Panametrics CTF878 User guide

panametrics.com
Flow
910-254U Rev. A
AUG 2021
Model CTF878
Clamp-On Tag Flowmeter
Startup Guide

Flow
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Copyright 2021 Baker Hughes company.
This material contains one or more registered trademarks of Baker Hughes Company and its subsidiaries
in one or more countries. All third-party product and company names are trademarks of their respective
holders.
Model CTF878
Clamp-On Tag Flowmeter
Startup Guide
910-254UA4
AUG 2021

ii
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Model CTF878 Startup Guide iii
Warranty
Warranty
Each instrument manufactured by Panametrics Sensing, Inc. is warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship. Liability under this warranty is limited to restoring the instrument to normal operation or replacing the
instrument, at the sole discretion of Panametrics. Fuses and batteries are specifically excluded from any liability. This
warranty is effective from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. If Panametrics determines that the
equipment was defective, the warranty period is:
•one year for general electronic failures of the instrument
•one year for mechanical failures of the sensor
If Panametrics determines that the equipment was damaged by misuse, improper installation, the use of
unauthorized replacement parts, or operating conditions outside the guidelines specified by Panametrics, the repairs
are not covered under this warranty.
The warranties set forth herein are exclusive and are in lieu of all other warranties whether
statutory, express or implied (including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, and warranties arising from course of dealing or usage or trade).
Return Policy
If a Panametrics Sensing, Inc. instrument malfunctions within the warranty period, the following procedure must be
completed:
1. Notify Panametrics, giving full details of the problem, and provide the model number and serial number of the
instrument. If the nature of the problem indicates the need for factory service, Panametrics will issue a RETURN
AUTHORIZATION number (RA), and shipping instructions for the return of the instrument to a service center will be
provided.
2. If Panametrics instructs you to send your instrument to a service center, it must be shipped prepaid to the
authorized repair station indicated in the shipping instructions.
3. Upon receipt, Panametrics will evaluate the instrument to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Then, one of the following courses of action will then be taken:
•If the damage is covered under the terms of the warranty, the instrument will be repaired at no cost to the owner
and returned.
•If Panametrics determines that the damage is not covered under the terms of the warranty, or if the warranty has
expired, an estimate for the cost of the repairs at standard rates will be provided. Upon receipt of the owner’s
approval to proceed, the instrument will be repaired and returned.

Warranty
iv Model CTF878 Startup Guide
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Model CTF878 Startup Guide v
Contents
Chapter 1.
1.1 Features and Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1.2 Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2.
2.1 Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.2 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.3 System Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.4 Tools for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1.5 Installing the Electronics Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.6 Installing Transducer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.7 Installing a CFT-V Clamping Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.8 Installing a CFT-PI Clamping Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.1.9 Applying DMP-3 Damping Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.1.10 Installing the PDJ Pipe Damping Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.11 Installing Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2.1.12 Installing Temperature and Pressure Transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.1.13 PC Board Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
2.1.14 Option Card Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Chapter 3.
3.1 Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.1.2 Powering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.1.3 Using the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
3.1.4 Using the Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
3.1.5 Programming Site Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Chapter 4.
4.1 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
4.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
4.1.2 Displaying and Configuring Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Chapter 5.
5.1 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5.1.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5.1.2 General System Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
5.1.3 System Electronics Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
5.1.4 Transducer, Preamplifier and Fixture Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
5.1.5 Pipe Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Appendix A.
A.1 CE Mark Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.1.2 Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.1.3 External Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Appendix B.
B.1 Data Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
B.1.1 Option Cards Installed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
B.1.2 Initial Setup Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Contents
vi Model CTF878 Startup Guide

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 1
Chapter 1.
Chapter 1.
1.1 Features and Capabilities
1.1.1 Overview
The Model CTF878 Clamp-On Tag Flowmeter represents one of the most technologically advanced flow
measurement systems in the world. It measures the flow rate of acoustically conductive single-phase gases. Unlike
most ultrasonic gas flowmeters, however, the CTF878 does not require the tapping of a pipe. It works with external
clamp-on ultrasonic transducers that do not interfere with gas flow.
Just clamp the transducers to the pipeline, follow some simple acoustic damping guidelines, program a few meter
settings, and start collecting flow data for months (or even years) with no maintenance.
The CTF878 represents a new level of capacity compared to previous gas clamp-on systems, in that it can measure
flow rates up to and greater than 150 ft/sec (46 m/sec), and it is less susceptable than previous systems to
cross-flow disturbances.
1.1.1.1 Electronics Package
In addition to the built-in LCD display, the flowmeter provides the following:
1. Two 0/4–20mA isolated outputs with a 550 maximum load.
2. Six additional slots available for any combination of the following I/O boards:
a. Analog outputs: Select up to three additional output boards, each with four isolated 0/4–20 mA outputs, 1 k max.
load
b. Analog inputs: Select up to three boards of one of the following types:
•
Analog Input Board with two isolated 4–20 mA inputs and 24 V loop power
• RTD Input Board with two isolated three-wire RTD inputs; span –148° to 662°F (–100° to 350°C); 100  Pt
c. Totalizer/Frequency outputs: Select up to three Totalizer/Frequency Output Boards each with four outputs per
board,
10 kHz max. All boards allow software-selectable functioning in two modes:
•
Totalizer Mode: Pulse per defined unit of parameter
(e.g., 1 pulse/ft3)
• Frequency Mode: Pulse frequency proportional to magnitude of parameter (e.g., 10 Hz = 1ft3/hr)

