Elster enCore FC1 User manual
FC1-BA4.1-EN a2014-08-14
i2014-08-14
From AFB version 02-06
Flow Computer
enCore
FC1
Manual
Volume 4.1
:
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 3 of 53
Contents
1The enCore/enSuite Concept 5
2About these Instructions 6
2.1The enCore FC1 Manual at a Glance 7
2.2 Text Labelling 8
2.2.1 Presentation of Instructions 8
2.2.2 Paragraph Formats 9
2.2.3 Character Formats 9
2.2.4 Character Formats in Flow Charts 11
3Functional Description 12
3.1 Monitoring the Input Values of Gas Meters 14
3.1.1 Monitoring Maximum Flow Rate 16
3.1.2 Monitoring the Minimum Flow Rate 17
3.2 Meter Correction (optional) 19
3.3 Flow Conversion 21
3.4 Managing Counters 23
3.4.1 Determining the Counters' Operating Mode in Normal Cases
and in Case of Breakdown 25
3.4.2 Hold Current Counters and Measurements 27
3.5 Functioning at a Glance 31
3.5.1 Flowchart 31
3.5.2 List of Error Messages 32
4Display and Operation 34
4.1 Displays at a Glance 35
4.2 Displays in Detail 36
5FAQs 42
5.1 Adding Another Flow Conversion AFB 42
5.2 Combining AFBs in a Group 44
5.3 Viewing Process Values of another Flow Conversion AFB 45
Page 5 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
1 The enCore/enSuite Concept
enCore is the name of an Elster product platform for advanced
measurement devices. All enCore devices are based on the same hardware
components and software concepts. Both the hardware and software of
enCore devices have a modular design; the configuration of the process
board equipment is variable, just like the arrangement of software
components. On one hand, the software components consist of basic
functionalities which are provided by the Basic System with its System
Function Blocks (abbreviated as: SFBs) and on the other hand it consists of
application-related functionalities which provide the various Application
Function Blocks (abbreviated as: AFBs). Owing to this modular design
principle, each device can be optimally adapted to individual requirements.
enSuite is the name of the PC software supporting all enCore devices along
with a number of other Elster devices. The enSuite software provides tools
for configuration, parameterization, diagnosis, software downloads and other
services.
Parameterization in enSuite
Please note that the changes that you make in parameterization
of enSuite is enabled in the device only when you activate the
action Transfer parameterization to device and the device FC1
restarts automatically.
See volume 3a of FC1 manual for the configuration of device
software.
Page 6 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
2 About these Instructions
Part 4 of the enCore FC1 manual has a modular design and consists of
individual volumes which document an Application Function Block . The
advantage of this feature is that you can specifically compile documents of
those AFBs used in your application.
This volume 4.1 describes the basic functionality and operation of the Flow
Conversion AFB. Parameterization is explained in this document only by
way of example as the meaning of individual parameters is documented in
detail in the online help of enSuite.
Calling up the online help
In enSuite, you can call up the general help in the Assistant
window by clicking Show online help.
Open the context-sensitive help directly from the desired branch in
parameterization with [F1].
This part of documentation is intended for specialist personnel who are
responsible for the service activities of the following tasks after the
successful assembly and FC1 installation of the current enSuite version on
PC:
•adaptation of device parameterization to the measuring task
•test of all data points and commissioning
•other service activities
The illustrations in these instructions serve to depict the facts that are being
explained, and therefore deviate depending on the configuration of device
and enSuite.
Saving documentation on service-PC
This volume of FC1 manual is provided in electronic format. We
recommend that you save the document on the PC intended to be
used for service activities so that it can be accessed at any time.
About these Instructions 2
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 7 of 53
You can download all parts of the FC1 manual in PDF format from
our Docuthek (www.docuthek.com). The documents are
regularly updated.
