Alicat Scientific MC Series User manual

Innovative Flow and Pressure Solutions
Operating Manual
Precision Gas Mass Flow Controllers
MC Series
MCS Series
MCV Series
MCR Series

05/19/2011 Rev.22 DOC-ALIMAN16C
Conformity / Supplemental Information:
The product complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
(including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly. Contact the manufacturer for more information.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Alicat Scientic, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser (hereinafter referred to as “Buyer”) that instruments manufactured
by Alicat Scientic (hereinafter referred to as “Product”) shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life
of the Products.
Under this warranty, the Product will be repaired or replaced at manufacturer’s option, without charge for parts or labor when
the Product is carried or shipped prepaid to the factory together with proof of purchase.
The foregoing shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy in lieu of other remedies of the Buyer for any breach by Alicat
Scientic of this warranty to the maximum extent permitted by law.
This warranty does not apply to any Product which has not been installed or used in accordance with the Product operation
and installation specications provided to Buyer verbally or in writing by Alicat Scientic for the proper and normal use of
the Product.
Buyer agrees hereunder that Alicat reserves the right to void any warranty, written or implied, if upon Alicat’s examination of
Product shall disclose to Alicat’s satisfaction that the Product failure was due solely, or in part, to accident, misuse, neglect,
abuse, alteration, improper installation, unauthorized repair or improper testing by Buyer or agent of Buyer.
Alicat Scientic shall not be liable under any circumstances for indirect, special, consequential, or incidental damages in
connection with, or arising out of, the sale, performance, or use of the Products covered by this warranty.
Alicat Scientic does not recommend, warrant or assume responsibility for the use of the Products in life support applications
or systems.
Alicat’s warranties as herein above set forth shall not be enlarged, diminished or affected by, and no obligation or liability
shall arise or grow out of Alicat’s rendering of technical advice in connection with Buyer’s order of the Products furnished
hereunder.
If Product becomes obsolete, Alicat Scientic, at its own discretion, reserves the right to repair the Product with available
replacement parts or upgrade the Product to a current, commercially available version of the original Product. Should
upgrading the Product be deemed necessary by Alicat, Buyer hereby agrees to pay an upgrade fee equal to seventy percent
of the retail value of the replacement Product. Alicat Scientic hereunder makes no claim that replacement Products will
look, function or operate in the same or similar manner as the original product.
When a Product is returned to Alicat Scientic for recalibration this service is considered normal preventative maintenance.
Recalibration of Product shall not be treated as a warranty service unless recalibration of Product is required as the result
of repairs to Product pursuant to this Warranty. Failure to recalibrate Product on a yearly basis will remove any and
all obligations regarding repair or replacement of Product as outlined by this Warranty to Buyer from Alicat
Scientic.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other relevant warranties, expressed or implied, including the implied warranty of merchantability
and the implied warranty of tness for a particular purpose, and any warranty against infringement of any patent.
Continued use or possession of Products after expiration of the applicable warranty period stated above shall be conclusive
evidence that the warranty is fullled to the full satisfaction of Buyer.
Alicat makes no warranty as to experimental, non-standard or developmental Products.
Accessories purchased from Alicat are not covered by this warranty.
Notice: Alicat Scientic, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes and improvements to the products described in this
manual at any time and without notice. This manual is copyrighted. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied,
reproduced, translated, or converted to any electronic medium or machine readable form, for commercial purposes,
without prior written consent from the copyright holder.
Note: Although we provide assistance on Alicat Scientic products both personally and through our literature, it is the
complete responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of any product to their application.
Alicat Scientic, Inc.’s Wide-Range Laminar Flow Element Patent: The wide-range laminar ow element and products
using the wide-range laminar ow element are covered by U.S. Patent Number: 5,511,416. Manufacture or use of the
wide-range laminar ow element in products other than Alicat Scientic products or other products licensed under said
patent will be deemed an infringement.

Table of Contents Page
Installation 5
Plumbing 5
Mounting 5
Application 5
Power and Signal Connections 6
Input Signals 7
Analog Input Signal 7
RS-232 / RS-485 Input Signal 7
Output Signals 8
RS-232 / RS-485 Digital Output Signal 8
Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal 8
Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal 8
Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal 8
Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal 8
MC and MCR Series Mass Flow Controller Operation 11
Main Mode 11
Set-Pt. 11
Gas Absolute Pressure 11
Gas Temperature 12
Volumetric Flow Rate 12
Mass Flow Rate 12
Flashing Error Message 12
Select Menu Mode 12
Control Setup Mode 13
Input 13
Loop 14
Select 14
Gas Select Mode 15
Communication Select Mode 16
Unit ID 16
Baud 16
Data Rate 16
Manufacturer Data Mode 17
Miscellaneous Mode 17
LCD Contrast 18
Display Zero Deadband 18
Pressure Averaging 18
Flow Averaging 18
MCV Controller Operating Notes 19
Information for Alicat TFT (Color Display) Controllers 20
RS-232 or RS-485 Output and Input 22
Conguring HyperTerminal® 22
Changing from Streaming to Polling Mode 22
Sending a Set-Point via RS-232 or RS-485 23
To adjust the P & D terms via RS-232 or RS-485 23
Gas Select 24
Collecting Data 26
Data Format 26
Sending a Simple Script File to HyperTerminal® 27

