dynasonics UFX User manual

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MODEL UFX
ULTRASONIC FLOW METER
Operating Instructions

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Quick Start Instructions 4-5
• Introduction 6
• Specifications 6
• Controls and Terminology 7
• Transducer Mounting Locations 8
• Mounting the Transducer 9
• Operating the UFX 10
• Velocity to Volume Conversions 11
• Battery Replacement 11
• Troubleshooting Guide 12
• Velocity Conversion Chart 13
• Warranty 14
• Spare Parts and Accessories 15
• Service Instructions 15

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QUICK-START INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains detailed operating instructions for the UFX instrument.
The following condensed instructions are provided to assist an experienced
operator in basic operation of the instrument. If the operator is unfamiliar with
this type of instrument, refer to the detailed explanations located at the corre-
sponding letter on pages 8-11.
A. Select a transducer mounting location at least 10 pipe
diameters downstream and 5 diameters upstream of
flow disturbances (i.e. elbows, tees, valves, etc.).
B. On horizontal pipe, choose a
transducer mounting location ap-
proximately 90 degrees from the
top of the pipe.
C. Remove rust, scale and paint
from the transducer mounting lo-
cation. Clean to bare metal.
Plastic pipes do not require
preparation.
D. Plug the transducer plug into
the transducer jack.
STEP A
STEP B
STEP D
YES YES
NO
NO

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E. Apply approximately 1/8th
inch [3 mm] silicone
grease to the transducer
face. Place the trans-
ducer face on the pre-
pared area of pipe. Hold
the transducer parallel to
the pipe with the cable
pointing downstream of
the flow direction.
F. Press the ON/OFF key.
Wait at least 30 seconds
before recording a read-
ing. The UFX will auto-
matically turn itself off af-
ter 3 minutes.
G. Change units of measure
by pressing the FT/SEC -
M/SEC key.
STEP E
STEP F

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INTRODUCTION AND OPERATING THEORY
Series UFX Phase Shift Flow Meters feature advanced Trans-Phase
measuring technology, providing accurate and reliable flow velocity as-
sessments in closed piping systems. The UFX utilizes a non-invasive
transducer which is hand-held or strapped to the outside of a pipe.
Within seconds, the large 0.7 inch [18mm] LCD provides stable read-
ings in either FPS (Feet per Second) or MPS (Meters per Second).
This product is designed to operate on metal, plastic or rubber pipes
containing liquids with greater than 100 ppm of suspended solids or
entrained gases that act as reflectors.
Phase Shift flow meters utilize two piezoelectric crystals contained
within one transducer to transmit ultrasonic sound energy into the fluid
stream and receive reflected
sound from reflectors (suspended
solids or entrained gases) within
the liquid. See Figure 1. In ac-
cordance with the theories of
Christian Johann Doppler (circa
1842), if the liquid is moving (and
therefore carrying the reflectors
with it) and oscillating energy is
imposed on the moving reflector,
the reflected energy’s frequency
of oscillation will be altered with respect to the transmitted frequency.
The magnitude of frequency change is directly proportional to the ve-
locity of the reflector.
FLOW
Figure 1
SPECIFICATIONS
Description Specification
Power four AA alkaline cells provide over 30 hours of
operation
Flow Range 0.30 to 30.00 FPS [0.10 to 9.00 MPS]
Temperature electronics: -28°F to +140°F [-20°C to +60°C]
transducer: -40°F to +180°F [-40°C to +82°C]
Enclosure Rating NEMA 12X, splash resistant
Accuracy ±2% full scale
Transducer Mount Hand-held (clamp on), utilize acoustic
couplant such as DOW 111

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CONTROLS AND TERMINOLOGY
Transducer Cable
Display
Transducer Jack
Transducer Plug
Keypad
Transducer Note: The UFX battery compartment is
located on the back of the enclosure.
Remove the two upper screws to gain
access to the battery compartment.

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A. TRANSDUCER LOCATION
Selecting the proper location for taking a flow measurement is the single
most critical step in the operational procedure. The transducer utilized
by the UFX flow meter contains two piezoelectric crystals for transmitting
and receiving ultrasonic signals through the wall of a pipe. Select a
transducer location with adequate straight runs (without flow disturbances)
of pipe, both upstream and downstream, to achieve stable and accurate
readings. Examples of common piping configurations and the recom-
mended minimum upstream and downstream pipe lengths are included
in Table 1.
Note: If adequate straight plumbing cannot be provided the UFX will
operate repeatably, but will most likely not achieve ideal accuracy.
FLOW
FLOW
FLOW
FLOW
FLOW
FLOW
Table 1