2.1 The enCore FC1 Manual at a Glance
The manual FC1 is made up of four parts:
•Part 1: Brief Instruction
The first part describes the legally relevant properties of the FC1 flow
computer in brief. It comprises the general device description,
technical data, display and operation of the device as well as a brief
description of basic functions and the essential AFBs. The appendix
contains the approval certificate and other legally relevant documents
(if applicable).
•Part 2: Operating Instructions
The second part describes the assembly, installation, commis-
sioning and maintenance of FC1.
•Part 3: Configuration of device software and description of Basic
System
The third part has a modular design:
−Volume 3a documents the configuration of device software.
−Volume 3b describes the Basic System which consists of the
System Function Blocks.
•Part 4: Functionality of Application Function Blocks
The fourth part also has a modular design and comprises the
documentation of available AFBs; they are published as individual
volumes.
2About these Instructions
Page 8 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
Part 1 and part 2 are product components
The Brief Instruction and Operating Instructions manual are
product components. Therefore, these must always be kept in
immediate vicinity of the FC1 and easily accessible to the
installation, operational, maintenance and cleaning personnel.
Part 1 and part 2 are delivered in printed form with the device.
Safety information
All safety information is contained in the second part of the FC1
documentation (Operating Instruction); the present volume of
documentation does not contain any safety information.
Make sure you carefully read through the second part of the
manual (Operating Instruction) prior to commencing any work on
or with the FC1, in particular prior to commissioning.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for loss and malfunctions
that result from non-compliance with these instructions.
2.2 Text Labelling
Texts containing different contents are labelled differently. With the help of
following characteristics, you can identify which content of the text is pro-
vided to you:
2.2.1 Presentation of Instructions
Safety instructions
Safety instructions include notes and information which if disregarded may
lead to functions not working correctly or not working at all.
About these Instructions 2
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 9 of 53
Safety instructions are described below:
Safety instruction (optional)
Safety instruction text
Tips and Recommendations
Tips include notes and information that make it easier for the user to operate
the FC1.
Tips are described below:
Heading (optional)
Hint text
2.2.2 Paragraph Formats
►This triangle prompts you for an action.
This character will show you the immediate result of your action.
For the FC1 symbol, the result of your operation is shown in running
operation of the device after you have transferred an enSuite para-
meterization to the device and the FC1 is restarted with this para-
meterization.
Example
Multi-row examples are marked by two continuous blue lines and the key-
word “Example”.
2.2.3 Character Formats
Example Use
Flow Conversion AFB Names of individual SFB and AFB software
components of FC1.
2About these Instructions
Page 10 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
Example Use
see chapter 3 Functional
Description (p. 12)
Reference to additional information are
marked with an arrow. If the arrow refers to
information within document, these referen-
ces are formated as hyperlinks in blue font.
You directly go to corresponding text pas-
sage by clicking the blue text.
Tab All parameters Marking of graphic screen elements or
messages which you find again on the
screen. These include, for example, menu
items, marking of tabs and parameters.
[OK]
[F1]
Marking of buttons and keys are additionally
framed with square brackets.
<Name of the Flow
Conversion AFB >
Place holders are specified in angle-
brackets and represent the corresponding,
current value of your system.
[Group 1.]Flow
Conversion 1
Optional information is specified in square
brackets. In the example, Group 1 is shown
only when this group has been created in
your device.
Admin1 Texts which you enter in enSuite in the
corresponding field.
www.docuthek.com links (hyperlink)
Hold function You navigate through the different displays
of FC1 via hyperlinks. In the example, you
change to the Hold function display.
About these Instructions 2
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 11 of 53
Example Use
Hold Actions are also marked as hyperlinks in the
FC1 display. You carry out a specific func-
tionality when you activate an action. In the
example, the present values are frozen.
readme.txt All the alphabetical strings which depict
sheer ASCII character strings such as
identifier for physical quantities, directory or
file names.
Table 2-1: Character formats
2.2.4 Character Formats in Flow Charts
The individual elements are highlighted in the flow charts as shown in the
following. That way they can be distinguished properly even on a black-and-
white printout:
Example Use
[V input] enSuite parameters are presented with
square brackets and font color [green].
generated counters
Export values, e.g. counters of Flow
Conversion AFB, have a non-
proportional font and blue font color.
