Sierra M50L-AL, C50L-SS, C50L-AL, C50M-AL, C50M-SS Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

®

SmartTrak

Economical/OEM Digital Gas Mass Flow Control up to 200 slpm (nlpm)

50 Series

Instruction Manual

IM-50, Rev. I, June 2017

IM-50 1

Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

GLOBAL SUPPORT LOCATIONS: WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

5 Harris Court, Building L Monterey, CA 93940
Phone [phone] [phone] Fax [phone]

www.sierrainstruments.com

EUROPE HEADQUARTERS

Bijlmansweid 2 1934RE Egmond aan den Hoef
The Netherlands
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]

ASIA HEADQUARTERS

Second Floor Building 5, Senpu Industrial Park
25 Hangdu Road Hangtou Town
Pu Dong New District, Shanghai, P.R. China
Postal Code 201316
Phone: + 8621 5879 8521 Fax: [phone]

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER NOTICE: OXYGEN SERVICE

Sierra Instruments, Inc. is not liable for any damage or personal injury, whatsoever, resulting from the use of Sierra
Instruments standard mass flow meters or controllers fo r oxygen gas. You are responsible for determi ni ng if this
mass flow meter or controller is appropriate for your oxygen application. You are responsible for cleaning the mass
flow meter or controller to the degree requir ed for your oxygen flow application.

© COPYRIGHT SIERRA INSTRUMENTS 2016

No part of this publication may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, manual, or
otherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express written permission of Sierra Instruments. The information
contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

®

SmartTrak
listed in this manual are trademarks or trade names of their respective manufacturers.

50 Series is a Registered Trademark of Sierra Instruments, Inc. Other product and company names

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Table of Contents



Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4

Chapter 2: Installation ................................................................................................................................. 9

Before You Begin Installation ..................................................................................................................... 9

Installing the Instrument—Plumbing ....................................................................................................... 10

Compression Fittings ..................................................................................................................... 10

VCO Fittings .................................................................................................................................. 11

VCR Fittings .................................................................................................................................. 11

1/4 Inch Female NPT .................................................................................................................... 11

Installing Your Instrument—Mechanical Mounting ................................................................................ 12

Installing Your Instrument—Electrical Connections .............................................................................. 12

Instrument Power: ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Chapter 3: Digital Operation .................................................................................................................... 15

Loading the SmartTrak® 50 Series Software ........................................................................................... 16

Connecting SmartTrak® 50 Series to Your Computer ............................................................................ 16

Chapter 4: Analog Operation ................................................................................................................... 26

Setpoint Adjustment .................................................................................................................................. 28

Zero Adjustment ........................................................................................................................................ 28

Over-Range Condition ............................................................................................................................... 29

Chapter 5: Technical Support & Service ................................................................................................ 30

Appendix A: Gas Tables & K-Factor Calculations .................................................................................. 33

Appendix B1: 50 Low Flow (to 50 slpm) Product Specifications .......................................................... 37

Appendix B2: 50 Medium Flow (to 200 slpm) Product Specifications ................................................. 40

Appendix C: Warranty Policy…………………………………………………………………………….………43

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

g

Chapter 1: Introduction

This instruction manual is your guide to the SmartTrak

®

50 Series. Visit the Sierra Instruments
website www.sierrainstruments.com/products/50series.html for more information about this
product.

Using This Manual

This manual is organized into five chapters:

 Chapter 1: Introduction and Theory of Operation.
 Chapter 2: Installation, Plumbing & Wiring instructions.
 Chapter 3: Digital Operation
 Chapter 4: Analog Operation
 Chapter 5: Technical Support and Service.

There are also 4 Appendices:

 Appendix A: Conversion Formula and Gas Tables.
 Appendix B1: Low Flow Product Specifications
 Appendix B2: Medium Flow Product Specifications
 Appendix C: Warranty Policy

Throughout this manual, we use the word instrument as a generic term to represent the

SmartTrak® 50 Series mass flow meters and controllers.

Safety Information!

Caution and warning statements are used throughout this book to draw your attention to
important information.

WARNING!

