Micronics Portaflow 222 User manual

Issue 1.0
Portaflow 222 and 333
Portaflow 222: Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Portaflow 333: Portable Ultrasonic Heat Meter
User Manual
Portaflow 333 shown
Micronics Ltd, Knaves Beech Business Centre,
Davies Way, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9QR
Telephone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]
www.micronicsflowmeters.com

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Issue 1.0 March 2021 Page i
CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
1.1 General Description............................................................................................................1
1.2 How Does It Work?.............................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Reflex (V) Mode...........................................................................................................4
1.2.2 Double Reflex (W) Mode .............................................................................................4
1.2.3 Triple Reflex (WV) Mode .............................................................................................4
1.2.4 Quadruple Reflex (WW) Mode.....................................................................................4
1.2.5 Diagonal Mode ............................................................................................................4
1.3 Package Contents ..............................................................................................................5
1.4 Optional Equipment (PF333 Models Only)..........................................................................7
1.5 Display and Connectors......................................................................................................8
1.6 Keypad.............................................................................................................................10
1.6.1 ON/OFF Key..............................................................................................................10
1.6.2 Dual Function Numerical Keypad...............................................................................10
1.6.3 Menus and the Menu Selection Keys.........................................................................11
2INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Positioning the Transducers .............................................................................................13
2.2Attaching the Transducers................................................................................................14
2.2.1 Cleaning the Contact Area.........................................................................................14
2.2.2 Assembling the Guide Rails on the Separation Bar ...................................................14
2.2.3 Fixing the Guide Rail Assembly to the Pipe...............................................................14
2.2.4 Fitting the Transducers..............................................................................................15
2.2.5 Fixing Transducers in Diagonal Mode........................................................................16
2.3 Connecting Temperature Probes (PF333 Models Only)....................................................18
2.4 Connecting Outputs..........................................................................................................20
2.5 Connecting the Power Supply...........................................................................................21
2.5.1 Charging the Battery..................................................................................................21
2.5.2 Optimising Battery Life...............................................................................................21
2.6 Switching on for the First Time..........................................................................................22
2.6.1 Checking System Health ...........................................................................................22
2.6.2 Selecting a Language................................................................................................22
2.6.3 Setting the Date & Time.............................................................................................23
2.6.4 Enabling/Disabling the Backlight................................................................................23
2.6.5 Enabling/Disabling Audible Keypress ........................................................................24
3USING THE QUICK START MENU.................................................................................. 25
3.1 Entering the Site Data.......................................................................................................25
3.2 Attaching and Connecting the Flow Sensors.....................................................................27
3.3 Taking a Flow Reading.....................................................................................................27
3.4 Flow / Energy / Velocity Monitoring...................................................................................28
3.5 Total Flows.......................................................................................................................28
3.5.1 Calculating the Average Flow or Power.....................................................................29
3.5.2 Resetting Totals.........................................................................................................29

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4MANAGING NAMED SITES.............................................................................................. 30
4.1 View/Edit Site Data...........................................................................................................30
4.2 Selecting an Existing Site .................................................................................................31
4.3 Adding a New Site............................................................................................................32
4.4 Changing a Site Name......................................................................................................32
4.5 Editing Site Data...............................................................................................................33
4.6 Changing Calibration Parameters.....................................................................................34
4.6.1 Adjusting the Zero Cutoff...........................................................................................34
4.6.2 Adjusting the Zero-Flow Offset (ZFO)........................................................................34
4.6.3 Adjusting the Calibration Factor.................................................................................35
4.6.4 Adjusting the Roughness Factor................................................................................37
4.6.5 Adjusting the Damping Factor....................................................................................38
5LOGGING FUNCTIONS ....................................................................................................... 39
5.1 Manual Logging................................................................................................................39
5.2 Scheduling Logging..........................................................................................................39
5.3 Stopping Logging..............................................................................................................40
5.4 Copying Logged Data to a USB Memory Stick..................................................................40
5.5 Clearing Log Files.............................................................................................................41
5.6 Logger Status...................................................................................................................41
6OUTPUTS ................................................................................................................................ 42
6.1 Current Loop Setup ..........................................................................................................42
6.1.1 Example ....................................................................................................................43
6.1.2 Converting the Measured Current to Flow Rate.........................................................44
6.2 Digital Outputs..................................................................................................................45
6.2.1 Pulse Output..............................................................................................................46
6.2.2 Alarm Output .............................................................................................................49
6.2.3 Frequency Output......................................................................................................51
7NIMH POWER SCREEN..................................................................................................... 52
7.1 Power Checklist................................................................................................................52
8HEAT METER ......................................................................................................................... 53
8.1 Calibrate Temperature Sensors........................................................................................53
9PRIMARY FLOW................................................................................................................... 55
10 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR......................................................................................... 56
11 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................... 57
11.1 Overview ..........................................................................................................................57
11.2 General Troubleshooting Procedure.................................................................................58
11.3 Warning and Status Messages.........................................................................................59
11.3.1 Flow Rate Errors & Messages ...................................................................................59
11.3.2 Heat Meter Errors & Messages..................................................................................60

