber boot that provides protection against vibration and
shock. The completely sealed housing and ports meet
IP67 requirements, so the flowmeter will withstand
submersion in up to 3 ft (1 m) of water for limited periods
of time. It will continue to function safely even if it is
dropped in water.
Wide Range of Clamping Fixtures
Available
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Typical meter setup for portable clamp-on gas flow
Downstream
Transducer
Upstream
Transducer
Preamplifier
Clamping
Fixture
Preamplifier
PT878GC
PT878GC Accessories
1 TransPort PT878GC
2 TransPort PT878GC AC charger
3 Clamp-on gas transducers
4 LEMO BNC transducer interconnection cable
5 Input/output cable
6 RS232 to infrared dongle
7 Thickness gauge
8 Printer
9 Printer AC charger
10 CFG-V1/V4/V8/V12 clamping fixtures
11 CFG-PI fixture with chain and alignment blocks
12 Preamplifiers
13 Alignment wrap
14 Couplant
GE
Sensing
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PT878GC Installation
Requirements Table
The following table shows the minimum pressure requirements of the TransPort PT878GC for given pipe sizes and wall
thicknesses. Also provided is the maximum flow velocity of the meter for each case. Refer to the TransPort PT878GC
installation and operation manuals for more detailed data.
Nominal Pipe Size Pipe Wall Thickness Minimum Pressure Maximum Flow Velocity
in (mm) in (mm) psig (bar) ft/s (m/s)
Air NG Steam Air NG Steam
3/4 (20) 0.07 (1.8) 60 (5.1) - - 90 (27.4) - -
1 (25) 0.14 (3.6) 60 (5.1) - - 90 (27.4) - -
1-1/2 (40) 0.15 (3.8) 60 (5.1) - - 90 (27.4) - -
2 (50) 0.16 (4.1) 60 (5.1) 200 (14.8) - 90 (27.4) 110 (33.5) -
3 (75) 0.22 (5.6) 60 (5.1) 200 (14.8) - 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6) -
4 (100) 0.24 (6.1) 60 (5.1) 150 (11.4) 110 (8.6) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6)
4 (100) 0.34 (8.6) 180 (13.4) 400 (28.6) 200 (14.8) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6)
4 (100) 0.68 (17.3) 300 (21.7) 800 (56.2) - 72 (21.9) 72 (21.9) -
6 (150) 0.28 (7.2) 60 (5.1) 150 (11.4) 110 (8.6) 90 (27.4) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6)
6 (150) 0.44 (11.2) 180 (13.4) 400 (28.6) 200 (14.8) 90 (27.4) 120 (36.6) 120 (36.6)
6 (150) 0.87 (22.1) 300 (21.7) 800 (56.2) - 55 (16.8) 72 (21.9) -
8 (200) 0.33 (8.4) 60 (5.1) 175 (13.1) 120 (9.3) 80 (24.4) 100 (30.5) 100 (30.5)
8 (200) 0.5 (12.7) 180 (13.4) 400 (28.6) 200 (14.8) 80 (24.4) 100 (30.5) 100 (30.5)
8 (200) 0.88 (22.4) 300 (21.7) 800 (56.2) - 80 (24.4) 100 (30.5) -
10 (250) 0.37 (9.4) 60 (5.1) 200 (14.8) 130 (10.0) 70 (21.3) 85 (25.9) 85 (25.9)
10 (250) 0.5 (12.7) 180 (13.4) 500 (35.5) 200 (14.8) 70 (21.3) 85 (25.9) 85 (25.9)
10 (250) 1.0 (25.4) 300 (21.7) 800 (56.2) - 70 (21.3) 85 (25.9) -
12 (300) 0.38 (9.7) 60 (5.1) 250 (18.3) 140 (10.7) 55 (16.8) 70 (21.3) 70 (21.3)
12 (300) 0.5 (12.7) 180 (13.4) 500 (35.5) 200 (14.8) 55 (16.8) 70 (21.3) 70 (21.3)
12 (300) 1.0 (25.4) 300 (21.7) 800 (56.2) - 55 (16.8) 70 (21.3) -
14 (350) 0.38 (9.7) 90 (7.2) 300 (21.7) - 50 (15.2) 60 (18.3) 14 (350) 0.5 (12.7) 270 (19.6) 800 (56.2) - 50 (15.2) 60 (18.3) -
16 (400) 0.38 (9.7) 90 (7.2) 300 (21.7) - 40 (12.2) 54 (16.5) 16 (400) 0.5 (12.7) 270 (19.6) 800 (56.2) - 40 (12.2) 54 (16.5) -
18 (450) 0.38 (9.7) 90 (7.2) 300 (21.7) - 35 (10.7) 50 (15.2) 18 (450) 0.5 (12.7) 270 (19.6) 800 (56.2) - 35 (10.7) 50 (15.2) -
20 (500) 0.38 (9.7) 90 (7.2) 300 (21.7) - 35 (10.7) 43 (13.1) 20 (500) 0.5 (12.7) 270 (19.6) 800 (56.2) - 35 (10.7) 43 (13.1) -
24 (600) 0.38 (9.7) 90 (7.2) 300 (21.7) - 30 (9.1) 36 (11.0) 24 (600) 0.5 (12.7) 270 (19.6) 800 (56.2) - 30 (9.1) 36 (11.0) -
How to use this table:
1. Find pipe size of your application.
2. Find pipe wall thickness of your application.
2A. Determine if your application meets the minimum pressure requirements given pipe size and pipe wall thickness as determined by pipe wall thickness.
