Badger Meter Blancett B220-885 User manual

SGN-UM-00282-EN-05 (June 2021) User Manual
K-Factor Scaler
B220-885 K-Factor Scaler and
B220-900 Programming Software Kit

K-Factor Scaler, B220-885 K-Factor Scaler and B220-900 Programming Software Kit
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page ii
CONTENTS
Scope of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Terminology and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Electrical Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .4
Operating Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .6
Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Enclosure Mounting (Necessary for CSA Certication) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Turbine Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pulse Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the Programming Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specications .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 12
K-Factors Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Calculating K-Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Scope of this manual
Page 3SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL
This manual is intended to help you get the B220-885 K-factor scaler and the
B220-900 Programming Software up and running quickly.
IMPORTANT
Read this manual carefully before attempting any installation or operation. Keep the
manual accessible for future reference.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Upon opening the shipping container, visually inspect the product and applicable
accessories for any physical damage such as scratches, loose or broken parts, or
any other sign of damage that may have occurred during shipment.
OTE:NIf damage is found, request an inspection by the carrier’s agent within 48
hours of delivery and file a claim with the carrier. A claim for equipment
damage in transit is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
SAFETY
Terminology and Symbols
Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious personal injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in severe personal injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate personal injury or damage
to property.
Considerations
The installation of the B220-885 K-factor scaler and the B220-900 Programming
Software must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local rules,
regulations, and codes.
IF THE EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER,
THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
AVERTISSMENT
DANS LE CAS D'UNE UTILISATION NON PRÉVUE PAR LE FABRICANT, LA PROTECTION
FOURNIE PAR L'ÉQUIPEMENT PEUT ÊTRE RÉDUITE.
FOR FIELD WIRING CONNECTIONS, WIRE MUST BE RATED AT 158° F (70° C) OR HIGHER.
AVERTISSMENT
POUR DES CÂBLAGES SUR LE TERRAIN, LES CÂBLES DOIVENT ÊTRE ÉVALUÉS À 70° C
(158° F) MINIMUM.

Introduction
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 4
MPORTANTI
Not following instructions properly may impair safety of equipment and/or personnel.
MPORTANTI
Must be operated by a class 2 power supply suitable for the location.
Electrical Symbols
Function Direct Current Caution
Symbol
INTRODUCTION
The K-factor scaler is a field-adjustable frequency divider, which converts the
output signal from a turbine meter or a similar device with a magnetic pickup or
pulse output, to an input compatible with a PLC, RTU, CPU data acquisition card or
similar totalizer device. The adjustable frequency divider, referred to as a K-factor,
allows pulses sent from a turbine meter to accumulate into a unit recognizable by
an end device, such as a PLC, for counting and display.
The use of different K-factor values allows the device to display in any number of
volumetric measurements such as gallons, cubic meters, liters, barrels and like
units. The calibration sheet usually provided with a turbine meter lists a nominal
K-factor tested to a specific volumetric flow rate. The K-factor when placed into
the K-factor scaler provides an output pulse for each unit of volume that passes
through the turbine. Any units of volume are possible by recalculating the K-factor
with the appropriate conversion factor.
In addition, if the K-factor is set to one, the K-factor scaler becomes a preamplifier,
converting the frequency from a low output level turbine meter to the logic level
needed by a PLC or CPU data acquisition card.

Operating principle
Page 5SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Fluid passing through the turbine causes the rotor to spin at a speed proportional
to the fluid velocity. As each rotor blade passes through the magnetic field, the
blade generates an AC voltage pulse in the pickup coil at the base of the magnetic
pickup (see Figure 1). These pulses produce an output frequency proportional
to the volumetric flow through the meter. The output frequency with further
processing represents flow rate and/or totalization of fluid passing through the
flow meter.
The K-factor scaler input amplifier modifies the signal generated by the turbine.
The amplifier sends the modified signal to an onboard microcontroller, which
counts pulses up to a predetermined number controlled by the K-factor value. The
range of the K-factor is 1…999,999,999. The predetermined value, once reached,
triggers a pulse from the output circuitry.
The K-factor is user adjustable through the programming interface. The duration
of the output pulse is also selectable. At the end of the output pulse, the internal
counters reset to zero and the process starts over.
Turbine Rotor
Magnetic Pickup
or
Other Frequency
Output Device
Output
Signal
Figure 1: Schematic illustration of electric signal generated by rotor movement

