GE Transport PT878 User manual

PT878
Quick Start Guide

September 2003
Process Control Instruments
PT878 Portable Flowmeter
Quick Start Guide 916-068A1

PT878 Quick Start Guide 1
July 2003
Table of Contents
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Return Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keypad Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Powering ON and OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Programming Transducer, Pipe and Fluid Parameters . . . . . . . 10
Transducer Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pipe Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fluid Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Saving Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Changing the Number of Displayed Measurements . . . . . . . . . 16
Changing the Measured Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PT878 Quick Start Guide 3
July 2003
Warranty
Each instrument manufactured by GE Panametrics is warranted to
be free from defects in material and workmanship. Liability under
this warranty is limited to restoring the instrument to normal
operation or replacing the instrument, at the sole discretion of GE
Panametrics. Fuses and batteries are specifically excluded from
any liability. This warranty is effective from the date of delivery
to the original purchaser. If GE Panametrics determines that the
equipment was defective, the warranty period is:
•one year from delivery for electronic or mechanical failures
•one year from delivery for sensor shelf life
If GE Panametrics determines that the equipment was damaged
by misuse, improper installation, the use of unauthorized
replacement parts, or operating conditions outside the guidelines
specified by GE Panametrics, the repairs are not covered under
this warranty.
The warranties set forth herein are exclusive and are in
lieu of all other warranties whether statutory, express
or implied (including warranties or merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose, and warranties arising
from course of dealing or usage or trade).

July 2003
4 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Return Policy
If a GE Panametrics instrument malfunctions within the warranty
period, the following procedure must be completed:
1. Notify GE Panametrics, giving full details of the problem, and
provide the model number and serial number of the
instrument. If the nature of the problem indicates the need for
factory service, GE Panametrics will issue a RETURN
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER (RAN), and shipping
instructions for the return of the instrument to a service center
will be provided.
2. If GE Panametrics instructs you to send your instrument to a
service center, it must be shipped prepaid to the authorized
repair station indicated in the shipping instructions.
3. Upon receipt, GE Panametrics will evaluate the instrument to
determine the cause of the malfunction.
Then, one of the following courses of action will then be taken:
•If the damage is covered under the terms of the warranty, the
instrument will be repaired at no cost to the owner and
returned.
•If GE Panametrics determines that the damage is not covered
under the terms of the warranty, or if the warranty has expired,
an estimate for the cost of the repairs at standard rates will be
provided. Upon receipt of the owner’s approval to proceed, the
instrument will be repaired and returned.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 5
July 2003
Introduction
This booklet provides directions for making basic flow
measurements with the PT878, including the following:
•Keypad Description
•Powering Up
•Programming
•Displaying Measurements
This document is designed solely to get you up and running as
quickly as possible. It does not provide a detailed description of
the procedures, but simply the steps needed to make flow
measurements.

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6 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Keypad Description
Since you need to use the keypad in the procedures that follow,
you should familiarize yourself with the keys and their functions.
The PT878 keypad has 25 keys. The functions for each key are as
follows (see Figure 1 on the next page):
•3 function keys ([F1], [F2], [F3]) — enable you to select the
special functions which appear at the bottom of the screen.
•12 numeric keys (including - and .) — enable you to enter
numeric data.
•4 arrow keys ([W], [X], [S], [T]) — enable you to move
through the menu options.
•[?] Help key— enables you to access on-line help.
•[MENU] Menu key — enables you to access the Main Menu.
•[ENTER] — enables you to enter a particular menu, and
enters selected values into the PT878 memory.
•[SEL] — enables you to move between data measurements on
the screen.
•[ESC] — enables you to exit menus or menu options at any
time; cancels a numeric entry.
•Red key [ ] — turns the power ON or OFF, and toggles the
backlight ON or OFF.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 7
July 2003
Keypad Description (cont.)
Figure 1: TransPort PT878 Keypad

