Micronics portaflow 220 User manual

PORTAFLOW 220
Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter
User Manual
Micronics Ltd, Knaves Beech Business Centre, Davies Way, Loudwater,
High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9QR.
Telephone: [phone] Facsimilie: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]
www.micronicsflowmeters.com

Portaflow 220 User Manual i
(Issue 1.0)
Table of Contents
1: General Description 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Principles of Operation 2
1.3 Supplied Hardware 3
1.4 Portaflow 220 Instrument 4
1.4.1 Connectors 4
1.4.2 Keypad 5
1.4.3 Power supply and battery charging 6
1.5 Transducers 6
2: Installation 7
2.1 Transducer Positioning 7
2.2 Transducer Attachment 8
2.2.1 Preparation 8
2.2.2 Attaching the guide rails 8
2.2.3 Fitting the transducers 9
3: Operating Procedures 11
3.1 Setting-up the Instrument 12
3.1.1 Using the instrument for the first time 12
3.1.2 Enabling/disabling the backlight 13
3.2 Using the Quick Start Menu 13
3.3 Using the System at a Regularly Monitored Location 16
3.4 Managing Named Sites 17
3.4.1 Setting up a new site 18
3.4.2 Changing a site name 18
3.5 Instrument Calibration 19
3.5.1 Adjusting the zero cut-off 19
3.5.2 Adjusting the set zero flow offset 19
3.5.3 Adjusting the calibration factor 20
3.5.4 Adjusting the roughness factor 20
3.5.5 Adjusting the damping factor 21
3.6 Performing Monitoring Functions 22
3.6.1 How to measure totalised flows (manually) 22
3.7 Configuring the Portaflow 220 Interfaces 23
3.7.1 How to turn the 4-20mA output OFF/ON 23
3.7.2 4-20mA signal calibration and ranging 23
3.7.3 How to convert the measured current to flow rate 24
3.7.4 How to turn the pulse output OFF/ON 25
3.7.5 Pulse output signal calibration 25

:
ii Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
4: Maintenance & Repair 27
5: Troubleshooting 29
5.1 Overview 29
5.2 General Troubleshooting Procedure 30
5.3 Warning & Status Messages 31
5.4 Test Block 33
5.5 Microprocessor Reset Facility 34
5.6 Diagnostics Display 34
Appendix A: Specification 35

Portaflow 220 User Manual 1
(Issue 1.0)
1: General Description
1.1 Introduction
This manual describes the operation of the Micronics Portaflow 220 portable flowmeter. The flowmeter is
designed to work with clamp-on transducers to enable the flow of a liquid within a closed pipe to be measured
accurately without needing to insert any mechanical parts through the pipe wall or protrude into the flow
system.
Using ultrasonic transit time techniques, the Portaflow 220 is controlled by a micro-processor system which
contains a wide range of data that enables it to be used with pipes with an outside diameter ranging from
13mm up to 1000mm (depending on model) and constructed of almost any material. The instrument will also
operate over a wide range of fluid temperatures.
The Portaflow 220 series comprises two models which are identical in operation but designed to be used with
a different range of pipe diameters. The PF220A can be used with pipes in the range 13mm – 115mm and
the PF220B with pipes in the range 50mm – 1000mm.
Easy to operate, the Portaflow 220 standard features are:
•Large, easy to read graphic display with backlighting.
•Simple to follow dual function keypad.
•Simple ‘Quick Start’ set up procedure.
•Continuous signal monitoring.
•Pulse output.
•4-20mA, 0-20mA or 0-16mA output.
•Rechargeable battery.
•Battery management.
•Diagnostics.
Volumetric flow rates are displayed in l/h, l/min, l/sec, gal/min, gal/h, USgals/min, USgals/h, Barrel/h, Barrel/
day, m³/s, m³/min, m³/h. Linear velocity is displayed in metres or feet per second.
When operating in the ‘Flow Reading’ mode the total volumes, both positive and negative, are displayed up to
a maximum 12-digit number.
The flowmeter can be used to measure clean liquids or oils that have less than 3% by volume of particulate
content. Cloudy liquids such as river water and effluent can be measured along with cleaner liquids such as
demineralised water.
Typical Portaflow 220 applications include:
•River water.
•Seawater.
•Potable water.
•Demineralised water.
•Treated water.

