Armfield F1-10 Series User manual

Hydraulics Bench
Instruction Manual
F1-10
ISSUE 11
May 2011

ii
Table of Contents
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................... 1
Copyright and Trademarks...................................................................................... 1
General Overview ....................................................................................................... 2
Equipment Diagrams................................................................................................... 3
Important Safety Information....................................................................................... 4
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 4
Electrical Safety....................................................................................................... 4
Water Borne Hazards.............................................................................................. 5
Description.................................................................................................................. 6
Overview.................................................................................................................. 6
Accessories to the Hydraulics Bench...................................................................... 6
Installation................................................................................................................... 8
Electromagnetic Compatibility................................................................................. 8
Electrical Supply...................................................................................................... 8
Water Supply........................................................................................................... 8
Drain........................................................................................................................ 8
Installation Guide..................................................................................................... 9
Installing the Software........................................................................................... 10
Operation .................................................................................................................. 12
Operating the Equipment....................................................................................... 12
Operating the Software.......................................................................................... 12
Equipment Specifications.......................................................................................... 19
Overall Dimensions ............................................................................................... 19
Equipment Location............................................................................................... 19
Equipment Details ................................................................................................. 19
Pump Performance Curve..................................................................................... 20
Environmental Conditions...................................................................................... 20
Routine Maintenance................................................................................................ 21
Responsibility ........................................................................................................ 21

Table of Contents
General.................................................................................................................. 21
Contact Details for Further Information..................................................................... 22
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1
Disclaimer
This document and all the information contained within it is proprietary to Armfield
Limited. This document must not be used for any purpose other than that for which it
is supplied and its contents must not be reproduced, modified, adapted, published,
translated or disclosed to any third party, in whole or in part, without the prior written
permission of Armfield Limited.
Should you have any queries or comments, please contact the Armfield Customer
Support helpdesk (Monday to Friday: 0800 – 1800 GMT). Contact details are as
follows:
United Kingdom International
(0) 1425 478781
(calls charged at local rate) [phone] (international rates apply)
Email: [email protected]
Fax: [phone]
Copyright and Trademarks
Copyright © 2009 Armfield Limited. All rights reserved.
Any technical documentation made available by Armfield Limited is the copyright
work of Armfield Limited and wholly owned by Armfield Limited.
Brands and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

General Overview
The Armfield F1-10 Hydraulics Bench and its comprehensive range of optional
accessories have been developed to instruct students in the many different aspects
of hydraulic theory.
Each accessory to the F1-10 is supplied as a complete piece of equipment needing
no additional service items other than the Hydraulics Bench. When coupled to the
bench they are immediately ready for use.
The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench
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Equipment Diagrams
Figure 1: F1-10 Hydraulics Bench
3

Important Safety Information
Introduction
All practical work areas and laboratories should be covered by local safety
regulations which must be followed at all times. If required Armfield can supply a
typical set of standard laboratory safety rules.
Your F1-10 Hydraulics Bench has been designed to be safe in use, when installed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual. As with
any piece of sophisticated equipment, dangers may exist if the equipment is
misused, mishandled or badly maintained. If the equipment is used in a manner not
specified by Armfield then the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
The F1-10 is a heavy piece of equipment, and should be lifted fork lift if possible.
Ensure that the arms of the fork lift do not foul the sump moulding in the base of the
unit. Do not attempt to lift the unit when it is full of water.
Electrical Safety
The equipment described in this Instruction Manual operates from a mains voltage
electrical supply. It must be connected to a supply of the same frequency and voltage
as marked on the equipment or the mains lead. If in doubt, consult a qualified
electrician or contact Armfield.
The equipment must only be connected to a mains supply with a reliable earth
connection so that the equipment is adequately earthed.
The equipment must only be operated using a fused electricity supply. Details of
required fuse ratings can be found in Electrical Supply.
The equipment must not be operated with any of the panels removed.
To give increased operator protection, the unit incorporates a Residual Current
Device (RCD), alternatively called an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, as an integral
part of this equipment. If through misuse or accident the equipment becomes
electrically dangerous, the RCD will switch off the electrical supply and reduce the
severity of any electric shock received by an operator to a level which, under normal
circumstances, will not cause injury to that person.
At least once each month, check that the RCD is operating correctly by pressing the
TEST button. The circuit breaker MUST trip when the button is pressed. Failure to
trip means that the operator is not protected and the equipment must be checked and
repaired by a competent electrician before it is used.
Accidents can be avoided provided that equipment is regularly maintained and
staff and students are made aware of potential hazards. A list of general safety
rules is included in this manual, to assist staff and students in this regard. The list is
not intended to be fully comprehensive but for guidance only.
Please refer to the following notes regarding the Control of Substances Hazardous to
Health Regulations.
4