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8 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Powering ON and OFF
To operate the PT878, the power cord must be plugged into line
voltage or the battery must be fully charged as described in
Chapter 2, Initial Setup, of the User’s Manual. You must also
install your transducers as discussed in the Liquid Transducer
Installation Guide (document #916-055), and make transducer
cable connections to the top of the PT878 as described in Chapter
2 of the User’s Manual.
To turn the PT878 ON, press the red button in the upper-right-
hand corner of the keypad. Immediately upon power up the
PT878 emits a short beep and displays a “PCI Loader” message.
It then validates the instrument programming, displays the GE
Panametrics logo and the software version, and emits a long beep.
If the meter fails any of these tests, contact GE Panametrics.
!WARNING!
If the meter fails the backup battery test, you
must send the unit back to the factory for a
battery replacement. Make sure you keep the
NiCad batteries charged until you are ready to
ship the unit back to the factory. Before
shipping, print out all the log and site data, or
transfer it to your PC.
After the meter conducts all the self checks, the screen then
appears similar to the one shown in Figure 2 on the next page.
To turn the PT878 OFF, press the red key for 3 seconds. The
screen now appears similar to Figure 3 on the next page. Three
options are available:
•Press [F1] to turn the PT878 completely OFF.
•Press [F2] to send the PT878 into sleep mode. In this mode,
some of the power supplies shut down, but the PT878 remains
in a standby mode. Users can resume taking measurements
immediately by pressing the power button.
•Press [F3] to cancel the command and return the PT878 to
normal operation.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 9
July 2003
Powering On and Off (cont.)
Figure 2: Screen After Power Up
Figure 3: Screen After Power Down
2000/11/30 09:53 AM
Velocity, ft/s Signal, dB
0.00
32
Delta-T, ns
0.10 0.0
Volume, l/s
E0: No Errors
ABC.SIT
Velocity, ft/s Signal, dB
Delta-T, ns Volume, l/s
Cancel
SHUTDOWN: Meter OFF
SLEEP: Meter Idle
CANCEL: Resume Operations
Shutdown Sleep

July 2003
10 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Programming Transducer, Pipe and Fluid
Parameters
In order for the PT878 to begin taking measurements, you must
enter the transducer, pipe and fluid parameters. Once these
parameters are entered, you may save them so that you can edit
them at a later time.
To enter the Program Menu, press the [MENU] key at the lower
right of the PT878 keypad. Press the [X] arrow key once to
scroll from the Site Menu to the Program Menu. At the Program
Menu, press [ENTER]. The screen appears similar to Figure 4
below.
Figure 4: The PROGRAM Menu
Vel ocity, ft/s Signal, dB
0.00
32
Delta -T, ns
0.10 0.0
Volume, l/s
E0: No Errors
Pipe
Lining
Path
Fluid
Energy
Inputs
Analog Output
Digital Output
User Functions
Site Program Meter Logging Service
Transducer
Co
Correction Factors

PT878 Quick Start Guide 11
July 2003
Transducer Parameters
This section describes how to enter parameters for all standard
transducer types. To step through each parameter within the
option, press the [T] key. Begin by using the following steps:
Note: If you are using a special transducer, refer to Chapter 3 in
your User’s Manual.
1. To enter the Transducer option from the Program Menu, press
[ENTER].
2. The first prompt asks you to select whether you are using a
wetted or a clamp-on transducer.
a. Use the [W] and [X] keys to scroll between the two types.
b. Press [ENTER] to confirm the choice.
Note: If the PT878 does not scroll to a particular parameter, it
is not necessary for that transducer or pipe type.
3. The next prompt asks you to enter the transducer number.
a. From the Type prompt, press the [T] key to reach the
Transducer prompt, and press [ENTER].
b. A drop-down list of transducer numbers opens. (The list
varies, depending on whether you have selected wetted or
clamp-on in the previous prompt.) Press the [T] or [S]
keys to scroll to the appropriate number. To speed
scrolling, you can press the [X] key to scroll down by a
page, or the [W] key to scroll up by a page.
c. Press [ENTER] to confirm your selection.
4. The PT878 supplies the needed parameters for the selected
transducer. Press the [T] key to return to the Transducer tab
at the top and proceed to the Pipe tab.