1: General Description
2Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
1.2 Principles of Operation
When ultrasound is transmitted through a liquid the speed at which the sound travels through the liquid is
accelerated slightly if it is transmitted in the same direction as the liquid flow and decelerated slightly if
transmitted against it. The difference in time taken by the sound waves to travel the same distance but in
opposite directions is therefore directly proportional to the flow velocity of the liquid.
The Portaflow 220 system employs two ultrasonic transducers attached to the pipe carrying the liquid and
compares the time taken to transmit an ultrasound signal in each direction. If the sound characteristics of the
fluid are known, the Portaflow microprocessor can use the results of the transit time calculations to compute
the fluid flow velocity. Once the flow velocity is known the volumetric flow can be easily calculated for a given
pipe diameter.
The Portaflow system can be set up to operate in one of four modes determined mainly by the pipe diameter
and the transducer set in use. The diagram below illustrates the importance of applying the correct separation
distance between the transducers to obtain the strongest signal.
Figure 1.1 Operating modes
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
Fluid flow
U
U
U
U
D
D
D
D
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Separation
Distance
Reflex mode
Reflex mode (double bounce)
Reflex mode (triple bounce)
Diagonal mode
This is the mode most commonly used.
The two transducers (U & D) are attached
to the pipe in line with each other and the
signals passing between them are reflected
by the opposite pipe wall.
The separation distance is calculated by
the instrument in response to entered data
concerning the pipe and fluid characteristics.
In this mode the separation distance is
calculated to give a double bounce. This is
most likely to occur if the pipe diameter is
so small that the calculated reflex mode
separation distance would be impractical
for the transducers in use.
This illustration goes one step further to show
a triple bounce situation. This would normally
apply when working with very small pipes
relative to the transducer range.
This mode might be selected by the
instrument where relatively large pipes are
concerned. In this mode the transducers are
located on opposite sides of the pipe but the
separation distance is still critical in order
for the signals to be received correctly.
Upstream
transducer

1: General Description
Portaflow 220 User Manual 3
(Issue 1.0)
1.3 Supplied Hardware
The Portaflow equipment is supplied in a rugged polypropylene carrying case fitted with a foam insert to give
added protection for transportation. The supplied components are shown in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 Standard Portaflow equipment
Standard equipment
•Portaflow 220 instrument with backlit graphic display.
•Power supply - with UK, US, European adaptors. 110/240VAC.
•4-20mA/Pulse Output cable, USB cable and RS232-C cable.
•2 lengths of chain.
•Test block.
•Transducer cables (x2) 2 metres long (one red and one blue).
•Transducer set (x2) – type ‘A’ or type ‘B’ depending on model.
•Set of guide rails used for mounting the transducers.
•Ruled separation bar (2-piece).
•Ultrasonic couplant with syringe dispenser used when mounting the transducers.
•Manual (on CD).
4-20mA/
Test Block
Power Supply
Pulse Output
Cable
Transducer Cables (x2)
Chains (x2)
Guide Rails (x2)
Transducers
(Sensors x2)
Ultrasonic
Ruled Separation bar Portaflow 220 Instrument
Couplant
(Batt. Charger)

1: General Description
4Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
1.4 Portaflow 220 Instrument
The Portaflow 220 is a microprocessor controlled instrument operated through a menu system using an
inbuilt LCD display and keypad. It can be used to display the instantaneous fluid flow rate or velocity, together
with totalised values.
The instrument can also provide a current or variable ‘pulse’ output proportional to the detected flow rate.
These outputs, which can be used with a range of external interface devices such as those found in building
management or site monitoring systems, can be calibrated to suit a particular flow range.
1.4.1 Connectors
Figure 1.3 Instrument details
Transducer connections
The transducers are connected to two colour-coded miniature coaxial sockets located on the top of the
instrument. Using the red/blue connector cables provided, the upstream transducer should always be
connected to the RED socket and the downstream transducer to the BLUE one for a positive flow reading. It
is safe to connect or disconnect the cable while the instrument is switched on.
4-20mA and Pulse output connection
The 4-20mA / ‘pulse’ output cable should be connected to the green 7-pin connector on the top of the
flowmeter, as shown in Figure 1.3. A single cable that can be adapted for use for either of these output
functions is included in the Portaflow 220 kit. The ‘tails’ on the free end of the cable must be terminated to suit
the intended application.
Red – 4-20mA positive
Black – 4-20mA negative
White – Pulse output
Green – Pulse return
Brown – Set Point (not in present use)
Blue – Set Point return (not in present use)
Thick Black – Cable screen
Battery charger connection
The supplied battery charger is connected to the instrument by means of the grey 2-pin connector on the
bottom of the unit, as shown in Figure 1.3.
Note: The above connectors have different key-ways to prevent incorrect cable connection.
Keypad
LCD Display
Battery Charger
4-20mA / Pulse Output Transducer Cables
Reset pin-hole

