PFlow Industries P117 User manual

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Ultrasonic Flow meter quick start guide
Model: P117
We also have an installation demo video on Youtube
Search for ‘pFlow P117 Flow meter demo’ or use this link:
https://youtu.be/U_2GLB1gMPY

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Contents
Introduction: .....................................................................................................................................................................3
Keypad functions...............................................................................................................................................................4
Select installation location................................................................................................................................................5
Transducer mounting methods.........................................................................................................................................7
Parameters setting..................................................................................................................................................8
Pipe preparation .............................................................................................................................................................11
Transducer installation and fixing...................................................................................................................................12
Orienting the transducers and mounting frames:................................................................................................12
Connecting the transducer cables ........................................................................................................................15
Checking signal strength .................................................................................................................................................16
View the flow rate measurement.........................................................................................................................16
Changing the units................................................................................................................................................16
Reset the totaliser.................................................................................................................................................16
Data logging ....................................................................................................................................................................17
To begin data logging............................................................................................................................................17
To retrieve logged data.........................................................................................................................................18
Basic Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................20
Frequently asked Questions and Answers............................................................................................................21

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Introduction:
Please note that this guide will go through basic functions of the flow meter only, for advance functions
please see the full manual.
Open the hinged top cover of the flow meter, the wiring ports of the P117 are shown in the diagram below:
Turn on the power switch at the top of the meter, then you can proceed with using the flow meter.
If it does not turn on it may need to be charged before use.

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Keypad functions
The full keypad is pictured below, this will describe basic functionality of the keypad
0 –9 keys input numbers, each word printed on the key also is a shortcut to that menu
is also used as a decimal place button
is also used as a backspace
and scrolls up and down menu numbers
The enter a specifc menu:
press the button, then input a two-digit Menu number.
for example, by pressing these buttons: will enter menu 11
is enter/confirm
enter/exist SD card storage interface

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Select installation location
Measurements cannot be made accurately if pipe is not filled, install transducers in a position that is filled with fluid,
even after flow has stopped. Some below examples show areas that would be unsuitable for installation.
Sediment
Sediment accumulation at the transducer position may cause measurement errors.
Countermeasures include installation of closing flange, etc.
Entrained air
Measurement may not be possible if there is entrained air at the transducer position.
Vertical pipes
If installing on vertical pipes, it should not be used where flow direction is downward, as the pipe may not be
completely full, it would work best on a vertical pipe where the flow direction is from bottom to top.

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When selecting a
measurement site, it is
important to select an area
where the fluid flow profile
is fully developed to
provide an accurate
measurement. Use the
following guidelines to
select a proper installation
site
a) Choose a section of pipe
that is always full of liquid,
such as a vertical pipe with
flow in the upward
direction, or a full
horizontal pipe.
b) Ensure enough straight
pipe length before and
after the transducers so
that the flow is non
turbulent inside the pipe
c) Transducers should be
mounted on the 3 or 9
o’clock position of the pipe
section (at the side of the
pipe) this is to avoid
sediment at the bottom of
a pipe or air bubbles at the
top
d) Ensure that the pipe
surface temperature at the
measuring point is within
the transducer
temperature limits
e) Consider the condition
of the pipe inside and out.
Select a section free of
excessive corrosion or
scaling
F) consider the possibility
of sedimentation at the
bottom of the pipe and the
presence of an air pocket
at the top of the pipe. In
addition, avoid flanges and
welding areas and select a
smooth portion of the pipe
to install the transducers.

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Transducer mounting methods
Three transducer mounting methods are available, V method, Z method and N method.
V method
The V method is considered the standard method. It usually gives a more accurate reading and is used on pipe
diameters ranging from 25mm to 400mm. It is also the most convenient to use and setup.
V method –can be used for 25mm to 400mm pipes
Z Method
The signal transmitted in a Z method installation has less attenuation than a signal transmitted with the V method,
therefore is good to use when the pipes are large, there are some suspended solid in the fluid, or the scaling and
liner are too thick. This is because the Z method utilizes a directly transmitted (rather than reflected) signal which
transverses the liquid only once. While the Z method can measure on pipe diameters over 100mm, it is
recommended to use this method for pipe diameters over 300mm.
Z method –can be used on pipes over 100mm
N Method (uncommonly used)
With the N method, the sound waves traverse the fluid three times and bounce twice off the pipe walls. It is suitable
for small pipe diameter measurement. The measurement accuracy can be improved by extending the transit
distance with the N method which this helps to achieve on small pipes
N method –while uncommon –it can be used on small pipes usually under 50mm