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B. MOUNTING LOCATIONS ON THE PIPE
If the transducer is applied to
horizontal pipe, choose a mount-
ing position at approximately 3
o’clock or 9 o’clock, assuming 12
o’clock to be to top of the pipe.
These positions typically provide
optimum acoustic penetration
into the moving liquid. As illus-
trated in Figure 2, placement at
the top or bottom of the pipe can
result in poor sound penetration
due to air pockets (on the top of
the pipe) or sediment (at the bot-
tom of the pipe).
If the transducer is applied to vertical pipe, orientation
does not matter.
C. PIPE PREPARATION
Before the transducer face can be coupled to a pipe surface, an area
slightly larger than the flat surface of the transducer must be cleaned to
bare metal on the pipe. Remove all scale rust and paint. Thoroughly
dry and clean the mounting surface.
Note: For plastic pipes, such as PVC or PVDF, pipe preparation is
typically not required.
D. CONNECTING THE TRANSDUCER
Connect the transducer plug into the transducer jack. The connection
is polarized, so alignment of the keyway is necessary.
NOTE: The splash-resistant environmental seal is provided only when
the transducer plug is secured into the transducer jack. It is advisable
to make this connection before entering an area where the UFX may be
dropped into or splashed with liquid.
E. APPLYING THE TRANSDUCER
To ensure an acoustically conductive path between the transducer face
and the prepared pipe surface, a coupling compound is employed.
Enclosed with the UFX flow meter is a tube of Dow Corning 111 silicone
based grease. This grease is adequate for the majority of installations.
If an alternate grease is utilized, the grease must be specified not to
flow at the temperature of the pipe surface or the ambient conditions.
YES
Figure 2
NO
NO
YES

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Figure 3
Apply an even layer of grease, ap-
proximately 1/8” [3 mm] thick to the
flat surface of the transducer. Place
the transducer on the prepared area
of the pipe, with the cable pointing
downstream. See Figure 3. Align the
transducer with the pipe, ensuring
that it is parallel with the pipe wall.
Apply only enough pressure to hold
the transducer in place. If no reading
is shown, perform a “rub test” by rub-
bing thumb across the dry transducer
head. The zeros should display a low
flow reading. See Troubleshooting
Guide for further recommendations.
F. OBTAINING A READING
Press the ON/OFF key on the keypad. On power up, the UFX performs
internal diagnostics and starts the ultrasonic transmitter. The display
will read Hold for approximately 5 seconds during this time. If the
transducer is properly mounted to a pipe containing flowing liquid with
at least 100 ppm of 100 micron or larger particles or entrained gases,
the display will begin to indicate velocity. The default units of measure
are FPS (feet per second). The response time of the UFX is approxi-
mately 10 seconds to ob-
tain a reading. Adequate
signal strength is obtained
when the OK icon appears
in the upper right corner of
the display. See Figure 4.
Readings taken without
this icon present may be
erroneous. It is recom-
mended that survey read-
ings of at least 30 seconds be taken to ensure reading stability.
The UFX can be turned off by pressing the ON/OFF key on the keypad,
or the unit will automatically turn off after approximately 3 minutes of
operation.
G. CHANGING UNITS OF MEASURE
Toggle between FPS (feet per second) and MPS (meters per second)
by depressing the FT/SEC M/SEC key on the keypad.
Figure 4
Figure 3
FLOW
Transducer Cable

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H. CONVERSION FROM VELOCITY TO VOLUME
The velocity readings taken from the UFX can be readily converted to
volumetric flow rate measurements such as GPM (gallons per minute)
or LPM (liters per minute). A chart is located on page 13 of this manual
that contains conversions for many popular schedule 40 pipe sizes. If
the pipe size is not located in this chart, use the following equations:
♦ For conversion to GPM (pipe I.D. in inches):
GPM = FT/SEC x 2.448 x I.D.2
♦ For conversion to LPM (pipe I.D. in millimeters):
LPM = M/SEC x 0.047 x I.D.2
I. LOW BATTERY INDICATION
When the power supply batteries become drained to a level of 4 volts,
the LOW BAT icon will illuminate on the right-hand side of the display.
Typical alkaline batteries will provide about 2 hours of operation after
the LOW BAT icon turns on. The flow meter will no longer operate
when battery voltage is less than 3.5 volts. At 3.5 volts and lower, an
Err1 will be displayed and then unit will shut off.
Replace the batteries by removing the two screws located on the upper
portion of the enclosure back. Install four fresh AA alkaline batteries
following the polarity indicated within the battery compartment and re-
place the battery cover. A fresh set of alkaline batteries will provide
approximately 30 hours of service. Use of carbon-based batteries is
not recommended.
Do not allow discharged batteries to remain in the UFX during storage.
Discharged batteries can leak and may cause severe damage to the
internal circuits of the UFX. Damage caused by leaking batteries will
not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
J. DISPLAY TEST
The UFX contains software to verify operation of the individual LCD
segments. To run the display test, turn the UFX off. Press and hold the
FT/SEC - M/SEC key, then press the ON/OFF key. Release both keys
and verify that all segments illustrated in Figure 4 illuminate. The UFX
firmware version number (FX.XX) is displayed at the end of the test.
!