“Event” Event-messages which are activated or
reset by an AFB are marked in quotation
marks and orange font.
Table 2-2: Character formats in flow charts
Page 12 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
3 Functional Description
The flow conversion is an Application Function Block for enCore devices. Its
main task is to calculate the measured volumes of natural-gas from
measurement conditions to base conditions (flow conversion). In addition,
the mass and energy of natural gas are also calculated (energy conversion).
The Flow Conversion AFB always carries out this task along with the
Basic System and the Gas Quality AFB:
•Basic System
The Basic System comprises the connections, parameterization
and management of used measurement devices such as gas
meters, pressure and temperature transmitters and, if required, gas
quality measurement devices.
It prepares the input data and provides the volume at measurement
conditions Vmand the flow rate Qto the Flow Conversion AFB;
the temperature tand the pressure at measurement conditions p
as well as optionally the analysis of natural gas to the Gas
Quality AFB.
See section Parameterizing input values in enSuite (p. 15).
Set an activation signal in the Basic System for the special case
when you use two or multiple flow directions.
See chapter 5.7 Representing Two Flow Directions (p. 48).
•Gas Quality AFB
This AFB provides the essential specifications of gas such as the
volume- and mass-based heating values, the conversion factor C,
as well as the density at measurement conditions ρmand at base
conditions ρb.
See section Set calculations in enSuite (p. 21).
•Flow Conversion AFB
The Flow Conversion AFB calculates the flown volumes at
base conditions, the energy and the mass based on the input
values from the Basic System and the Gas Quality AFB.
For accounting and testing purposes, it manages various counters
for the volume at measurement conditions Vmand the volume at
base conditions Vbas well as for the energy Eand the mass M.
Functional Description 3
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 13 of 53
Optionally, it can carry out a error curve linearization of the gas and
generate corrected counters Vc.
A flow conversion requires at least one Flow Conversion AFB and one
Gas Quality AFB, besides the Basic System. This configuration depicts a
single-stream operation with one flow direction.
The modularity of FC1 facilitates the realization of various extended
operational and technical-measurement requirements. The number of
measuring streams and their flow directions which the FC1 can process is
variable and is determined by the number of board slots as well as the
configuration of hardware and software (see part 1 of FC1 manual).
For a single-stream operation with two flow directions, combine, e.g., two
Flow Conversion AFBswith only one Gas Quality AFB and one
Basic System.
The following is applicable in general:
•You require one Flow Conversion AFB for every stream and for
every flow direction.
•For every Ccalculation which is based on different measured data
such as pressure, temperature and/or gas quality (abbreviated as:
GQ) or on different calculation specifications, you require another
Gas Quality AFB.
The Flow Conversion AFB is divided in the following functional areas:
3.1 Monitoring the Input Values of Gas Meters (p. 14)
3.2 Meter Correction (optional) (p. 19)
3.3 Flow Conversion (p. 21)
3.4 Managing Counters (p. 23)
For a flow chart showing the interaction of the single functional areas refer to
chapter 3.5.1 Flowchart.
3Functional Description
Page 14 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
3.1 Monitoring the Input Values of Gas Meters
You can monitor minimum flow rate (Qmin) and/or maximum flow rate
(Qmax) of the gas meter, distinguish the start and stop of gas streams from
failure and control the counters specific to the measurement plant.
Firstly, a brief overview of configuration options in case of Qmin/Qmax
monitoring:
Fig. 3-1: Overview of Qmin/Qmax monitoring
The Flow Conversion AFB uses the flow rate and (optional) the volume
of natural gas, which is provided by the Basic System, as input values for
monitoring.
Functional Description 3
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 15 of 53
Parameterizing input values in enSuite
►Open the desired parameterization in enSuite.
►Change to the branch FC1 – <Name of Flow Conversion AFB > –
Measurement conditions.
