6 Series Mass and Volumetric Flow Meters Precision Gas Flow Meter Operating Manual
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Table of Contents Installation Plumbing Mounting Application Power and Signal Connections RS-232 Digital Output Signal Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal M Series Mass Flow Meter Operation Main Mode Tare Gas Absolute Pressure Gas Temperature Volumetric Flow Rate Mass Flow Rate Flashing Error Message Sel
Table of Contents Collecting Data Data Format Sending a Simple Script File to HyperTerminal® Operating Principle Gas Viscosity Other Gases Volume Flow vs.
Thank you for purchasing an Apex Gas Flow Meter. Please take the time to find and read the information contained in this manual. This will help to ensure that you get the best possible service from your instrument. This manual covers the following Apex instruments: M Series 16 Bit Mass Gas Flow Meters V Series 16 Bit Volumetric Gas Flow Meters Installation Plumbing All M or V Series Gas Flow Meters are equipped with female inlet and outlet port connections.
Power and Signal Connections Power can be supplied to your M or V Series meter through either the power jack or the 8 pin Mini-DIN connector as shown in Figure 1. An AC to DC adapter which converts line AC power to DC voltage between 7 and 30 volts is required to use the power jack. The adapter current should be at least 100mA. The power jack accepts 2.1 mm female power plugs with positive centers.
RS-232 Digital Output Signal If you will be using the RS-232 output signal, it is necessary to connect the RS-232 Output Signal (Pin 5), the RS-232 Input Signal (Pin 3), and Ground (Pin 8) to your computer serial port as shown in Figure 2. Adapter cables are available from the manufacturer or they can be constructed in the field with parts from an electronics supply house. In Figure 2, note that the diagrams represent the “port” side of the connections, i.e.
DB-9 Serial Port 8 Pin Mini-DIN Port 2 1 1 2 6 3 7 4 8 5 3 9 6 6 5 5 44 7 7 8 8 5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8 3----------Transmit------------------------------------Receive---------3 2----------Receive-------------------------------------Transmit--------5 Figure 2.
An optional industrial connector is also available: Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 Function Power In ( + ) RS-232 Output RS-232 Input Signal Remote Tare (Ground to Tare) Ground (commom for power, communications and signals) Signal Out (Voltage or Current as ordered) Cable Color Red Blue White Green Black 6 1 5 2 3 4 Brown Figure 4. Optional Industrial Connector Note: The above pin-out is applicable to all the flow meters and controllers ordered with the industrial connector.
M Series Mass Flow Meter Operation The M Series Mass Flow Meter provides a multitude of useful flow data in one simple, rugged device. The M Series can have several display “modes” depending on how the device is ordered. All M Series meters have a default Main Mode, Select Menu Mode, a Gas Select Mode (the Gas Select Mode may not be available on meters calibrated for a custom gas or blend), a Communication Select Mode and a Manufacturer Data Mode.
Gas Absolute Pressure: The M Series flow meters utilize an absolute pressure sensor to measure the line pressure of the gas flow being monitored. This sensor references hard vacuum and accurately reads line pressure both above and below local atmospheric pressure. This parameter is located in the upper left corner of the display under the dynamic label “PSIA”. This parameter can be moved to the primary display by pushing the button just above the dynamic label (top left).
Select Menu Mode Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display. Push the button nearest your selection to go to the corresponding display. Push “Mode” again to return to the Main Mode display. (Note: If your meter was ordered with Totalizing Mode option (page 36), pushing the “Mode” button once will bring up the “Totalizing Mode” display. Pushing “Mode” a second time will bring up the “Select Menu” display.) Gas Select SELECT MENU Comm. RS-232 Gas Select Mode Mfg. Data Menu Figure 7.
Communication Select Mode The Communication Select mode is accessed by pressing the button below “Comm. RS-232” on the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 9 below. Select Main > Unit ID (A).....A Baud (19200)....19200 Data Rate......Fast UP DOWN Comm. RS-232 Figure 9. Communication Select Display Unit ID – Valid unit identifiers are letters A-Z and @ (see Note below).
Manufacturer Data “Manufacturer Data” is accessed by pressing the “Mfg. Data” button on the Select Menu display (Figure 7). The “Mfg 1” display shows the name and telephone number of the manufacturer. The“Mfg 2” display shows important information about your flow meter including the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture. Main Apex Ph 404-474-3115 Mfg 1 Main Model M-10SLPM-D Serial No 27117 Date Mfg.11/07/2005 Calibrated By.DL Software GP07R23 Mfg 2 Figure 10.
V Series Volumetric Flow Meter Operation The V Series can have several display “modes” depending on how the device is ordered. All V Series meters have a default Main Mode,a Select Menu Mode, a Gas Select Mode (the Gas Select Mode may not be available on meters calibrated for a custom gas or blend), a Communication Select Mode and a Manufacturer Data Mode. (In addition, your device may have been ordered with a Totaliizing Mode, page 36.
