Alicat L Series User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
FOR LIQUID FLOW METERS
Models L · LB · LS · LBS

2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your liquid mass flow meter.
If you have any questions, or if something is not working as
expected, please contact us. We are eager to help you in any
way possible.
Contact Information
World Headquarters,
Tucson, Arizona, USA
[e-mail]
alicat.com
7641 N Business Park Dr.,
Tucson, AZ 85743 USA
[phone]
Europe
[email protected]om
Geograaf 24
6921 EW Duiven
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 26 203.1651
China & SE Asia
[e-mail]
alicat.com.cn
2nd Floor, Block 63, No. 421,
Hong Cao Rd,
Shanghai 200233
PRC
[phone] ext. 801
India
[e-mail]
Halma India Pvt. Ltd.
Plot No . A-147, Road No. 24,
Next to Spraytech Circle
opp. Metropolitan Company,
Wagle Industrial Estate
Thane-West
Mahārāshtra 400 604
[phone]
Recalibrate your mass flow meter every year.
Annual calibration is necessary to ensure the accuracy of
readings, and extend the Limited Lifetime Warranty. Fill out
the Service Request Form at alicat.com/service,or contact us
directly when it is time for recalibration.
For devices ordered with CSA, ATEX, ISO 17025, or other certi-
fications, please visit alicat.com/certifications. For information
about our limited lifetime warranty, visit alicat.com/warranty.
Serial #:
Next Calibration:
This device comes with a NIST-
traceable calibration certificate.
This device conforms to the European
Union’s Restriction of Use of Hazardous
Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU.
This device complies with the requirements
of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/
EU and the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
and carries the CE Marking accordingly.
This device complies with the
requirements of the European Union’s
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
DOC-MANUAL-L Rev 1, 2021.05.26
L-1LPM
LB-1LPM

2021.05.26  REV.   LIQUID FLOW METER OPERATING MANUAL 3
Introduction
Your new flow meter has a variety of innovative features:
• 1000 readings per second guarantees high resolution
data, page 9.
• Monitor live pressure and temperature during flow
measurement, page 10.
• Backlit display with adjustable contrast is easy to read
even in direct sunlight. In dimly lit areas, press the logo
to turn on the backlight, page 13.
• Connection to a computer for control and data logging
to capture all pressure data for logging and analysis,
page 14.
This manual covers the following instruments:
• L-Series: liquid flow meters
• LB-Series: portable liquid flow meters
• LS-Series: anti-corrosive liquid flow meters
• LBS-Series: portable anti-corrosive flow meters
Using Laminar Liquid Flow Devices
THE DEVICE IS ONLY CONFIGURED FOR ONE
TYPE OF LIQUID, AND WILL ONLY FUNCTION
PROPERLY WHEN USING THAT ONE LIQUID.
By default, liquid devices are configured only for use with
pure water, such as distilled, de-ionized, Type I (Ultrapure),
Type II, and Type III. If a device is used for any liquid other
than the liquid it was specifically engineered for, readings
will be incorrect
Minimize contaminants and liquid variations. For water
devices, DO NOT use tap water or water with any biological
components, minerals, or oils. Any of these substances
will aect the viscosity of the liquid, leading to inaccurate
flow measurements. More importantly, these impurities
will quickly build up in the laminar flow zone, cause
corrosion, and degrade the measurement accuracy
of the device.
For support or questions regarding the use or operation
of this device, please contact us using the information
on page 2.
Alicat oers countless combinations of device sizes, acces-
sories, connections, and configurations. These custom
solutions are oered to meet a variety of application chal-
lenges brought forth by users pushing the boundaries of
our standard oerings.
If you have an idea for a new process or a challenging
application, contact Alicat for specialized engineering and
application support.
L-10LPM

