Dwyer Instruments PUB Series User manual

Series PUB Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter Kit
Installation and Operating Instructions
Bulletin F-PUB
©Copyright 2012 Dwyer Instruments, Inc. Printed in USA 9/12 Version 1.0
DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
P.O. BOX 373 • MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA 46360, USA
Phone: [phone] www.dwyer-inst.com
Fax: [phone] email: [e-mail]

I
Table of Contents
1: General Description 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Principles of Operation 2
1.3 Supplied Hardware 3
1.4 PUB Instrument 4
1.4.1 Connectors 4
1.4.2 Keypad 5
1.4.3 Power supply and battery charging 6
1.5 Transducers 6
2: Installation 7
2.1 Transducer Positioning 7
2.2 Transducer Attachment 8
2.2.1 Preparation 8
2.2.2 Attaching the transducer holders 8
2.2.3 Fitting the transducers 9
3: Operating Procedures 10
3.1 Setting-up the Instrument 11
3.1.1 Using the instrument for the first time 11
3.1.2 Enabling/disabling the backlight 12
3.2 Using the Quick Start Menu 13
3.3 Using the System at a Regularly Monitored Location 16
3.4 Managing Named Sites 18
3.4.1 Setting up a new site 18
3.4.2 Changing a site name 19
3.5 Instrument Calibration 19
3.5.1 Adjusting the zero cut-off 19
3.5.2 Adjusting the set zero flow offset 19
3.5.3 Adjusting the calibration factor 20
3.5.4 Adjusting the roughness factor 21
3.5.5 Adjusting the damping factor 22
3.6 Performing Monitoring Functions 23
3.6.1 How to measure totalized flows (manually) 23
3.6.2 How to stop the totalizer temporarily 24

II
3.7 Configuring the Current / Pulse Output 24
3.7.1 Current output 24
3.7.2 Pulse output 26
4: Maintenance & Repair 29
4.1 Warranty / Return 29
5: Troubleshooting 30
5.1 Overview 30
5.2 General Troubleshooting Procedure 31
5.3 Warning & Status Messages 32
5.4 Test Block 34
5.5 Microprocessor Reset Facility 35
5.6 Diagnostics Display 35
6: Specification 37

1: General Description
1
1: General Description
1.1 Introduction
This manual describes the operation of the Dwyer PUB portable flowmeter. The flowmeter is designed to work
with clamp-on transducers to enable the flow of a liquid within a closed pipe to be measured accurately without
needing to insert any mechanical parts through the pipe wall or protrude into the flow system.
Using ultrasonic transit time techniques, the PUB is controlled by a micro-processor system which contains a
wide range of data that enables it to be used with pipes with an outside diameter ranging from 0.5 to 40 inches
(13 to 1000 mm), depending on model, and constructed of almost any material. The instrument will also operate
over a wide range of fluid temperatures.
The PUB series comprises two models which are identical in operation but designed to be used with a different
range of pipe diameters. The PUB-A can be used with pipes in the range 0.5 to 4.5inches (12.7 to 114 mm) and
the PUB-B with pipes in the range 2 to 40 inches (50.8 to 1016 mm).
Easy to operate, the PUB standard features are:
•Large, easy to read graphic display with backlighting.
•Simple to follow dual function keypad.
•Simple ‘Quick Start’ set up procedure.
•Continuous signal monitoring.
•Pulse output volumetric or frequency).
•4 to 20 mA, 0 to 20 mA, or 0 to 16 mA output.
•Rechargeable battery.
•Battery management.
•Diagnostics.
Volumetric flow rates are displayed in L/h, L/min, L/sec, gal/min, gal/h, USgals/min, USgals/h, Barrel/h, Barrel/
day, m³/s, m³/min, m³/h. Linear velocity is displayed in meters or feet per second.
When operating in the ‘Flow Reading’ mode the total volumes, both positive and negative, are displayed up to a
maximum 12-digit number.
The flowmeter can be used to measure clean liquids or oils that have less than 3% by volume of particulate
content. Cloudy liquids such as river water and effluent can be measured along with cleaner liquids such as
demineralized water.
Typical PUB applications include:
•River water.
•Seawater.
•Potable water.
•Demineralized water.
•Treated water.

