Metro DataVac DPC 20 User manual

Manometer for aerosols cans
Metro
ZA La Jonchère
F-74420 Boëge France
[phone]
FAX [phone]
Web WWW.metro-fr.com
E-mail [email protected]
User’s guide

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 2 INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................3
1.1 Presentation of the product ................................................................................3
1.2 Precautions ........................................................................................................3
1.3 Features.............................................................................................................4
1.4 Front panel.........................................................................................................5
1.5 Battery charge....................................................................................................5
2. CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS ...................................................................6
2.1 Unit of measure..................................................................................................6
2.2 Displayed value..................................................................................................7
2.3 Limits of tolerance..............................................................................................7
2.4 Sample size .......................................................................................................7
2.5 Mastering ...........................................................................................................8
2.6 Measurement of differential pressure.................................................................9
2.6 Overview of setting options for parameters........................................................9
3. HOW TO MEASURE .............................................................................................10
3.1 Measuring without recording of values.............................................................10
3.2 Measuring with recording of values (SPC application) .....................................10
3.3 Measurement of differential pressure...............................................................11
4. USING THE DPC 20 WITH THE SPC 400 AEROSOL..........................................11
4.1 Using the manometer permanently connected.................................................11
4.2 Walking around measurements with data download ........................................11
5. HOW TO USE THE SERIAL LINK (RS-232) .........................................................12
5.1 The RS-232 connector .....................................................................................12
5.2 Commands.......................................................................................................12
5.2.1 Transfer of the measurement made on part number n..................................12
5.2.2 Transfer of all memorized measurements and reset of memory ...................13
5.2.3 Transfer of all memorized measurements.....................................................14
5.2.4 Transfer and erasure of memorized measurements one by one...................14
5.2.5 Reset of all memorized measurements.........................................................14
5.2.6 Imposed stand-by..........................................................................................15
6. MAINTENANCE OF THE MANOMETER ..............................................................15

MANOMETER DPC 20
INTRODUCTION Page 3
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Presentation of the product
The portable manometer DPC 20 was specially designed for measurement of
pressure in aerosol cans. It is particularly fit for Statistical Process Control. The DPC
20 is easy to use and perfectly suited for use in an industrial environment.
All manipulations are made by two control keys on the front panel. Its form and
lightness makes it easily hand-held. Meeting the needs for speed of operation, the
measured value is immediately appears on the digital display. Apart from
instantaneous value, the possibility to display maximum value (or minimum value in
case of negative pressure) enables reading of the value once the measurement is
made, without having to maintain the device on the valve of the can.
The DPC 20 is designed to cope with the conditions of use in an industrial
environment. It meets the requirements of prime importance such as rapidity,
reliability and precision. Its robust receptacle is entirely made of stainless steel and
aluminum, without any setting device. Its purpose conscious design and its high
quality components reflect the aim to make the DPC 20 a true shop floor device.
The sensor contains only a very small amount of gas, to avoid disturbance of
measurements of negative pressure. To enable cleaning, the DPC 20 is equipped
with an easily accessible flush mounted membrane of stainless steel.
1.2 Precautions
•Read this manual thoroughly before using the device.
•Do not expose the device to excessive temperature (more than 35°C).
•Do not use solvents when cleaning it.
•Do not expose the liquid crystal display to direct sun light (its life-time will be
shortened).
•Do not administer constraints on the membrane of the pressure gauge.
•Do not put the membrane of the pressure gauge in contact with metal objects.
•Do not over charge the CdNi accumulator. Do not leave the device in
permanent charge. The CdNi accumulator lifetime would be shorted.
•This device cannot be used in hazardous atmosphere.

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 4 INTRODUCTION
1.3 Features
•2000 points liquid crystal display (LCD)
•Memory capacity for recording of 20 measurements
•Configuration of parameters through two tactile keys
•1 RS232 serial port for:
oRelease and transfer of measurements to a PC or an SPC 400 Aerosol
oLoading of configuration parameters from a PC
•Temperature of operation: +15°C to +30°C
•Temperature sensitivity:
oZero [% PE/K] = 0,02
oSensibility [% PE/K] = 0,02
•Precision 0,1%
•Maximum relative humidity 80%
•Dimensions: diameter 50 mm, length 155 mm
•Weight: 340 g
•Measurement of pressure and vacuum with a measuring range from -1 to
20 bars
•Delivered with a male adapter (for tubes of dimensions between 3.3 and
4 mm) and a female adapter (316L stainless steel)
•Rechargeable through 220 V adapter
•Autonomy: 10 hours in operation or 100 hours on stand-by
•Flush mounted membrane pressure gauge (316L stainless steel)
This device corresponds to the EN61010-1 safety standard and EN55022 class
B, CEI 801-2 (level II), CEI 801-3 (level III), CEI 801-4 (level IV) electromagnetic
compatibility.
The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

