Pulsar MICROFLOW User manual

MICROFLOW
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MICRO FLOW (FIRST EDITION REV 6)
February 2020
Part Number M-dRF-S-001-6P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Process Measurement Limited, 2015 - 20. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in
any form without the written permission of Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery that it
will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Process Measurement Limited
if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the defect not being due to unfair
wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident, misapplication or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited neither gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product
and shall have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Process Measurement
Limited cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and improvement and
reserves the right to amend technical details as necessary.
The MicroFlow shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not be
representative of the actual MicroFlow supplied.
COMMENTS,SUGGESTIONS AND TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
Please contact Pulsar Measurement if you have any comments, suggestions or if you require technical
support using the information below:
UK Office
Canada Office
USA Office
Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd.
Cardinal Building
Enigma Business Centre
Sandy’s Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1JJ
United Kingdom
Greyline Instruments Inc.
16456 Sixsmith Drive
Long Sault
ON
K0C 1P0
Canada
Greyline Instruments Inc.
11451 Belcher Road South
Largo
FL 33773
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Tel:
Toll Free:
Fax:
613-938-8956
855-300-9151
613-938-4857
Tel:
Tax Free:
Fax:
315-788-9500
888-473-9546
315-764-0419
Website:
www.pulsar-pm.com
General Information email:
[e-mail]
Technical Support email:
[e-mail]
Website:
www.greyline.com
General Information email:
[e-mail]
Technical Support email:
[e-mail]
Website:
www.greyline.com
General Information email:
[e-mail]
Technical Support email:
[e-mail]

.................................................................................................... 1
About this Manual...........................................................................................................................................1
About the MicroFlow......................................................................................................................................2
Benefits............................................................................................................................................................3
Functional Description....................................................................................................................................4
Limitations ofuse............................................................................................................................................ 4
Product Specification.......................................................................................................................................5
EU Declaration ofConformity .......................................................................................................................6
..................................................................................................... 7
Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................7
Power Supply Requirements........................................................................................................................... 7
Cable screen and Earth Requirements............................................................................................................7
Location...........................................................................................................................................................8
Mounting..........................................................................................................................................................8
Angled Mounting Bracket.......................................................................................................................9
MicroFlow sensor..................................................................................................................................11
Mounting sensor to a bracket................................................................................................................12
Terminal Connection Details........................................................................................................................15
FlowCERTWallMount........................................................................................................................16
Velocity Interface..................................................................................................................................17
Ultimate Controller (Fascia)..................................................................................................................18
Ultimate Controller (Wall Mount)........................................................................................................20
................................................................. 22
Locating the MicroFlow........................................................................................................................22
Hazardous Area Installation..........................................................................................................................23
Preparation for Operation..............................................................................................................................27
General Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................27
SensorMaintenance......................................................................................................................................28
................. 31
Measuring streamflow/ open channel flow.................................................................................................31
MicroFlow Protocol ......................................................................................................................................32
.......................................................... 33
FlowCERTsetup...........................................................................................................................................33
Velocity Interface setup.................................................................................................................................34
Ultimate Controller Fascia and Wall Mount setup......................................................................................35
.......................................................................................... 39
Software installation......................................................................................................................................39
Using MicroFlow PC....................................................................................................................................40
FlowTab........................................................................................................................................................41
Setup Menu....................................................................................................................................................44
Systemmenu.................................................................................................................................................44
Tools menu....................................................................................................................................................45
Info menu.......................................................................................................................................................45
FlowRecord Tab...........................................................................................................................................46
Trace Tab.......................................................................................................................................................47
Parameter Tab................................................................................................................................................48
..................................... 51
Parameter Access...........................................................................................................................................51
Output parameters.........................................................................................................................................51
Configuration parameters..............................................................................................................................52
Saving & Loading parameters......................................................................................................................55
Firmware Upgrade.........................................................................................................................................56

..................................................................................... 58
........................................................................................................ 59

Page 1
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar MicroFlow. This quality system has
been developed over many years and represents the latest in high technology flow
monitoring.
It has been designed to give you years of trouble free performance, and a few
minutes spent reading this operating manual will ensure that your installation is as
simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation and
operation.
There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help or information as
shown.
Tips
TIP
At various parts of this manual
you may find tips to help you.
Additional Information
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific things in more detail.
References
See also text in Bold as these may be references to other parts of this or another
manual.
Drawings
It should be noted that drawings or pictures shown in this manual may not be to
scale.

