Pulsar MicroFlow-i Instruction Manual
MICROFLOW-
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MICRO FLOW- (FIRST EDITION REV 5)
May 2019
Part Number M-MFi-S-001-5P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Process Measurement Limited, 2017 - 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language
in any form without the written permission of Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery that it
will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Process Measurement Limited
if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the defect not being due to unfair
wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident, misapplication or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited neither gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product
and shall have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Process Measurement
Limited cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and improvement and
reserves the right to amend technical details as necessary.
The MicroFlow-i shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not
be representative of the actual MicroFlow-i supplied.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
Please contact Pulsar Process Measurement Limited for technical support.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
If you have any comments or suggestions about this product, then please contact:
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited
Pulsar Process Measurement Inc.
Cardinal Building
Enigma Commercial Centre
Sandy’s Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1JJ
United Kingdom
PO Box 5177
Niceville
FL 32578-5177
USA
Tel: + 44 (0) 1684 891371
Fax: + 44 (0) 1684 575985
Tel: + 1 850 279 4882
Fax: + 1 850 279 4886
Web Site: https://www.pulsar-pm.com
e-mail: info@pulsar-pm.com (general
information)
e-mail: support@ pulsar-pm.com (product
support)
Web Site: https://www.pulsar-pm.com
e-mail: info.usa@pulsar-pm.com (general
information)
e-mail: support.usa@ pulsar-pm.com (product
support)
Pulsar® is a registered trademark of Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd in the UK, USA and China.
Contents
Chapter 1 Start Here… ....................................................................................................................... 1
About this Manual ........................................................................................................................................... 1
About the MicroFlow-i ................................................................................................................................... 2
Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Functional Description .................................................................................................................................... 4
Product Specification....................................................................................................................................... 5
EU Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2 Installation .......................................................................................................................... 7
Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Power Supply Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 7
Cable Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Information specific to Hazardous Area Installation ..................................................................................... 8
Limitations on use.................................................................................................................................... 8
Hazardous Area Specific Power Supply and barrier Requirements ...................................................... 9
Location ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Mounting ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Angled Mounting Bracket ..................................................................................................................... 12
MicroFlow-i sensor ............................................................................................................................... 14
Mounting sensor to a bracket ................................................................................................................ 15
Terminal Connection Details ........................................................................................................................ 18
Chapter 3 Locating the MicroFlow-i sensor...................................................................................... 19
Locating the MicroFlow-i ..................................................................................................................... 19
Installing the Sensor............................................................................................................................... 22
Preparation for Operation .............................................................................................................................. 23
General Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 23
Sensor Maintenance. ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Chapter 4 Understanding how the MicroFlow-i operates .................................................................. 27
MicroFlow-i HART compatible ................................................................................................................... 27
4 – 20 mA Device .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 5 MicroFlow-i HART PC .................................................................................................... 29
Software installation ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Connecting to MicroFlow-i HART PC ........................................................................................................ 30
Flow Tab ........................................................................................................................................................ 32
Configuration Tab ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Parameter Get/Set .................................................................................................................................. 33
MicroFlow-i Manual Setting ................................................................................................................. 34
4 – 20mA Trim ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Trace Tab ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
Comport ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Language ........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Tools menu .................................................................................................................................................... 38
Info ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Exit ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Chapter 6 Parameter Listing and Descriptions .................................................................................. 40
Parameter Access........................................................................................................................................... 40
Device Information Parameters .................................................................................................................... 40
Processing Parameters ................................................................................................................................... 41
MicroFlow-i Firmware Upgrade .................................................................................................................. 44
MicroFlow-i HART Firmware Upgrade ...................................................................................................... 46
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................... 48
Chapter 8 Parameter record .............................................................................................................. 49
Chapter 9 Disposal ............................................................................................................................ 50
Page 1
Chapter 1 Start Here…
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar MicroFlow-i. This quality system
has been developed over many years and represents the latest in high technology
flow monitoring.
It has been designed to give you years of trouble free performance, and a few
minutes spent reading this operating manual will ensure that your installation is as
simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation and
operation.
There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help or information as
shown.
Tips
TIP
At various parts of this manual
you may find tips to help you.
Additional Information
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific things in more detail.
References
See also text in Bold as these may be references to other parts of this or another
manual.
Drawings
It should be noted that drawings or pictures shown in this manual may not be to
scale.
Page 2
About the
MicroFlow-i
The MicroFlow-i is a 2-wire loop-powered non-contacting velocity sensor,
with hazardous area approval. The sensor provides reliable flow velocity
measurements using short pulses of micro-waves, which are transmitted by an
enclosed antenna. When reflected off a moving surface, the signal experiences
a shift in frequency characteristics. The reflected signal is captured by the onboard microprocessor via the antenna, and analysed to determine the velocity.
The MicroFlow-i’s compact and versatile design makes it easy to install and
ideal for confined spaces. Housed in a robust enclosure coupled with a fully
encapsulated microwave antenna, it provides an effective fit-and-forget flow
velocity solution.