CAUTION! OR IMPORTANT
NOTE

This statement appears with information that
is important to protect people and equipment
from damage. Pay very close attention to all

s that apply to your application.

warnin

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This statement appears with information that is
important for protecting your equipment and
performance. Read and follow all cautions that
apply to your application.

Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Receipt of Your Instrument

When receiving the instrument, carefully check the outside packing carton for damage that may
have occurred during shipment. If the carton is damaged, notify the local carrier and submit a
report to the factory or distributor. Remove the packing slip and check that all ordered
components are present and match your specifications. Make sure any spare parts or accessories
are not discarded with the packing material. Do not return any equipment to the factory without
first contacting one of Sierra’s Technical Support Centers:

USA (Headquarters) Customer Service:

TOLL FREE: 800-866-0200

PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: [e-mail]

European Customer Service:

PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: [e-mail]

Asia Customer Service:

PHONE: + 8621 5879 8521
FAX: [phone]
EMAIL: www.sierra-asia.com

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Definitions Used In This Manual

The following terms are used frequently in this manual. They are presented here with their
definitions for your information.

Setpoint—The command or control signal supplied to a flow controller is called the
setpoint. The controller will maintain the flow at this value.

Full scale—The highest flow that an instrument will measure within its specified
accuracy. It is often possible for an instrument to measure a flow beyond its full scale
(FS) value, but the accuracy of this measurement may be outside of published
specifications.

LFE—Laminar Flow Element (LFE) or bypass generates pressure drop forcing a small
fraction of the total flow to pass through the sensor capillary tube.

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Fig

The SmartTrak® 50 Series Flow Sensing Principle

The operating principle of the SmartTrak® 50 Series instruments is based upon heat transfer and
the first law of thermodynamics. During operation process gas enters the instrument’s flow body
and divides into two flow paths, one through the sensor tube and the other through the laminar
flow bypass. The laminar flow bypass (often called LFE for “laminar flow element”) generates a
pressure drop, P1–P2, forcing a small fraction of the total flow to pass through the sensor tube
(m1).

ure 1-1. Flow Paths through the Instrument

Two resistance temperature detector (RTD) coils around the sensor tube direct a constant amount
of heat (H) into the gas stream. During operation, the gas mass flow carries heat from the
upstream coil to the downstream coil. The resulting temperature difference (∆T) is measured by
the SmartTrak® 50 Series microprocessor. From this, SmartTrak® 50 Series calculates the output
signal. Since the molecules of the gas carry away the heat, the output signal is linearly
proportional to gas mass flow.

Figure 1-2. Flow Measuring Principle

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Fig

Figure 1-3. Sensor Temperature Distribution

Figures 1-2 and 1-3 show the mass flow through the sensor tube as inversely proportional to the
temperature difference of the coils. The coils are legs of a bridge circuit with an output voltage in
direct proportion to the difference in the coils’ resistance; the result is the temperature difference
(∆T). Two other parameters, heat input (H) and coefficient of specific heat (Cp) are both constant.
Through careful design and attention to these parameters, this output signal is made linear over the
transducer’s normal operating range (Figure 1-4). As a result, the measured flow through the
sensor tube is directly proportional to the gas flow in the main body.

In SmartTrak

®

50 Series mass flow controllers, the gas which flows through the monitoring

section is precisely regulated by the built-in electromagnetic valve. The normally closed valve is
similar to an on/off solenoid valve, except that the current to the valve coil, and hence the
magnetic field, is modulated so that the ferromagnetic valve armature, or valve plug, assumes the
exact height above the valve’s orifice required to maintain the valve’s command flow (set point).
The result is excellent resolution.

View an animated tutorial on the concepts discussed in this section at:

http://sierratechsupport.com/video/flow_control.html

IM-50 8

ure 1-4. Linear Range of the Transducer’s Output Signal

Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Chapter 2: Installation

Before You Begin Installation

Before installing the instrument, ensure that the installation site conforms to the
specific operating parameters recorded on the instrument’s Data Label. The Data
Label is located on the back of the instrument electronics enclosure. This is
critical because each instrument is configured for a specific application range.
Please review the gas, the mounting orientation, the maximum flow range, the

Warning!