1: General Description
2
1.2 Principles of Operation
When ultrasound is transmitted through a liquid, the speed at which the sound travels through the liquid is
accelerated slightly if it is transmitted in the same direction as the liquid flow, and decelerated slightly if
transmitted against it. The difference in time taken by the sound waves to travel the same distance but in opposite
directions is therefore directly proportional to the flow velocity of the liquid.
The PUB system employs two ultrasonic transducers attached to the pipe carrying the liquid and compares the
time taken to transmit an ultrasound signal in each direction. If the sound characteristics of the fluid are known,
the PUB microprocessor can use the results of the transit time calculations to compute the fluid flow velocity.
Once the flow velocity is known the volumetric flow can be easily calculated for a given pipe diameter. The PUB
system can be set up to operate in one of four modes, determined mainly by the pipe diameter and the transducer
set in use. The diagram below illustrates the importance of applying the correct separation distance between the
transducers to obtain the strongest signal.
Figure 1.1 Operating modes
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
U
U
U
U
D
D
D
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Reflex mode
Reflex mode (double bounce)
Reflex mode (triple bounce)
Diagonal mode
This is the mode most commonly used.
The two transducers (U & D) are attached
to the pipe in line with each other and the
signals passing between them are reflected
by the opposite pipe wall.
The separation distance is calculated by
the instrument in response to entered data
concerning the pipe and fluid characteristics.
In this mode the separation distance is
calculated to give a double bounce. This is
most likely to occur if the pipe diameter is
so small that the calculated reflex mode
separation distance would be impractical
for the transducers in use.
This illustration goes one step further to show
a triple bounce situation. This would normally
apply when working with very small pipes
relative to the transducer range.
This mode might be selected by the
instrument where relatively large pipes are
concerned. In this mode the transducers are
located on opposite sides of the pipe but the
separation distance is still critical in order
for the signals to be received correctly.
Upstream
transducer

1: General Description
3
1.3 Supplied Hardware
The PUB equipment is supplied in a rugged polypropylene carrying case fitted with a foam insert to give added
protection for transportation. The supplied components are shown in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 Standard PUB equipment
Standard equipment
•PUB instrument with backlit graphic display.
•Power supply - with UK, US, European adaptors. 110/240 VAC.
•4 to 20 mA/Pulse Output cable.
•2 lengths of chain.
•Test block.
•Transducer cables (x2) 79 inches (2m) long.
•Transducer set (x2) – type ‘A’ or type ‘B’ depending on model.
•Set of transducer holders used for mounting the transducers.
•Ruled separation bar (2-piece).
•Ultrasonic couplant with syringe dispenser used when mounting the transducers.
•Manual.
4 to 20 mA /
Test Block
Power Supply
Pulse Output
Cable
Transducer Cables (x2)
Chains (x2)
Transducer
Transducers
(Sensors x2)
Ultrasonic Couplant
Ruled Separation bar (x2) PUB Instrument
(Batt. Charger)
Holders (x2)

1: General Description
4
1.4 PUB Instrument
The PUB is a microprocessor controlled instrument operated through a menu system using an inbuilt LCD display
and keypad. It can be used to display the instantaneous fluid flow rate or velocity, together with totalized values.
The instrument can also provide a variable current or variable ‘pulse’ (volumetric of frequency) output that is
proportional to the detected flow rate. This output can be calibrated to suit a particular flow range and used with a
range of external interface devices such as those found in building management or site monitoring systems.
1.4.1 Connectors
Figure 1.3 Instrument details
Transducer connections
The transducers are connected to two color-coded miniature coaxial sockets located on the top of the instrument.
Using the red/blue connector cables provided, the upstream transducer should always be connected to the RED
socket and the downstream transducer to the BLUE one for a positive flow reading. It is safe to connect or
disconnect the cable while the instrument is switched on.
4 to 20 mA and Pulse output connection
The 4 to 20mA / ‘pulse’ output cable should be connected to the green 7-pin connector on the top of the
flowmeter, as shown in Figure 1.3. A single cable that can be adapted for use for either of these output functions
is included in the PUB kit. The ‘tails’ on the free end of the cable must be terminated to suit the intended
application.
Red – 4 to 20 mA positive
Black – 4 to 20 mA negative
White – Pulse output
Green – Pulse return
Thick Black – Cable screen
Battery charger connection
The supplied battery charger is connected to the instrument by means of the gray 2-pin connector on the bottom
of the unit, as shown in Figure 1.3.
Note: The above connectors have different key-ways to prevent incorrect cable connection.
Keypad
LCD Display
Battery Charger
4-20mA / Pulse Output Transducer Cables
Reset pin-hole