Table of Contents Page
Operating Principle 28
Gas Viscosity 28
Other Gases 29
Volume Flow vs. Mass Flow 29
Volumetric Flow and Mass Flow Conversion 30
Compressibility 30
Standard Gas Data Tables 31
Gas Viscosities, Densities and Compressibilities at 25oC 32
Gas Viscosities, Densities and Compressibilities at 0oC 33
Troubleshooting 34
Maintenance and Recalibration 35
MC and MCR Series Technical Specications 36
MC and MCR Series Dimensional Drawings 40
MCV Technical Specications 43
MCP Technical Specications 44
MCS and MCRS Series Technical Information 46
MCS and MCRS Series Dimensional Drawings 47
PROFIBUS Technical Specications 50
DeviceNet Technical Specications 51
Option: Totalizing Mode 53
Option: Portable Meters and Gauges 54
Option: Remote Electronics 55
Option: Remote Panel Display 55
Accessory: BB9 Multi-Drop Box 55
Accessory: Flow Vision™ SC 56
Accessories 57
Eight Pin Mini-DIN Pin-Out 58
Locking Industrial Connector Pin-Out 58
PROFIBUS Pin-Out 59
DB15 Pin-Out Diagrams 60
Information for CSA and ATEX Labeled Devices 65
Table of Figures
Figure 1. 8 Pin Mini-DIN Connector 6
Figure 2. Simple method for providing set-point to controllers 7
Figure 3. Mini-DIN to DB-9 Connection for RS-232 Signals 8
Figure 4. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Conguration 9
Figure 5. Optional Industrial Connector 10
Figure 6. Main Mode Display, MC Series Flow Controller 11
Figure 7. Select Menu Display 12
Figure 8. MC Series Control Setup Display 13
Figure 9. Gas Select Display 15
Figure 10. Communication Select Display 16
Figure 11. Manufacturer Data Displays 17
Figure 12. Miscellaneous Mode Display 18
Figure 13. MCV Controller with Three-Way Solenoid Valve 19

5
Thank you for purchasing an MC Series Gas Flow Controller. Please take the time to 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 Alicat Scientic instruments:
MC Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
MCR Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
This includes MC and MCR Series devices labeled as approved for CSA Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX Class
1 Zone 2 hazardous environments. See pages 65 and 66 for Special Conditions regarding the use
of CSA/ATEX labeled devices.
MCS Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
MCRS Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
All Alicat MCS and MCRS Series Flow Meters for aggressive gases operate in accordance with the
instructions found in this manual. Please see page 46 for technical information specic to MCS and
MCRS Series instruments.
MCV Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
See page 19 for additional information specic to MCV controllers.
MCP Series Mass Gas Flow Controllers
See page 44 for additional information specic to MCP controllers.
Installation
Plumbing
All MC Series Gas Flow Controllers are equipped with female inlet and outlet port connections. Because
the ow controllers set up a laminar ow condition within the ow body, no straight runs of pipe are
required upstream or downstream of the controller. The inlet and outlet ports are equal in size and
symmetric (in-line). The port sizes (process connections) and mechanical dimensions for different ow
ranges are shown on pages 40-42.
Controllers with M5 (10-32) ports have O-ring face seals and require no further sealant or tape. On
other controllers, avoid the use of pipe dopes or sealants on the ports as these compounds can cause
permanent damage to the controller should they get into the ow stream. Use of thread sealing Teon
tape is recommended to prevent leakage around the threads. When applying the tape, avoid wrapping
the rst thread or two to minimize the possibility of getting a piece of shredded tape into the ow stream.
When changing ttings, always clean any tape or debris from the port threads.
It is also recommended that a 20 micron lter be installed upstream of controllers with full scale ranges
of 1(S)LPM or less and a 50 micron lter be installed upstream of controllers with full scale ranges
above 1(S)LPM.
Mounting
All MC Series Gas Flow Controllers have mounting holes for convenient mounting to at panels. The
sizes and dimensions for the mounting holes are shown on pages 40-42. Position sensitivity is not
generally an issue with small valve controllers. Large valve controllers are somewhat position sensitive
because of the fairly massive stem assembly. It is generally recommended that they be mounted so
that the valve cylinder is vertical and upright. The primary concern in mounting a large valve controller
in a position other than the recommended position is the increased risk of leakage when the controller
is given a zero set-point and is being held closed by the spring force.
Application
Maximum operating line pressure is 145 PSIG (1 MPa).
Caution: Exceeding the maximum specied line pressure may cause permanent damage to the
solid-state differential pressure transducer.
If the line pressure is higher than 145 PSIG (1 MPa), a pressure regulator should be used upstream
from the ow controller to reduce the pressure to 145 PSIG (1 MPa) or less if possible. Many of our
controllers are built after extensive consultations with the customer regarding the specic application.