Perfect for remote monitoring or when there is no mains power available, due
to its low power consumption. To access flow velocity data, use Pulsar’s
MicroFlow-i HART PC or HART protocol.
Overall the device has outstanding stability, accuracy and repeatability.
Page 3
Benefits
Combined with the ease of programming there are many other benefits to using
the MicroFlow-i, these are listed below:
• Non-contact velocity measurement.
• Loop powered and ideal for remote monitoring.
• Low-power consumption.
• Hazardous area approval (Ex ia) for Zone 0.
• ‘See through’ capability for enclosed plastic pipes and concrete (not
reinforced) channels.
• Suitable for abrasive and aggressive materials.
• Resilient to liquid vapour, wind or temperature.
• No minimum liquid level required for measurement
• Maintenance free.
• No interruption to operational flow.
• Can be installed in addition to existing in process contact measuring
devices.
• Easily setup using MicroFlow-i HART PC.
• The sensor is capable of monitoring flow of very shallow liquid,
mitigating the constraint associated with in-liquid techniques.
Page 4
Functional Description
Based upon state-of-the-art micro-wave sensing technology, the MicroFlow-i
integrates Pulsar’s innovative and award winning DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
platform, offering you a cost effective solution with excellent reliability and
performance.
The Pulsar MicroFlow-i has been designed to provide maintenance free
performance. The MicroFlow-i i is also intrinsically safe (Ex ia) for Zone 0.
The MicroFlow-i can be mounted via a rear 1” BSP to M20 thread adapter
(supplied with unit). The MicroFlow-i is loop powered and gives a 4 to 20mA
output which is proportional to the flow velocity. A ‘fault condition’ alarm will
give out a reading of either 3.8mA or 22mA.
The 2 wire sensor can either be used in digital HART mode or as 4-20mA loop
powered device. The MicroFlow-i loop powered version can be set up using a
HART modem with either proprietary HART software such as Pact ware or Pulsar
MicroFlow-i HART PC software.
Boot up time from power up to stable reading: cold boot 8.5 seconds, warm boot
4 seconds (if within 12 hours from last start up).
Page 5
Product Specification
Physical
Sensor body material Valox 357
Mounting Connection Via 1” BSP back mounted thread, 45o Angled
Mounting bracket and M20 thread adaptor
(optional).
Mounting angle: 45° optimum and mounted at the centre line
of the channel with clear uninterrupted view
Sensor body dimensions Diameter 90mm x height 140mm (3.54in x 5.51in)
Sensor body weight Nominal 0.7kg (1.54 lbs)
Transducer cable extensions 2 core screened
Maximum separation Up to 1000m (3280ft)
Environmental
Enclosure protection IP68
Max. & min. temperature (electronics) -20 ºC to +60 ºC (-4°F to +140°F)
Approvals
ATEX CML 16ATEX2331X, IECEx CML 16.0105X
II 1 G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga
II 1 D Ex ia IIIC T1350C Da
CE and Radar Approval See EU Declaration of Conformity
Performance
Velocity Range 0.2 – 6.0 m/s (0.66 – 19.7 ft/s)
Accuracy The greater of ± 1.5% or 0.05 m/s (0.1ft/s)
Optimum installation Install at an angle of 45° in line with flow. For
more information, see ‘Locating the MicroFlow-i
sensor’ section of this manual
Maximum channel width per sensor 1.5m (4.92ft)
Radar K-Band (ISM)
Transmitter Power <15 dBm
Beam width 20° inclusive
Outputs
Communication HART compatible, 4-20mA loop powered
Programming
PC programming MicroFlow-i HART PC
Programming security via passcode
Programmed data integrity Via non-volatile memory
PC setup and monitoring software compatible Win 7, Win 8, Win 10
Supply
Operating Voltage 10 – 28VDC
Power Consumption Start up = 20mA. Average current = 60µA per
hour when one velocity measurement is
performed every 15 minutes
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and improvement
and reserve the right to amend technical details as necessary.
Page 6
EU Declaration of Conformity
Page 7
Chapter 2 Installation
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The MicroFlow-i can operate from a DC supply of 10 to 28V. In all cases the unit
typically consumes 0.52W of power and will typically draw less than 22mA.
Cable Requirements
The MicroFlow-i comes with a fitted integral cable, if this cable is extended then
the total capacitance must not exceed the limits for the voltage applied, and the
hazardous area it is installed in.
The HART modem and PC or HART programmer are used to set up the
operation parameters for the MicroFlow-i sensor. The output can either be as a
4-20mA current giving flow velocity or as a digital signal via a HART master.
The MicroFlow-i cable is a twisted pair with an overall cable screen. The
twisted pair are red and black, connect the red to +ve and the black to the -ve.
The screen should go to signal ground.