All parameters that are important for monitoring the input values are
shown on the tab All Parameters.
►Enter the gas volume from the Basic System in the parameter V Input –
this parameter is optional.
Example
If the volume is taken from the Basic System, which uses the measure-
ments of a turbine meter, import, for instance, the value of the tab
Export values from the branch Basic System – I/O – I/O boards.
Board 1.ExMFE5 – Z1+ Z1−.<TRZ> – Amount.
This value is used for all volume-based calculations, e.g. for increasing
of counters.
►Enter the flow rate from the Basic System in the parameter Q Input –
this parameter is compulsory.
Example
If the flow rate is taken from the Basic System, which uses the measure-
ments of a turbine meter, import, for instance, the value of the tab
Export values from the branch Basic System – I/O – I/O boards.
Board 1.ExMFE5 – Z1+ Z1−.<TRZ> – Flow rate.
This value is used for all flow rate-based calculations, e.g. for
monitoring Qmin and Qmax.
3Functional Description
Page 16 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
Use of volume and flow rate input
If the gas meter provides the volume and the flow rate via the
Basic System, you should assign both the values. The same input
sources must be specified in both the parameters. This is the
normal operating mode.
If the gas meter provides only the flow rate, the V input may
remain blank. In this case, the volume-based calculations are
performed by integrating flow rate via time.
3.1.1 Monitoring Maximum Flow Rate
The FC1 can monitor the maximum flow rate (Qmax) and generate – depen-
ding on the parameterization – corresponding messages when warning or
alarm limit is reached. These can be used e.g. to control a gas plant.
Set Qmax monitoring in enSuite
Take the value for the alarm limit from the specific values of the connected
gas meter. You can chose the warning limit plant-specific depending on the
application.
Prerequisite:
The desired parameterization is opened on the branch FC1 – <Name of
Flow Conversion AFB > – Measurement conditions.
►To set a warning limit, enter the desired value in the parameter Qmax
warning limit.
The FC1 generates the message Qmax warning as soon as this
flow rate value is reached.
►To set an alarm limit, enter the specific value of the gas counter in the
parameter Qmax alarm limit.
The FC1 generates the message Qmax alarm as soon as this limit is
reached.
Functional Description 3
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 17 of 53
3.1.2 Monitoring the Minimum Flow Rate
Also when monitoring the minimum volume flow at measurement conditions,
the Flow Conversion AFB distinguishes between a warning and an
alarm limit and generates corresponding messages when they are reached.
When monitoring the lower alarm limit, the FC1 can take into account the
start-up and run-down times which the connected gas meters require when
starting and stopping the gas plant. An alarm message is only generated
when the flow rate falls below the alarm limit however is still above the para-
meterized minor flow limit after the expiry of start-up and run-down time.
If the measured flow rate is below the Qmin, you have various options to
determine the behavior of derived flow rates and meters.
Set Qmin monitoring in enSuite
Parameterize (if required) the specific values of the connected gas meter.
Prerequisite:
The desired parameterization is opened on the branch FC1 – <Name of
Flow Conversion AFB> – Measurement conditions.
In order to set a warning limit, ...
►… enter the desired value in the parameter Qmin warning limit.
As soon as this flow rate volume is reached, the FC1 generates the
message Qmin warning.
In order to completely deactivate the alarm monitoring...
►… select the entry No for the parameter Qmin monitoring (alarm).
The monitoring of minimum flow rate is switched off. All other para-
meters for Qmin monitoring are ignored by FC1. The Qmin parameter-
ization is ended in this case.
In order to set the alarm monitoring...
►… activate the Qmin monitoring by selecting the entry Yes for the
parameter Qmin monitoring (alarm).
The Qmin monitoring is activated.
3Functional Description
Page 18 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
►To set a minor volume limit, enter the desired value in the parameter
Q minor.
If the flow rate drops below this value, all the flow rates are set to the
zero (0) and all the counters are stopped.