1: General Description
5
Figure 1.4 Keypad
1.4.2 Keypad
The instrument is configured and controlled via a 16-key tactile membrane keypad, as shown in Figure 1.4.
ON/OFF Key
The ON/OFF key is shown on the top left of the keypad. When turned ON an initialization screen is displayed on
the LCD showing the instrument’s serial number and software revision. Once this appears, the instrument can be
started by pressing the ENTER key once – the initialization screen is then replaced by a MAIN MENU which
provides access to the remaining functions.
Menus and the menu selection keys
The PUB menus are arranged hierarchally with the MAIN MENU being at the top level. Menu navigation is
achieved by three keys on the right hand side of the keypad which are used to scroll UP and DOWN a menu list and
SELECT a menu item. When scrolling through a menu, an arrow-shaped cursor moves up and down the left hand
side of the screen to indicate the active menu choice which can then be selected by pressing the ENTER
(SELECT) key.
Some menus have more options than can be shown on the screen at the same time, in which case the
‘overflowed’ choices can be brought into view by continuing to scroll DOWN beyond the bottom visible item. Menus
generally ‘loop around’ if you scroll beyond the first or last items.
If you select Exit on any menu it usually takes you back up one level in the menu hierarchy, but in some cases it
may go directly to the ‘Flow Reading’ screen.
Some screens require you to move the cursor left and right along the display as well as up and down. This is
achieved using keys 5 (scroll LEFT) and 6 (scroll RIGHT).
Dual function numerical keypad
The block of keys shown in the center of the keypad in Figure 1.4 are dual function keys. They can be used to
enter straight-forward numerical data, select the displayed flow units, or provide quick access to frequently
required control menus.
Note: Some of the features accessed by these keys are restricted in the PUB model range. An “Option not
available” message is displayed if you select a restricted function.
ON/OFF Scroll UP
ENTER
Scroll DOWN
Numerical keypad
Scroll LEFT Scroll RIGHT with dual function keys
(SELECT)

1: General Description
6
1.4.3 Power supply and battery charging
Operating power is provided by an internal battery that can be charged from the utility supply using the supplied
external charger. When you first receive the unit you must put the battery on charge for a minimum of 6.5hrs
before use. A fully charged battery will power the instrument for up to 20 hours depending on the output utilization
and backlight usage.
The backlight can be selected to be either permanently OFF, illuminated for 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 1 minute
every time a key is pressed, or permanently ON – as configured in the Setup Instrument menu. If the backlight
is active continuously it will reduce the available battery operating time to 8hrs. Similarly, if the 4 to 20 mA output
is used constantly at 20 mA, the battery life would reduce by 50%. It is therefore beneficial to turn off the backlight
and 4 to 20 mA output facilities when they are not required.
When the instrument is operating in the ‘Flow Reading’ mode, the percentage battery charge level is displayed
symbolically on the LCD screen. A warning message is triggered if the charge falls to approximately 30%, at
which point there is up to four hours of battery operation remaining, depending on usage. The battery can be
charged both while the instrument is in use or when switched off. The instrument’s internal data is stored in non-
volatile memory and will not be lost even if the battery discharges completely.
1.5 Transducers
Different transducer sets are provided with the PUB-A and PUB-B models and are not interchangeable.
Transducer set 'A'
Supplied as standard with PUB-A for use on pipes in the range 0.5 to 4.5 inches (13 to 115 mm) OD.
Transducer set 'B'
Supplied as standard with PUB-B for use on pipes in the range 2 to 40 inches (50 to 1000 mm) OD.
Key Point: The battery is not a user-changeable item. The instrument must be returned
to your distributor if the battery needs replacing.
Key Point: Only use the supplied charger, or special adaptor lead. Failure to comply
with this will invalidate your warranty.
Key Point: Always use the transducers that were supplied with the instrument.