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Unit does not turn “ON”
when ON/OFF key is
pressed
• Verify that batteries are installed and
contain a charge.
“Err1” is indicated • The batteries must be replaced.
No display readings are
obtained and no “OK”
icon is observed
• Poor acoustic coupling to pipe. Apply
silicone grease to transducer.
• Ensure pipe is full of a flowing liquid.
• If the pipe has a plastic liner, move the
transducer to another location. The
liner may contain an air void.
• Non-working transducer. Rub
transducer head with thumb for reading.
• Liquid contains less than 3% total
suspended solids.
• Move transducer closer to a source of
flow disturbance. (i.e. an elbow, pump
outlet or control valve.)
Dashes appear on display • Liquid velocity is greater than 30 FPS [9
MPS].
Readings are obtained,
but the “OK” icon does
not turn on.
• Signal strength is low. Flow readings
may be erroneous. Move the
transducer closer to a source of
hydraulic disturbance.
Erroneous Readings • Transducer mounted incorrectly.
• Another local ultrasonic instrument is
operating at approximately the same
frequency as the UFX.
• Excessive pipe vibration.
• Very viscous (thick) liquids will cause
the unit to read lower than actual flow.
• The pipe is not completely full of liquid.

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LIQUID VELOCITY TO VOLUME CONVERSION CHART

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STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
Dynasonics, Division of Racine Federated Inc. warrants to the end
purchaser, for a period of one year from the date of shipment from the
factory, that all flow meters manufactured by it are free from defects in
materials and workmanship. This Warranty does not cover products
that have been damaged due to defects caused by misapplication,
abuse, lack of maintenance, modified or improper installation.
Dynasonics’ obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of a defective product, at no charge to the end purchase, if
the product is inspected by Dynasonics and found to be defective.
Repair or replacement is at Dynasonics’ discretion. A return goods
authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from Dynasonics before
any product may be returned for warranty repair or replacement. The
product must be thoroughly cleaned and any process chemicals
removed before it will be accepted for return.
The purchaser must determine the applicability of the product for its
desired use and assumes all risks in connection therewith. Dynasonics
assumes no responsibility or liability for any omissions or errors in
connection with the use of its products. Dynasonics will under no
circumstances be liable for any incidental, consequential, contingent or
special damages or loss to any person or property arising out of the
failure of any product, component or accessory.
All expressed or implied warranties, including the implied warranty of
merchantability and the implied warranty of fitness for a particular
purpose or application are expressly disclaimed and shall not apply
to any products sold or services rendered by Dynasonics .
The above warranty supersedes and is in lieu of all other warranties,
either expressed or implied and all other obligations or liabilities. No
agent or representative has any authority to alter the terms of this
warranty in any way.

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SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
D002-2007-001 SS Mounting Strap, 36 inch [900 mm]
D002-2007-002 Nylon Mounting Strap, 30 inch [750 mm]
D002-2011-002 Couplant, RTV (for permanent mounting)
D002-2011-001 Couplant, Silicone (for temporary mounting)
D003-0825-001 SS Identification tag
DTUFX-D1 Series DUFX Std. Pipe Transducer
DTUFX-B1 Series DUFX Small Pipe Transducer
DTUFX-D1-CE Series DUFX Std. Pipe Transducer - CE unit
DTUFX-B1-CE Series DUFX Small Pipe Transducer - CE unit
DUFX O&M Series DUFX Operations Manual
D003-1009-005 UFX Carrying Case
SERVICE AND REPAIR
When returning equipment, it is necessary for you to contact our
service department at [phone] or [phone] to ob-
tain a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number for the author-
ity and tracking of your material and its proper inspection and re-
turn. All returns of equipment must go to the following address:
Dynasonics
Attn: RGA#xxxx
8635 Washington Avenue
Racine, WI 53406

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© 2008 Racine Federated Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA
UFX O&M REV 7/08
8635 WASHINGTON AVENUE
RACINE, WI 53406
TOLL-FREE IN NORTH AMERICA.:
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
URL: www.dynasonics.com
Dynasonics is a registered trademark of Racine Federated Inc.