1: General Description
Portaflow 220 User Manual 5
(Issue 1.0)
Figure 1.4 Keypad
1.4.2 Keypad
The instrument is configured and controlled via a 16-key tactile membrane keypad, as shown in Figure 1.4.
ON/OFF Key
The ON/OFF key is shown on the top left of the keypad. When turned ON an initialisation screen is displayed
on the LCD showing the instrument’s serial number and software revision. Once this appears, the instrument
can be started by pressing the ENTER key once – the initialization screen is then replaced by a MAIN MENU
which provides access to the remaining functions.
Menus and the menu selection keys
The Portaflow 220 menus are arranged hierarchally with the MAIN MENU being at the top level. Menu
navigation is achieved by three keys on the right hand side of the keypad which are used to scroll UP and
DOWN a menu list and SELECT a menu item. When scrolling through a menu an arrow-shaped cursor moves
up and down the left hand side of the screen to indicate the active menu choice which can then be selected
by pressing the ENTER (SELECT) key.
Some menus have more options than can be shown on the screen at the same time, in which case the
‘overflowed’ choices can be brought into view by continuing to scroll DOWN beyond the bottom visible item.
Menus generally ‘loop around’ if you scroll beyond the first or last items.
If you select Exit on any menu it usually takes you back up one level in the menu hierarchy, but in some
cases it may go directly to the ‘Flow Reading’ screen.
Some screens require you to move the cursor left and right along the display as well as up and down. This is
achieved using keys 5 (scroll LEFT) and 6 (scroll RIGHT).
Dual function numerical keypad
The block of keys shown in the centre of the keypad in Figure 1.4 are dual function keys. They can be used to
enter straight-forward numerical data, select the displayed flow units or provide quick access to frequently
required control menus. Some of the features accessed by these keys are restricted in the Portaflow 220
model range.
ON/OFF Scroll UP
ENTER
Scroll DOWN
Numerical keypad
Scroll LEFT Scroll RIGHT
with dual function keys
(SELECT)

1: General Description
6Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
1.4.3 Power supply and battery charging
Operating power is provided by an internal battery that can be charged from the utility supply using the
supplied external charger. When you first receive the unit you must put the battery on charge for a minimum
of 6.5hrs before use. A fully charged battery will power the instrument for up to 20hrs depending on the
output utilisation and backlight usage.
If the backlight has been enabled the display is illuminated for 10 seconds every time a key is pressed. If the
backlight is active continuously it will reduce the available battery operating time to around 8hrs. Similarly, if
the 4-20mA output is used constantly at 20mA the battery life would reduce by 20%. It is therefore beneficial
to turn off the backlight and 4-20mA output facilities when they are not required.
When the instrument is operating in the ‘Flow Reading’ mode the percentage battery charge level is
displayed symbolically on the LCD screen. A warning message is triggered if the charge falls to
approximately 30%, at which point there is up to four hours of battery operation remaining, depending on
usage. The battery can be charged both while the instrument is in use or when switched off. The instrument’s
internal data is stored in non-volatile memory and will not be lost even if the battery discharges completely.
1.5 Transducers
Different transducer sets are provided with the PF220A and PF220B Portaflow models and are not
interchangeable.
Transducer set 'A'
Supplied as standard on PF220A for use on pipes 13mm to 115mm outside diameter.
Transducer set 'B'
Supplied as standard PF220B for use on pipes 50mm to 1000mm outside diameter.
Key Point: The battery is not a user-changeable item. The instrument must be
returned to your distributor if the battery needs replacing.
Key Point: Only use the supplied charger, or special adaptor lead. Failure to comply
with this will invalidate your warranty.
Key Point: Always use the transducers that were supplied with the instrument.