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Parameters setting
This guide will only tell you about the most basic menu’s – for a full description about each menu’s function
please see the full manual
Now that we have decided on a suitable installation location, and by now you should select the best mounting
method for your pipe, we will need to program the pipes parameters into the flow meter, follow the below steps
Pipe outer diameter (Menu 11)
first press shortcut, or press to enter menu 11, it will appear as below:
You will now need to change the pipe outer diameter to match your pipe, for example if your pipe was 90mm OD
then do the following:
Enter first, then type the diamter ‘90’, then enter again to confirm -
Hint: and scrolls up and down menu numbers, so as the next menu of importance is 12, using this is
a quick method to change to that menu
Pipe Wall Thickness (Menu 12)
First press shortcut, or press to enter menu 12
You will now need to change the pipe wall thickness to match your pipe, for example if your pipe was 5.2mm then
do the following:
Enter first, then type the thickness ‘5.2’, then enter again to confirm -
Pipe material (Menu 14)
First press shortcut, or press to enter menu 14
You can select from the preconfigured materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, ductile iron, copper, PVC,
aluminium, asbestos, fiber glass epoxy, other

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To select your material first press
then or to scroll up and down selectable options, then again to confirm
Hint: If your material is not one of those listed, please select ‘other’ here, then you will see if you go to menu 15 you
can manually enter the pipe sound velocity which you can check back of the full manual for some other common
material sound velocities, or you may be able to find your pipe material’s sound velocity with a web search.
Pipe liner material (Menu 16)
Press to enter menu 16
If your pipe has a liner it must be entered here
then or to scroll up and down selectable options, then again to confirm
If your pipe does not have a liner, select ‘0. None’
Hint: If your material is not one of those listed, please select ‘other’ here, then you will see if you go to menu 17 you
can manually enter the liner sound velocity which you can check back of the full manual for some other common
material sound velocities, or you may be able to find your material’s sound velocity with a web search.
Liner Thickness (Menu 18)
Hint: If you do not have a liner in your pipe, you can skip this, this menu will not be available if no material was
selected on menu 16.
Press to enter menu 18
Only If applicable, enter the thickness of your pipe liner here, for example if your liner thickness is 5.2mm then do
the following:
Enter first, then type the thickness ‘5.2’, then enter again to confirm -
Fluid type (Menu 20)
First press shortcut, or press to enter menu 20
then or to scroll up and down selectable options, then again to confirm
You can select from the preconfigured liquids: water, sea water, kerosene, gasoline, fuel oil, crude oil, propane,
butane, other, diesel oil, castor oil, peanut oil, gasoline #90, gasoline #93, alcohol, water 125.
Hint: If your liquid is not one of those listed, please select ‘other’ here, then you will see if you go to menu 21 you
can manually enter the fluid sound velocity which you can check back of the full manual for some other common
fluid sound velocities or you may be able to find your fluid sound velocity with a web search.
Transducer type (Menu 23)
This should remain set as 0.Standard unless otherwise directed

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Transducer mounting (Menu 24)
Press shortcut, or press to enter menu 24
See page 7 (Transducer mounting methods) for more info on selecting the best mounting method, three mounting
methods are available
V–most common, can be used for 25mm to 400mm pipes
Z- can be used if the signal is poor, best used on pipes over 100mm
N -while uncommon to use this, it can be used on small pipes usually under 50mm
Select the mounting method
then or to scroll up and down selectable options, then again to confirm
Transducer spacing (Menu 25)
Press to enter menu 25
After setting all the relevant parameters previously, this menu will
display the distance that the transducers should be spaced apart.
Install the transducer according to the displayed transducer mounting
spacing and the selected mounting method, so in this shown example
you need to space them 131.82mm apart.

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Pipe preparation
This carries on from page 5 and 6 of selecting an installation location, so by now you should have already selected
the ideal location to install the flow meter transducers.
Remember to consider the possibility of sedimentation at the bottom
of the pipe and the presence of an air pocket at the top of the pipe.
Because of this it is best to install the transducers on the side of the
pipe usually within 45° of a horizontal pipe, as shown.
In addition, avoid flanges and welding areas and select a smooth
portion of the pipe to install the transducers.
Now that you know how far to space the transducers apart from the
previous step, and you have selected a suitable location for the
installation with enough distance upstream and downstream away
from bends, pumps, valves etc… you can prepare the pipe for
mounting the transducers.
Using a polisher or sandpaper make the mounting position clean of all
rust, mud, scale, painting etc.
Ensure the polished area is larger than transducer surface area.
Polish one mounting area first. Then input proper parameters
in M11 to M24, M25 will display the mounting distance value and
then you can polish the other area accordingly.
A clean, polished mounting surface is very important for good signal.
For plastic pipe, clean it of painting, sticky oil, adhesives, etc.