4 Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction 3
Using Laminar Liquid Flow Devices 3
Quick Start Guide 5
Getting Started 6
Getting to Know Your Liquid Flow Meter 6
The Liquid Flow Meter Display 6
Status Messages 6
Mounting 6
Filters 6
Device Ports 7
Connecting Your Liquid Flow Meter 7
Operating Pressure 7
Bleed Ports 7
Power and Signal Connections 8
Analog Signals 9
Displaying Live Flow Data 10
Main Display 10
Taring Your Flow Meter 10
How to Tare 10
Option: Color TFT Display 10
Option: Collecting Totalized Flow Data 11
Device Information 11
Setup 12
Sensor Setup 12
Choosing Engineering Units 12
Flow and Pressure Averaging 12
Zero Band 12
Configuring Serial Communications 12
Unit ID 12
Modbus RTU Address 12
Baud Rate 12
Display Setup 13
Main Screen Options 13
Screen Lighting 13
Display Rotation 13
Advanced Setup 13
Serial Communication 14
Establishing Communication 14
Modbus RTU Communication 14
Serial Streaming vs Polling 14
Polling Mode 14
Taring 15
Collecting Flow Data 15
Quick Command Guide 16
Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance 18
Reference Information 19
Engineering Units 19
Pinouts 20
8-Pin Mini-DIN (Default) 20
Locking Industrial Connector Pinout 20
9-Pin D-Sub Connector Pinouts 21

2021.05.26  REV.   LIQUID FLOW METER OPERATING MANUAL 5
Quick Start Guide
Setup
• Connect your liquid flow meter. Ensure
that flow will pass through your device in the
same direction as the arrow on the flow body
(usually left to right).
• Choose your engineering units. You can
choose the measurement units by selecting
MAIN MENU → SETUP → Sensor → Engineering
Units, see page 12 for more details.
Operation: Flow Verification
• Monitor live volumetric flow, temperature,
and pressure readings. Readings are
updated and displayed on your device in
real time. See page 10.
• (Optional) Capture totalized readings. The
totalizer option displays the total flow that
has passed through the device since the last
time the totalizer was reset. If your device
has a totalizer, press NEXT from the main
live data display to access the totalizer. See
page 11.
Connectors and Buttons
The diagram the right below represents a typical
configuration of a standard liquid flow meter.
Your liquid flow meter’s appearance and
connections may differ.
Backlight
The monochrome display comes equipped with
a backlight. To toggle the backlight power,
press the logo on the front of your device.
For optional color TFT displays, pressing this
button will turn off the display to conserve
power. See page 10.
Maintenance and Care
• Liquid flow meters require minimal cleaning
when flowing clean liquids. Read more on
page 18.
• Calibrate your liquid flow meter annually.
To schedule a calibration, please contact
support (page 2).
A typical liquid flow meter.

6 Getting Started
Getting Started
Getting to Know Your Liquid Flow Meter
The Liquid Flow Meter Display
The figure to the right identifies the various features of the flow meter display.
Highlights pressure in the center of the device.
Highlights temperature in the center of the device.
Tares the device's flow measurement (page 10).
Highlights volumetric flow rate in the center of the device.
MENU enters the main menu system.
NEXT accesses the optional flow totalizer (page 11).
Toggles the backlight.
Status Messages
Status messages are shown to the right of the main readout number. In the example to the
right, the OVR message shows that the totalizer rolled over to zero.
ADC Analog-digital converter error
LCK Front display is locked
OVR Totalizer rolled over to zero
POV Pressure over range of device
TMF Totalizer missed out of range flow
TOV Temperature over range of device
VOV Volumetric flow over range of device
Mounting
Liquid flow meters do not require straight runs of pipe are required upstream or downstream. Most flow meter models
can be mounted in any position, including upside-down. All liquid flow meters use media-isolated sensors that must be
tared after changing orientation.
✓
Note: If air bubbles are continuously introduced to the flow upstream of the device, the device may be mounted up
side-down to prevent bubbles from being trapped in the pressure sensor ports. Tare the device after changing its position
or orientation.
!
Warning: If the device has been installed upside-down, avoid using the bleed screws as liquid may leak into the electronics
housing and cause permanent damage that is not covered by the warranty.
Filters
When pressure drop is not a concern, use in-line sintered filters to prevent large particulates from entering the flow body
of the meter. Suggested maximum particulate sizes are as follows:
• 20 microns for units with flow ranges ≤100 CCM.
• 40 microns for units with flow ranges >100 CCM.
✓ Note: Avoiding long runs of small-diameter tubing upstream or downstream of the device will reduce liquid hammer.
The main display. Note the button
behind the logo, which toggles the
device backlight.
The main display with an OVR
status message.