Important Safety Information
Water Borne Hazards
The equipment described in this instruction manual involves the use of water, which
under certain conditions can create a health hazard due to infection by harmful
micro-organisms.
For example, the microscopic bacterium called Legionella pneumophila will feed on
any scale, rust, algae or sludge in water and will breed rapidly if the temperature of
water is between 20 and 45°C. Any water containing this bacterium which is sprayed
or splashed creating air-borne droplets can produce a form of pneumonia called
Legionnaires Disease which is potentially fatal.
Legionella is not the only harmful micro-organism which can infect water, but it
serves as a useful example of the need for cleanliness.
Under the COSHH regulations, the following precautions must be observed:
Any water contained within the product must not be allowed to stagnate, ie.
the water must be changed regularly.
Any rust, sludge, scale or algae on which micro-organisms can feed must be
removed regularly, i.e. the equipment must be cleaned regularly.
Where practicable the water should be maintained at a temperature below
20°C. If this is not practicable then the water should be disinfected if it is safe
and appropriate to do so. Note that other hazards may exist in the handling of
biocides used to disinfect the water.
A scheme should be prepared for preventing or controlling the risk
incorporating all of the actions listed above.
Further details on preventing infection are contained in the publication “The Control
of Legionellosis including Legionnaires Disease” - Health and Safety Series booklet
HS (G) 70.
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Description
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.
Overview
The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench is designed as a portable and self-contained service
module for the range of accessories that are listed later.
The bench is constructed from lightweight corrosion resistant plastic and is mounted
on wheels for mobility. The GRP bench top incorporates an open flow channel with
ledges along both sides to support the accessory on test. The open end of the
channel incorporates a weir carrier and the walls of the channel incorporate a pair of
slots for use with accessory F1-13 (Flow over weirs). The weir carrier is also used on
accessories F1-26 and F1-27 to mount the discharge manifold.
Volumetric measurement is integral and has been chosen in preference to other
methods of flow measurement for its ease of use, accuracy and safety in use (no
heavy weights for students to drop). The volumetric measuring tank is stepped to
accommodate low or high flow rates. A stilling baffle reduces turbulence and a
remote sight tube with scale gives an instantaneous indication of water level inside
the volumetric tank. When used in conjunction with a stopwatch/stopclock (not
supplied), measurement of the change in level with time allows the volume flowrate
to be calculated. A measuring cylinder is provided for measurement of very small
flow rates.
A dump valve in the base of the volumetric tank is operated by a remote actuator at
the top. Lifting the actuator opens the dump valve allowing the measured volume of
water to return to the sump in the base of the bench for recycling. When lifted, a twist
of 90° at the actuator will retain the dump valve in the open position. An overflow in
the side of the volumetric tank allows water to return directly to the sump preventing
the volumetric tank from overfilling if the dump valve remains closed.
Water is drawn from the sump tank by a self-priming centrifugal pump that is
mounted in a recess below the sump tank. A panel mounted control valve regulates
the flow from the pump to an easy-to-use quick release pipe connector situated in the
floor of the moulded channel in the bench top. The flexible supply pipe on most
accessories simply attaches to the quick release connector. Where higher flowrates
are necessary, as in the case of accessories C4-MKII or C6-MKII, the quick release
connector is unscrewed and a full bore coupling is fitted in its place. No hand tools
are required for either of these operations allowing rapid interchange of accessories.
A drain valve, incorporated in a recess at the front of the sump tank, facilitates
emptying of the sump tank. This valve is used for connecting accessories F1-26 and
F1-27 where the auxiliary pump can be used in parallel with the pump fitted to the
F1-10.
The electrical supply to the pump motor is via a switch and a residual current device
(RCD) mounted in a recess on the front of the bench. The latter gives increased
protection to the operator against electrical shock in the event that the equipment
becomes electrically dangerous.
Accessories to the Hydraulics Bench
The following accessories are available for use with the F1-10 Hydraulics Bench:
F1-11 Dead Weight Calibrator