6
The result is that two controllers with the same ow range and part number may look and act quite
differently depending upon the application the controller was built for. Care should be taken in moving
a controller from one application to another to test for suitability in the new application.
Power and Signal Connections
Power can be supplied to your MC Series controller through either the power jack (power jack not
available on CSA/ATEX approved devices) or the 8 pin Mini-DIN connector as shown in Figure 1. AC to
DC adapter which converts line AC power to DC voltage and current as specied below is required to
use the power jack. The power jack accepts 2.1 mm female power plugs with positive centers. Cables
and AC/DC adaptors may be purchased from the manufacturer (see Accessories page 57) and are
commonly available at local electronics suppliers.
Small Valve: If your controller utilizes a small valve (about the size of your thumb), a 12-30Vdc
power supply with a 2.1 mm female positive center plug capable of supplying 250 mA is recommended.
Note: 4-20mA output requires at least 15 Vdc.
Large Valve: If your controller utilizes a large valve (about the size of your st), a 24-30 Vdc power
supply with a 2.1 mm female positive center plug capable of supplying at least 750mA is required.
Alternatively, power can be supplied through the Mini-DIN connector as shown below:
7 8
1 2
345
AC/DC Adapter Jack
6
1
3
2
45
678
Pin Function Mini-DIN cable
color
1Inactive or 4-20mA Primary Output Signal Black
2Static 5.12 Vdc or Secondary Analog Output (4-20mA, 5Vdc, 10Vdc)
or Basic Alarm Brown
3 RS-232 Input Signal Red
4Analog Input Signal Orange
5 RS-232 Output Signal Yellow
60-5 Vdc (or 0-10 Vdc) Output Signal Green
7Power In (as described above) Blue
8Ground (common for power, communications and signals) Purple
Note: The above pin-out is applicable to all the ow meters and controllers available with the Mini-DIN
connector. The availability of different output signals depends on the options ordered.
Underlined Items in the above table are optional congurations that are noted on the unit’s calibration
sheet.
Figure 1. 8 Pin Mini-DIN Connector
CAUTION: Do not connect power to pins 1 through 6 as permanent damage can occur!
Note: Upon initial review of the pin out diagram in Figure 1, it is common to mistake Pin 2 (labeled
5.12 Vdc Output) as the standard 0-5 Vdc analog output signal! In fact Pin 2 is normally a constant
5.12 Vdc that reects the system bus voltage and can be used as a source for the set-point signal.

7
Input Signals
Analog Input Signal
Apply analog input to Pin 4 as shown in Figure 1.
Standard 0-5 Vdc: Unless ordered otherwise, 0-5 Vdc is the standard analog input signal. Apply the
0-5 Vdc input signal to pin 4, with common ground on pin 8. The 5.12 Vdc output on pin 2 can be wired
through a 50K ohm potentiometer and back to the analog input on pin 4 to create an adjustable 0-5 Vdc
input signal source as shown below.
76
543
21
8
5.12 Vdc
50 KOhm
Potentiometer
0-5 Vdc
Figure 2. Simple method for providing set-point to controllers
Optional 0-10 Vdc: If specied at time of order, a 0-10 Vdc input signal can be applied to pin 4, with
common ground on pin 8.
Optional 4-20 mA: If specied at time of order, a 4-20 mA input signal can be applied to pin 4, with
common ground on pin 8. Note: This is a current sinking device. The receiving circuit is essentially a
250 ohm resistor to ground. Do not attempt to connect it to “loop powered’” systems, as this will destroy
portions of the circuitry and void the warranty. If you must interface with existing loop powered systems,
always use a signal isolator and a separate power supply. Note: 4-20mA output requires at least 15 Vdc
power input.
RS-232 / RS-485 Digital Input Signal
If you will be using the RS-232 or RS-485 input signal, it is necessary to connect the RS-232 / RS-485
Output Signal (Pin 5), the RS-232 / RS-485 Input Signal (Pin 3), and Ground (Pin 8) to your computer
serial port as shown in Figure 3. Adapter cables are available from the manufacturer or they can be
constructed in the eld with parts from an electronics supply house. In Figure 3, note that the diagrams
represent the “port” side of the connections, i.e. the connector on top of the meter and the physical
DB-9 serial port on the back of the computer. The cable ends will be mirror images of the diagram
shown in Figure 3. (See page 22 for details on accessing RS-232 / RS-485 input.)