Flashing Error Message: Our volumetric flow meters and controllers display an error message (VOV = volumetric overrange) when a measured parameter exceeds the range of the sensors in the device. When any item flashes on the display, the flashing parameter is not accurate. Reducing the value of the flashing parameter to within specified limits will return the unit to normal operation and accuracy. Select Menu Mode Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display (Figure 7, page 12).
to the screen, hit the “Enter” key several times to clear any extraneous information. Type “*@=@” followed by “Enter” (or using the RS-232 communcation select menu, select @ as identifier and exit the screen). If data still does not appear, check all the connections and com port assignments.
Gas Select – The selected gas can be changed via RS-232 input. To change the selected gas, enter the following commands: In Streaming Mode: $$# In Polling Mode: Address$$# (e.g. B$$#) Where # is the number of the gas selected from the table below.
Collecting Data: The RS-232 output updates to the screen many times per second. Very short-term events can be captured simply by disconnecting (there are two telephone symbol icons at the top of the HyperTerminal® screen for disconnecting and connecting) immediately after the event in question. The scroll bar can be driven up to the event and all of the data associated with the event can be selected, copied, and pasted into Microsoft® Excel® or other spreadsheet program as described below.
Sending a Simple Script File to HyperTerminal® It is sometimes desirable to capture data for an extended period of time. Standard streaming mode information is useful for short term events, however, when capturing data for an extended period of time, the amount of data and thus the file size can become too large very quickly. Without any special programming skills, the user can use HyperTerminal and a text editing program such as Microsoft Word to capture text at user defined intervals. 1.
Operating Principle All M or V Series Gas Flow Meters are based on the accurate measurement of volumetric flow. The volumetric flow rate is determined by creating a pressure drop across a unique internal restriction, known as a Laminar Flow Element (LFE), and measuring differential pressure across it.
Other Gases: M Series Flow Meters can easily be used to measure the flow rate of gases other than those listed as long as “non-corrosive” gas compatibility is observed. For example, a flow meter that has been set for air can be used to measure the flow of argon. The conversion factor needed for measuring the flow of different gases is linear and is simply determined by the ratio of the absolute viscosity of the gases.
Once the corrected mass flow rate at standard conditions has been determined and the density at standard conditions is known (see the density table at the back of this manual), a true mass flow can be calculated as detailed in the following example: Mass Flow Meter Reading = 250 SCCM (Standard Cubic Centimeters/Minute) Gas: Helium Gas Density at 25C and 14.696 PSIA = .16353 grams/Liter True Mass Flow = (Mass Flow Meter Reading) X (Gas Density) True Mass Flow = (250 CC/min) X (1 Liter / 1000 CC) X (.
This reduces to: Pa Va / Za Ta = Ps Vs / Zs Ts , eliminating R and n. Our mass flow meters model gas flows based upon the non-ideal gas characteristics of the calibrated gas. The flow corrections are normally made to 25 C and 14.696 PSIA and the compressibility factor of the gas under those conditions. This allows the user to multiply the mass flow rate by the density of the real gas at those standard conditions to get the mass flow rate in grams per minute.
Gas Number Short Form Long Form 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Air Ar CH4 CO CO2 C2H6 H2 He N2 N2O Ne O2 C3H8 n-C4H10 C2H2 C2H4 i-C4H10 Kr Xe SF6 C-25 C-10 C-8 C-2 C-75 A-75 A-25 27 A1025 28 Star29 29 P-5 Air Argon Methane Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide Ethane Hydrogen Helium Nitrogen Nitrous Oxide Neon Oxygen Propane normal-Butane Acetylene Ethylene iso-Butane Krypton Xenon Sulfur Hexafluoride 75% Argon / 25% CO2 90% Argon / 10% CO2 92% Argon / 8% CO2 98%
Gas Number Short Form Long Form 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Air Ar CH4 CO CO2 C2H6 H2 He N2 N2O Ne O2 C3H8 n-C4H10 C2H2 C2H4 i-C4H10 Kr Xe SF6 C-25 C-10 C-8 C-2 C-75 A-75 A-25 27 A1025 28 Star29 29 P-5 Air Argon Methane Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide Ethane Hydrogen Helium Nitrogen Nitrous Oxide Neon Oxygen Propane normal-Butane Acetylene Ethylene iso-Butane Krypton Xenon Sulfur Hexafluoride 75% Argon / 25% CO2 90% Argon / 10% CO2 92% Argon / 8% CO2 98%
Volumetric Flow Meters Under Pressure V Series Volumetric Flow Meters are intended for use in low pressure applications. This is because an accurate measurement of the volumetric flow rate by means of differential pressure requires the flow at the differential pressure sensor to be in a laminar state. The state of the flow is quantified by what is known as the Reynolds Number. If the Reynolds Number gets above a certain point, generally accepted as approximately 2000, the flow will become non-laminar.