Installation
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 6
INSTALLATION
Electrical Connections
The programmable K-factor scaler was designed to provide a field adjustable
frequency divider that converts the low level frequency output from a turbine
meter into a scaled square wave output signal. See Figure 2 below for the I/O
terminal connections.
123456
Signal
Input
Output
Output
Vin
Vin
Programming
Port
Internal 3.6k Ω
Pullup
Resistor Jumper
Figure 2: Input/Output terminal connections
Enclosure Mounting (Necessary for CSA Certication)
If the circuit board assembly is supplied without an enclosure, it must be mounted
in a certified Killark one-inch NPT model Y-3 conduit elbow outlet box to maintain
the CSA “Ordinary Locations”certification.
Power
The K-factor scaler requires 8.5…30V DC to operate and is protected by a diode.
See Figure 2 for polarity.
Turbine Meter
The turbine meter connections are non-polarized. Use shielded twisted-pair wire
for this connection to the turbine meter.
Pulse Output
Either the internal or external pullup resistor must be used for the K-factor scaler
to provide an output pulse. This option is controlled by the onboard jumper. With
the jumper installed, the internal pullup resistor is connected.
Internal Pullup Resistor
The internal pullup resistor allows for simple installation. Make sure that the
device being connected to by the pulse output can handle voltage levels as high
as the supply feeding the K-factor board. And, make sure the output pulse from
the K-factor board can supply enough current for the receiving device to be able
to read the pulse. The available current that the K-factor board can supply to the
receiving device can be calculated with the following equation:
Available Current = (Input Voltage - 0.7V)
(3600Ω+ 47Ω)
Verify that the receiving device input current requirement is below this value
for proper operation. Otherwise, an external pullup resistor less than 3.6K must
be used.

Installation
Page 7SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
External Pullup Resistor
Using an external pullup resistor offers greater flexibility of controlling the output
pulse provided by the K-factor board to the receiving device. Since power sources
and receiving devices differ between users, different resistor values are required
for different setups.
The external pullup resistor is connected between the receiving device’s input
and external power source. This power source is the maximum input voltage
(of the pulse) to the receiving device. Use the equation below to determine the
resistor value.
R = Supply Voltage
Current
Where:
R= Resistor value in hms
Supply Voltage = External supply voltage connected to the external pullup
resistor
Current = Input current required by the receiving device in amps
After Rhas been calculated, use the value in the following equation.
P = ( Supply Voltage ) Supply Voltage
R + 47 Ω






Prepresents the power capability of the output and should not exceed 0.25
Watts. Exceeding this value could damage the K-factor board. Raising the Rvalue
decreases the available power output.

Startup
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 8
STARTUP
Connecting to a Computer
The programmable K-factor scaler can be factory or user configured through a
USB port of a PC using a Windows® compatible software utility. A programming
adapter is required that interfaces the USB port from the PC to the programming
port on the board.
To connect the K-factor scaler:
1. Verify that the power is o.
2. Connect the adapter cable to the K-factor scaler board using the programming
port. Make sure that the tab on the connector faces toward the middle of
the board.
123456
- OUTPUT
+ OUTPUT
- VIN
+ VIN
8.5 - 30 VDC
TURBINE
PICK UP
INTERNAL
3.6K PULL-UP
RESISTOR
JUMPER
PROGRAMMING
PORT
Racine, WI
U.S.A.
K-FACTOR SCALER
INPUT 8.5 - 30 VDC
MAX INPUT CURRENT: 18 mA
®
C US
FILE #215035
B220-886
Flow Meters
123456
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
Tab on the inside
Figure 3: Board connection
3. Connect the opposite end of the cable to the USB port of a PC. See Figure 4.
123456
- OUTPUT
+ OUTPUT
- VIN
+ VIN
8.5 - 30 VDC
TURBINE
PICK UP
INTERNAL
3.6K PULL-UP
RESISTOR
JUMPER
PROGRAMMING
PORT
Racine, WI
U.S.A.
K-FACTOR SCALER
INPUT 8.5 - 30 VDC
MAX INPUT CURRENT: 18 mA
®
C US
FILE #215035
B220-886
Flow Meters
123456
Figure 4: Interface connection
4. Turn on the power to the K-factor scaler.
OTE:NPower to the K-factor scaler is required in order to perform
any programming.
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
2
3
6
8
10
YELLOW
BLACK
ORANGE
JUMPERED TO PIN 3
GREEN
Figure 5: 10-pin connector

Startup
Page 9SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
Using the Programming Software
OTE:NThe programming software is sold separately.
The programming interface uses two functional divisions as shown in Figure 6. The
Program Values column contains the user-selected information for downloading
into the K-factor scaler. The Board Values column shows the information that the
K-factor scaler currently contains and is not alterable by the user. The Board Values
column will only display the contents of the board after performing a Program,
Read or Verify function.
Status: Com1 9/23/2008
File Options Tools
Program Values Board Values
Program Read Verify
Status: Idle Com Port 1
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
File Tools Version
Blancett K-Factor Programming Software
Figure 6: Programming software screen
Buttons
Program Programs the K-factor, Pulse Width and Pulse Output to the
K-factorboard.
Read Reads the current information from the K-factor board and displays it
under the Board Values column of the PC software.
Verify Compares the Board Values to the Program Values and displays an
error if the two do not match.
Selecting the Com Port
Select the proper Com port within the programming software so the software
can communicate with the board. To select the Com port, in the menu bar select
Tools and then Com Port. Select the Com port (1…16) that the serial programming
cable is connected to on the computer.