8
Output Signals
Note: Upon initial review of the pin out diagram in Figure 1 (page 6), it is common to mistake Pin 2
(labeled 5.12 Vdc Output) as the standard 0-5 Vdc analog output signal! In fact Pin 2 is normally a
constant 5.12 Vdc that reects the system bus voltage and can be used as a source for the input signal.
This allows the user in the eld to run this output through a 50K ohm potentiometer and back into the
analog set-point pin to create a 0-5 Vdc set-point source.
RS-232 / RS-485 Digital Output Signal
If you will be using the RS-232 or RS-485 output signal, it is necessary to connect the RS-232 / RS-485
Output Signal (Pin 5), the RS-232 / RS-485 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 eld with parts from an electronics supply house. In Figure 2, note that the diagrams
represent the “port” side of the connections, i.e. the connector on top of the meter and the physical
DB-9 serial port on the back of the computer. The cable ends will be mirror images of the diagram
shown in Figure 2. (See page 22 for details on accessing RS-232 / RS-485 output.)
Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal
All MC Series ow controllers have a 0-5 Vdc (optional 0-10 Vdc) output signal available on Pin 6. This
is generally available in addition to other optionally ordered outputs. This voltage is usually in the range
of 0.010 Vdc for zero ow and 5.0 Vdc for full-scale ow. The output voltage is linear over the entire
range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8.
Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal
If your controller was ordered with a 0-10 Vdc output signal, it will be available on Pin 6. (See the
Calibration Data Sheet that shipped with your controller to determine which output signals were
ordered.) This voltage is usually in the range of 0.010 Vdc for zero ow and 10.0 Vdc for full-scale ow.
The output voltage is linear over the entire range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8.
Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal
If your controller was ordered with a 4-20 mA current output signal, it will be available on Pin 1. (See
the Calibration Data Sheet that shipped with your controller to determine which output signals were
ordered.) The current signal is 4 mA at 0 ow and 20 mA at the controller’s full scale ow. The output
current is linear over the entire range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8. (Current output units
require 15-30Vdc power.)
Note: This is a current sourcing device. Do not attempt to connect it to “loop powered” systems. If you must
interface with existing loop powered systems, always use a signal isolator and a separate power supply.
Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal
You may specify an optional 2nd analog output on Pin 2 at time of order. (See the Calibration Data Sheet
that shipped with your controller to determine which output signals were ordered.) This output may be
a 0-5 Vdc, 0-10 Vdc, or 4-20 mA analog signal that can represent any measured parameter. With this
optional output, a volumetric ow controller could output the volumetric ow rate with a 0-5 Vdc signal
(on pin 6) and a 4-20 mA signal (on pin 2), or a mass ow controller could output the mass ow rate
(0-5 Vdc on pin 6) and the absolute pressure (0-5 Vdc on pin 2).
If your device is CSA/ATEX approved or equipped with the optional six pin industrial connector, please
contact the factory.
Note: This is a current sourcing device. Do not attempt to connect it to “loop powered” systems. If you must
interface with existing loop powered systems, always use a signal isolator and a separate power supply.

9
7
4
6
21
DB-9 Serial Port
5
5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8
3----------Transmit------------------------------------Receive---------3
2----------Receive-------------------------------------Transmit--------5
8 Pin Mini-DIN Port
8
1 2 3 45
6 7 8 9
3
45
678
2
Figure 3. Mini-DIN to DB-9 Connection for RS-232 / RS-485 Signals
5
3
2
Purple
Red
Yellow
Purple
Red
Yellow
54321
9876
Unit C
Unit B
Unit A
Female Serial Cable Front
Purple (Ground)
Red
Yellow
Figure 4. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Con guration
Note: The easiest way to connect multiple devices is with a Multi-Drop Box (see page 55).

10
An industrial connector is standard on all CSA/ATEX approved devices (see pages 65 & 66). It is also
available as an option on all other Alicat instruments.
1
6
5
4
3
2
Pin Function Cable Color
1Power In ( + ) Red
2RS-232TX / RS-485 + Blue
3RS-232RX / RS-485 - White
4Remote Tare Meters (Ground to Tare)
Analog Set-Point Input (Controllers)
Green
5Ground (common for power,
communications and signals)
Black
6 Signal Out (Voltage or Current as ordered) Brown
Figure 4. Optional Industrial Connector
Note: The above pin-out is applicable to all the ow meters and controllers ordered with the industrial
connector. The availability of different output signals depends on the ow meter options ordered. DB15
Pin-out Diagrams: Pin-out diagrams for devices ordered with a DB15 connector can be found on
pages 60 to 64.
PROFIBUS Pin-out Diagrams: Pin-out diagrams for PROFIBUS congured devices can be found on
page 50 and 59.
DeviceNet Information and Pin-out Diagram:
Pin-out and operating information for DeviceNet congured devices can be found on page 51.

