IO Thrifty FMT-22 User manual

User’s Guide
FMT-22
Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Website: www.IOThrifty.com | Email : [e-mail] | Phone: [phone]
Contents
1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1x
1.1 Preface -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
1.3 Principle of Measurement -------------------------------------------------------------------2
1.4 Parts Identification ----------------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.5 Typical Applications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.6 Data Integrity and Built-in Time-Keeper --------------------------------------------------6
1.7 Product Identification -------------------------------------------------------------------------7
1.8 Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2. Starting Measurement --------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.1 Built-in Battery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.2 Power On -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.3 Keypad --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
2.4 Menu Windows --------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
2.5 Menu Windows Arrangement --------------------------------------------------------------11
2.6 Steps to Configure the Parameters --------------------------------------------------------12
2.7 Transducers Mounting Allocation ----------------------------------------------------------14
2.8 Transducers Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------------15
2.8.1 Transducers Spacing ------------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.8.2 V-method Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------------16

2.8.3 Z-method Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.8.4 W-method Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.8.5 N-method Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.9 Installation Checkup --------------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.9.1 Signal Strength -------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.9.2 Signal Quality ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
2.9.3 Total Transit Time and Delta Time -------------------------------------------------------18
2.9.4 Time Ratio between the Measured Total Transit Time and the Calculated Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3. How To ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3.1 How to judge if the instrument works properly ----------------------------------------19
3.2 How to judge the liquid flowing direction -----------------------------------------------19
3.3 How to change between measurement units-------------------------------------------19
3.4 How to select a required flow rate unit --------------------------------------------------20
3.5 How to use the totalizer multiplier --------------------------------------------------------20
3.6 How to open or shut the totalizers --------------------------------------------------------20
3.7 How to reset the totalizers ------------------------------------------------------------------20
3.8 How to restore the flow meter with default setups -----------------------------------20
3.9 How to use the damper ----------------------------------------------------------------------20
3.10 How to use the zero-cutoff function ----------------------------------------------------20
3.11 How to setup a zero point -----------------------------------------------------------------21
3.12 How to get a scale factor for calibration ------------------------------------------------21
3.13 How to use the operation locker ---------------------------------------------------------21
3.14 How to use the built-in data logger ------------------------------------------------------21
3.15 How to use the Frequency Output -------------------------------------------------------22
3.16 How to use the Totalizer Pulse Output --------------------------------------------------
22
3.17 How to produce an alarm signal ----------------------------------------------------------
23
3.18 How to use the built-in Buzzer ------------------------------------------------------------24

3.19 How to use the OCT output ---------------------------------------------------------------24
3.20 How to modify the built-in calendar ----------------------------------------------------24
3.21 How to adjust the LCD contrast ----------------------------------------------------------24
3.22 How to use the RS232 serial interface --------------------------------------------------24
3.23 How to view the Date Totalizers ----------------------------------------------------------24
3.24 How to use the Working Timer -----------------------------------------------------------24
3.25 How to use the manual totalizer ---------------------------------------------------------25
3.26 How to check the ESN and other minor details --------------------------------------25
3.27 How to know how long the battery will last ------------------------------------------25
3.28 How to charge the built-in battery ------------------------------------------------------25
4. Menu Window Details ---------------------------------------------------------------------------26
5.Troubleshooting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
5.1 Power-on Error Displays and Counter-Measures --------------------------------------31
5.2 Error Code and Counter-Measures --------------------------------------------------------31
5.3 Other Problems and Solutions --------------------------------------------------------------
32
6. Communication Protocol ------------------------------------------------------------------------33
6. 0 General ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
6.1 Interface Pin-out Definition -----------------------------------------------------------------33
6.2 the Protocol -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
6.3 Protocol Prefix Usage -------------------------------------------------------------------------35
6.4 Codes for the Keypad -------------------------------------------------------------------------36
7. Model Numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------37
8. Warranty Terms ----------------------------------------------------------------------------37
9. Return Procedures -----------------------------------------------------------------------------37