Description
F1-12 Hydrostatic Pressure
F1-13 Flow Over Weirs
F1-14 Metacentric Height
F1-15 Bernoulli's Theorem Demonstration
F1-16 Impact Of A Jet
F1-17 Orifice And Free Jet Flow
F1-17a Orifice Discharge
F1-18 Energy Loss In Pipes (Pipe Friction)
F1-19 Flow Channel
F1-20 Osborne Reynolds' Demonstration
F1-21 Flow Meter Demonstration
F1-22 Energy Losses In Bends
F1-23 Free And Forced Vortices
F1-24 Hydraulic Ram
F1-25 Demonstration Pelton Turbine
F1-26 Series/Parallel Pumps
F1-27 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics
F1-28 Cavitation Demonstration
C4-MkII-2.5m Multi-Purpose Teaching Flume (2.5m working section)
C4-MkII-5.0m Multi-Purpose Teaching Flume (5.0m working section)
C6-MkII-10 Fluid Friction Apparatus
Each accessory is available with educational software which provides automatic
calculation of required results using manually input measurements, along with help
texts detailing experimental procedures.
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Installation
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This apparatus is classified as Education and Training Equipment under the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (Amendment) Regulations 1994. Use of the apparatus
outside the classroom, laboratory or similar such place invalidates conformity with the
protection requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC)
and could lead to prosecution.
Electrical Supply
F1-10-A F1-10-B F1-10-G
Green/yellow or
Green lead Earth (Ground) Earth (Ground) Earth (Ground)
Brown or Black lead Live (Hot) Live (Hot) Live (Hot)
Blue or White lead Neutral Neutral Neutral
Fuse Rating 10 A 20 A 10 A
Voltage 220-230V 110-120V 220V
Frequency 50Hz 60Hz 60Hz
The mains cable supplied with the equipment is terminated with a plug to suit the
local electrical supply. Three versions of the F1-10 are available:
F1-10-A 230V/1ph/50Hz – mains lead fitted with a 2 pin Shuko European style plug
with adaptor to 3 pin UK style plug.
F1-10-B 120V/1ph/60Hz – mains lead fitted with a 3 pin NEMA 5-15P plug.
F1-10-G 220V/1ph/60Hz – mains lead fitted with 3 pin NEMA 6-15P plug.
This apparatus is classified as Education and Training Equipment under the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (Amendment) Regulations 1994. Use of the apparatus
outside the classroom, laboratory or similar such place invalidates conformity with the
protection requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC)
and could lead to prosecution.
Water Supply
A temporary supply of water is required for filling the sump tank (capacity 250 litres).
Connection to a water supply is not necessary when the bench is in use.
Drain
Temporary connection to a drain is required when emptying the sump tank after use.
A suitable flexible hose (not supplied) should be attached to the drain valve in the
front wall of the sump tank.