2021.05.26  REV.   LIQUID FLOW METER OPERATING MANUAL 7
Device Ports
Your flow meter has been shipped with plastic plugs fitted into its ports. To lessen the
chance of contaminating the flow stream, do not remove these plugs until you are ready
to install the device.
Standard liquid flow meters have female inlet and outlet ports. VCR®-compatible and other
specialty fittings may have male connections.
• If you are using a fitting that does not have a face seal, use thread-sealing Teflon tape
to prevent leakage around the port threads, but do not wrap the first two threads
entering the device. This will minimize the possibility of getting tape into the flow stream
and clogging the laminar flow element.
• Face seal fittings do not need Teflon tape applied to the threads.
! Warning: It is not recommended to use pipe dopes or sealants on the process connections as
these compounds can cause permanent damage to the meter should they get into the flow
stream.
Connecting Your Liquid Flow Meter
Your flow meter can measure flow generated by positive pressure and/or suction. Connect
the meter so that the flow travels in the same direction as the flow arrow, usually from left
to right from the front of the device.
Operating Pressure
Maximum operating line pressure is 100 . If the line pressure is higher than 100 , use a pressure regulator upstream
to reduce the pressure. Maximum proof pressure is 200 ; above this pressure the device may be permanently damaged.
Although the meter’s operation is unidirectional, reversing the flow direction will not damage the device as long as the
maximum specified limits are not exceeded.
▲
Caution: Exceeding the maximum specified line pressure may cause permanent damage to the solid-state dierential
pressure transducer.
Bleed Ports
Liquid flow meters include bleed ports (8-32 Nylon tapped screw) on the front for the
removal of air bubbles.
Bleed both of the ports as follows:
1. With the meter installed, gently loosen the upstream bleed port screw 1 to 2 turns,
or until liquid begins to leak from the threads. Do not remove the screw, as it
has pressure behind it, is very small, is easy to lose, and is delicate to rethread.
2. Gently tap the flow body to remove air bubbles (screwdriver handles work well).
This may not be visible or audible.
3. Gently tighten the screw until the leakage stops, taking care not to crush the
nylon tip.
▲
Caution: If your device is mounted in an inverted position,
avoid using the bleed screws, as liquid may leak and cause
permanent damage.
A VCR®-compatible connection.
A VCO®-compatible connections.
5⁄64″ 8-32 Nylon-tipped
hex bleed screw
Loosen to bleed liquid,
but do not remove

8 Getting Started
Option: Charging Your Portable Meter
Portable meters’ batteries are partially charged before shipping. When fully charged, typical
battery life is 18 hours with a monochrome display, or 8 hours with a TFT color display.
Dimming the backlight will increase battery life. When the battery indicator displays it is
completely empty, about 15 minutes of battery life remain.
Charge the device using the supplied USB cable (micro-B to type A) or a similar cable.
Any USB outlet on a computer or portable power supply may be used, but charging will
be fastest (approximately 3.5 hours) when connected to the supplied 2.0 A power supply.
The red indicator LED on top of the device lights up to indicate that the unit is charging,
and turns o when the battery is charged.
Your meter may be used while it is charging. If the battery has been fully depleted, you may
need to charge the device for a full minute before the device can be turned on.
! Warning: The safe charging temperature range is 0–45°C (32–113°F). If internal sensors detect temperatures outside of
this range, the battery will not charge.
Power and Signal Connections
Power can be supplied to your meter through either the power jack or the multi-pin connector on top of your device.
✓
Note: Power requirements vary based on analog configuration. Please reference the associated specification sheet at
alicat.com/specs for power requirements.
Standard 8-Pin Mini-DIN Pinout
Pin Function
Not Connected Optional: 4–20 mA Primary Output Signal
Static 5.12 Vdc by default. Optional: Secondary Analog Output (4–20 mA, 0–5 Vdc, 1–5 Vdc, 0–10 Vdc) or Basic Alarm
Serial RS-232 RX / RS-485(−) input signal (receive)
Remote tare (ground to tare)
Serial RS-232 TX / RS-485(+) output signal (send)
0–5 Vdc Optional: 1–5 Vdc or 0–10 Vdc Output Signal
Power In (as described above)
Ground (common for power, digital communications, analog signals and alarms)
The above pinout is applicable to all devices with the Mini-DIN connector. The availability of dierent output signals depends on the options ordered.
Optional configurations are noted on the unit’s calibration sheet.
▲Caution: Do not connect power to pins 1 through 6, as permanent damage can occur. It is common to mistake pin 2 (5.12
Vdc Output) as the standard 0–5 Vdc analog output signal. Pin 2 is normally a constant 5.12 Vdc.
For more pinout configurations, see page 20.
The main display with battery
information and an active charging
indicator (the lightning bolt).
Male Connector: Cable
Female Connector: Device
1
4
5
68
7
3
2 1
4
5
6
87
3
2