2B. Determine maximum flow velocity capability.
3. Consult factory for natural gas with sulfur or high carbon dioxide content.
4. Consult factory for applications that are not listed above.
GE
Sensing
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PT878GC
Specifications
Operation and Performance
Fluid Types
Acoustically conductive gases with minimum pressure
requirements. See Installation Requirements table.
Pipe Size Ranges
• 0.75 in to 12 in (20 mm to 300 mm) with
TransPort PT878GC-01 electronics
• 4 in to 24 in (100 mm to 610 mm) and larger with
TransPort PT878GC-02 electronics
Pipe Wall Thickness
Thicker walled pipes require greater gas density. See
Installation Requirements Table.
Pipe Materials
All metals and plastics. No lined pipes.
Flow Accuracy (Velocity)
• For pipes 6 in (150 mm) and smaller: ±2% to 5% of
reading typical
• For pipes over 6 in (150 mm): ±1% to 2% of reading
typical
Accuracy depends on pipe size and other factors.
Repeatability
±0.2% to 0.5% of reading
Range (Bidirectional)
See Installation Requirements Table.
Rangeability (Overall)
150:1
Specifications assume a fully developed flow profile
(typically 20 diameters upstream and 10 diameters
downstream of straight pipe run) and flow velocity greater
than 5 ft/s (1.5 m/s). Pipes 2 inches (50 mm) or less require
a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) of continuous straight run
without flanges, welds or coupling joints.
Measurement Parameters
Standard and actual volumetric flow, flow velocity and
mass flow
Electronics
Flow Measurement
Patented Correlation Transit-Time™ mode
Enclosure
Submersible IP67
Dimensions
Weight 3 lb (1.36 kg),
size (h x w x d) 9.4 in x 5.5 in x 1.5 in
(238 mm x 138 mm x 38 mm)
Display
240 x 200 pixel backlit LCD graphic display
Keypad
25-key, rubberized tactile membrane keypad
Internal Battery
Rechargeable battery: 8 hours of continuous operation
Battery Charger Input
100 to 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.38 A
Memory
FLASH memory, field-upgradable
Operating Temperature
–4F° to 131°F (–20°C to 55°C)
Storage Temperature
–40F° to 158°F –40°C to 70°C)
To ensure maximum battery life, storage temperature
exceeding 95°F (35°C) is not recommended for more than
one month.
Standard Inputs/Outputs
• One 0/4 to 20 mA current output
• One user-selectable pulse (solid state, 5 V maximum)
or frequency (5 V square wave, 100 to 10,000 Hz)
• Two 4 to 20 mA analog inputs with switchable power
supply for loop-powered temperature or pressure
transmitter
Digital Interface
Infrared communication port for printer or PC interface
Site-Parameter Programming
• Menu-driven operator interface using keypad and
“soft” function keys
• Online help functions including pipe tables
• Storage for saving site parameters
GE
Sensing
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Data Logging
• Memory capacity to log over 100,000 flow data points
• Keypad programmable for log units, update times, and
start and stop time
Display Functions
• Graphic display shows flow in numerical or graphic
format
• Displays logged data
• Extensive diagnostic parameters
European Compliance
Battery-powered system complies with EMC Directive
89/336/EEC
PT878GC
Specifications
Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Transducers
Temperature Ranges
• Standard: -40°F to 266°F (-40°C to 130°C)
• Optional (overall range): 40°F to 446°F (40°C to 230°C)
Transducer Materials
Stainless steel and plastic
Mountings
Portable gas-transducer clamping fixtures in
polycarbonate carrying cases:
• PCFG-1 for pipes smaller than 12 in (300 mm) in
diameter
• PCFG-2 for pipes larger than 12 in (300 mm) in
diameter
Mounting Couplant
CPL-16
Area Classifications
• Standard: General purpose
• Optional: Weatherproof Type 4 IP65
• Optional: Explosion-proof Class I, Division 1,
Groups C&D
• Optional: Flameproof II 2 G EEx md IIC T6–T3
(certification pending)
TransPort PT878GC electronics are designed for general
purpose areas.
Transducer Cables
• Standard: One pair of LEMO®coaxial transducer
connectors with 25 ft (8 m) cables
• Optional: 500 ft (154 m) extension cables available for
most transducers
Thickness-Gauge Option
Transducer
GE dual-element transducer
Pipe-Thickness Range
0.05 in to 3 in (1.3 mm to 76.2 mm)
Pipe Materials
Most standard metal and plastic pipe materials
Accuracy
±1% typical or ±0.002 in (±0.05 mm)
Thermal Exposure
Continuous operation to 100°F (37°C); intermittent
operation to 500°F (260°C) for 10 seconds followed by two
minutes air cooling
Additional Options
Printer
• Infrared, portable, thermal printer with rechargeable
battery and 120 to 240 VAC power supply/recharger
• Weight 13 oz (370 g), size 6.3 in x 6.5 in x 2.3 in
(160 mm x 164.2 mm x 59 mm), print width
4 in (104 mm)
RS232-to-Infrared
Infrared adapter plugs into any available serial port to
give desktop PCs infrared capability
GE
Sensing
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g
©2004 GE. All rights reserved.
920-031C
All specifications are subject to change for product improvement without notice.
TransPort®and Correlation Transit-Time™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of
GE. GE®is a registered trademark of General Electric Co. Other company or product
names mentioned in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies, which are not affiliated with GE.
www.gesensing.com
GE
Sensing
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