Startup
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 10
Status: Com1 9/23/2008
File Options Tools
Program Values Board Values
Program Read Verify
Status: Idle Com Port 1
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
File Tools Version
Program
Read
Verify
Com Port
Blancett K-Factor Programming Software
Status: Com1 9/23/2008
File Options Tools
Program Values Board Values
Program Read Verify
Status: Idle Com Port 1
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
Pulse Output
High
Low
K-Factor
Pulse Width
150us
Auto
1s
500ms
100ms
25ms
1ms
File Tools Version
Blancett K-Factor Programming Software
Com 1
Com 2
Com 3
Com 4
Com 5
Com 6
Com 7
Com 8
Com 9
Com 10
Com 11
Com 12
Com 13
Com 14
Com 15
Com 16
Program
Read
Verify
Com Port
Figure 7: Tools drop down Figure 8: Com port menu drop down
If the Com port selected is invalid, the software shows the message ERROR –
Invalid Com Port when trying to program the board. If the incorrect Com port is
selected, or if there is a problem with the cable, the software shows the message
"No Response" after trying to program the board.
Setting the K-Factor
The K-factor is the ratio of input pulses per each output pulse, for example, if the
K-factor is set to 1, then each input pulse would yield one output pulse. The range
that the K-factor can be set to is 1…999,999,999. The K-factor is set by entering it
in the Program Values column of the software in the K-factor field.
Setting the Output Pulse Width
The output pulse width is the length of time the pulse remains active before
resetting to its original state. The K-factor scaler has a total of seven different pulse
widths. The Auto option does not restrain the output pulse to a specific length.
Instead, it varies and is dependent on output frequency. The higher the output
frequency, the shorter the pulse width output. The lower the frequency output,
the longer the pulse width output. This option turns off the Pulse Output selection
buttons because they do not apply in this mode.
Some end devices require the pulse to be a certain length or longer for proper
detection of each incoming pulse. For these devices, select a pulse width that is
long enough for the end device to recognize it.
The pulse width option is set by clicking the required pulse width radio button in
the Program Values column of the software.
Setting the Output Level Normally High or Normally Low
Most end devices are unaffected by this setting, but the K-factor scaler can invert
the output pulse level. This option is set by clicking the required pulse output
radio button in the Program Values column of the software.

Startup
Page 11SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
When High is selected, the output level is normally low and the duration of the
selected pulse width is high. When Low is selected, the output level is normally
high and the duration of the selected pulse width is low.
Programming the K-Factor Scaler
OTE:NAll information in the Program Values column must be entered before the
software can download the information to the K-factor scaler.
Press Program to download the K-factor, pulse width and pulse output values
to the K-factor scaler. At the completion of the programming cycle, the circuit
performs automatic verification of the downloaded information. The K-factor
scaler retains downloaded values in the memory if it is disconnected from power.
Press Read to load the current information from the K-factor scaler and display it in
the Board Values column.
Verify performs the same function as Read, but compares the Board Values to the
Program Values and displays an error if the two do not match.
Setting the Output to Use the Internal or External Pullup Resistor
Either the internal pullup resistor or an external resistor must be used for the
K-factor scaler to provide an output pulse. This option is controlled by the onboard
jumper and not by the software.
With the jumper installed, the internal 3.6 k pullup resistor is connected to the
input voltage of the board. With the jumper removed, the internal pullup resistor
is disconnected and an external pullup resistor and supply voltage are required.

Specications
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 12
SPECIFICATIONS
External Power
Input Voltage 8.5…30V DC (diode protected)
Maximum Current
Draw 18 mA (using internal resistor @ 30V DC input)
Environmental
Operating
Temperature –22…158° F (–30…70° C)
Altitude 2000 m
Use Indoor/Outdoor
Humidity 0…90% non-condensing
Inputs (Magnetic
Pickup)
Frequency Range 0…4000 Hz
Trigger Sensitivity 30 mV p-p…30V p-p
Output Signal Max Voltage 30V DC
Max Power 0.25 W
Pulse Output
(using internal
pullup resistor)
Maximum Current 8 mA
VH = Power input voltage – 0.7V DC
VL = Less then 0.4V @ maximum input power
Internal Pullup
Resistor 3.6 k (enabled/disabled by jumper)
Pulse Output
(using external
pullup resistor)
Maximum Current 100 mA
VH = Input voltage to external pullup resistor
VL = [VH /(selected resistor value + 47 )] × 47 
Pulse Length 150 µs, 1 ms, 25 ms, 100 ms, 500 ms, 1 s, or
auto mode
Enclosure Killark aluminum capped elbow Y-3. Class I, Div. 1 & 2, Groups C & D;
Class II, Div. 1 & 2, Groups E, F and G; Class III
Agency Listings
CSA
Ordinary Locations
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-12, UL Std.
No. 61010-1 (3rd Edition)
Pollution Degree 2
Overvoltage Category I
MPORTANTI
For this CSA rating to be valid, the circuit board must be mounted in a certified Killark
one-inch model Y-3 conduit outlet box.