Chapter 1.
2 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
d. Alarm relays: Select up to two boards of one of the following types (see note below):
•
General purpose: Relay board with three Form-C relays; 120 VAC, 28 VDC max., 5 A max.;
DC 30 W max., AC 60 VA.
• Hermetically sealed: Relay board with three hermetically sealed Form-C relays;
120 VAC, 28 VDC max., 2 A max.;
DC 56 W max., AC 60 VA.
The CTF878 has the ability to store site data in files which can be accessed at a later time. Within the Main Menu, a set
of forms (windows) asks you all the necessary setup information for a particular site. Once you complete answering
the necessary questions, you simply save the information to a file. The CTF878 stores these files and other data in
non-volatile memory, which retains the information even if power is off.
This flowmeter displays measurements in both numeric and graphical form on an EL-backlit, 240 x 200 pixel LCD
graphic screen. The CTF878 also has the capability of logging 6,900 flow data points internally.
Note: The CTF878 electronics operates only with specially designed Panametrics Sensing clamp-on ultrasonic
transducers.

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 3
Chapter 1.
1.1.1.2 Transducers
The transducers are like a loudspeaker and microphone system that uses ultrasonic acoustic waves to interrogate
the flow. For the CTF878, the transducers are mounted on a clamping fixture.
•TRANSDUCERS - The transducers convert electrical energy into ultrasonic acoustic waves when on the transmit
end (sending sound into the pipe), and convert the ultrasonic acoustic waves back to electrical energy when on
the receive end (listening for the sound waves to arrive). In other words, they act like loudspeakers when
transmitting the signal and like microphones when receiving it.
•CLAMPING FIXTURE - The clamping fixture provides mechanical support for the transducers and assures stable
alignment for accurate measurement (see Table 1-1 below and Figure 1 on page 4).
1.1.2 Theory of Operation
The CTF878 uses an ultrasonic flow pattern recognition technology called Correlation Tag flow measurement.
Correlation Tag technology utilizes a total of four clamp-on ultrasonic transducers externally mounted on a pipe. The
transducers are arranged in two pairs–one upstream and one downstream. The upstream and downstream pairs
are each composed of one transmitter sending ultrasound in a continuous wave mode through the fluid to its
receiver, forming an upstream and downstream interrogation path. The continuous wave signal is modulated by
turbulence and local density variations that are characteristic of a moving gas. Thus, both sets of the received signal
contain a unique turbulence signature of the flowing gas. The received ultrasonic signals are demodulated and
processed through a correlation algorithm. With turbulent flow conditions, a distinct correlation peak is recorded,
which reflects the time it took for the unique turbulence signature to travel past each ultrasonic interrogation path.
Since the distance between each interrogation path is defined in the transducer set-up, the flow velocity is easily
calculated by dividing distance by the time it took for the turbulence signature to pass between each interrogation
path.
Pipe Size, O.D. Clamping Fixture
from 6 to 8 inches CFT-V8
from 10 to 12 inches CFT-V12
from 14 to 30 inches CFT-PI

Chapter 1.
4 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
Figure 1: Typical CTF878 System Setup using a CFT-V Clamping Fixture
1/
GE /
January 28, 2009
Wiring Diagram
F
low
P
T
Ch . 1 TX Ch . 2 TX
Ch. 2 RX Ch. 1 RX
Preamplifiers (1080) installed on receiving transducers Transducer Spacing = X1 – X2
X1
X2
Tag Path
DigiFlow CTF878
g