11
MC and MCR Series Mass Flow Controller Operation
The MC (and MCR) Series Mass Flow Controller provides a multitude of useful ow data in one simple,
rugged device. The MC Series can have several screen “modes” depending on how the device is
ordered. All MC Series controllers have a default Main Mode, Select Menu Mode, Control Set Up Mode,
Gas Select Mode (the Gas Select Mode may not be available on controllers calibrated for a custom
gas or blend), Communication Select Mode, Manufacturer Data Mode and a Miscellaneous Mode. In
addition, your device may have been ordered with the optional Totalizing Mode (page 53). The device
defaults to Main Mode as soon as power is applied to the controller.
Main Mode
The main mode screen defaults on power up with the mass ow on the primary display. The following
parameters are displayed in the main mode as shown in Figure 6.
#C
+21.50
+0.000
VolumeMain
Set Pt.
0.000
Mass
SCCM
Air
PSIA
+13.60
+
.
+0.000
Mass
Figure 6. Main Mode Display, MC Series Flow Controller
The “MODE” button in the lower right hand corner toggles the display between modes.
Set Pt. – The set-point is shown in the upper right corner of the display. The set-point cannot be adjusted
from the main mode screen. For information on changing the set-point, see “Set”, page 14.
Gas Absolute Pressure: The MC Series ow controllers utilize an absolute pressure sensor to measure
the line pressure of the gas ow 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). The engineering unit
associated with absolute pressure is pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA). This can be converted
to gage pressure (PSIG = the reading obtained by a pressure gauge that reads zero at atmospheric
pressure) by simply subtracting local atmospheric pressure from the absolute pressure reading:
PSIG = PSIA – (Local Atmospheric Pressure)
The ow meters use the absolute pressure of the gas in the calculation of the mass ow rate. If working
in metric units, note that 1 PSI = 6.89 kPa.

12
Gas Temperature: The MC Series ow controllers utilize a temperature sensor to measure the line
temperature of the gas ow being monitored. The temperature is displayed in engineering units of
degrees Celsius (°C). The ow controllers use the temperature of the gas in the calculation of the mass
ow rate. This parameter is located in the upper middle portion of the display under “°C”. This parameter
can be moved to the primary display by pushing the top center button above “°C”.
Volumetric Flow Rate: The volumetric ow rate is determined using the Flow Measurement Operating
Principle described on page 28. This parameter is located in the lower left corner of the display over
“Volume”. This parameter can be moved to the primary display by pushing the “Volume” button (lower
left). In order to get an accurate volumetric ow rate, the gas being measured must be selected (see
Gas Select Mode). This is important because the device calculates the ow rate based on the viscosity
of the gas at the measured temperature. If the gas being measured is not what is selected, an incorrect
value for the viscosity of the gas will be used in the calculation of ow, and the resulting output will be
inaccurate in direct proportion to the ratio between the two gases viscosities.
Mass Flow Rate: The mass ow rate is the volumetric ow rate corrected to a standard temperature
and pressure (typically 14.696 psia and 25°C). This parameter is located in the lower middle portion
of the display over “Mass”. This parameter can be moved to the primary display by pushing the button
located below “Mass” (bottom center). The controllers uses the measured temperature and the measured
absolute pressure to calculate what the ow rate would be if the gas pressure was at 1 atmosphere and
the gas temperature was 25°C. This allows a solid reference point for comparing one ow to another.
Flashing Error Message: Our ow meters and controllers display an error message (MOV = mass
overrange, VOV = volumetric overrange, POV = pressure overrange, TOV = temperature overrange)
when a measured parameter exceeds the range of the sensors in the device. When any item ashes
on the display, neither the ashing parameter nor the mass ow measurement is accurate. Reducing
the value of the ashing parameter to within specied limits will return the unit to normal operation and
accuracy.
Select Menu Mode
Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display. Push the button nearest your selection to
go to the corresponding screen. Push “Mode” again to return to the Main Mode display. (Note: If your
controller was ordered with Totalizing Mode option (page 53), pushing the “Mode” button once will bring
up the “Totalizing Mode” display. Pushing “Mode” a second time will bring up the “Select Menu” display.)
Control
Setup
Comm.
RS232F
Mfg.
Data Menu
Misc
SELECT
MENU
Gas
Figure 7. Select Menu Display