MANOMETER DPC 20
INTRODUCTION Page 5
1.4 Front panel
low battery
on key indicator
DPC 20
Metro
removable measurement key digital display
adapter
RS-232
on / off switch connection
1.5 Battery charge
The DPC 20 is delivered with a 220 V adapter for charge of the battery. In operation,
the DPC 20 has 10 hours autonomy, and 100 hours in stand-by. When not used for
more than 1 minute (displaying zero), the manometer is automatically set on stand-
by.
When the low battery indicator light, the battery of the manometer will have to be
recharged. To do this, connect the DPC 20 to the 220 V adapter and let it charge for
8 hours.
If the DPC 20 is connected to an SPC 400 Aerosol device, its charge is maintained
automatically.
Important notice:
Using the manometer with a low battery during a long time may modify some
permanent parameters. So the manometer should be out of work.
The manometer must be charged as soon as the low battery indicator is on (left
corner of the LCD display)
Do not over charge the CdNi accumulator. Do not leave the device in permanent
charge. The CdNi accumulator lifetime would be shorted.
Do not replace the CdNi accumulator by a battery.

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 6 CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS
2. CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS
The configuration of the parameters is performed using the two keys Oand M.
The manometer DPC 20 provides the possibility of configuring the following five
parameters:
1. Unit of measure
2. Display
3. Limits of tolerance
4. Sample size
5. Mastering
To enter into configuration mode, presser the O-key then the M-key, while
maintaining the O-key pressed down. The display of (- - -) indicates that you are in
configuration mode. You can then release the two keys.
On the left is displayed the number of the parameter, on the right you find the
selected value (see figure below).
Parameter nr Value of the parameter (blinking)
The position of the comma depends on the unit of measure chosen
To move from on parameter to the next, press O, and to modify the selected value
(blinking) press M.
2.1 Unit of measure
Eight different units of measure are available.
Parameter N° 1: Unit of measure [0 - 7]
0: Bar
1: PSI
2: kPa
3: mH2O
4: kg/cm2
5: cm/Hg
6: ATM
7: tonf/ft2

MANOMETER DPC 20
CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS Page 7
2.2 Displayed value
Three different displays are available:
Parameter N° 2: Displayed value [0 - 2]
0 = instantaneous value
1 = minimum
2 = maximum
The option 0, instantaneous value, enables displaying the pressure just like an
ordinary manometer. The possibility of choosing maximum or minimum value makes
it easier to record and read the measured value. Displaying maximum or minimum
value, makes is possible to read the manometer once the measurement is made,
without having to maintain the device on the valve of the can.
2.3 Limits of tolerance
You can choose whether or not to define limits of tolerance. If you do, any violation of
these will be indicated during display of the measured value. If the measured value is
higher than the upper limit of tolerance, three blinking « H » s indicate that the value
is too high. In the same way, if the measured value is lower than the lower limit of
tolerance, three blinking « L » s indicate that the value is too low.
Parameter N° 3: Limits of tolerance [0 - 1]
0 = no (no limits defined)
1 = yes (limits defined)
If you wish to define limits of tolerance, set this parameter to 1 (=yes). Then, enter
the lower limit of tolerance digit-by-digit beginning with the digit at the right end. The
position of the comma is fixed and depends on the unit of measure chosen. To
modify the selected (blinking) digit, use the M-key. To move from one digit to the
next at its left, press O. The digit at the far left end can only take the following
values: 0, 1, or -1. When this digit is set to 0, nothing is displayed at its position. The
commas will blink to indicate it can still be modified. When you have finished defining
the lower limit of tolerance, press Oto go on to the definition of the upper limit.
Proceed in the same way as for the definition of the lower limit of tolerance.
2.4 Sample size
Parameter N° 4: Sample size [00 to 20 parts].