Portaflow 220 User Manual 7
(Issue 1.0)
2: Installation
2.1 Transducer Positioning
Figure 2.1 Locating the transducers
To obtain the most accurate results the condition of both the liquid and the pipe wall must be suitable to allow
the ultrasound transmission along its predetermined path. It is important also that the liquid flows uniformly
within the length of pipe being monitored and that the flow profile is not distorted by any upstream or
downstream obstructions. This is best achieved by ensuring there is a straight length of pipe upstream of the
transducers of at least 20 times the pipe diameter and 10 times the pipe diameter on the downstream side, as
shown in Figure 2.1. Flow measurements can be made on shorter lengths of straight pipe, down to 10
diameters upstream and 5 diameters downstream, but when the transducers are positioned this close to any
obstruction the resulting errors can be unpredictable.
Key Point: Do not expect to obtain accurate results if the transducers are positioned
close to any obstructions that distort the uniformity of the flow profile.
Flow
Valid transducer location
10 x Diameter 20 x Diameter
45°
The Portaflow equipment expects a uniform flow profile as a
distorted flow will produce unpredictable measurement
errors. Flow profile distortions can result from upstream
disturbances such as bends, tees, valves, pumps and other
similar obstructions. To ensure a uniform profile the
transducers must be mounted far enough away from any
cause of distortion such that it no longer has an effect.
Uniform Flow Profile Distorted Flow Profile
In many applications an even flow velocity profile over
a full 360° is unattainable due, for example, to the
presence of air turbulence at the top of the flow and
possibly sludge in the bottom of the pipe. Experience
has shown that the most consistently accurate results
are achieved when the transducer guide rails are
mounted at 45° with respect to the top of the pipe.
Possible
sludge
Air
Flow
Guide
rail

2: Installation
8Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
2.2 Transducer Attachment
The transducers are fitted to adjustable guide rails which are secured to the pipe using wrap-around chains
and mechanically connected together by a steel separation bar. The separation bar also acts as a ruler to
allow the distance between the transducers to be accurately set to the value determined by the Portaflow
instrument.
When fitting the guide rails it is easiest to assemble them onto the separation bar and adjust to the required
separation distance before attaching them to the pipe.
2.2.1 Preparation
1. Before you attach the transducers you should first ensure that the proposed location satisfies the
distance requirements shown in Figure 2.1 otherwise the resulting accuracy of the flow readings may be
affected.
2. Prepare the pipe by degreasing it and removing any loose material or flaking paint in order to obtain the
best possible surface. A smooth contact between pipe surface and the face of the transducers is an
important factor in achieving a good ultrasound signal strength and therefore maximum accuracy.
2.2.2 Attaching the guide rails
Figure 2.2 Guide rail attachment
1. Slide the separation bar (D) into the front of the left hand guide rail, align the front edge of the guide rail
with ‘0’ on the ruler scale (E) and secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew (C).
2. Slide the other end of the separation bar into the front of the right hand guide rail, align the front edge of
the guide rail to the required separation distance (obtained from the Portaflow instrument) on the ruler
(F), then secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A: Tensioning thumb-wheel.
B: Tension bar.
C: Separation bar securing
screw.
D: Separation bar.
E: Ruler scale (0).
F: Set Separation distance.
G: Securing chain.