13
Control Setup Mode
The Control Setup Mode is accessed by pressing the center button above “Control Setup” on the Select
Menu display (Fig.7) This mode allows the user to set up most parameters commonly associated with
PID control. Alicat Scientic ow controllers allow the user to select how the set-point is to be conveyed
to the controller, what that set-point is if control is local, and what the Proportional and Differential terms
of the PID control loop will be. The UP and DOWN buttons for adjusting variables can be held down for
higher speed adjustment or pressed repeatedly for ne adjustment.
Input – Alicat Scientic Flow Controllers normally ship defaulted to analog control as indicated in Figure
8. To change how the set-point will be conveyed to the controller push the button in the upper right hand
corner just above the dynamic label “Input” until the arrow is directly in front of the desired option. The
controller will ignore any set-point except that of the selected input and it will remember which input is
selected even if the power is disconnected.
Analog refers to a remote analog set-point applied to Pin 4 of the Mini-DIN connector as described
in the installation section of this manual. To determine what type of analog set-point your controller
was ordered with, refer to the Calibration Data Sheet that was included with your controller. 0-5 Vdc
is standard unless ordered otherwise. Note that if nothing is connected to Pin 4, and the controller is
set for analog control, the set-point will oat. CAUTION! Never leave aCoNtroller with aNy NoN-zero
set-poiNt if No pressure is available to make flow. the CoNtroller will apply full power to the valve iN aN
attempt to reaCh the set-poiNt. wheN there is No flow, this CaN make the valve very hot!
Serial refers to a remote digital RS-232 / RS-485 set-point applied via a serial connection to a computer
or PLC as described in the Installation and RS-232 / RS-485 sections of this manual. CAUTION! Never
leave aCoNtroller with aNy NoN-zero set-poiNt if No pressure is available to make flow. the CoNtroller
will apply full power to the valve iN aN attempt to reaCh the set-poiNt. wheN there is No flow, this CaN
make the valve very hot!
Local refers to a set-point applied directly at the controller. For more information on changing the
set-point locally refer to the heading “Select” below. Local input must be selected prior to attempting
to change the set-point locally. CAUTION! Never leave aCoNtroller with aNy NoN-zero set-poiNt if No
pressure is available to make flow. the CoNtroller will apply full power to the valve iN aN attempt to
reaCh the set-poiNt. wheN there is No flow, this CaN make the valve very hot!
Loop
UP DOWN
Control
Setup
Input
Select
>
P 98 >Mass Analog
D 5002 Volume >Serial
AUTOoff Press Local
Set 0.000
Figure 8. MC Series Control Setup Display

14
Loop—The selection of what variable to close the loop on is a feature unique to these mass ow
controllers. When the mass ow controller is supplied with the control valve upstream of the electronics
portion of the system, the unit can be set to control on outlet pressure (absolute pressures only) or
volumetric ow rate, instead of mass ow rate. Repeatedly pressing the button adjacent to the word
“Loop” on the control setup screen will change what variable is controlled. The change from mass to
volume can usually be accomplished without much, if any, change in the P and D settings. When you
change from controlling ow to controlling pressure, sometimes fairly radical changes must be made
to these variables. Note: Full scale pressure is normally 160PSIA. Consult the factory if you are having
difculties with this procedure.
Select – To avoid accidental changing of the PID loop parameters or the set-point, the Control Setup
mode defaults with the selector on a null position. To change the set-point or the P and D PID loop
parameters, push the button in the upper left corner just above the dynamic label “Select” until the
selection arrow is pointing to the parameter you wish to change. When the parameter you wish to
change is selected, it may be adjusted up or down with the buttons under the display below the dynamic
labels “Up” and “Down”. Press the buttons repeatedly to make slow adjustments or hold them down to
make fast adjustments.
Prefers to the Proportional term of the PID loop. Before changing this parameter, it is good practice to
write down the initial value so that it can be returned to the factory settings if necessary.
D refers to the Differential term of the PID loop. Before changing this parameter, it is good practice to
write down the initial value so that it can be returned to the factory settings if necessary.
AUT0on / AUT0off refers to the standard auto-tare or “auto-zero” feature. It is recommended that the
controller be left in the default auto-tare ON mode unless your specic application requires that it be
turned off. The auto-tare feature automatically tares (takes the detected signal as zero) the unit when it
receives a zero set-point for more than two seconds. A zero set-point results in the closing of the valve
and a known “no ow” condition. This feature helps to make the device more accurate by periodically
removing any cumulative errors associated with drift.
Set refers to the Set-Point. This parameter may only be changed if “Local” is selected as the Input. See
above for information on selecting the input. Using the UP and DOWN buttons, the set-point may be
adjusted between zero and the full-scale range of the controller. CAUTION! Never leave aCoNtroller
with aNy NoN-zero set-poiNt if No pressure is available to make flow. the CoNtroller will apply full
power to the valve iN aN attempt to reaCh the set-poiNt. wheN there is No flow, this CaN make the valve
very hot!

15
Gas Select Mode
The gas select mode is accessed by pressing the button above “Gas Select” on the Select Menu
display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 9.
PgDWN
UP DOWN Gas
Main
C2H6 Ethane
H2 Hydrogen
He Helium
>N2 Nitrogen
N2O Nitrous Oxide
Ne Neon
PgUP
Figure 9. Gas Select Display
The selected gas is displayed on the default main mode screen as shown in Figure 6, and is indicated by
the arrow in the Gas Select Mode screen in Figure 9. To change the selected gas, use the buttons under
“UP” and “DOWN” or above “PgUP” and “PgDWN” to position the arrow in front of the desired gas. When
the mode is cycled back to the Main Mode, the selected gas will be displayed on the main screen.
(Note: Gas Select Mode may not be available for units ordered for use with a custom gas or blend.)