In this case, flow rate related warning and alarm messages are not
generated.
Special case: minor volume suppression
The following is applicable in general: Activate the volume sup-
pression only if the resolution of flow rate signals is high enough,
e.g. if HF pulses are available in a turbine meter.
Due to their mass inertia, some gas meter types require some time to adapt
to the new conditions after the start or stop of gas line. This adaptation time
can be taken into account as start-up and run-down time in case of Qmin
monitoring.
►If required, enter the time in the parameter Start-up time which the gas
meter requires for adaptation when starting the gas stream.
The start time begins when the minor volume limit is exceeded.
If the parameterized time expires and the flow rate still lies between the
minor volume limit and Qmin, a message Qmin alarm is generated.
►If required, enter the time in the parameter Run-down time which the
gas meter requires for adaptation when stopping the gas stream.
The run-down time begins when the Qmin is undershot.
If the run-down time expires and the flow rate still lies between the minor
volume limit and Qmin, a message Qmin alarm is generated.
►Select one of the following options in the parameter
Behavior when Q < Qmin alarm limit:
•Qm, ΔVmas measured (default)
The current measurement for the volume flow at measurement
conditions Qmis still used and the measured volume progression still
entered in the counters.
•Qm:= 0, ΔVm:= 0
The volume flow at measurement conditions Qmis set to zero (0)
and all the counters are stopped.
Functional Description 3
enCore FC1
Flow Conversion AFB
Page 19 of 53
•Qmas measured, ΔVm:= 0
The current value for the volume flow at measurement conditions Qm
is still used, however all the counters are stopped.
3.2 Meter Correction (optional)
If an volume flow error curve is present for one of the gas meters connected
to FC1, the Flow Conversion AFB can carry out a error curve
linearization. Based on the saved correction points, the Flow Conversion
AFB calculates the correction factor Kfthrough the linear interpolation for
every measured flow rate Qand carries out a meter correction on this basis.
The correction takes place for main, error and unhaltable counters of
operating volumes and is calculated as follows:
ΔVc= ΔVm× Cf
Qc= Qm× Cf
Parameterize the correction points in enSuite.
Special cases for minimum and maximum flow fate
Any error curve linearization is not carried out if the measured flow rate Q…
1. ... falls below the lowest correction point.
In such a case, the correction factor Cfgets the value 1.
2. ... exceeds the highest correction point.
In this case, the correction factor Cfcorresponds to the correction value
of highest correction point.
If the meter correction is not in use, Δ
Vc= Δ
Vm
If you do not activate the meter correction, the correction factor Cf
automatically gets the value 1. The counters of uncorrected
operating values and the counters of corrected operating values
then have equal values. Counters for corrected volume is
suppressed in the default setting of displays.
3Functional Description
Page 20 of 53
Flow Conversion AFB
enCore FC1
Set Meter Correction in enSuite (optional)
The activation of meter correction is optional. The information for the meter
correction can be taken via the flow rate from the error curve determined for
the meter.
►Open the desired parameterization in enSuite.
►Change to the branch FC1 – <Name of Flow Conversion AFB > –
Meter correction.
It is displayed whether and, if any, which type of meter correction is
activated on the tab Meter correction.
►Determine the type of meter correction in the parameter Gas meter
correction type:
•no correction (default)
Select this entry if no meter correction should be carried out.
•Q = measured value
Select this entry in order to activate correction and relate the
deviations to flow rate measured by gas meter.
•Q = corrected value
Select this entry in order to activate correction and relate the
deviations to the target flow rate of reference measurement.
If correction is deactivated, no further action is necessary.
OR
If correction is activated, all the errors are displayed for input of up to 10
correction points.
Enter the correction points successively according to the error curve:
►Enter the flow rate in the column Qand the respective deviation in the
column Deviation.
In the error curve linearization is activated , the corrected flow Qcas well
as the corrected operating volume flows Vcare the basis for all further
calculations (derived flow rates, derived counters).
Other manuals for enCore FC1
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