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11.3.3 Current Loop and Digital Output Errors & Messages .................................................60
11.3.4 Data Logging Errors & Messages..............................................................................61
11.3.5 Battery Errors & Messages........................................................................................63
11.3.6 Set-up and Other Errors & Messages........................................................................63
11.4 Test Block.........................................................................................................................65
11.5 Reset................................................................................................................................66
11.6 Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................67
11.6.1 Advanced Diagnostics...............................................................................................68
12 APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 69
12.1 Specification.....................................................................................................................69
12.2 Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................72

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1INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Description
The Portaflow range of portable flow meters uses 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 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 2000mm (depending on model) and constructed of a wide range of
materials. The instrument will also operate over a wide range of fluid temperatures.
All models have the following standard features:
•Large, easy to read graphic display with backlighting.
•Simple to follow dual function keypad.
•Easy to follow ‘Quick Start’ set up procedure.
•Continuous signal monitoring.
•Three isolated switched outputs for use in any combination as a:
oPulse output (on volume or energy),
oFrequency output (on flow or power), or
oAlarm output (on flow, volume,
1
power, energy, flow signal).
•Current output with a selectable range between 0 and 24mA including support for an alarm
current.
•Rechargeable battery.
•Battery management.
•Diagnostics.
Volumetric flow rates are displayed in l/s, l/min, l/h, m³/s, m³/min, m³/h, Ml/s, Ml/min, Ml/hr, Ml/day,
USgals/sec, USgals/min, USgals/h, USgals/day, Barrel/h, Barrel/day, ft3/sec, ft3/min, ft3/hr,
MUSgal/hr), MUSgal/day, Imp Gals/sec, Imp. Gal/m, Imp Gals/hr, Imp Gals/day, Barrels/hr,
Barrels/day. 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 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.
1
On models with a heat-meter

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Typical applications:
•River water
•Seawater
•Potable water
•Demineralised water
•Treated water
1.2 How Does It Work?
Portaflow flow meters use a cross correlation transit time algorithm to provide accurate flow
measurements.
An ultrasonic beam of a given frequency is generated by applying a repetitive voltage pulse to the
transducer crystals. This transmission goes first from the downstream transducer to the upstream
transducer as shown in the upper half of Figure 1. The transmission is then made in the reverse
direction, being sent from the upstream transducer to the downstream transducer as shown in the
lower half of Figure 1. The speed at which the ultrasound is transmitted through the liquid is
accelerated or decelerated slightly by the velocity of the liquid through the pipe. The subsequent
time difference T1 –T2 is directly proportional to the liquid flow velocity.
Figure 1 Principle of operation
The Portaflow system can be set up to operate in one of five modes determined mainly by the pipe
diameter and the type of transducer set in use. Figure 2 illustrates the importance of applying the
correct separation distance between the transducers to obtain the strongest signal.