K-factors explained
Page 13SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
KFACTORS EXPLAINED
The K-factor (with regards to flow) is the number of pulses that must be
accumulated to equal a particular volume of fluid. Think of each pulse as
representing a small fraction of the totalizing unit.
An example might be a K-factor of 1000 (pulses per gallon). This means that if
you were counting pulses, when the count total reached 1000, you would have
accumulated 1 gallon of liquid. Using the same reasoning, each individual pulse
represents an accumulation of 1/1000 of a gallon. This relationship is independent
of the time it takes to accumulate the counts.
The frequency aspect of K-factors is a little more confusing because it also
involves the flow rate. The same K-factor number, with a time frame added, can
be converted into a flow rate. If you accumulated 1000 counts (one gallon) in one
minute, then your flow rate would be 1 gpm. The output frequency, in Hz, is found
simply by dividing the number of counts (1000) by the number of seconds (60).
1000 ÷ 60 = 16.6666 Hz. If you were looking at the pulse output on a frequency
counter, an output frequency of 16.666 Hz would be equal to 1 gpm. If the
frequency counter registered 33.333 Hz (2 × 16.666 Hz), then the flow rate would
be 2 gpm.
Finally, if the flow rate is 2 gpm, then the accumulation of 1000 counts would take
place in 30 seconds because the flow rate, and hence the speed at which the 1000
counts is accumulated, is twice as great.
Calculating K-Factors
Many styles of flow meters are capable of measuring flow in a wide range of pipe
sizes. Because the pipe size and volumetric units the meter will be used on vary, it
may not possible to provide a discrete K-factor. In the event that a discrete K-factor
is not supplied, then the velocity range of the meter is usually provided along with
a maximum frequency output. An accurate flow rate and the output frequency
associated with that flow rate is required for the most basic K-factor calculation.
Example 1
Known values are:
Frequency = 700 Hz
Flow Rate = 48 gpm
700 Hz × 60 sec = 42,000 pulses per min
42,000 pulses per min
K factor 48 gpm 875 pulses per gallon= =

K-factors explained
June 2021SGN-UM-00282-EN-05Page 14
Example 2
Known values are:
Full Scale Flow Rate = 85 gpm
Full Scale Output Frequency = 650 Hz
650 Hz × 60 sec = 39,000 pulses per min
K factor 39,000 pulses per min
85 gpm 458.82 pulses per gallon= =
The calculation is a little more complex if velocity is used. You first must convert
the velocity into a volumetric flow rate to be able to compute a K-factor.
To convert a velocity into a volumetric flow rate, you need to know the velocity
and the inside pipe diameter. Also keep in mind that one US gallon of liquid is
equal to 231 cubic inches.
Example 3
Known values are:
Velocity = 4.3 ft/sec
Inside Diameter of Pipe = 3.068 in
Find the area of the pipe cross section.
2
 
 
 
3.068
2
Area =
πr2
Area = π = π x
2.35 = 7.39 in2
Find the volume in one foot of travel.
88.71in2
7.39 in2x 12 in. (1 ft) ft =
Determine what portion of a gallon one foot of travel represents.
= 0.384 gallons
88.71 in3
231 in3
So for every foot of fluid travel, 0.384 gallons will pass.
Determine the flow rate in gpm at 4.3 ft/sec.
0.384 gallons × 4.3 fps × 60 sec (1 min) = 99.1 gpm
Now that you know the volumetric flow rate, all you need is the output
frequency to determine the K-factor.

K-factors explained
Page 15SGN-UM-00282-EN-05June 2021
Known values are:
Frequency = 700 Hz (By measurement)
Flow Rate = 99.1 gpm (By calculation)
700 Hz x 60 sec = 42,000 pulses per gallon
K factor 42,000 pulses per min
99.1 gpm 423.9 pulses per gallon= =

K-Factor Scaler, B220-885 K-Factor Scaler and B220-900 Programming Software Kit
www.badgermeter.com
Control. Manage. Optimize.
Blancett is a registered trademark of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective entities. Due to continuous
research, product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or system specications without notice, except to the
extent an outstanding contractual obligation exists. © 2021 Badger Meter, Inc. All rights reserved.