2: Installation
Portaflow 220 User Manual 9
(Issue 1.0)
3. On each guide rail, attach one end of a securing chain to a hook on the tensioning bar (B), wrap the chain
(G) around the pipe and then attach it to the hook on the other end of the tensioning bar whilst keeping
the chain as tight as possible.
4. Rotate the complete guide rail assembly so that it is approximately 45° with respect to the top of the pipe.
Then tighten the chain by turning the tensioning thumb-wheel (A) on each guide block until the assembly
is securely attached to the pipe.
Note: If you are unable to get sufficient tension on the chain to hold the assembly in place, fully slacken
the tensioning thumb-wheel and shorten the effective length of the chain wrapped around the pipe by
connecting the tensioning bar to the next link in the chain, then re-tension.
2.2.3 Fitting the transducers
Figure 2.3 Fitting the transducers
1. Slide the transducer cover plate (A) fully towards the outside of the guide assembly to allow sufficient
access to fit the transducer.
2. Clean the face of the transducer, removing all traces of dirt and grease.
3. Apply a 3mm bead of ultrasonic couplant along the centre length of the transducer (E).
4. Fit the transducer into the guide block – ensuring the lugs on the sides of the transducer are correctly
located into the slots on the sides of the guide block (B).
5. Slide the transducer cover plate (A) over the top of the transducer and tighten the thumbscrew (C) finger
tight to secure the transducer in place. When securing the cover plate take care to leave sufficient room
around the transducer connector (D) to connect the cable.
6. Repeat the above steps for the second transducer.
7. Connect the transducers to the Portaflow instrument using the coaxial cables provided. The RED cable
must be connected to the upstream transducer and the BLUE cable to the downstream transducer.
A: Transducer cover plate.
B: Transducer locating slot/lug.
C: Transducer cover plate securing screw.
D: Transducer cable connection.
E: Ultrasonic
couplant
application.
G: Chain.

2: Installation
10 Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)

Portaflow 220 User Manual 11
(Issue 1.0)
3: Operating Procedures
QUICK START VIEW EDIT SITE DATA
Enter data
Attach sensors
FLOW READING
Choose site / check data
Attach sensors
FLOW READING
Set up a named site
At a one-off location
(Paragraph 3.2)
At a frequent location
(Paragraph 3.3)
Manage site details
(Paragraph 3.4)
Carry out any necessary calibration
(Paragraph 3.5)
How to adjust the Zero Flow Offset – Paragraph 3.5.2
How to adjust the Calibration Factor – Paragraph 3.5.3
How to adjust the Roughness Factor – Paragraph 3.5.4
How to adjust the Damping Factor – Paragraph 3.5.5
Set-up a monitoring application
(Paragraph 3.6)
How to measure totalised flows – Paragraph 3.6.1
Configure the interfaces
(Paragraph 3.7)
Battery charging, Set date/time, Language, Backlight
Initial instrument setup
(Paragraph 3.1)
Connect and take basic flow readings
Rename a site
4-20mA ON/OFF – Paragraph 3.7.1
4-20mA Calibration – Paragraph 3.7.2
Pulse ON/OFF – Paragraph 3.7.4
Pulse calibration – Paragraph 3.7.5

3: Operating Procedures
12 Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
3.1 Setting-up the Instrument
3.1.1 Using the instrument for the first time
Before you use your Portaflow 220 for the first time you should first charge the battery, then select the display
language and set-up the internal clock, as described below.
Charging the battery
1. Connect the external battery charger to the charger socket at the bottom of the instrument then switch on
the utility supply.
Selecting a language
The first time you switch on the instrument you may be asked to select a user language.
1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF button.
2. If necessary, select the required language using the UP/DOWN scroll keys then press the ENTER key.
Setting the Date & Time
2. The instrument should indicate CHARGING
and an animated battery symbol indicates
that the battery is taking on charge.
3. Leave the instrument on charge for 6.5 hours
before using it for the first time.
CHARGING DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
3. The selected language will be the default
when the instrument is next used. To change
the language again select the Change
Language option in the SETUP
INSTRUMENT screen (see below).
4. The initialisation screen will be displayed,
giving details of the instrument’s serial
number and software revision details.
5. Press ENTER to start the instrument.
6. This is the MAIN MENU and is the starting
point for all the operations described in this
chapter.
Note: Data Logger and RS232/USB functions
are not implemented on the PF220.
Serial # V 00.00.00.00.00.00.00. 0000
27 Press
to start
MAIN MENU DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Quick start
View/Edit Site Data
Data Logger
Setup RS232 /USB
Setup Instrument
Read flow
1. Select Setup Instrument from the MAIN
MENU. The screen shown here should be
displayed.
2. Select Set Date & Time and click ENTER.
3. A flashing cursor should appear under the
first date number. Enter the date sequence
in dd-mm-yy order then press ENTER.
4. Repeat this action to set the time.
5. Select Exit then press ENTER to return to
the MAIN MENU.
SETUP INSTRUMENT DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dim: mm
Set Date & Time : dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss
Calibrate 4-20mA
Pulse status
Backlight : Disabled
Factory settings
Change Language
Exit