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Transducer installation and fixing
Now the transducers can be installed onto the pipe, the frames themselves are magnetic so will stick straight onto
magnetic pipes, or you can use pipe straps to attach them to other pipes such as PVC.
The mounting conditions and positioning directly influences the flow value accuracy and system long-term operation
reliability so it is important to mount the transducers correctly and accurately.
Orienting the transducers and mounting frames:
On each mounting frame it has a marking for upstream on one of them and downstream on the other, there is also
an arrow showing flow direction.
On each transducer you will also see and upstream or downstream marking to ensure it is in the relevant frame.
Also note that when looking at the bottom of the frames in when in the correct orientation, the brown oval which is
the sensing surface should be facing each other like below picture when used in V method.
After setting all the previous correct parameters, space the transducers as per the distance on menu 25
This guide will demonstrate the basic and most common V method mounting If using Z or N method please
see the full manual for a full description.

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For example, if your menu 25 says to space it at 80mm then put the transducers like this, 40mm from the end of
each frame to make a total of 80mm between transducers
Then the total frame together is ready to be mounted:
Apply couplant to both transducer sensing surfaces, like in the below example:
Silicone-based grease can used as an acoustic couplant, when selecting a grease ensure to select one that is rated
not to “flow” at the temperature that the pipe may reach. We use ‘Super Lube Multipurpose synthetic grease’
Place the mounting frames on the pipe ensuring the distance between sensors remains matching the distance stated
on Menu 25
Also ensure that the transducers themselves are placed in the area you prepared by polishing in the earlier steps.

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Rotate the transducer mount which is spring loaded to ensure the transducer is firm up against the pipe.
This rotary knob moves the transducer in and out within the frame for a snug fit.
If you are installing the frames on a non-magnetic pipe, then you can use the pipe straps to attach the frames to the
pipe, as shown below:
Hint: in some situations, it might be easier for you to use only one frame, you could remove on transducer and place
it into the other frame with it if you will always be using V method on small pipes

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Connecting the transducer cables
Now connect the transducer cables as shown below –ensure you have upstream and downstream in the correct
position –if wired backwards the signal and reading will be 0.
Now the meter should begin reading, there are a few values you should check to ensure proper installation as per
the next section.

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Checking signal strength
Check Signal strength (Menu 90)
Press shortcut or press to enter menu 90
Signal strength indicates a detected strength of the signal both from upstream and downstream directions.
The relevant signal strength is indicated by numbers from 00.0 –99.9
00.0 represents no signal detected while 99.9 represents maximum signal strength. The stronger the signal strength
detected, the better the instrument reliability will be. It will also result in a more stable measurement value.
Ensure all the previous setup steps have been carried out and ensure enough couplant has been applied. Adjust the
transducer position during the installation to obtain the maximum signal strength.
Normal system operation requires signal strength over 65.0 from both upstream and downstream directions. If the
signal strength detected is too low, the transducer installation position and the transducer mounting spacing should
be re-adjusted and the pipe should be re-inspected. If necessary, re-consider the mounting method of Menu 24 or
you can also check the troubleshooting steps outlined in the troubleshooting section.
Transit time ratio (Menu 91)
Enter the transit time menu by pressing to enter menu 90
Transit time ratio indicates if the transducer mounting spacing is accurate. The normal transit time ratio should be
100±3 if the installation and parameters and been completed correctly.
If the transit time ratio is over 100±3 it is necessary to check:
•If the parameters are entered correctly (pipe outside diameter, wall thickness, pipe material, liner, etc.)
•If the transducer mounting spacing is in accordance with the display in Window M25
•If the transducers are mounted correctly
•If the scale is too thick or the pipe mounting is distorted in shape, etc.
•You can also check the troubleshooting steps outlined in the troubleshooting section
View the flow rate measurement
To view your flow rate measurement, press the shortcut.
It will display the flow rate and the totaliser values
(Totaliser is total amount of liquid flowed since last reset)
Changing the units
Flow rate unit can be changed on menu 31
Totaliser unit can be changed on Menu 32
Reset the totaliser
To reset the totaliser back to 0, go to Menu 37
It shows: ”Totalizer Reset?”
Press then or to scroll up and down selectable options, then again to confirm