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 5
Chapter 2.
Chapter 2.
2.1 Install
2.1.1 Introduction
To ensure safe and reliable operation of the CTF878 Clamp-on Tag Flowmeter, the system must be installed in
accordance with the guidelines set forth in this manual. Those guidelines, which are explained in detail in this
chapter, include the following topics:
• Unpacking
• System Parts
• Tools for Installation
• Installing the Electronics Console
• Installing a CFT-V Clamping Fixture
• Installing a CFT-PI Clamping Fixture
• Installing Transducers
• Installing Temperature and Pressure Transmitters
• PC Board Connections
• Option Card Wiring
WARNING! The CTF878 flowmeter can measure the flow rate of many gases, some of which are potentially
hazardous. In such cases, the importance of proper safety practices
cannot be overemphasized.
Be sure to follow all applicable local safety codes and regulations for installing electrical equipment
and working with hazardous gases or flow conditions. Consult company safety personnel or local
safety authorities to verify the safety of any procedure or practice.
WARNING! In order to meet CE Mark requirements, all wiring connections must be made in accordance with the
instructions in Appendix A,
CE Mark Compliance .
2.1.2 Unpacking
Carefully remove the electronics console, the clamping fixture, the transducers, the cables, and any other equipment
ordered from the shipping containers (see Figure 2 on page 6). Before discarding any of the packing materials,
account for all components and documentation listed on the packing slip. The discarding of an important item along
with the packing materials is all too common. If anything is missing or damaged, contact the factory immediately for
assistance.
2.1.3 System Parts
The following is a list of parts required for a typical CTF878 system. Figure 2 below displays several system
components.
• CTF878 Flowmeter
• Clamping Fixture
•
CFT-V8 for pipes between 6” and 8”, or
• CFT-V12 for pipes between 8” and 12”, or
• CFT-PI for pipes larger than 12”
• 2 Straps or Chains (to install a CFT-PI Clamping Fixture only)
• 4 Transducers
• 4 Conduit Boxes (2 with internal preamplifiers and 2 without)
• 4 Cables with integral BNC connectors (not shown)
• Damping Material (not shown)

Chapter 2.
6 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
• CPL-16 Couplant (not shown)
Figure 2: Parts for a Typical CTF878 System
2.1.4 Tools for Installation
Before you begin installing the Model CTF878 Clamp-On Tag Flowmeter , see Table 2-1 below for a list of required
tools.
Tool Used:
Multimeter to check the voltage (if required).
Knife or Box Cutter to cut the damping material to size.
Standard
Screwdriver
to mount the electronics console, etc.
Phillips Screwdriver to remove and replace the plastic
shroud.
Wire Cutter to cut cables and wires.
Wire Stripper to prepare wires for TB connections.
Std. Screwdriver
(miniature)
to connect the cable wires to terminal
blocks.
Sandpaper to smooth out the surface of pipe.
Cloth to clean the surface of the pipe.
Tape Measure to lay out fixture/transducers placement.
Conduit Boxes CFT- PI Clamping Fixture
Transducers
CTF878 Flowmeter
CFT-V Clamping Fixture
for pipes
for pipes larger than 12” O.D.
6” to 12” O.D.
Mounting
Chains

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 7
Chapter 2.
Felt-tipped Ink
Marker
to mark the pipe for fixture/transducers
placement.
Wall Thickness
Gauge
to determine pipe wall thickness.
Adjustable Wrench to install the clamping fixture.
Calipers
to measure the clamping fixture spacing
(optional).
Tool Used:

Chapter 2.
8 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
2.1.5 Installing the Electronics Console
Because the relative physical locations of the transducers and the CTF878 electronics console are important, use the
guidelines which follow to plan the CTF878 system installation.
2.1.5.1 Locating the Electronics Console
The standard CTF878 electronics enclosure is a NEMA-4X weather-resistant, dust-tight, indoor/outdoor type.
Typically, the electronics console is mounted in a meter shed. When choosing a mounting site, make sure that the
location permits easy access to the console for programming, testing, and servicing.
Note: For compliance with the European Union’s Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC), this unit requires an external
power disconnect device such as a switch or circuit breaker. The disconnect device must be marked as such,
clearly visible, directly accessible, and located within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the CTF878.
2.1.5.2 Mounting the Electronics Console
The standard CTF878 electronics package is housed in a NEMA-4X weather-resistant enclosure. Refer to Figure 24 on
page 39 for the mounting dimensions of this enclosure.
WARNING! Proper grounding of the CTF878 chassis is required to prevent the possibility of electric shock. Use one
of the mounting screws as an external ground connection
(see Figure 25 on page 40).
2.1.5.3 Wiring the Electronics Console
When making electrical connections to the CTF878 flowmeter, refer to Figure 25 on page 40 for a complete wiring
diagram of the unit.
Except for the power connector, all electrical connectors are stored in their terminal blocks during shipment and may
be removed from the enclosure for more convenient wiring. Feed the cables through the conduit holes on the bottom
of the enclosure, attach the wires to the appropriate connectors and plug the connectors back into their terminal
blocks.
Note: For compliance with the European Union’s Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC), a transparent plastic shroud
protects the electrical connections. The shroud must remain in place, except while wiring the unit. Reinstall
the shroud after the wiring has been completed.