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Figure 2 Operating modes
Reflex (V) Mode
(single bounce)
Reflex (W) Mode
(double bounce)
Reflex (WV) Mode
(triple bounce)
Reflex (WW) Mode
(quadruple bounce)
Diagonal Mode

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1.2.1 Reflex (V) 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.
1.2.2 Double Reflex (W) Mode
In this mode the separation distance is calculated to give a double bounce
2
. This is most likely to
occur if the pipe diameter is small and the calculated reflex mode separation distance would be
impractical for the transducers in use.
1.2.3 Triple Reflex (WV) Mode
This mode goes one step further to detect a triple bounce. This would normally be used when
working with very small pipes relative to the transducer in use.
1.2.4 Quadruple Reflex (WW) Mode
This mode goes one step further again, to use a quadruple bounce. Again, this would normally be
used when working with very small pipes relative to the transducer in use.
1.2.5 Diagonal Mode
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.
This mode might be used with the standard ‘A’ & ‘B’ transducer sets but for very large pipes
installation the optional transducer set ‘D’ might be recommended.
2
In general, it should be noted that errors accumulate as the number of bounces increase. Units are
calibrated using single reflex mode. Any inherent inaccuracy will be amplified by using higher order
modes such as triple and quadruple bounce. In addition to this, as the path length is longer, the
signal will also be more attenuated with higher order operating modes. Attenuation is also greater
with sensors using higher operating frequencies. (E.g. Signals from A sensors will be more
attenuated than with B sensors.)

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1.3 Package Contents
The unit consists of the following components:
1. Portaflow unit
Incorporating keypad and backlit display (PF333 model shown, PF222 unit has light-grey case).
2. Power supply with UK/US/European adapters, 110/240VAC
3. Output signal cable (current loop & 3 digital outputs)
4. Transducer cables x 2, (2m)
5. Chains x 2 (3.3m)
6. Guide rails x 2
For use with A or B type transducers
7. Ultrasonic couplant
8. Tape measure
9. Transducer set 'B' (for example) for use on pipes 50mm to 2000mm outside diameter
10. Test block
11. Syringe
12. Ruled separation bar (two piece)
Supplied with PF333 models only:
13. Transducers set 'A': for use on pipes 13mm to 115mm outside diameter.
14. Heatsink compound
15. RTD PT100 temperature sensor cable x 2
16. Steel banding x 2 (1.5m)
The kit also contains a copy of this manual.

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All models | PF333 units only
Figure 3 Package Contents (PF333 model shown)
1
6
8
9
5
10
4
12
7
15
3
2
9
13
16
11
14

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1.4 Optional Equipment (PF333 Models Only)
A magnetic guide rail kit is available, as an optional extra, for use on mild steel and cast iron pipes
(see Figure 4).
Figure 4 Magnetic guide rail

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1.5 Display and Connectors
The Portaflow unit is microprocessor-controlled, operated through a menu system using an inbuilt
LCD display and keypad. It can display the instantaneous fluid flow rate or velocity, together with
totalised values.
The instrument can also provide a variable current or variable ‘pulse’ (volumetric, energy (PF333
only), or flow frequency) output that is proportional to the detected flow rate. In addition to this, the
instrument can also be used to signal alarm conditions such as flow too high, too low or a volume
being exceeded. This output can be calibrated to suit a particular flow range and used with a range
of external interface devices, such as those found in BMS or site monitoring systems. The three
isolated outputs provided can be configured as required in any order and with any functionality as
just mentioned.
Portaflow 333 units can be used to measure energy and power. They are supplied with RTD probes
which, when properly placed, can be used to calculate energy lost or absorbed in a heater or chiller
circuit. It does this by measuring the difference in temperature between the probes, which are
usually placed on the flow and return pipes at the point of source. The unit is calibrated for ordinary
water but is also capable of making an estimate when the system contains a proportion of glycol
3
.
Obviously, since this method of energy calculation relies on measuring the temperature on the
outside of the pipe, the assumption made is that the temperature drop between the fluid and the
outside wall is the same at both measurement points. With careful selection of measurement points
on pipes whose wall and lining are good thermal conductors, a reasonable degree of accuracy in
the measurement of the temperature differential is possible, however with pipe materials that are
poor thermal conductors (e.g. plastic, epoxy etc.) it is recommended that PT100 pocket sensors be
used instead. With the careful choice of sensor type and installation method, it may be possible to
install these sensors without having to interrupt flow.
3
The proportions of water glycol are selected when choosing Fluid Type. The assumption is that the type of
glycol is ethylene (C2H6O2) with a Specific Heat Capacity (SHC) of 3.77kJ/kg⁰K, and a Relative Density (RD)
of 1.05 @25⁰C.
It has also been found that the SHC of ethylene glycol-based additives varies significantly by brand. For this
reason, and because the exact proportion and type of glycol being used are often not known, the energy
values obtained when using a glycol/water mix should be considered at best, only an estimate.
The SHC and RD for other fluid types should also be considered approximate. Published data for these other
fluids often varies significantly and is dependent on many factors that are outside the scope of this instrument
to compensate for.