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12 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Pipe Parameters
This section describes how to enter parameters for most standard
pipe materials and diameters. To step through each parameter
within the option, press the [T] key. Use the following steps to
enter the pipe parameters.
1. From the Transducer tab, press the [X] arrow key to reach
the Pipe tab, and press [ENTER].
2. The first prompt asks you to select the pipe material.
a. Press [ENTER] to enter the material prompt.
b. A drop-down list of materials opens. Press the [T] or [S]
keys to scroll to the appropriate material, or scroll to
“Other” for a material not on the list. You can press the
[X] key to scroll down by a page, or the [W] key to scroll
up by a page.
c. Press [ENTER] to confirm the choice.
d. (This prompt only appears if you have selected “Other” in
step b.) The meter prompts you to enter the sound speed.
Use the numeric keys to type the desired sound speed in
the text box, and press [ENTER] to confirm the choice.
3. At the Diameter prompt, the meter asks for the pipe outside
diameter and thickness.
a. You must select from two choices, outside diameter or
circumference.
•The prompt moves to the OD (outside diameter) text box.
Type the thickness (in mm or in.) into the text box, and
press [ENTER] to confirm the choice, or
•Move the prompt to the OD X PI (circumference) text box.
Type the OD (in mm or in.) into the box, and press
[ENTER] to confirm your choice.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 13
July 2003
Pipe Parameters (cont.)
Note: If you do not know the outside diameter, refer to Sound
Speeds and Pipe Size Data (914-004) or use the On-Line
Help function (refer to the User’s Manual).
b. In either case, the next prompt asks for the wall thickness.
Type the value (in mm or in.) into the box, and press
[ENTER] to confirm your choice.
Note: If you have selected certain pipe materials (carbon or
stainless steel, cast iron, PVC and CPVC), you have the
option of entering the pipe dimensions by a standardized
schedule. Refer to Chapter 3 of the User’s Manual to
learn more about this option.
4. Press the [S] key twice to return to the Pipe tab.
You have completed entering data in the Pipe tab. Proceed to the
Fluid tab.
Fluid Parameters
This section describes how to enter parameters for most common
fluids. To step through each parameter, press the [T] key.
1. From the Pipe tab, press the [X] arrow key twice to reach the
Fluid tab, and press [ENTER].
2. The first prompt asks you to select whether or not you want
Tracking Windows. This feature is used when the process
fluids soundspeed fluctuates considerably. (Default operation
is “No.”)
a. Use the [W] and [X] keys to scroll to the appropriate
radio button.
b. Press [ENTER] to confirm your selection.