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1. Introduction
1.1 Preface
Welcome to the FMT-22 series ultrasonic flow meter that has been manufactured
with patented technologies and equipped with more functions and advanced
performance than previous versions.
The FMT-22 Series flow meter incorporates the latest ICs manufactured, from
Philips, Maxim, TI, Winbond, and Xilinx. The hardware features the ease of
operation, high accuracy and outstanding reliability and the software provides a very
user-friendly interface. It employs a patented balanced lower voltage multi-pulse
igniting circuit which increases the anti-interference ability magnificently so that the
flow meter will work properly even in demanding industrial environments such as
those with power frequency transverter working nearby.
Other outstanding features:
 The signal receiving circuits feature self-adapting performance to ensure that
the user can easily operate the instrument without any adjustment.
 The built-in rechargeable Ni-H battery can work continuously for more than
12 hours without recharge.
The advanced circuit design, integration of the latest semiconductors, user-friendly
software interface with both in English and Chinese languages and small-sized PCB
board features combine to make the FMT-22 series ultrasonic flow meter one of the
best on the market.
1.2 Features
 0.5% of linearity
 0.2% of repeatability
 Bilingual interface in Chinese and English
 4 flow totalizers
 Patent balanced lower-voltage multi-pulse ultrasonic igniting

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 built-in date totalizers
 built-in data-logger
 Work properly near transverters
 0.5 second totalizing period
 100 Pico-second resolution of time measurement
1.3 Principle of Measurement
The ultrasonic flow meter is designed to measure the fluid velocity of liquid within a
closed conduit. The transducers are a non-contacting, clamp-on type, which will
provide benefits of non-fouling operation and easy installation.
The transit time flow meter utilizes two transducers that function as both ultrasonic
transmitters and receivers. The transducers are clamped on the outside of a closed
pipe at a specific distance from each other. The transducers can be mounted in V-
method where the sound transverses the pipe twice, or W-method where the sound
transverses the pipe four times, or in Z-method where the transducers are mounted
on opposite sides of the pipe and the sound crosses the pipe once. This selection of
the mounting method depends on pipe and liquid characteristics. The flow meter
operates by alternately transmitting and receiving a frequency modulated burst of
sound energy between the two transducers and measuring the transit time that it
takes for sound to travel between the two transducers. The difference in the transit
time measured is directly related to the velocity of the liquid in the pipe, as shown in
below.

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Where
θ is the include angle to the flow direction
M is the travel times of the ultrasonic beam
D is the pipe diameter
Tup is the time for the beam from upstream transducer to the downstream one
Tdown is the time for the beam from downstream transducer to the upstream one
ΔT=Tup –Tdown
1.4 Parts Identification
Converter:

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1.5 Typical Applications
The flow meter can be applied to a wide range of measurements. The measured
pipe ranges 20-6000 mm [0.5 - 200 inch] (optional transducers may be required). A
variety of liquid applications can be accommodated: ultra-pure liquids, potable
water, chemicals, grey water, reclaimed water, cooling water, river water, plant
effluent, etc. Because the instrument and transducers are non-contacting and have
no moving parts, the flow meter can-not be affected by system pressure, fouling or
wear.
Standard transducers are rated to 110 Deg C. Higher temperature transducers are
available.
1.6 Data Integrity and Built-in Time-Keeper
All user-inputted configuration values are retained in the built-in non-volatile flash
memory that can store them for over 100 years, even if power is lost or turned off.
Password protection is provided to avoid inadvertent configuration changes or
totalizer resets.
A time-keeper is integrated in the flow meter for the index of date totalizing and
works as the time base of flow accumulation. It keeps operating as long as the

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battery’s terminal voltage is over 1.5V. In case of battery failure, the time-keeper will
stop running and it will lose proper time values. The user must re-enter proper time
values if the battery becomes totally exhausted. An improper time value affects no
other functions but the date totalizer.
1.7 Product Identification
Each set of the FMT-22 Series flow meter has a unique product identification or ESN
written into the software that can only be modified with a special tool by the
manufacturer. In case of any hardware failure, please provide this number which is
located on menu window number M61 when contacting the manufacture.
1.8 Specifications

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2. Starting Measurement
2.1 Built-in Battery
The instrument can operate either from the built-in Ni-H rechargeable battery, which
will last over 10 hours of continuous operation when fully recharged, or from an
external AC/power supply from the battery charger.
The battery charging circuits employ a scheme of constant-current and constant-
voltage. It has a characteristic of fast charging at the beginning and very slow
charging when the battery approaches to full recharge. Generally, when the green
LED starts coming on, the battery would be nearly 95% recharged and when the red
LED is off, the battery would be 98% recharged.
Since the charging current becomes tapered when the battery recharge is nearly
completed, i.e. the charging current becomes smaller and smaller, therefore, there
should be no over-recharging problem. That means the charging progress can last
very long. The charger can be connected to the handset all the time when an
around-the-clock measurement is required.
When fully recharged, the terminal voltage reaches around 4.25V. The terminal
voltage is displayed on window M07. When the battery is nearly consumed, the
battery voltage drops to below 3V. The user can obtain an approximate battery
working time from the battery voltage. A software battery working time estimator is
integrated in this instrument based on the terminal voltage. Please note that the
estimator may have significant errors in the estimated working time, especially when