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Portaflow 333 units can also act as a data logger. When operating in the data logger mode, data is
saved to non-volatile internal storage. This data may be downloaded at a later date via a flash drive
inserted in the USB socket. Data is saved as text in a CSV file which may then be loaded directly
into a program such as Microsoft™Excel™. The internal storage capacity is 16GB.
Figure 5 Portaflow unit (PF333 model shown)
Battery charging point
RTD PT100
connectors
(PF333 models
only)
Output cable
connector
Transducer cable
connectors
USB socket
(PF333 models
only)
TOP VIEW
Reset pinhole
LCD display
Keypad
FRONT VIEW

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1.6 Keypad
The instrument is configured and controlled via a 16-key tactile membrane keypad, as shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 6 Portaflow keypad
1.6.1 ON/OFF Key
The ON/OFF key is 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 initialisation screen
is then replaced by the MAIN MENU which provides access to the remaining functions.
1.6.2 Dual Function Numerical Keypad
The block of keys shown in the centre of the keypad in Figure 5 are dual function keys. They can be
used to enter straight-forward numerical data within menus or provide quick access to frequently
used menus or commands from the Read Flow/Velocity/Energy display screens. There is a
distinction between short key presses (< 1.5 seconds) and long key presses (≥ 1.5 seconds). All key
press operations in this document are short key presses unless otherwise stated.
NOTE: SOME OF THE FEATURES ACCESSED BY THESE KEYS ARE UNAVAILABLE IN THE
PORTAFLOW MODEL 222 RANGE.
Key
Use
0
Circulate between flow, velocity and optionally energy screens (via a short press when
reading flow, energy or velocity), enter the zero-flow setting screen (long press when
reading flow), or freeze and un-freeze diagnostic values in the Diagnostic screen
1
PF333 models only: Display the Logger menu (see page 39)
2
Display the System Settings menu (see page 22)
3
Display the Output Board Setup menu (see page 42)
Scroll
down
ON/OFF
Numerical keypad with
dual function keys
Scroll up
ENTER
(SELECT)

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Key
Use
4
Switch to the Read Velocity display from the Read Flow display or Read Energy display
(PF333 models only)
5
No function - reserved for future use
6
No function - reserved for future use
7
Cycle through the available display units
8
Switch to the Read Flow display from the Read Velocity display or Read Energy display
(PF333 models only)
9
PF333 models only: switch to the Read Energy display from the Read Velocity display
or Read Flow display
Delete
+/-
No shortcut function: within text entries, deletes character to left of flashing cursor.
Deletes alarms when activated, or return to the MAIN MENU from the Summary screen
Diags
.
Display the Diagnostics screen (see page 67)
Numeric Entry
Entry of numeric values is straightforward using the digits, decimal point and +/- keys. Press the +/-
key as the first character to enter a negative value. Pressing it again will change the sign again.
Then enter the number desired using the digits keys. The decimal place is optional, but not if you
are entering a value containing an exponent. The first press of the decimal point will result in a ‘.’.
The second press will result in an ‘E’. Press ENTER to terminate entry and fix the value.
An example of exponential notation follows:
1. Enter the number using digits and the mandatory decimal point
(for example, 1 must be entered as 1.0).
2. Add another decimal point at the place where you wish the exponent to appear.
3. Add the exponent as a number.
For example, using this technique, 101000 (1.01×105) would be entered as the sequence “1.01.5”
and this would appear as 101000 l/min.
1.6.3 Menus and the Menu Selection Keys
To navigate the Portaflow’s menu system, use the three keys on the right-hand side of the keypad:
1. Use the UP & DOWN arrow keys to scroll through a menu list and select a menu item, as
indicated by an arrow-shaped cursor on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Edit or open the active menu choice by pressing the ENTER key.
3. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to cycle through the available options or, for numerical
settings, use the keypad to enter the required value.
4. Press the ENTER key to confirm the new setting.