Injury can result if line

pressure exceeds the

maximum rating of

145 psig (10 barg).

inlet and outlet pressure and the operating temperature. The line pressure should
not exceed 145 psig (10 barg). The temperature should not exceed 122°F (50°C).
The minimum operating temperature is 32°F (0°C) and ambient temperature is 0­50°C. If your application exceeds any of these parameters, contact your Sierra
Sales Agent before installation. You may also contact one of Sierra’s Technical
Support Centers listed on Page 5 of this manual.

Installation Check List

1. Double-check to be sure that the O-ring material used in your instrument is

compatible with the gas to be measured. The O-ring material used in your

SmartTrak® 50 Series is Viton. See Appendix A for a table of elastomer
compatibility with a wide variety of gases.

2. Sierra strongly recommends you install an in-line filter upstream of the

instrument. Recommended filter size: 10 micron. A 10 micron filter will
eliminate the possibility of sensor tube clogs, maximizing the life of the unit and
accuracy of the calibration. A 10 micron filter is available from Sierra as an
accessory. See Appendix B or contact your local Sierra distributor.

3. Do not place the instrument in areas subject to sudden temperature changes,

excessive moisture or near equipment radiating significant amounts of heat.
Be sure to allow adequate space for cable connectors and wiring.

4. For controllers, use a properly sized pressure regulator. Make sure the

pressure regulator is not too small or too big. There can be no restrictions (such as
valves, tubing or pipe internal diameters, reducers, etc.) upstream or downstream
of the controller with a dimension that is less than the valve orifice diameter. To
determine orifice diameter, consult the factory for further information. If
restricted, controller will not reach full scale.

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

5. Output Signals: The 50 Series has RS-232 communications as the standard

configuration, with optional RS-485, 0-5 VDC or 4-20 mA. The output signals
specified at time of order will be indicated on the data label.

6. The instrument has specific power supply requirements. See the table later in

this chapter for a complete listing of power requirements.

Installing the Instrument—Plumbing

SmartTrak® 50 Series instruments are supplied with
compression, VCO®, VCR®, Festo®-type push-in or female
NPT process connections. To ensure a successful installation,
inlet and outlet tubing should be clean prior to plumbing the
instrument into the system. The shipping caps covering the
inlet/outlet fittings should not be removed until immediately
before installation.

Follow the installation instructions that are applicable to your instrument’s process
connection. Ensure that the tubing is free from burrs or sharp rims that may result from
cutting.

CAUTION!

Before use, all plumbing should be checked carefully for leaks, especially at
the connecting fittings. All instruments are leak-tested prior to shipping. It is not a
requirement to leak test your instrument. Do not use liquid leak detectors such as Snoop® to
search for leaks inside or outside the SmartTrak® 50 Series. Instead, monitor pressure
decay.

Compression Fittings

1. Position the instrument with the flow direction arrow pointing in the direction of

flow.

2. Verify the position of the front and back ferrule. Insert the tubing into the fitting.

Be sure that the tubing rests firmly on the shoulder of the fitting and that the nut is
finger-tight. Scribe the nut at the six o’clock position.

3. While holding the fitting body steady with a backup wrench, tighten the nut 1-1/4

turns, watching the scribe mark make one complete revolution and continue to the
nine o’clock position. For 1/8-inch fittings, tighten only 3/4 turns from finger­tight. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN!

4. If you use flexible tubing (Example: Polyflow) use an “Insert” (see

www.swagelok.com)

5. Check the system’s entire flow path thoroughly for leaks. Do not use liquid leak

detectors on or near the unit. Exposing the instrument to leak detector fluid may
cause damage.

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

VCO Fittings

1. Position the instrument with the flow direction arrow pointing in the direction of

flow.

2. Tighten the nut finger-tight, and then 1/8 turn tighter with a wrench. Do not over-

tighten!

3. Check the system’s entire flow path thoroughly for leaks. Do not use liquid leak

detectors on or near the unit. Exposing the instrument to leak detector fluid may
cause damage.

VCR Fittings

1. Position the instrument with the flow direction arrow pointing the direction of

flow.

2. Install new gaskets that are compatible with the gas to be used.

3. Tighten the nut finger-tight, and then 1/8 turn tighter with a wrench. Do not over-

tighten!