3: Operating Procedures
Portaflow 220 User Manual 13
(Issue 1.0)
Note: If you make a mistake when entering the data press the Delete key to move the cursor back to the
number you wish to change, then continue. If you enter an invalid number an ‘ERR:Invalid Date or Time!’
error message is displayed on the second line of the screen. If this occurs repeat the set date/time procedure.
3.1.2 Enabling/disabling the backlight
When the backlight is enabled it will illuminate for 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute or permanently ON,
depending on the backlight time selected, every time a key is pressed. If the backlight is not required it is
recommended that you disable it to prolong the battery discharge time.
3.2 Using the Quick Start Menu
If you want to perform a ‘one-off’ flow reading at a particular pipe location the Quick Start menu provides
the quickest way to set up the Portaflow system and access the FLOW READING screen.
If the point at which you intend to take the measurement is likely to require regular monitoring it is best to set
it up as a ‘Site’ within the Portaflow 220, which then stores the site parameters (See Paragraph 3.4).
Before you can use the Portaflow system you need to obtain the following details (this information will be
required when setting up the Quick Start menu):
•The pipe outside diameter.
•The pipe wall thickness and material.
•The pipe lining thickness and material.
•The type of fluid.
•The fluid temperature.
Entering the site data
1. Select Quick Start from the MAIN MENU and press ENTER. You will then be presented with a series of
screens in which to enter the data mentioned above.
1. Select Setup Instrument from the MAIN
MENU.
2. Select Backlight from the SETUP
INSTRUMENT screen then press ENTER.
SETUP INSTRUMENT DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dim: mm
Set Date & Time : dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss
Calibrate 4-20mA
Pulse output
Backlight : Disabled
Factory settings
Change Language
Exit
3. Select the backlight time as required.
4. Press ENTER to return to the SETUP
INSTRUMENT screen.
5. Select Exit then press ENTER to return to
the MAIN MENU.
BACKLIGHT DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dim: mm
Disabled
10 seconds
30 seconds
1 minute
ON-Permanently
2. Select the dimension units (millimetres or
inches) used to measure the pipe, then
press ENTER.
DIMENSION UNIT DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Select the dimension units:
➥mm
Inches

3: Operating Procedures
14 Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
3. Enter the pipe outside diameter dimension,
then press ENTER.OUTSIDE DIAMETER DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dimension: mm
Pipe outside diameter? 58.0
4. Enter the pipe wall thickness dimension,
then press ENTER.PIPE WALL THICKNESS DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dimension: mm
Pipe outside diameter? 58.0
Pipe wall thickness? 4.0
5. If the pipe has a lining, enter the lining
thickness.
If nothing is entered the instrument
automatically assumes there is no lining.
6. Press ENTER to continue.
PIPE LINING THICKNESS DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dimension: mm
Pipe outside diameter? 58.0
Pipe wall thickness? 4.0
Pipe lining thickness? 0.0
7. Select the pipe wall material from the list
provided, then press ENTER.
If the material is not listed select Other and
enter the propagation rate of the pipe wall
material in metres/sec. Contact Micronics if
this is not known.
PIPE WALL MATERIAL DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Select pipe wall material
Mild Steel
S' less Steel 316
S' less Steel 303
Plastic
Cast Iron
Ductile Iron
Copper
Brass
Concrete
Glass
Other (m/s)
8. If a lining thickness value was entered
earlier, this screen is displayed to request
that you enter the lining material type. If no
lining thickness was entered this screen will
be bypassed.
9. Select the lining material from the list
provided then press ENTER.
If the material is not listed select Other and
enter the propagation rate of the lining
material in metres/sec. Contact Micronics if
this is not known.
PIPE LINING MATERIAL DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Select pipe lining material
Steel
Rubber
Glass
Epoxy
Concrete
Other (m/s)