Installation
Ensure that the drain is suitable if the water is coloured with dye following flow
visualisation demonstrations.
Installation Guide
The Hydraulics Bench is supplied fully assembled and only requires filling with water
and connection to an electrical supply for it to be operational.
When the bench has been encased in a wooden crate, for protection during shipping,
remove the wooden crate taking care not to damage the bench inside.
Carefully remove the protective cardboard cover from the bench by raising it
vertically upwards.
Remove any additional packaging materials from the measuring cylinder, stilling
baffle and flexible feed pipe. Ensure that the stilling baffle is located inside the
volumetric tank adjacent to the rectangular cut-out at the end of the moulded channel
in the bench top. Place the measuring cylinder and flexible feed pipe in a secure
location.
Position the Hydraulics Bench in the desired location on a firm level surface following
the recommendations in the section ‘Installation Requirements’.
The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench is designed for static location on a firm level floor. For
ease of mobility, the bench is mounted on four castors, two of which have brakes.
A temporary supply of clean, cold water is required for the initial filling of the sump
tank. A drain is required when emptying the sump tank after use. The water may be
coloured with dye provided that this is non-staining and safe for student use.
For ease of mobility, the bench is mounted on four castors, two of which have
brakes. Release the brakes and position the bench adjacent to the water supply.
Check that all packaging has been removed from the bench, close the drain valve in
the front wall of the sump tank and apply the brakes before filling the sump tank with
water.
Before filling with water for the first time it is suggested that the bench is cleaned
using a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to remove any grease or dirt that has
accumulated during shipping.
Place a filling hose into the overflow slot in the side wall of the volumetric tank so that
water will flow directly into the sump tank. Lift the dump valve (sealing ball and
weight) out of the aperture in the base of the volumetric tank so that the level inside
the sump tank can be observed.
Add a few drops of wetting agent to the sump tank, via the aperture in the base of the
volumetric tank, to minimise the effects of surface tension.
Note: If too much wetting agent is added foaming will occur and it will be necessary
to replace the water.
Turn on the water supply and allow the sump tank to fill until the water level is just
below the outlet in the bottom of the volumetric tank.
When the sump tank is full, turn off the water supply and remove the filling hose.
Replace the dump valve in the base of the volumetric tank and locate the actuator in
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Armfield Instruction Manual
the raised position so that water can return to the sump tank from the volumetric tank
(A twist of 90° at the actuator will retain the dump valve in the open position).
Release the castor brakes and move the bench to the required operating position
within reach of the electricity supply.
Attach the flexible feed pipe to the quick release connector on the water inlet in the
bed of channel. The free end of the feed pipe should be positioned in the stilling
baffle of the volumetric tank. Close the flow control valve.
The equipment requires connection to a single phase fused electrical supply. A 4m
length of cable is supplied with the equipment. The electrical requirements of the
different versions are described in Electrical Supply.
Connect the equipment to the electrical supply, ensuring that the label fitted to the
mains lead on the equipment matches the electrical supply. Switch on the RCD then
press the TEST button to check that the RCD is operating correctly. The RCD must
trip.
Switch on the RCD again.
Operate the pump ON/OFF switch then slowly open the flow control valve and check
that water is delivered to the volumetric tank via the flexible feed pipe.
When the pipework has fully primed and water is flowing steadily into the volumetric
tank, release the actuator of the dump valve to seal the aperture in the bottom of the
volumetric tank. Allow the volumetric tank to fill until water returns to the sump tank
through the overflow. Now check that the sight tube is full and no air bubbles are
present. Repeat this filling operation a number of times, ensuring that the sight tube
is free from air bubbles.
Adjust the water level in the volumetric tank until the surface is level with the step in
the bottom of the tank. A few drops of wetting agent smeared onto the step will
enable an accurate level to be achieved.
If necessary, slacken the securing screws at the top and bottom of the sight tube
scale and position the scale so that the meniscus of the fluid in the tube is level with
the black datum line engraved between the lower and upper scales. This will ensure
that the scale is positioned correctly for volumetric measurements using the low or
high ranges.
The hydraulics bench is now ready for use.
Installing the Software
Software is available for all accessories designed for use with the F1-10 Hydraulics
Bench. Once the experimental data is entered, the software will perform the
calculations required by the experiments presented in the accessory teaching
manual, reducing the time required to complete the experiments and freeing student
study time that would otherwise have been spent performing repetitive calculations.
The software for each accessory includes a Questions section, designed to test a
student’s knowledge of the theory being demonstrated with that accessory. Some
calculations may be hidden until the student has answered the questions (in order to
prove that they can correctly perform the calculations themselves). A Lecturer Mode
has been provided which avoids the requirement to complete the questions section.
Should the lecturer wish to demonstrate the equipment, or to test the students in an
10

Installation
alternative manner, Lecturer Mode can be selected from the Options menu or by
selecting the mortar board (teacher’s hat) symbol from the toolbar.
The password required for all Armfield educational software is ‘armfield’.
Setting Up the Software
In order to install the software:
Insert the CD into CD or DVD/CD drive:
Choose 'Run' from the 'Start' menu.
Type d:setup (where d: is the drive letter) into the 'Open' box, then choose
'OK'.
The Armfield software will be installed onto the hard drive of the computer and a
program group will be set up within Programs in the Start menu.
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Operation
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.
Operating the Equipment
Measurement of Volume Flow Rate
The moulded bench top incorporates a volumetric measuring tank which is stepped
to accommodate low or high flow rates.
A remote level gauge, consisting of a sight tube and calibrated scale is connected to
a tapping in the base of the tank, and gives an instantaneous indication of water level
inside the volumetric tank. The scale is divided into two zones corresponding to the
volume above and below the step in the tank. In operation, the volumetric tank is
emptied by lifting the dump valve, allowing water to return to the sump. When flow
trough the model on test has stabilised, the dump valve is lowered, retaining the
water in the tank.
Timings are taken as the water level rises in the tank. Low flow rates are monitored
on the lower portion of the scale corresponding to the small volume beneath the step
(6 litres capacity). Larger flow rates are monitored on the upper scale corresponding
to the main tank (40 litres capacity).
When extremely small volumetric flow rates are to be measured, the measuring
cylinder should be used rather than the volumetric tank. When using the measuring
cylinder diversion of the flow to and from the cylinder should be synchronised as
closely as possible with the starting and stopping of the watch.
All volumetric readings using the volumetric tank should be taken with the stilling
baffle installed since calibration has been effected in this condition.
Operating the Software
Note: The diagrams in this section are included as typical examples and may not
relate specifically to an individual product.
The Armfield Software is a powerful Educational and Data Logging tool with a wide
range of features. Some of the major features are highlighted below, to assist users,
but full details on the software and how to use it are provided in the presentations
and Help text incorporated in the Software. Help on Using the Software or Using the
Equipment is available by clicking the appropriate topic in the Help drop-down menu
from the upper toolbar when operating the software as shown:
Load the software. If multiple experiments are available then a menu will be
displayed listing the options. Wait for the presentation screen to open fully as shown:

Operation
Presentation Screen - Basics and Navigation
As stated above, the software starts with the Presentation Screen displayed. The
user is met by a simple presentation which gives them an overview of the capabilities
of the equipment and software and explains in simple terms how to navigate around
the software and summarizes the major facilities complete with direct links to detailed
context sensitive ‘help’ texts.
To view the presentations click Next or click the required topic in the left hand pane
as appropriate. Click More while displaying any of the topics to display a Help index
related to that topic.
To return to the Presentation screen at any time click the View Presentation icon
from the main tool bar or click Presentation from the dropdown menu as
shown:
For more detailed information about the presentations refer to the Help available via
the upper toolbar when operating the software.
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Armfield Instruction Manual
Toolbar
A toolbar is displayed at the top of the screen at all times, so users can jump
immediately to the facility they require, as shown:
The upper menu expands as a dropdown menu when the cursor is placed over a
name.
The lower row of icons (standard for all Armfield Software) allows a particular
function to be selected. To aid recognition, pop-up text names appear when the
cursor is placed over the icon.
Mimic Diagram
The Mimic Diagram is the most commonly used screen and gives a pictorial
representation of the equipment, with boxes to enter measurements from the
equipment, display any calculated variables etc. directly in engineering units.
To view the Mimic Diagram click the View Diagram icon from the main tool bar
or click Diagram from the View drop-down menu as shown:
The mimic diagram displayed will depend on the accessory connected to the F1-10.
Refer to ‘Operating the Software’ in the instruction manual supplied with the
accessory for more details about the mimic diagram displayed.
Manual data input boxes with a coloured background allow measured variables,
constants such as Orifice Cd and Atmospheric Pressure, as appropriate, to be
changed by over-typing the default value. After typing the value press the Return key
or click on a different box to enter the value.
In addition to measured variables such as Volume, Time, Temperature or Pressure,
calculated data such as Discharge / Volume flowrate, Headloss etc are continuously
displayed in data boxes with a white background. These are automatically updated
and cannot be changed by the user.
After entering a complete set of data from measurements on the equipment click on
the icon to save the set of results before entering another set.
The mimic diagram associated with some products includes the facility to select
different experiments or different accessories, usually on the left hand side of the
screen, as shown:
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Operation
Clicking on the appropriate accessory or exercise will change the associated mimic
diagram, table, graphs etc to suit the exercise being performed.
Data Logging Facilities in the Mimic Diagram
Armfield software designed for manual entry of measured variables does not include
automatic data logging facilities and these options are greyed out where not
appropriate. When manually entering data the icon simply saves the set of
entered data into a spreadsheet as described above.
Tabular Display
To view the Table screen click the View Table icon from the main tool bar or
click Table from the View dropdown menu as
shown:
The data is displayed in a tabular format, similar to the screen as shown:
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Armfield Instruction Manual
As the data is sampled, it is stored in spreadsheet format, updated each time the
data is sampled. The table also contains columns for the calculated values.
New sheets can be added to the spreadsheet for different data runs by clicking the
icon from the main toolbar. Sheets can be renamed by double clicking on the
sheet name at the bottom left corner of the screen (initially Run 1, Run 2 etc) then
entering the required name.
For more detailed information about Data Logging and changing the settings within
the software refer to the Help available via the upper toolbar when operating the
software.
Graphical Display
When several samples have been recorded, they can be viewed in graphical format.
To view the data in Graphical format click the View graph icon from the main
tool bar or click Graph from the View drop-down menu as shown:
The results are displayed in a graphical format as shown:
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