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 8 CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS
The defined sample size will determine whether the measurement will be memorized
or not.
1. If sample size = 0, pressing Mafter a measurement resets the memory and
makes the manometer ready for the next measurement.
2. If sample size > 0, pressing Mafter a measurement will record this while
displaying the corresponding part number, then resets the display and is ready for
the next measurement. The number of measurements recorded depends on the
sample size set.
If you wish to erase the recorded measurements press Oand Mat the same
time. The manometer will then display 00.
2.5 Calibration
IMPORTANT! The manometer DPC 20 is calibrated at delivery. Therefore the
manometer needs no calibration before you use it.
The calibration parameter is activated only when a subsequent calibration of the
device is to be made. This necessitates the use of a pressure reference.
Parameter N° 5: Calibration [0 - 1]
0 = no
1 = yes
When this parameter is set to 0 (=no), pressing Owill move from this parameter to
the next one.
If you wish to calibrate the manometer, set this parameter to 1 (=yes), confirm your
choice with Oand then immediately with O&M(2 sec maxi)
After parameter N° 6 will be displayed. Calibration procedure will start when leaving
parameter N°6.
Enter or confirm the value of the calibration pressure (10 to 19.99 Bars) digit-by-digit
beginning with the digit at the right end. The position of the comma is fixed since
calibration is always performed in Bars. To modify the selected (blinking) digit, use
the M-key. To move from one digit to the next at its left, press O.
The calibration begins immediately:
1. The display of (- - 0) indicates that the manometer is waiting for a measurement of
the atmospheric pressure. Make this measurement by pressing M. While
measuring the atmospheric pressure the manometer displays (- - -).
2. Next, the display of (- - P) indicates that the manometer is waiting for a
measurement of the calibration pressure. Position the pressure reference and
make this measurement by pressing M. While measuring the calibration

MANOMETER DPC 20
CONFIGURATION OF PARAMETERS Page 9
pressure the manometer displays (P P P) to indicate that it is taking this value into
account. Then release the M-key to go back to measurement mode. The
calibration is over!
2.6 Measurement of differential pressure
Two different ways of measurement are available. The direct pressure mode shows
the measured pressure. The differential pressure mode shows the difference in
pressure between the two successive readings. This mode can be used to measure
the pressure variation in a can, created by a draining, a change in temperature, etc.
Parameter n° 6 : differential mode [0 - 1]
0 = no
1 = yes
2.7 Overview of setting options for parameters Measurement of differential
pressure
Parameter N° 1 2 3 4 5 6
Value
Unit
of measure
Display Limits of
tolerance
Sample
size
Mastering Differential
measure
0 Bar
Instantaneous
value
NO 0 NO NO
1 PSI Minimum YES 1 YES YES
2 kPa Maximum 2
3 mH2O 3
4 kg/cm24
5 cm/Hg 5
6 Atm 6
7 tonf/ft27
... ...
20 20

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 10 HOW TO MEASURE
3. HOW TO MEASURE
When switched on, the manometer is automatically in measurement mode.
First of all, make sure that the manometer is provided with an adapter appropriate for
the cans on which you wish to measure the pressure. To make the measurement,
place the adapter firmly on the valve of the can. If the display parameter was set to
«instantaneous value » (see 2.2 Display), the measured value must be read while
maintaining the whole in position. If you choose to display « maximum value » or
« minimum value », you can remove the manometer to read the value that remains
recorded for display.
When not used for more than 1 minute (displaying zero), the manometer is
automatically set on stand-by. It will be activated again, (always to be done at
atmospheric pressure) by pressing O, or by request from the SPC400 Aerosol (see
4.2 Walking around measurements with data download)(when receiving a character
by the serial link).
The defined sample size will determine whether the measurement will be memorized
or not (see 2.4 Sample size). Recording measurements is necessary if they are to be
analyzed statistically.
3.1 Measuring without recording of values
If sample size is set to zero, no measurements are recorded in the DPC 20. This
implies using the DPC 20 as an ordinary manometer without recording
measurements. When setting sample size to zero, pressing Mafter a measurement
resets the memory and displays a zero.
3.2 Measuring with recording of values (SPC application)
If sample size is set to a value above zero, measurements can be recorded by
pressing Mafter each measurement. The DPC 20 will accept recording the number
of measurements defined as sample size. To enable monitoring the number of values
recorded, every time Mis pressed, the measurement number in the current sample
is displayed.
If you wish to erase the recorded measurements press Oand Mat the same
time. The manometer will then display 00.
The recorded values can subsequently be transferred by serial link (see 4.2 Walking
around measurements with data download).