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14 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Fluid Parameters (cont.)
3. To select the fluid type:
a. Press [ENTER] to open the drop-down menu. (The choices
vary, depending on whether or not you have selected
Tracking Windows.)
b. Scroll to the appropriate fluid. If you do not see your fluid
on the list, select “Other.”
c. Press [ENTER] to confirm your selection.
•If you have selected a preprogrammed fluid, the PT878
supplies the sound speed. Pressing the [T] key returns you to
the Tracking Windows prompt.
•If you have selected “Other,” the prompts differ, depending on
whether or not you have enabled the Tracking Windows.
•If you have not enabled the Tracking Windows, the PT878
prompts you to enter the sound speed. Use the numeric
keys to enter the desired sound speed, and press [ENTER].
•If you have enabled the Tracking Windows, the PT878
prompts you for minimum and maximum sound speeds.
a. Use the numeric keys to enter the desired minimum speed.
Press [ENTER].
b. Press the [T] key to move to the maximum speed text
box. Use the numeric keys to enter the desired maximum
speed. Press [ENTER].
At the end of either sequence, pressing the [T] key returns you to
the Tracking Windows prompt. You have completed entering
data in the Fluid tab. To confirm the entries and return to Operate
Mode, press [F3] (OK).The PT878 returns to Operate Mode.
It is a good idea to read Chapter 3, Programming Site Data, in the
User’s Manual for more details on programming site parameters.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 15
July 2003
Saving Site Data
Now that you have entered all the necessary data, the PT878 will
give you the opportunity to save it into a site file using the
following steps:
1. To open the Site Menu, press the [MENU] key at the lower
right of the PT878 keypad. Then press [ENTER]. The screen
appears similar to Figure 5 below.
Figure 5: The Site Menu
1. Press the [T] key to reach the “Save Now” option, and press
[ENTER].
2. A window appears, asking if you want to save the current site
(DEFAULT. SIT).
•Press [F2] (No) to cancel saving the site, or
•Press [F3] (Yes) to save the site.
The PT878 returns to displaying measurements. If you want to
save the site under another name, or create a new site, refer to
Chapter 4, Creating and Managing Sites, in the User’s Manual.
Meter Logging Service
Velocity, ft/s
0.00
32
Delta-T, ns
0.10 0.0
Volume, l/s
E0: No Errors
Signal, dB
Save Now
1 View
2 Views
3 Views
4 Views
Drive Manager
FKeys 4
Manager
Site Program

July 2003
16 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Changing the Number of Displayed
Measurements
The PT878 can display one to four different measurement
parameters simultaneously. However, sometimes you might wish
to display only one or two parameters. To change the number of
open display windows from within the Site Menu (shown in
Figure 5 on the previous page), use the [T]or [S] arrow keys to
move to the desired number of views (1 View, 2 Views, etc.)
Press [ENTER]. The screen displays the desired number of
windows.
To display data in other formats (such as bar or line graphs) or
modify the softkeys, refer to Chapter 5, Displaying and
Configuring Data, in the User’s Manual.

PT878 Quick Start Guide 17
July 2003
Changing the Measured Parameters
Once the PT878 is programmed, you can display the following
measurements on the screen:
•Velocity
•Volumetric
•Forward Totals
•Reverse Totals
•Power
•Energy
•Diagnostics
To enter the Measurement option:
1. Press [SEL] from the Operate Mode window until you have
reached the desired measurement.
2. Press [ENTER] to open the Display Menu. The screen appears
similar to Figure 6 below.
Figure 6: The Display Menu
2000/11/30 09:53 AM
4 Velocity, ft/s
0.00
32
Delta-T, ns
0.10 0.0
Volume, l/s
E0: No Errors
ABC.SIT
Signal, dB
Format View Measurement

July 2003
18 PT878 Quick Start Guide
Changing the Measured Parameters (cont.)
3. Press the [X] twice to highlight the Measurement option, and
press [ENTER].
4. A drop-down menu entry, Change, appears. Press [ENTER]
again.
Another window opens, shown in Figure 7 below; the left column
displays the measurement data sources, while the right column
displays English and metric measurement units (or, with the
Diagnostics source shown, a list of diagnostics parameters).
Figure 7: Measurement Selection Window
5. Use the [T] and [S] arrow keys to reach the desired data
source, and press [SEL].
6. Then use the [T] or [S] arrow keys to select the desired
measurement unit (or diagnostic parameter). Press [F3], OK,
to confirm the entry.
The screen returns to Operate Mode, and displays any changes.
Select Measurement
CancellOK
Diagnostics
Rev Totalizer
Volume
No Unit
Velocity
Fwd Totalizer
Fwd Energy
Meters/sec
Feet/sec
Temperature
Power
Rev Energy

PT878 Quick Start Guide 19
July 2003
Index
A
Arrow Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
C
Changing Screen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
D
Diameter, Pipe Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
E
ESC Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exit Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
F
Feature Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fluid Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Fluid Type, Selecting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
H
Help Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
K
Key
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7
Keys
Arrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Numeric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
M
Measurement Types, Changing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18
Measurements, Changing Number of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Menu Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6