4. Check the system’s entire flow path thoroughly for leaks. Do not use liquid leak

detectors on or near the unit. Exposing the instrument to leak detector fluid may
cause damage.

1/4 Inch Female NPT

1. Position the instrument with the flow direction arrow pointing the direction of

flow.

2. Apply high quality Teflon tape to the male NPT fitting. Alternatively, use a high

quality paste pipe thread sealant suitable for the application and gas, and apply
this compound to the inlet and outlet fittings. Avoid getting the tape or the thread
sealant onto the first two threads to keep it out of your process gas.

3. Tighten each fitting by hand. Then, tighten no more than one (1) turn. Do not

over-tighten.

4. Check the system’s entire flow path thoroughly for leaks. Do not use liquid leak

detectors on or near the unit. Exposing the instrument to leak detector fluid may
cause damage.

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Installing Your Instrument—Mechanical Mounting

Mounting Your Instrument

The base plate or bottom of the instrument has four mounting holes. Two are SAE thread
and two are metric thread. For location and dimensions, please see Appendix B.

Installing Your Instrument—Electrical Connections

All electrical connections for your SmartTrak® 50 Series instrument can be made on
either side panel. See Figure 2-2 for the pinout

DB9 Pin-out locations on instrument. There are two DB9 connectors, one on each side of the enclosure.

50 Series

DB9 Description

1 4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC Output

2 4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC Output Return

3 4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC Setpoint in

4 4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC Setpoint Return

5 +24 VDC in/Power Input (+)

6 Power Return (-)/RS 232 Ground

7 N/C (RS-485 Bus Isolated Ground)

8 RS-232 Tx (RS-485 Bus B, +, D1)

9 RS-232 Rx (RS-485 Bus A, -, D0)

Shield/Case Earth Ground

Figure 2-2: SmartTrak® 50 Series Connections

Assure block off plate covers unused DB9...

Wire Color in Cable

White

Brown

Blue

Orange

Red

Green

Yellow

Purple

Gray

Shield/Drain Wire

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Instruction Manual SmartTrak® 50 Series

Instrument Power:

The SmartTrak® 50 Series requires a 24 VDC power supply (meter can use
15 VDC). Connect power to the 9-pin connector on the side of the
instrument (pins 5 and 6). If you are supplying your own power source, it
must regulate 24 VDC, and supply at least 315 mA (445mA for RS-485

controller) (meter can use 15 VDC, 85 mA) (215mA for RS-485 Meter).
The instrument is polarity sensitive. If you reverse this wiring, the instrument will not be
damaged, but it will not function.

Instrument Grounding:

The SmartTrak® 50 Series has very high levels of RFI and EMI shielding built into the
metal electronics cover (meets or exceeds the CE Standard EN 61326-1; 2006). To
maintain the integrity of this CE rating, it is critical that a path be provided for any residual
internal noise to exit the instrument or it may register on the outputs. Grounding provides
this path.

To properly ground your instrument, secure the chassis to solid earth ground using the
mounting holes on the bottom of the flow body. If the instrument will be used without
permanent mounting (on a laboratory bench, for instance) then connect the shield wire (no
insulation) to earth ground in your facility. If you purchased a Sierra power supply, a
ground wire is provided for your convenience.

CAUTION! This instrument is not a loop-powered device! Do NOT apply power to the 4-

20 mA / 0-5 VDC output or setpoint connections.

Analog Signals:

 Output Signal: Measure the current or voltage output signal, 4-20 mA / 0-5 VDC, across

pin 1 (positive) and 2 (negative). The minimum load is 50 Ohms, the maximum load is 500
Ohms.

 Setpoint: To transmit an analog setpoint, supply the current signal across pins 3 (positive)

and 4 (negative).

For Digital Communication:

You can communicate with your instrument using the SmartTrak® 50 Series User Software
package and your PC running the Windows operating system. See the pinout on the previous
page regarding the necessary RS connections pending RS-232 vs. RS-485. After consulting the
pinout diagram, plug the DB9 connector into an appropriate serial port on your PC for RS-232.
For an RS-485 instrument you must go through an appropriate RS-232 or USB converter. If you

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