3: Operating Procedures
Portaflow 220 User Manual 15
(Issue 1.0)
Note: Do not press ENTER until the transducers are fitted and connected to the instrument.
Attaching and connecting the transducers
16. Fit the sensors to the pipe using the appropriate guide rails as described in Paragraph 2.2. Take great
care to set the separation distance as accurately as possible.
17. Connect the red and blue coaxial cables between the sensors and the test instrument, ensuring that the
red connector on the instrument is connected to the ‘upstream’ sensor.
Taking a flow reading
10. Select the fluid type from the list provided
and press ENTER.
If the liquid is not listed select Other and
enter a propagation rate in metres/second.
FLUID TYPE DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Select fluid type
Water
Glycol/water 50%
Glycol/water 30%
Lubricating oil
Diesel
Freon
Other (m/s)
11. If you need to alter the fluid temperature
from that shown select either °C or °F with
the cursor and press the ENTER key.
12. Enter the new temperature value and press
the ENTER key.
13. The new temperature should now be
indicated in both °C and °F.
14. Select Continue.. and press ENTER.
FLUID TEMPERATURE DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Enter Fluid Temperature
°C: 5.00
°F: 41.00
Continue..
15. The SENSOR SEPARATION screen now
displays a summary of the entered
parameters and informs you of the mode of
operation and the distance to set up
between the sensors. It also shows the type
of sensors in use – i.e. A-ST in the case of
PF220A and B-ST for PF220B.
In this example it shows the sensors
operating in the ‘Reflex’ mode spaced at
32.2mm apart.
Take a note of these details.
SENSOR SEPARATION DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Site : Quickstart
Pipe : 58.00 mm
Wall : 4.00
Sensors : A-ST Reflex
Temperature : 10.00°C 50.00°F
Set sensor separation to 32.2 mm
Press to continue,UV to select sens.
18. Once the transducers have been fitted and
connected press the Enter key.
19. This will take you from the SENSOR
SEPARATION screen to the FLOW READING
screen via a signal-checking screen (shown
here).
Please wait..
Checking signals
****************************************
* *
****************************************

3: Operating Procedures
16 Portaflow 220 User Manual
(Issue 1.0)
Flow monitoring
The FLOW READING screen is the one most used during normal monitoring operation. It shows the
instantaneous fluid flow together with totalised values (when enabled). In this mode you can select the flow
rate measurement units by pressing keys 7 (litres), 8 (Gallons) or 9 (m³), or change the display to show
velocity by pressing key 4.
3.3 Using the System at a Regularly Monitored Location
Setting up the Portaflow system using the Quick Start method described in Paragraph 3.2 is easy and the
recommended method to use in a ‘one-off’ situation. But if you have a site location that you want to monitor
on a frequent basis it is better to set up a named ‘Site’ for that location so that you can recall it when needed
and so avoid the need to re-enter the site details every time you want to install the equipment there.
Note: See Paragraph 3.4 for details of how to set-up and manage site details.
Use this procedure to install the equipment at a named site.
20. Check that the indicated signal strength on
the left of the screen is at least 2 bars
(ideally 3 or 4). If less than 2 bars are shown
it indicates there could be a problem with the
transducer spacing, alignment or
connections; or it could be due to an
application problem.
FLOW READING DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dim: mm
Signal
l/min
+Total: 0.00 litres
–Total: 0.00 litres
1. Select View / Edit Site Data from the
MAIN MENU.
2. Select Choose from list of sites.
3. Select one of the sites listed and press
ENTER.
4. The Site name will show the selected site
and the site parameters will be listed on the
screen.
5. Scroll down through the menu list and enter/
change any data that might have changed
since the last time the site was accessed.
6. When you are satisfied that the parameters
are correct select Save current site &
read flow.
VIEW EDIT SITE DATA DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Dim: mm
Choose from list of sites
Site name : MySite
Dimension units : mm
Pipe outside diameter: 58.00
Pipe wall thickness : 4.00
Pipe lining thickness: 0.00
Pipe wall material : Mild Steel
Lining material : ---------
Sensor set : A-ST
Sensor mode : Reflex
Fluid type : Water
Save current site & read flow
Delete this Site
Download & save current site
Exit
7. If you need to alter the fluid temperature
from that shown select either °C or °F with
the cursor and press the ENTER key.
8. Enter the new temperature value and press
the ENTER key.
9. The new temperature should now be
indicated in both °C and °F.
10. Select Continue.. and press ENTER.
FLUID TEMPERATURE DD-MM-YY HH:MM:SS
Enter Fluid Temperature
°C: 5.00
°F: 41.00
Continue..
0.000