TROUBLESHOOTING Display does not come on or is weak. Check power and ground connections. Flow reading is approximately fixed either near zero or near full scale regardless of actual line flow. Differential pressure sensor may be damaged. Avoid installations that can subject sensor to pressure drops in excess of 10 PSID. A common cause of this problem is instantaneous application of highpressure gas as from a snap acting solenoid valve upstream of the meter.
Slower response than specified. M or V Series meters feature an RS-232 programmable Geometric Running Average (GRA). Depending on the full scale range of the meter, it may have the GRA set to enhance the stability/readability of the display, which would result in slower perceived response time. If you require the fastest possible response time, please consult the factory for written instructions on adjusting the GRA. Jumps to zero at low flow.
Technical Data for Micro Flow Mass & Volumetric Flow Meters 0-0.5SCCM Full Scale up to 0-50SCCM Full Scale Specification Accuracy High Accuracy Option Repeatability Operating Range Typical Response Time Standard Conditions (STP) Operating Temperature Zero Shift Span Shift Humidity Range Measurable Flow Rate Maximum Pressure Mass Meter Volumetric Meter Description At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.8% of Reading ±0.2% of Full Scale At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.4% of Reading ±0.
Technical Data for Low Flow Mass & Volumetric Flow Meters >50SCCM Full Scale up to 0-20SLPM Full Scale Specification Accuracy High Accuracy Option Repeatability Operating Range Typical Response Time Standard Conditions (STP) Operating Temperature Zero Shift Span Shift Humidity Range Measurable Flow Rate Maximum Pressure Mass Meter Volumetric Meter Description At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.8% of Reading ±0.2% of Full Scale At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.4% of Reading ±0.
Technical Data for Moderate Flow Mass & Volumetric Flow Meters >20SLPM Full Scale up to 0-250SLPM Full Scale Specification Accuracy High Accuracy Option Repeatability Operating Range Typical Response Time Standard Conditions (STP) Operating Temperature Zero Shift Span Shift Humidity Range Measurable Flow Rate Maximum Pressure Mass Meter Volumetric Meter Description At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.8% of Reading ±0.2% of Full Scale At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.4% of Reading ±0.
Technical Data for High Flow Mass & Volumetric Flow Meters >250 SLPM Full Scale up to 0-1500 SLPM Full Scale Specification Accuracy High Accuracy Option Repeatability Operating Range Typical Response Time Standard Conditions (STP) Operating Temperature Zero Shift Span Shift Humidity Range Measurable Flow Rate Maximum Pressure Mass Meter Volumetric Meter Description At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.8% of Reading ±0.2% of Full Scale At calibration conditions after tare ± 0.4% of Reading ±0.
Option: Totalizing Mode M or V Series Flow Meters and Controllers can be purchased with the Totalizing Mode option. This option adds an additional mode screen that displays the total flow (normally in the units of the main flow screen) that has passed through the meter or controller since the last time the totalizer was cleared. The Totalizing Mode screen shown below is accessed by pushing the “MODE” button until the label over it reads “Total”.
Option: 9 Volt Battery Pack A Battery Pack that uses a common 9 Volt battery can be mounted to the top of your M or V Series Flow Meter. Power is passed from the battery to the flow meter through the 8 pin Mini-DIN connector. Output signals from the flow meter or pressure guage are passed through the male connector on the bottom of the battery pack to the female connector on top of the battery pack so the signals can be accessed normally.
Battery Pack Installation and Removal: The battery must be removed before the battery pack can be installed or removed. 1. Remove the back cover of the battery pack and remove the battery if installed (see “Replacing the Battery”). 2. Carefully place the battery pack on top of the flow meter, being especially careful that the pins in the 8 pin Mini-DIN plug are inserted properly into the 8 pin Mini-DIN socket on top of the flow meter.
Accessories Battery Pack Muti-Drop Box 8 Pin Male Mini-DIN connector cable, single ended, 6 foot length 8 Pin Male Mini-DIN connector cable, double ended, 6 foot length 8 Pin Male Mini-DIN connector cable, single ended, 25 foot length 8 Pin Male Right Angle Mini-Din Cable, single ended, 6 foot length 8 Pin Male Mini-DIN to DB9 Female Adaptor 6 foot length AC to DC 12 Volt Power Supply Adapter AC to DC 24 Volt Power Supply Adapter AC to DC 12 Volt European Power Supply Adapter AC to DC 24 Volt European Power
Serial Number: ____________________________ Model Number: ____________________________ Calibration Certificate (Store device calibration certificate in the pocket below.
