Ambit P.F. Series User manual

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 1of 6
Fire Hydrant/Hosereel Portable Tester .
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
The AMBIT P.F. Series of portable testing units have been primarily designed to meet the need for accurate
pressure and flow measurement at the service point of fire hydrants and/or hose reels. Custom built variations
of these basic units can be supplied to satisfy many other similar applications in a variety of industries where
pressure/flow relationships need to be established.
THE EQUIPMENT
Consists of a portable Aluminium cabinet into which is fitted a flow indicator, a pressure gauge and a flow
tube/s.
Both instruments are fitted into a detachable front ‘loading’ panel which enables easy access for service or
maintenance work.
The flow instrument incorporates high performance microprocessor electronics with the convenience of full-
time battery operation and will withstand the day to day rugged handling normally required of a portable
instrument. The standard flow ranges are :-
¾” Tube : 0/180 LPM (or optional LPS)
2 ½” Tube : 0/1800 LPM (or optional LPS)
The accuracy for the flow instruments are :-
¾” Tube : +2% F.S.D. up to 120 LPM & +3% from 120 to 180 LPM (or optional LPS)
2 ½” Tube : +2% F.S.D. up to 1200 LPM & +3% from 1200 to 1800 LPM (or optional LPS)
The pressure gauge is of a heavy duty construction and has an accuracy of +1% of full range. The standard
pressure range is 0/1000 kPa with optional 0/1600 kPa. As an option the unit can be fitted with an “overrange
protection valve” which will protect it from damage due to pressure surges.
All screws are stainless steel and wetted parts are either stainless steel or polypropylene.
The unit is guaranteed for a period of 12 calender months from the date of supply, with the exception of the
paddlewheel flow sensor, which is susceptible to damage from debris in the line.
CONDUCTING A TYPICAL TEST
1. CAUTION
Prior to connecting the test box to any Hydrant/Hosereel outlet it is most important that the service
outlet valve be fully opened for not less than 2 minutes. This should flush the pipeline clear of any
foreign particles that could possibly damage the flow sensor (See TROUBLESHOOTING –page 4).
Please ensure the Hydrant/Hosereel Tester is securely held down, prior to
allowing flow through the unit.
Where ever possible, it is highly recommended a diffuser be fitted tothe outlet.
When opening the valve (if fitted), please ensure valve is opened SLOWLY
2. IMPORTANT
To obtain specified accuracy of the Flow indicator:-
(a) DO NOT Fit valves other than ‘full bore’ ball valves to either the inlet or outlet connections of
the tester.
(b) DO NOT Introduce any partial obstruction or bend within 250mm of either connection.

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 2of 6
3. CONNECTING THE TESTER
Connect the tester to the service outlet via a fire hose to the inlet connection. The tester is now ready
for use.
4. STATIC & RESIDUAL (DYNAMIC) PRESSURE TEST
For Static Pressure Test
If fitted (as optional extra) CLOSE the outlet valve on the tester. If valve is not fitted, cap the
outlet with a blanking cap.
For Residual (Dynamic) Pressure Test
A diffuser should be fitted to the valve & then the valve partially opened.
5. Open the service outlet valve and the ‘static’ (no flow) pressure will be indicated on the pressure
gauge.
6. FULL (UNRESTRICTED) FLOW TEST
Continue on from step 4 (above) and open the test box outlet valve. The flow meter will now
Indicate the available flow in L.P.M. (or LPS if supplied). During this test the pressure gauge will
indicate zero or just above zero.
7. FULL RESTRICTED FLOW TEST
After selecting and fitting the appropriate hosereel nozzle repeat the test as in step5(above).Theflow
meter will once again indicate the available flow rate via this nozzle and the pressure gauge will
indicate at what pressure.
8. OPERATION OF DIGITAL DISPLAY TOTALIZER (type 8150)
The 8150-1 display shows the flow rate in large numerals and a totalizer value in smaller
numerals. Any one of three different totalizers can be selected as the standard display.
Press the UP or DOWN keys to scroll through all three totalizer values during normal
operation.
.

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 3of 6
RESETTING OF DIGITAL DISPLAY TOTALIZER (type 8150)
(i) Press UP key to scroll to "total 1" display.
(ii) Press and hold the RIGHT arrow key until the display shows "rst tot1" .
The totalizer will flash for 8 seconds and then it will automatically reset to 00000000.
•Press the ENTER key while the display is flashing to reset immediately.
•While the total value is flashing, you can cancel the reset by pressing UP and DOWN
keys together.
•Totalizer #1 will be displayed for 5 minutes after the reset, then the standard totalizer
selection will return.
•Press the UP or DOWN key to scroll back to the standard display immediately.
1 2
2 s 8 s 5 m
10. NO FLOW AND ELAPSED TIME DISPLAY
If the flow stops, the Flow Rate displays the number of hours since flow was last detected. This
display will alternate with the normal Totalized Value and standard “no FLo” display every five
seconds. Any movement of the rotor in the pipe will reset the ELAPSED TIME display.
Illustrated: No flow for 3 hours
*************************************************************
If it is found, that after using the flow tester, that LPS or
a 0/1600 kPa gauge is required, the flow tester can easily
be converted when the unit is next sent to Ambit for
calibration/service.
*************************************************************