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 9
Chapter 2.
The CTF878 may be ordered for operation with power sources ranging from 85 to 264 VAC, at frequencies of 47 to
63Hz. The label on the shroud inside the electronics enclosure, just above the TB1 line power terminal block, lists the
required line voltage and the fuse rating for the unit (the fuse rating is also listed in Chapter 4,
Specifications ). Be sure
to connect the meter only to the specified line voltage.
Note: For compliance with the European Union’s Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC), this unit requires an external
power disconnect device such as a switch or circuit breaker. The disconnect device must be marked as such,
clearly visible, directly accessible, and located within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the CTF878.
Refer to Figure 25 on page 40 to locate the power input terminal block and connect the line power as follows:
WARNING! Improper connection of the line power leads, or connecting the meter to the incorrect line voltage,
may damage the unit. It may also result in hazardous voltages at the clamping fixture and
associated piping, and/or
within the electronics console.
1. Prepare the line power leads by trimming the line and neutral AC power leads (or the positive and negative DC
power leads) to a length 0.5 in. (1 cm) shorter than the ground lead. This ensures that the ground lead is the last
to detach if the power cable is forcibly disconnected from the meter.
2. Remove the plastic shroud that covers the terminal blocks.
3. Strip 1/4 in. of insulation from the end of each of the three line power leads.
4. Connect the line or positive (L or +) and the neutral or negative
(N or –) power leads to the power input terminal block below the Main PC Board (see Figure 25 on page 40).
5. Connect the ground lead to the ground connection on the inside wall of the enclosure (see Figure 25 on
page 40).
6. Reinstall the shroud after all of the wiring has been completed.

Chapter 2.
10 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
2.1.6 Installing Transducer Support
Since the CTF878 is specifically designed for gas measurement with clamp-on transducers, it requires the use of
specially designed fixtures and damping material to maintain the highest possible measurement accuracy.
2.1.6.1 Clamping Fixture
Panametrics Sensing supplies the CFT series of fixtures:
• The V8 clamping fixture for pipes from 6 to 8 in. (100 to 200 mm).
• The V12 clamping fixture for pipes from 8 to 12 in. (200 to
300 mm).
• The PI clamping fixture for pipes from 12 to 24 in. (300 to
600 mm).
2.1.6.2 Damping Material
Panametrics Sensing strongly recommends applying DMP damping material in ALL permanent clamp-on
applications to help eliminate signal noise. The material comes in two versions:
• The DMP-1 self-adhesive sheet for applications up to 200°F (93°C). The material comes as three wide sheets
cut in sufficient length to wrap around a pipe OD. The material can be cut with a utility knife, and comes with a
paper backing that is removed before installation.
• The DMP-3 is a clay-like compound for all temperature applications. If the temperature is over 150°F, the PDJ
pipe damping jacket (available from the factory with preapplied DMP-3) must be used with the material.
2.1.7 Installing a CFT-V Clamping Fixture
For a given gas and pipe, the CTF878’s accuracy depends primarily on the location and alignment of the transducers.
To install the
CFT-V transducer-supporting clamping fixture (for pipes 6” to 12” O.D.), use the following guidelines:
Note: With a CFT-V clamping fixture, the damping material is installed prior to the fixture itself. To install a clamping
fixture on pipes over 12”, proceed to
Installing the CFT-PI Clamping Fixture on page 16.
2.1.7.1 Locating the CFT-V Clamping Fixture
1. Choose a section of pipe with unlimited access; for example, a long stretch of pipe that is above ground.
Note: If the clamping fixture is to be mounted on an underground pipe, dig a pit around the pipe to facilitate
installation.
2. Locate the clamping fixture and transducers so that there are at least 20 pipe diameters of straight, undisturbed
flow upstream and 10 pipe diameters of straight, undisturbed flow downstream from the measurement point. To
ensure undisturbed flow, avoid the following:
• sources of turbulence in the gas such as valves, flanges, expansions and elbows
• swirl
• dips or low spots in which condensed gas may collect
3. For maximum transducer reliability, mount the clamping fixture in a location that is sheltered from ambient
precipitation such as rain.
Note: In order to shield the transducer installation from adverse accoustic effects related to rain, it may be
necessary to erect a rain shroud over and around the pipe where the transducers are mounted.
4. Because condensate or sediment at the bottom of the pipe may cause attenuation of the ultrasonic signal, set
up the clamping fixture so that the transducers are on the side of a horizontal pipe, ideally at 0° horizontal (3 and
9 o’clock). Also make sure that the transducers will not be located on or near any pipe welds or seams.
Note: Do not orient the transducers greater than ±60° from the horizontal axis. The transmit / receive pairs must be
oriented 180° from each other. The Upstream / Downstream pairs must be transmitting in the same direction
(parallel to each other).