MANOMETER DPC 20
USING THE DPC 20 WITH THE SPC 400 AEROSOL Page 11
3.3 Measurement of differential pressure.
If the differential mode has been chosen, the manometer shows the message P1 .
You have then to measure the first pressure.. By pressing on M. the result is
recorded. The manometer then shows the message P2 . You have then to measure
the second pressure The difference between pressures P2- P1.is then shown. By
pressing Magain, you can, if you want, record the difference, the P1 comes back
for the following measurement.
4. USING THE DPC 20 WITH THE SPC400 AEROSOL
The SPC400 Aerosol is a system for quality control designed specially for
manufacture of aerosol cans. It enables analyses of data to prevent manufacture of
bad parts. To use the manometer DPC 20 with the SPC400 Aerosol, they will have to
be connected by the appropriate cable (reference 45310). The setup defined in the
SPC400 Aerosol must include a pressure characteristic (see SPC400 Aerosol User’s
Guide).
Note: If the DPC 20 is connected to the SPC 00 Aerosol device, its charge is
maintained automatically.
There are two ways of using the manometer with the SPC400 Aerosol:
4.1 Using the manometer permanently connected
In this case, all measurements are made at one place, and data are transferred to
the SPC400 Aerosol as the measurements are made. The sample size is set to zero
(see 2.4 Sample size). According to the setup defined in the SPC400 Aerosol, the
value for the pressure characteristic will be required at the appropriate time. When
this happens, you just have to make the measurement with the DPC 20, and then
press Mto transfer the measured value. The SPC400 Aerosol will then continue the
measurement cycle.
4.2 Walking around measurements with data download
This method allows making a certain number of measurements without having the
manometer connected to the SPC400 Aerosol. This is particularly interesting when it
comes to sample cans on the production line, when for example you wish to perform
statistical process control. Make sure the sample size defined in the DPC 20
corresponds to the one defined in the setup of the SPC400 Aerosol.
The first step is then to make the number of measurements defined by the sample
size. At the end of each sample, the two devices have to be connected through the
appropriate cable to enable download of data from the DPC 20. The download is
made by pressing ME on the SPC400 Aerosol each time it requires a pressure
measurement. Please note that the transfer is operated from the SPC400 Aerosol.
Consequently, you do not need to touch the DPC 20 to transfer data. This functioning

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 12 HOW TO USE THE SERIAL LINK
is true independently of the measurement mode chosen for the SPC400 Aerosol (i. e.
measurements part by part or characteristic by characteristic).
Important : Once all pressure measurements have been downloaded to the SPC400
Aerosol, leave the manometer connected until the message « end of sample »
appears on the screen. This is to allow memory reset of the DPC 20.
5. HOW TO USE THE SERIAL LINK (RS-232)
This interface enables release and transfer of measurements to a PC or an SPC400
Aerosol as well as loading of configuration parameters from a PC.
The protocol of communication of the manometer is as follows:
-1200 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop, no hand shake
5.1 The RS-232 connector
The connector is equipped with a Sub D 9 pin-plug.
Description of signals and assignment of pins.
Pin Signal Direction Description
1 Reserved (do not connect)
2 RX Input Reception of data
3 TX Output Transfer of data
4 9V Input Battery power supply
5 Gnd - Ground
6 to 9 Reserved (do not connect)
5.2 Commands
NOTE: In the following examples, ‘_’ indicates a space character (ASCII code 32),
CrLf indicates the codes Cr (code 13) and Lf (code 10). Messages containing
« ****** » are error messages.
You will find below a presentation of each of the commands the manometer is able to
receive.
5.2.1 Transfer of the measurement made on part number n
Command: nCrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer will transfer the value of
measurement number n. n can assume any value between 0 and 20 expressed in
ASCII code on one or two bytes:
If n = 0, the transferred value is always the one displayed !
If sample size = 0, whichever measurement number is requested, the manometer will
always transfer the current measurement.