16
Communication Select Mode
The Communication Select mode is accessed by pressing the button below “Comm. RS-232F” or
“Comm. RS-485” on the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 10.
UP DOWN
Comm.
RS232F
Main
>
UnitID ( A ) . . . . . A
Baud ( 19200 ) . . . 19200
Data Rate. . . . . . Fast
Select
Figure 10. Communication Select Display
Unit ID – Valid unit identiers are letters A-Z and @ (see Note below). This identier allows the user to
assign a unique address to each device so that multiple units can be connected to a single RS-232 or
RS-485 port on a computer. The Communication Select Mode allows you to view and/or change a unit’s
unique address. To change the unit ID address, press the “Select” button in the upper left corner of the
display until the cursor arrow is in front of the word “Unit ID”. Then, using the UP and DOWN buttons at
the bottom of the display, change the unit ID to the desired letter. Any ID change will take effect when
the Communication Select Screen is exited by pushing the MODE button.
Note: When the symbol @ is selected as the unit ID, the device will go into streaming mode when the
Communication Select Mode is exited by pushing the MODE button. See RS-232 Communications (page
22) for information about the streaming mode. Note: RS‑485 units do not have a streaming mode.
Baud – The baud rate (bits per second) determines the rate at which data is passed back and forth
between the instrument and the computer. Both devices must send/receive at the same baud rate in
order for the devices to communicate via RS-232 or RS-485. The default baud rate for these devices
is 19200 baud, sometimes referred to as 19.2K baud. To change the baud rate in the Communication
Select Mode, press the “Select” button in the upper left corner of the display until the cursor arrow is
in front of the word “Baud”. Then, using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, select
the required baud rate to match your computer or PLC. The choices are 38400, 19200, 9600, or 2400
baud. Any baud rate change will not take effect until power to the unit is cycled.
Data Rate – Changing the Data Rate affects the rate at which the instrument dumps its data. Slow is
½ the Fast rate. The speed of the Fast rate is determined by the selected baud rate. It is sometimes
desirable to reduce the data rate if the communication speed bogs down the computer’s processor (as
is not uncommon in older laptops), or to reduce the size of data les collected in the streaming mode.
To change the data rate in the Communication Select Mode, press the “Select” button in the upper left
corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the word “Data Rate”. Then, using the UP and
DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, select either Fast or Slow. Any data rate change will be
effective immediately upon changing the value between Fast and Slow.

17
Manufacturer Data Mode
“Manufacturer Data” is accessed by pressing the “Mfg. Data” button on the Select Menu display
(Figure 11). The “Mfg 1” display shows the name and telephone number of the manufacturer. The
“Mfg 2” display shows important information about your ow meter including the model number, serial
number, and date of manufacture.
Mfg1
Main
Alicat Scientific Inc.
Ph 520-290-6060
Fax [phone]
Mfg2
Main
Mdl MC-10SLPM-D
Serial No. 47117
Date Mfg. 11/07/2010
Calibrated By DL
Software GP07R23
Figure 11. Manufacturer Data Displays
Miscellaneous Mode
The Miscellaneous mode is accessed by pressing the button above the “Misc” label in the upper right
hand corner of the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 12. Push the
button above “Select” to move the cursor even with the item you wish to adjust. Then use the “UP” and
“DOWN” buttons to make the adjustment.
NOTE: All Miscellaneous changes are recorded when you exit the Miscellaneous display.

18
UP DOWN Misc
Main
>
LCD Contrast ( 10 ) . . 10
PVM DBand (0.5% FS) . 0.5
PRESS Avg (001) . . . . 001
FLOW Avg (001) . . . . . 001
Select
Figure 12. Miscellaneous Display
LCD Contrast: The Liquid Crystal Display Contrast can be adjusted between 0 and 30 with zero being
the lightest contrast and 30 being the darkest contrast. To change the contrast, press the “Select”
button in the upper left hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words “LCD
Contrast (X)”. Then using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the contrast
value as desired. The change is immediate and the effect can be monitored as the value is changed.
Display Zero Deadband: Zero deadband refers to a value below which the display simply jumps to
zero. This deadband is often desired to prevent electrical noise from showing up on the display as minor
ows or pressures that do not actually exist, especially in high noise (electrical) environments. This
display deadband does not affect the analog or digital signal outputs — there is no zero deadband on the
output signals. The display zero deadband can be adjusted between 0 and 3.2% of the Full Scale (FS)
of the sensor. PVM refers to Pressure, Volumetric Flow, and Mass Flow, the three parameters to which
the deadband applies. To adjust the display zero deadband, press the “Select” button in the upper left
hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words “PVM DBand (X %F.S.)”. Then
using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the display zero deadband value
as desired.
Pressure Averaging: It is sometimes advantageous to apply an averaging factor to the pressure output
(and display) to make it easier to read and interpret rapidly uctuating pressures. Pressure averaging
can be adjusted between 1 (no averaging) and 256 (maximum averaging). This is a geometric running
average where the number between 1 and 256 can be considered very roughly equivalent to the
response time constant in milliseconds. This can be very effective at “smoothing” high frequency process
oscillations such as those caused by diaphragm pumps. To adjust the pressure averaging, press the
“Select” button in the upper left hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words
“PRESS Avg (XXX)”. Then using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the
pressure averaging value as desired.
Flow Averaging: It is sometimes advantageous to apply an averaging factor to the ow output (and
display) to make it easier to read and interpret rapidly uctuating ows. Flow averaging can be adjusted
between 1 (no averaging) and 256 (maximum averaging). This is a geometric running average where the
number between 1 and 256 can be considered very roughly equivalent to the response time constant in
milliseconds. This can be very effective at “smoothing” high frequency process oscillations such as those
caused by diaphragm pumps. To adjust the ow averaging, press the “Select” button in the upper left
hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words “FLOW Avg (XXX)”. Then using
the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the ow averaging value as desired.