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Data logging
Be aware when the capacity of the SD card is full, new data will overwrite old data automatically
Though the files are small so it would take a while to fill the SD card.
Data collection interval: Interval time is how often the unit will take a log, any interval setting from 1 to 60 seconds
is acceptable. If the rate is set longer than 60 seconds the default will to 1 second.
Data collection time: Collection time is how long the unit will perform logging for. It is user selectable from 1~9999
mins. If it is set longer than 9999 mins, it will default to 9999 mins
Data content: date and time, flow rate, flow velocity, total flow, positive totalizer, and negative totalizer
To begin data logging
first ensure the SD card is correctly installed
Press the button to enter the SD card storage setting
interface which will appear as pictured:
You can choose to specify a file name, collection time and
interval time
When you are ready to begin logging, ensure the ‘Start’ button
is highlighted using the and buttons, then press to start logging.
Notice that a graph will appear showing the logging process, also in the bottom left the time will be incrementing.
When the collection time has finished it will stop logging, or you
can manually stop the logging by highlighting the ‘Stop’ button
on the display, then pressing the enter key.
When it has finished logging the word ‘stop’ will change to
‘start’, you can scroll down and press OK to exit the logging
graph.
The unit has saved the logged data onto the SD card

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To retrieve logged data
Ensure the flow meter is turned off, remove the SD card from the flow meter (it is in
the top panel)
Using the included SD card reader, insert the SD card into the reader, then insert the
card reader into a USB port on a Microsoft windows-based computer.
On the included software disk, run the software called Converter.exe. (It may also be
on the SD card) or contact us for a copy of this software if required.
First press the ‘Offline’ button
Press the button to select a source file, which is .txt format
This prompt will appear, navigate to the SD card folder and you will find your logged data in .txt files
Select the one you want to convert, then press Open

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Note the destination location that it will save to, or you can manually select a location, now press ‘Convert’
It will convert the file into an .xls file, open the newly converted file and you will see your logged data.

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Basic Troubleshooting
If you are having problems acquiring or maintaining strong signal over 65
•Pipe parameters entered must be accurate; otherwise, the flowmeter will not work properly.
•During the installation, apply enough coupling compounds to the transducer to ensure adequate contact
with the pipe wall.
•Check to be sure the mounting spacing is accordance with the display in Menu 25 and the transducer is
mounted at the pipe’s centreline.
•While checking the signal strength and Q value, if required you can move the transducers slowly around
the mounting site until the strongest signal and maximum Q value can be obtained.
•Ensure the pipe surface is sanded/polished and free from dirt where the transducers are mounted.
•Keep the flowmeter away from the electromagnetic interference area to ensure its proper operation.
Heavy vibrations on a pipe can also cause issues.
•Ascertain there is not too much air or solids in the fluid, etc.
•if there is still none or poor signal detected, the measurement site must be changed.
If the signal strength is always displayed as 0.00 there is no signal detected.
•Check that the parameters have been entered accurately.
•Check to be sure the transducer mounting method has been selected properly, the pipe is not worn-out,
and the liner is not too thick.
•Make sure there is indeed fluid in the pipe, or the transducer is not too close to a valve or elbow
•Make sure the cables are connected correctly, and to the correct upstream/downstream ports
•Make sure the transducers are correctly mating to the pipe surface and all in the correct orientation.
If signal strength value Q displayed in M90 is less than 65, following methods are recommended:
•Relocate a better location noting the recommendations on page 6.
•Try to polish the outer surface of the pipe and use enough coupling compound to increase the signal
strength.
•The transducers spacing should be the same as M25 value, you can try to adjust the position slightly to
increase signal.
•If you have the unit on charge, please try without the charger inserted, sometimes the charger can cause
some electronic interference.
•You can also try another mounting method instead, V mounting method is most common to use, however it
requires the signal to “bounce” off the pipe and therefor can degrade the signal or if the pipe is pitted
slightly the signal may bounce unreliably. If you instead use Z method for example the transducers are
mounted on opposite sides of the pipe and therefor no “bouncing” is required and should provide a stronger
signal when setup correctly.
You may need to reference the full manual for further installation instructions.