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 4of 6
TROUBLE SHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
PART A. THE FLOW SYSTEM
A1. DIGITAL FLOW INDICATOR
(i) NIL DISPLAY
Check :- Batteries are installed correctly.
That lead wires from the Flowsensor are appropriately fastened to the
correct terminals.
(ii) INDICATOR ERROR
Check :- Flowsensor operation, (See ‘Flowsensor’ below).
NOTES
1. The digital flow indicator is individually factory calibrated & issued with a “K” factor to match the
unit. The “K” factor is programmed into the flow indicator during manufacture and is shown on a label on
the side of the indicator.
2. Page 5 & 6 of this manual show details on correct wiring & battery installation.
3. Page 2 & 3 of this manual provides information on the normal operating display & also how to reset the
resetable total (if desired).
A2. THE FLOWSENSOR
The operation of the flowsensor is dependant on correct installation in the installation fitting. The flowsensor has
two lugs inside the cap which locate in the slots in the flowsensor insert. The insert slots must be parallel with the
liquid flow. Care must be taken that the flowsensor is not over-tightened in the insert, as this may cause the insert
to rotate, leaving the paddlewheel misaligned to the flow direction.
Debris in the flow may foul or damage the paddlewheel, which would then require removal and replacement.
To remove the paddlewheel from its housing rotate the ‘red’ locking cap anti-clockwise until the cap is clear of the
housing insert, then using the wire bale, remove the complete paddlewheel assembly from its housing by ‘gently’
twisting and pulling outwards.
A3. PADDLEWHEEL REPLACEMENT
(i) With a small flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry away one of the paddlewheel mounting
lugs from the pin.
(ii) When one end of the pin is free gently work the paddlewheel and pin out of the
remaining lug.
(iii) Clean or replace.
(iv) To reinstall the paddlewheel and pin reverse steps (i) and (ii) above.
(v) The paddlewheel should spin freely when flicked by the finger.
The flowsensor ‘O-Rings’should be checked periodically and replaced when necessary.
The flowsensor shaft, ‘O-Rings’and insert barrel need lubrication as required.
Lubricate with silicone oil.

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 5of 6
PART B. THE PRESSURE SYSTEM
B1. PRESSURE GAUGE
The pressure gauge is of a heavy duty construction and designed to withstand both normal transit and
portable handling conditions.
Two common developments that can often indicate a faulty gauge are :-
(i) The indicating pointer being off zero.
(ii) A jerky pointer action when increasing or decreasing pressure.
In either condition the gauge should be removed and undergo an overhaul/calibration check.
B2. PRESSURE TUBE
In the event that the flexible pressure tubing between the flow tube and the pressure gauges becomes
blocked, then remove the entire tube and pressure purge out and refit or replace with new tubing.
PART C. WIRING
(i) Only one wire should be inserted into a terminal. Splice double wires outside the terminal.
(ii) External Reset for Total #1: Use no more than 30m (100ft) of 2-conductor twisted-pair cable
connected to a dry contact (for example, an ordinary door-bell button or relay contact).
(iii) Only Totalizer #1 can be reset by the external connection.
(iv) Total #1 will not be displayed unless it is the standard totalizer selection
INSTRUCTIONS
(i) Remove 10mm (3/8 in.) of insulation from sensor cable conductors. 10mm
(ii) Press down on orange lever to open terminal.
(iii) Insert wire into terminal until it hits bottom.
(iv) Release the lever to secure wire.
Use this wiring scheme for flow sensor model: 515 and 525
Splice BLACK and SHIELD
Together outside of terminal
BLACK
++
1 RED SHEILD
2
#1 #2 3
4 515
5
6 Connect shield to
- - Ground Wire
Totalizer 1 515
Remote Reset
Terminal no. Function
1 (top) Black Signal Ground
2 Red Sensor signal
3 Open Collector Signal
4 DC Power to sensor
5 Ground
6 (bottom) Ext. Reset

May 2020, Rev 4
Page 6of 6
PART D. BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT
Two 3.6V Lithium thionyl Chloride batteries, AA-size (7400-0011) are included with the Totalizer.
NOTE: THE 8150 WILL NOT OPERATE WITH STANDARD 1.5V ALKALINE BATTERIES. USE 3.6 V
LITHIUM BATTERIES ONLY!
•Observe Polarity! Note that both batteries should face the same direction.
•When the ‘low battery’ indicator appears on the display, both batteries should be
replaced within 90 days.
•Remove and replace battery #1 first, then remove and replace battery #2.
This ensures that all settings and totalizer values are saved.
•If the low battery symbol reappears for more than 10 seconds after installing new
batteries, one battery is reversed, or battery #2 was installed before battery #1.
•Secure the batteries by fastening the hook-and-loop straps.
CAUTION
When replacing
batteries
remove and replace
t h e battery at a time
Remove and replace
this battery first.
+ + 1
2
3
4
5
- - 6
Note: Lithium Batteries
Dispose of properly!
Replace with 3.6 V Lithium battery
DISPOSE OF EXPENDED BATTERIES PROPERL
Y!
Lithium batteries contain hazardous chemicals.
Dispose of batteries according to local regulation.
AMBIT Office & Factory | 42 Titan Drive, Carrum Downs, Victoria, 3201.
INSTRUMENTS PTY LTD Ph: 03 9776 8888 | E: [email protected] | W: ambitinst.com.au
ABN 50 005 613 641