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the voltage is in the range of around 3.70 to -3.90 volt.
2.2 Power On
Press the ON key to switch on the instrument and press the OFF to turn off the
power.
Once the flow meter is switched on, it will run a self diagnostic program, checking
first the hardware and then the software integrity. If there is any abnormality,
corresponding error messages will display.
Generally, there should be no display of error messages, and the flow meter will go
to the most commonly used Menu Window Number 01 (short for M01) to display
the Velocity, Flow Rate, Positive Totalizer, Signal Strength and Signal Quality, based
on the pipe parameters configured last time by the user or by the initial program.
The flow measurement program always operates in the background of the user
interface. This means the flow measurement will keep on running regardless of any
user menu window browsing or viewing. Only when the user enters new pipe
parameters will the flow meter change measurement to the new parameter
changes.
When new pipe parameters have been entered or when the power has been just
switched on, the flow meter will enter an adjusting mode to make the signals
magnified with proper amplification. By this step, the flow meter is going to find the
best threshold of receiving signal. The user will see the progress by the number 1, 2,
or 3, which are indicated on the right lower corner of the LCD display.
When the transducers have been adjusted on the pipe by the user, the flow meter
will re-adjust the signal automatically.
Any user-entered configuration value will be retained into the NVRAM of the flow
meter, until it is modified by the user.
2.3 Keypad

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The keypad for the operation of the flow meter has 18 keys, as shown in below.
Keys 0 ~ 9 and. are keys to enter numbers.
Key ▲/+ is the going UP key, when the user wants to go to the upper menu
window. It also works as + key when entering numbers.
Key ▼/- is the going DOWN key, when the user wants to go down-sided menu
window. It also works as the ‘–‘ key when entering numbers.
Key ◄ is backspace key, when the user wants to go left or wants backspace the left
character that is located to the left of the cursor.
Key ENT is the ENTER key for any inputting or selections.
Key MENU is the key for the direct menu window jump over. Whenever the user
wants to proceed to a certain menu window, the user can press this key followed by
2-digit numbers.
The MENU key is shortened as the ‘M’ key afterward when referring to the
menu windows.
The ON key is for the power on.

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The OFF key is for the power off.
2.4 Menu Windows
The user interface of this flow meter comprises about 100 different menu windows
that are numbered by M00, M01, M02 … M99.
There are 2 methods to enter certain menu window:
 Direct going/entering. The user can press the MENU key followed by two-digit
number keys. For example, the menu window M11 is for the entering of pipe
outer diameter. The display will go to the M11 menu window after the user
presses MENU 1 1 .
 Pressing ▲/+ and ▼/- keys. Each time of the ▲/+ key pressing will proceed to
the lower-numbered menu window. For example, if the current window is on
M12, the display will go to the number M11 window after pressing the ▲/+
key.
There are three different types of menu windows:
 Menu windows for number entering, like M11 for the entering of pipe outer
diameter.
 Menu windows for option selection/selecting options, like M14 for the selection
of pipe materials.
 Displaying windows only, like M00 to display Velocity, Flow Rate etc.
For number entering windows, the user can directly press the starting digit key when
the user is going to modify the value. For example, when the current window is on
M11, and the user is going to enter 219.2345 as the pipe outer diameter, the user
can get the numbers entered by pressing the following serial keys: 2 1 9 . 2 3 4 5 ENT.
For the option selection windows, the user should first press the ENT key to a
selection modification mode and then select the relevant options by pressing the ▲
/+ and ▼/- keys or the digit keys to select the option with a number antecedent to

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the option. In the end, the ENT key must be pressed to make the selection. For
example, with menu window M14 for the selection of pipe material selection, (the
MENU 1 4 should be pressed first to enter this menu window if the current menu
window is on a different window. The pipe material is stainless steel which has a
number “1” next to “stainless steel” on the display, the user should first
press the ENT key to enter into a selection modification mode, then either make the
selection by pressing the ▲/+ and ▼/- keys to make the cursor on the line that
displays “1. Stainless Steel, or make the selection by pressing the 1 key directly.
Generally, the ENT key must be pressed to enter a modification mode. If the ''Locked
M47 Open'' message is indicated on the lowest line of the LCD display, it means the
modification operations is locked out. In such cases, the user should go to M47 to
have the instrument unlocked first before any further modification can be made.
2.5 Menu Windows Arrangement
M00~M09 windows for the display of the flow rate, velocity, date time, totalizers,
battery voltage and estimated working hours for the battery.
M10~M29 windows for entering the pipe parameter.
M30~M38 windows for flow rate unit selections and totalizer unit selections.
M40~M49 windows for response time, zeroing, calibration and modification
password setup.
M50~M53 windows for the built-in logger
M60-M78 windows for time-keeper initialization, version and ESN information
viewing and alarms.
M82 window for viewing date totalizer.
M90~M94 are diagnostic windows for a more accurate measurement.
M97~M99 are not windows but commands for the outputting of display copying and
pipe parameter setups.