19
MCV Controller Operating Notes
Alicat’s MCV mass ow controller is equipped with an integrated Swagelok® positive shutoff valve.
The normally closed valve is air actuated and will remain closed until it is connected to an air source
supplying between 60 and 120 psig of air pressure.
Once the appropriate amount of air pressure is supplied to the shutoff valve, it will open, allowing ow
through the mass controller. Air pressure must be removed from the shutoff valve in order for the valve
to close.
A common method for actuating the shutoff valve incorporates a three-way solenoid valve (Figure 13).
Three-way solenoid valves can be obtained in a variety of congurations to best match your process
variables.
Air pressure is applied to one side of the solenoid valve while the other side of the solenoid is left open
to atmosphere.
When the solenoid is energized, air pressure is delivered to the shutoff valve, allowing it to open.
When the solenoid is returned to a relaxed state, air pressure is removed from the shutoff valve,
allowing it to close. The air pressure is vented to atmosphere.
Solenoid valves can be ordered from Alicat Scientic for use with the MCV series mass ow controller.
Note: All standard MC Series device features and functions are available on the MCV Series and
operate in accordance with the standard MC Series operating instructions.
Three-way Solenoid Valve
MCV Controller
Vent
Air Supply
Figure 13. MCV controller and three-way solenoid valve.

20
Information for Alicat TFT (Color Display) Instruments
Alicat TFT (color display) instruments have a hi-contrast back-lit LCD display. TFT instruments operate
in accordance with Alicat standard operating instructions with a few notable differences.
Multi-Color Display
The color of each parameter is displayed on the Main Mode screen as follows:
GREEN = NORMAL CONDITIONS
YELLOW = OVER 100% - 128%
RED = OVER 128%
Each parameter (mass ow, volumetric ow, pressure, temperature) will independently show its
operating condition according to the above colors. If the parameter is selected, the main (large) number
will display in the same color.
Main Mode: Operation equal to Main Mode on the standard monochrome display.
Select Sub-Menu Mode: Operation equal to Select Menu Mode on the standard monochrome display.
Gas Select Mode: Operation equal to Gas Select Mode on the standard monochrome display.
Manufacturer Data Mode: Operation equal to Manufacturer Data Mode on the standard monochrome
display.
Miscellaneous Mode: Operation equal to Miscellaneous Mode on the standard monochrome display.
Control Setup Mode Controllers Only:Operation differs from Control Setup Mode on the standard
monochrome display in that two screens are used.
Setup 1 allows you to set up most parameters commonly associated with input/se-point control: Input -
Analog serial or local; Loop - Mass, Pressure or Volume; and Set-point control addition to the parameters
explained in the Control Setup Mode section of the manual (page 13).
The TFT Control Setup1 display also shows:
Set — with the number inside the parenthesis being the set-point that is saved in the unit’s memory.
This number is the last set-point given before exiting the control setup screen. The number on its right
signies the current set-point in real time. The set-point will change in real time as adjusted but it will
not be saved into memory until you exit the control Setup1 and Setup2 screens.
(FS=XX.XX) — The number equaling FS is the full scale ow rate of the unit and 0.0% is the percentage
of the set-point from 0-100%. So, for an example using (FS=160)SLPM, if you adjust the set-point to
80.00 on the “Set” line you will simultaneously see the percentage change to 50% as 80 is half of 160.
Pressing the button under “Setup1” will switch the display to “Setup2”.
Setup 2 displays: Control Algorithm Type (PDF or PD2I) and the values for the Proportional, Differential
and Integral terms; and Autotare On or Off.
The PDF algorithm is the standard PID algorithm used on most controllers. This is explained on
page 13 of this manual.
The PD2I algorithm is used primarily for high performance pressure and ow control applications.
When this algorithm is selected via control Setup2, the ‘I’ gain value is forced to a numerically ‘odd’
value (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9). This algorithm exhibits two basic differences from the standard PID
algorithm that most controllers utilize.
1. Instead of applying a damping function based upon the rate of change of the process value, it applies
a damping function based upon the square of the rate of change of the process value.
2. The damping function is applied directly to the proportional error term before that term is used in
the proportional and integral functions of the algorithm. This provides a certain amount of ‘look ahead’
capability in the control loop.