MANOMETER DPC 20
HOW TO USE THE SERIAL LINK Page 13
Example 1)
Command Transferred value
00CrLf or 0CrLf 00:+05.26_unitCrLf (displayed value)
12CrLf 12:+11.31_unitCrLf (recorded value)
25CrLf 25:******CrLf (maxi value = 20)
If sample size > 0, the manometer will transfer the value of measurement number n
provided it has been recorded, otherwise an error message will be transferred.
Example 2) : sample size was set to 10 and only 6 measurements have been
recorded.
Command Transferred value
00CrLf or 0CrLf 00:+05.26_unitCrLf (displayed value)
05CrLf or 5CrLf 05:+12.30_unit CrLf(recorded value)
08CrLf or 8CrLf 08:******CrLf (no value recorded: maxi = 6)
12CrLf 12:******CrLf (impossible: sample size = 10)
5.2.2 Transfer of all memorized measurements and reset of memory
Command: SCrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer will transfer all measurements one
after the other, separated by a delay of one second. Then the memory is reset.
Examples:
1) Sample size was set to 4 and 4 measurements have been recorded:
SCrLf
;01:+05.36_unit CrLf (waits for one second)
;02:+05.35_unit CrLf (waits for one second)
;03:+05.37_unit CrLf (waits for one second)
;04:+05.35_unit CrLf
The parameter « Unit » can assume one of the following values:
0 : Bar 4 : kg/cm2
1 : PSI 5 : cm/Hg
2 : kPa 6 : ATM
3 : mH2O 7 : tonf/ft2
After this operation, the memory of the manometer is empty !
2) Sample size was set to 4, but no measurement has yet been recorded:
SCrLf
;S_:******CrLf
3) Sample size was set to 0. Consequently, no measurement has been recorded:
SCrLf
;S_:******CrLf

MANOMETER DPC 20
Page 14 HOW TO USE THE SERIAL LINK
5.2.3 Transfer of all memorized measurements
Command: NCrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer will transfer the number of
measurements recorded:
Examples:
Command Transferred value
NCrLf (no measurement recorded) NP:00CrLf
NCrLf (6 measurements recorded) NP:06CrLf
NCrLf (10 measurements recorded) NP:10CrLf
5.2.4 Transfer and erasure of memorized measurements one by one
Command: DCrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer transfers and erases one by one)
recorded measurements. This command is to be repeated the number of times
required to transfer and erase the desired number of measurements.
Examples:
Sample
size Nbr of measurements
recorded
Command Transferred value Remaining nbr of
measurements
recorded
4 4 DCrLf 04:+05.35_unit CrLf 3
4 0 DCrLf D_:******CrLf 0
0 0 DCrLf D_:******CrLf 0
5.2.5 Reset of all memorized measurements
Command: ZCrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer resets the number of recorded
measurements:
Examples :
Sample size was set to 4 and 4 measurements have been recorded:
ZCrLf
;NP:00CrLf

MANOMETER DPC 20
MAINTENANCE OF THE MANOMETER Page 15
5.2.6 Imposed stand-by
Command: ICrLf
When receiving this command, the manometer is set on stand-by (imposed stand-
by): ICrLf
;no response (on stand-by)
6. MAINTENANCE OF THE MANOMETER
The adapters for different valves are very easily screwed off, to enable access to
the flush mounted membrane of the pressure gauge. This membrane is made of
stainless steel and can be cleaned regularly using a piece of cloth with small
amount of alcohol.
The adapters, also made of stainless steel, can be cleaned in the same way.
Avoid using solvent for cleaning the rest of the manometer. This might damage the
cover of the front panel and tarnish the liquid crystal display. Using soaped water
on a piece of cloth is preferable.
The o-ring of the gauge is made of Viton, a very resistant material which maintains
its form in prolonged contact with the vast majority of products. However, if the o-
ring should swell or be deformed, it would have to be replaced.
When changing adapters, it is important to make sure the Viton o-ring is well in
position, to avoid damaging it when screwing it on.
The adapter is knurled to facilitate screwing it on and off by hand. Do not use a
tool (pliers etc.) to manipulate the adapter.
Remember:
•Do not administer constraints on the membrane of the pressure gauge.
•Do not put the membrane of the pressure gauge in contact with metal objects.

Version 1.4 DPC_MA14.doc