Important Information
All shipping cartons should be opened carefully. When using a box cutter,
do not plunge the blade deeply into the box, as it could potentially cut or
scratch equipment components. Carefully remove equipment from each
carton, checking it against the packing list before discarding any packing
material. If there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to the
equipment, report it immediately to Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
Important Information
If the equipment is installed or used in a manner not specified in this
manual, then the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Page 8
Information specific to Hazardous Area Installation
(Reference European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU)
The following instructions apply to equipment covered by certificate number CML
16ATEX2331X
1. The equipment may be used with flammable gases and vapours with apparatus
groups IIC, IIB, and IIA with temperature classes; T4 ambient temperature
range -20oC to +60oC.
2. The equipment is only certified for use in ambient temperatures in the range -
20oC to +60oC and should not be used outside this range.
3. Installation shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable code of
practise by suitably trained personnel.
4. Repair of the equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the acceptable
code of practise.
5. Certification as detailed in drawing number D-804-1200 (Ex ia).
6. If the equipment is likely to come into contact with aggressive substances, then
it is the responsibility of the user to take suitable precautions that prevent it
from being adversely affected, thus ensuring that the type of protection is not
compromised.
Aggressive Substances: e.g. such as acidic liquids or gases that may attack
metals or solvents that may affect polymeric materials.
Suitable precautions: e.g. regular checks as part of routine inspections or
establishing from the materials data sheet that it is resistant to specific
chemicals.
7. The certificate number has an ‘X’ suffix that indicates that the following
special condition of certification applies. In the case of the MicroFlow-i
sensor, due to the housing and labels being non-conductive plastic care needs
to be taken with regards to electrostatic charge. The equipment shall not be
installed if the conditions are conductive to the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Additionally, the equipment should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Limitations on use
1. The MicroFlow-i must be routinely inspected to avoid the build-up of dust
layers when installed in Zone 21 & Zone 22.
2. Electrostatic hazard – The MicroFlow-i must only be wiped with a damp or
antistatic cloth.
3. The outer enclosure is made from Valox357U, consider the performance of
this material with respect to chemicals that may be present in the hazardous
area.
Page 9
Hazardous Area Specific Power Supply and barrier Requirements
The MicroFlow-i operates from a DC supply of 10 – 28VDC and will typically
draw less than 22mA. When connecting sensor to the PC software with a HART
modem, it is recommended to use a supply of at least 18VDC.
The MicroFlow-i cable is a twisted pair with overall cable screen. The twisted
pair is red and black, connect the red to +ve and the black to -ve. The screen
should go to signal ground.
Typical wiring for the MicroFlow-i:
Important Information
In the case of the Ex ia version, the sensor must be powered from an
approved I.S. safety barrier or approved I.S. power supply with the
following limits:
Uo <= 28V, Io <= 162mA, Po <= 1.03W
V
24VDC
I.S. EARTH
PSU/SENSE
LOAD/SENSE
HAZARDOUS
AREA
SAFE AREA
SINGLE ZENNER BARRIER
Ex ia Version 4-20mA mode
SINGLE ZENNER BARRIER
CURENT SENSED IN +ve
Ui<=28V
Li<=162mA
Pi<=1.03W
+
-
Page 10
V
24VDC
I.S. EARTH
PSU/SENSE
LOAD/SENSE
HAZARDOUS
AREA
SAFE AREA
DUAL ZENNER BARRIER
Ex ia Version 4-20mA mode
DOUBLE ZENNER BARRIER
CURENT SENSED IN +ve
Ui<=28V
Li<=162mA
Pi<=1.03W
+
-
V
PSU/SENSE
HAZARDOUS
AREA
SAFE AREA
GALVANIC ISOLATOR
Ex ia Version 4-20mA mode
GALVANIC ISOLATOR
Ui<=28V
Li<=162mA
Pi<=1.03W
CURRENT
SENSE
+
-
Page 11
Location
When choosing a location to mount the bracket and MicroFlow-i, note the
following:
• For optimum readings, it is recommended that the MicroFlow-i should be
positioned at a 45° angle to the surface of the material being measured.
• The mounting surface must be vibration-free.
• The ambient temperature should be between -20ºC and 60ºC.
Mounting
For the best results it is highly recommended to use the MicroFlow-i angled
bracket, which is available from your Pulsar distributor, which will ensure that the
MicroFlow-i can be correctly installed. The bracket can be used if the MicroFlow-
i sensor is to be mounted on its own in a specific location or along with a Pulsar
dBi or dB level transducer. Please see ‘Angled Mounting Bracket’ for
dimensions of this bracket, please note that the drawing is not to scale.
‘Mounting sensor to a bracket’ illustrates how you would install the sensor to
one of Pulsar’s angled brackets.
The MicroFlow-i angled bracket should be mounted by marking and drilling the
holes suitable for fixing your screws/bolts (length to suit your application) and
then fixing the bracket in place.
Important Information
When installing the MicroFlow-i it is recommended that it is mounted at
least 1m away from moving persons or machinery.
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic shock,
so follow proper grounding procedures during installation.
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