2021.05.26  REV.   LIQUID FLOW METER OPERATING MANUAL 9
Analog Signals
Primary Analog Output Signal
Most instruments include a primary analog output signal, which is linear over its entire range. For all analog output
configurations, the lowest output indicates zero flow, and highest indicates full-scale flow. Depending on the quality of
the grounding, a zero flow condition is approximately 0.010 Vdc.
For example, a 5 Vdc output from a 0–5 Vdc 100 CCM unit would indicate a flow of 100 CCM.
Using Ground to Tare
You can tare your meter remotely by momentarily grounding pin 4. When the switch is closed, the device will tare. Oper-
ation will resume when the switch is released. You can also tare with the front controls (page 10) or serial commands
(page 15).
Option: Secondary Analog Output Signal
The default 8-pin Mini-DIN connector places the secondary analog output on pin 2 for both voltage and current signals.
Your device’s secondary analog signal may dier from its primary output signal.
The calibration sheet that shipped with the device shows which output signals were ordered.
Option: 4–20 mA Current Output Signal
If your meter has a 4–20 mA current primary or secondary output signal, your flow meter will require 15–30 Vdc power.
▲
Caution: Do not connect 4–20 mA devices to “loop powered” systems, as this will damage portions of the circuitry beyond
repair and void the warranty. If you must interface with existing loop powered systems, always use a signal isolator and
a separate power supply.
Pin 8
Ground
Pin 4
Pin 4
Pin 8
Connect to tare

10 Getting Started
Displaying Live Flow Data
Main Display
The main display has three primary functions:
• Displaying live temperature, pressure, and flow data
• Taring the flow meter (below)
• Accessing the main menu (MENU) or the optional totalizer (NEXT) (page 11)
This screen displays live data for all flow parameters simultaneously. Live data is measured
1000 times per second and the LCD display is updated 10 times per second. The buttons
next to the measurements highlight their values in the center.
Taring Your Flow Meter
MENU →TARE FLOW or TARES
Taring is an important practice than ensures your liquid flow meter is providing its most accurate measurements. This
function gives the meter a zero reference for flow measurements. Gauge pressure can also be tared on all liquid devices.
How to Tare
Taring Flow
MENU →TARES →TARE FLOW
Flow tares should take place at the expected process pressure, with no flow. A message, “ ENSURE NO FLOW BEFORE
PRESSING TARE” will be displayed. Press TARE to complete the taring process.
Taring Pressure
MENU →TARES →TARE PRESS
After pressing TARE PRESS, the message, “PRESS TARE WHEN VENTED TO AMBIENT WITH NO FLOW”, followed by “CURRENT
PRESSURE OFFSET:” will be displayed.
When to Tare
• Before every new flow measurement cycle
• After significant changes in temperature or pressure
• After dropping or bumping the flow controller
• After changing the device’s orientation
Option: Color TFT Display
Instruments ordered with a color display are functionally the same as standard backlit monochrome instruments. The
color enables additional on-screen information.
Multi-Color Display Indicators
• GREEN: Parameter labels and adjustments associated with the button directly above or below the label.
• WHITE: Parameters operating under normal conditions.
• RED: Parameters with values exceeding 128% of the device’s specifications.
• YELLOW: Menu items ready to be selected. This color replaces the symbol (>) in selections on monochrome display.
✓ Note: Press the logo to turn o the color display backlight. The flow meter remains in operation while the backlight is o.
✓ Note: Color displays require an additional 40 mA when using a 12 Vdc power supply. All other device specifications from
your device’s specification sheet remain in eect.
The main display.