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M+0~M+8 are windows for some additional functions, including a scientific
calculator, viewer on records such as total working hours, turn-on and turn-off
times, dates and times when the flow meter has been turned on or turned off.
Other menu windows such as M88 have no functions, or functions were cancelled
because they are not applied to this version of the software.
2.6 Steps to Configure the Parameters
The following parameters need to be configured for a proper measurement:
(1) Pipe outer diameter.
(2) Pipe wall thickness.
(3) Pipe materials (for non-standard pipe materials*, the sound speed for the
material must also be configured).
*Standard pipe materials and standard liquids refer to those with the sound
parameters that have already been programmed into software of the flow meter,
therefore there is no need to configure them.
(4) Liner material and its sound speed and thickness, if there is any liner.
(5) Liquid type (for non-standard liquids, the sound speed of the liquid is also
needed).
(6) Transducer type adapted to the flow meter. Generally, the Standard M1 or the
Frame M-sized transducers will be the selected option.
(7) Transducer mounting methods (the V-method or Z-method is the common
option).
(8) Check the spacing displayed on M25 and install the transducers accordingly.
For standard pipe materials and standard liquids, the following detailed step-by-step
setup is recommended.
(1) Press keys MENU 1 1 to enter M11 window to input the digits for the pipe outer

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diameter, and then press ENT key.
(2) Press key ▼/- to enter M12 window to input the digits for the pipe outer
diameter and then press ENT key.
(3) Press key ▼/- to enter M14 window, and press ENT key to enter the option
selection mode. Use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the intended pipe
material, and then press ENT key.
(4) Press key ▼/- to enter M16 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection
mode, use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the liner material, and then
press ENT key. Select “No Liner”, if there is no liner.
(5) Press key ▼/- to enter M20 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection
mode, use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper liquid, and then
press ENT key.
(6) Press key ▼/- to enter M23 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection
mode, use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper transducer type,
and then press ENT key.
(7) Press key ▼/- to enter M24 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection
mode, use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper transducer
mounting method, and then press ENT key.
(8) Press key ▼/- to enter M24 window to install the transducers on the pipe, and
then press ENT key to go to M01 for the results.
The first-time users may need some time to get familiar with the operation.
However, the user friendly interface of the instrument makes the operation quite
easy and simple. Before long, users will configure the instrument with very little key
pressing, since the interface allows the user to go to the desired operation directly
without any extra steps.
The following short cut tips will help speed up the operation of this instrument.

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(1) When the window display is between M00 to M09, press a number key x, the
user will go directly to the M0x window. For example, if the current window displays
M01, press 7 and the user will go to M07.
(2) When the window display is under M00 to M09, press the ENT key and the user
will go to M90; press ENT key to return. Press the dot key to go to M11.
(3) When the window display is under M25, press ENT key to go to M01.
2.7 Transducers Mounting Location
The first step in the installation process is the selection of an optimum location in
order to obtain a more accurate measurement. For this to be completed effectively,
a basic knowledge about the piping and its plumbing system would be advisable.
An optimum location would be defined as a straight pipe length full of liquid that is
to be measured. The piping can be in vertical or horizontal position. The following
table shows examples of optimum locations.

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Principles to selection of an optimum location:
(1) Install the transducers on a longer length of the straight pipe. The longer the
better, and make sure that the pipe is completely full of liquid.
(2) Make sure that the temperature on the location does not exceed the range for
the transducers. Generally speaking, the closer to the room temperature, the better.
(3) Take pipe fouling into consideration. Select a straight length of a relatively newer
pipe. If the condition is not satisfying, consider the fouling thickness as part of the
liner for a better result.
(4) Some pipes have plastic liners, and between the outer pipe and the liner there
may be a certain thickness difference that will prevent the ultrasonic waves from
direct traveling. Such conditions will make the measurement very difficult.
Whenever possible, try to avoid this kind of pipes. If impossible, try our plug-in