Model CTF878 Startup Guide 11
Chapter 2.
2.1.7.2 Preparing for CFT-V Clamping Fixture Installation
Before the CFT-V clamping fixture can be installed, the following procedures must be completed:
• the pipe surface sanded
• the transducer spacing and TAG path set
• the damping material applied to the pipe
•the yokes positioned on the fixture
Sanding the Pipe
Using a grinding tool or sand paper, smooth out the sections of the pipe where the transducers will be installed. The
best approach is to grind on both sides of the pipe an area the length of the clamping fixture and ± 60° from the
plane where the transducers are intended to be installed. Grinding such a large area ensures that the transducers
are installed on a smooth section after the pipe is covered with damping material.
Setting the Transducer Spacing and TAG path
The following procedure can be easily done before installing the clamping fixture on the pipe. For a more detailed
description of these steps, refer to
Programming Site Data on page 46:
1. Power up the CTF878 flowmeter.
2. In the top-level menu, enter Program / Transducer to select the transducers used.
3. Proceed to Program / Pipe to enter the pipe characteristics:
material, outside diameter and wall thickness.
4. Enter Program / Fluid to select the fluid inside the pipe.
The flowmeter then calculates the transducer spacing and suggests the TAG path. The user then goes to Program /
Path where these two parameters are available. The TAG path can be overwritten if the user wants to use a value other
than the one suggested by the flowmeter.
IMPORTANT: The TAG path set on the clamping fixture HAS to be the one displayed under Program / Path when the
instrument is operating, otherwise the velocity output will be incorrect.

Chapter 2.
12 Model CTF878 Startup Guide
Applying DMP-1 Damping Material for a CFT-V Clamping Fixture
Note: If DMP-3 damping material is being used, refer to Applying DMP-3 Damping Material on page 20. If the pipe
temperature is over 150°F, a PDJ pipe damping jacket with DMP-3 damping material is required (see
Installing the PDJ Damping Jacket on page 23).
The surface of the pipe should be covered with damping material. Three pieces of the material should be placed as
follows: one between the ends of the CFT-V clamping fixture and one on either side of the fixture. Use the following
instructions and Figure 3 on page 13:
Note: The damping material pieces come cut to size as follows:
Length = outside diameter of pipe
X 3.25
Width = 15 inches for a CFT-V8 clamping fixture
19 inches for a CFT-V12 clamping fixture
1. Place the first piece of damping material at the flow velocity measurement section. Position the strip as shown in
Figure 3.
2. Peel the protective layer of paper off the damping material from the top to approximately 3 inches down and
apply the strip to the pipe, starting from the top.
Note: If too much of the paper layer is peeled off at one time, the damping material will be harder to handle and
apply to the pipe without making air bubbles.
IMPORTANT: The damping material should adhere very tightly to the pipe.
3. Continue to peal off the paper and apply the damping material to the pipe 3 inches at a time. Pull on the strip
during each application to assure a tight fit.
4. Before peeling off each new section of the paper layer, be sure the previously applied section of damping
material adheres firmly to the pipe. Apply pressure to it with your hands, going from the previously applied to the
newly applied section.
Note: The purpose of this operation is to avoid the presence of air bubbles between the damping material and the
pipe.
When the user is done applying the damping material, there should be one layer of it around the pipe with a small
overlap.
5. Visually inspect the pipe for the presence of air bubbles and wrinkles. Then apply pressure to any bubbles and
wrinkles to eliminate them.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 to apply the two other strips of damping material on either side of the first, leaving
about a two-inch gap between the strips.
Note: The brackets of the CFT-V clamping fixture will rest against the pipe in the two gaps between the strips of
damping material (see Figure 14 on page 26).