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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 beyond the lowest visible
item.
Menus generally ‘loop around’ if you scroll beyond the first or last items. Sometimes, this is the
quickest route to find the Exit command to close a menu.
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 Read Flow screen.
Menu items ending with “..” generally indicate that selection of this item will take you to another
screen.
PF333 MAIN 26-02-20 13:45:42
Quick start..
View / Edit Site Data..
Setup Instrument..
Data Logger..
Read Flow..
Read Energy..
Figure 7 Main menu
(Read Energy and Data Logger options available with PF333 models only)

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2INSTALLATION
2.1 Positioning the Transducers
For accurate measurements, the transducers must be installed at a position where the fluid flows
uniformly. Flow profile distortions can result from upstream disturbance such as bends, tees, valves,
pumps and other similar obstructions. To ensure a uniform flow profile, the unit must be mounted
away from any cause of flow disturbance.
As a guide, we suggest this is best achieved by ensuring there is a straight length of pipe upstream
of the transducers of at least 10 times the pipe diameter, and 5 times the pipe diameter on the
downstream side, as shown in Figure 8, but this may vary. Flow measurements can be made on
shorter lengths of straight pipe, but when the transducers are mounted this close to any obstruction
the resulting inaccuracies can be unpredictable.
Figure 8 Location of unit
To obtain the most accurate results, the condition of both the liquid and the pipe must be suitable to
allow ultrasound transmission along the predetermined path.
UPSTREAM
10 x pipe
diameter
DOWNSTREAM
5 x pipe
diameter
Uniform Flow Profile
Distorted Flow Profile
45°
Air
Sludge

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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 also possibly sludge at the bottom of the
pipe. Experience has shown that the most consistently accurate results are achieved when the
sensors are mounted at 45°with respect to the top of the pipe.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT EXPECT TO OBTAIN ACCURATE RESULTS IF THE UNIT IS
POSITIONED CLOSE TO ANY OBSTRUCTION THAT DISTORTS THE UNIFORMITY OF THE
FLOW PROFILE. MICRONICS LTD ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY IF
PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2.2 Attaching the Transducers
Type ‘A’ & ‘B’ transducers connect to adjustable guide rails secured to the pipe using wrap-around
chains.
For Reflex Modes, the guide rails are mechanically connected together by an aluminium separation
bar. The separation bar ensures correct alignment and also acts as a ruler to allow the distance
between the transducers to be accurately set to the value indicated by the Portaflow unit.
For Diagonal Mode, the transducer guide rails must be fitted on opposite sides of the pipe. It is
necessary to accurately mark out the required positions to ensure that the transducers are correctly
aligned, directly opposite each other, and at the required separation (see Section 2.2.5).
NOTE: THE USE OF CHAINS TO FIX THE GUIDE RAILS TO THE PIPE CAN BE ELIMINATED
ON MILD STEEL OR IRON PIPES BY USING THE OPTIONAL MAGNETIC GUIDE RAILS. IN
ALL OTHER RESPECTS THE SETTING UP OF THE SENSORS IS THE SAME AS FOR
STANDARD GUIDE RAILS.
2.2.1 Cleaning the Contact Area
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 sensors is an
important factor in achieving a good ultrasound signal strength and therefore maximum accuracy.
2.2.2 Assembling the Guide Rails on the Separation Bar
1. Slide the separation bar into the front of the left-hand guide rail, align the front edge of the guide
rail with ‘0’ on the ruler scale and secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew.
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 unit –
see page 25) on the ruler, then secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew.
NOTE: IF MAGNETIC GUIDE RAILS ARE USED ON MILD STEEL OR IRON PIPES THEN ONLY
THE LOCATION AT 45° ON THE PIPE APPLY ON THE NEXT TWO SECTIONS.
2.2.3 Fixing the Guide Rail Assembly to the Pipe
1. On each guide rail, attach one end of a securing chain to a hook on the tensioning bar, wrap the
chain 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.