Page 2
About the MicroFlow
The MicroFlow is a non-contacting velocity sensor. The sensor provides
reliable flow velocity measurements using short pulses of micro-waves, which
are transmitted by an enclosed antenna. When reflected off a moving surface,
the signal experiences a shift in frequency characteristics. The reflected signal
is captured by the on-board microprocessor via the antenna, and analysed to
determine the velocity.
The MicroFlow’s compact and versatile design makes it easy to install and
ideal for confined spaces. Housed in a robust enclosure coupled with a fully
encapsulated microwave antenna, it provides an effective fit-and-forget flow
velocity solution.
PC software is available to allow setup and run diagnostics using MicroFlow
PC via a RS 485 connection. The MicroFlow is compatible for use with
Pulsar’s, FlowCERT, Velocity Interface and Ultimate controllers to obtain
velocity readings. The MicroFlow can also be retrofitted to replace existing in-
process contacting sensors.
Overall the device has outstanding stability, accuracy and repeatability.

Page 3
Benefits
Combined with the ease of programming there are many other benefits to using
the MicroFlow, these are listed below:
•Non-contact velocity measurement.
•Retro-fit capability and low-cost installation.
•Hazardous area approval (Ex mb) for Zone 1.
•Monitors flow over natural channels such as streams and rivers.
•‘See through’ capability for enclosed plastic pipes and concrete (not
reinforced) channels.
•Suitable for abrasive and aggressive materials.
•Resilient to liquid vapour, wind or temperature.
•No minimum liquid level required for measurement
•Virtually maintenance free; not affected by sedimentation, so there is no
need for regular cleaning.
•Compatible with Pulsar’s FlowCERT, Velocity Interface and Ultimate
controllers, with retrofit capability for in-contact sensors.
•Can be installed in addition to existing in process contact measuring
devices.
•Easily setup using MicroFlow PC.
•The sensor is capable of monitoring flow of very shallow liquid,
mitigating the constraint associated with in-liquid techniques.

Page 4
Functional Description
Based upon state-of-the-art micro-wave sensing technology, the MicroFlow
integrates Pulsar’s innovative and award winning DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
platform, offering you a cost effective solution with excellent reliability and
performance.
The Pulsar MicroFlow has been designed to provide maintenance free
performance.
The MicroFlow automatically matches to the protocol and Baud rate of the
controller. When it is connected to a controller and powered up, after approx. 20
seconds the sensor will adjust to the Baud rate of the controller it is connected to.
Limitations of use
1. The MicroFlow must be routinely inspected to avoid the build-up of dust
layers when installed in to Zone 21 & Zone 22.
2. Electrostatic hazard –The MicroFlow must only be wiped with a damp or
antistatic cloth.
3. Only leaded little fuses (0242 series) of 100mA should be used with the Ex
mb approved MicroFlow.
4. The outer enclosure is made from Valox357U, consider the performance of
this material with respect to chemicals that may be present in the hazardous
area.
5. The equipment should not be used if there are any cracks/damage to any part
of the enclosure.

Page 5
Product Specification
Sensor body material Valox 357U
Mounting Connection Via 1” BSP or NPT back mounted thread, 45o
Angled Mounting bracket (optional).
Mounting angle: 45° optimum and mounted at the centre line
of the channel with clear uninterrupted flow
Sensor body dimensions Diameter 90mm x height 140mm
Sensor body weight Nominal 0.7 kg
Transducer cable extensions 5-core screened
Maximum separation Up to 500m
Enclosure protection IP68
Max. & min. temperature (electronics) -20 ºC to +60 ºC (-4°F to +140°F)
CE and Radar Approval See EU Certificate of Conformity
ATEX Approval CML 16ATEX2331X, IECEx CML 16.105X
II 2 G Ex mb IIC T4 Gb
II 2 D EX mb IIIC T135oC Db Tamb -20oC to
+60oC
Velocity Range 0.2 –6.0 m/s (0.66 ft/s –19.7 ft/s)
Accuracy Greater of +/- 0.5% or 0.05 m/s (0.1 ft/s)
Optimum installation Install at an angle of 45° in line with flow. For
more information, see ‘Locating the
MicroFlow sensor’ section of this manual
Maximum channel width per sensor 1.5m
Radar K-Band (ISM)
Transmitter Power <15 dBm
Beam width 20° inclusive
Communication RS485 and Modbus RTU–integrates with
compatible Pulsar controllers.
PC programming Via RS485 Modbus
Programmed data integrity Via non-volatile memory
PC setup and monitoring software MicroFlow PC –compatible with XP (service
pack3), Win 7, Win 8, Win 10
Operating Voltage 10 –28 V DC
Power Consumption 0.36W
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and improvement
and reserve the right to amend technical details as necessary.

Page 6
EU Declaration of Conformity

Page 7
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The MicroFlow can operate from a DC supply of 10 to 28V. In all cases the unit
typically consumes 0.36W of power.
Cable screen and Earth Requirements
A screened 5-core cable should be used (minimum conductor size of 0.5mm²) and
connected to a compatible Pulsar controller, if extending the cable (up to 500m).
When extending the cable, ensure that the fuse of the cable is within the safe area.
Important Information
All shipping cartons should be opened carefully. When using a box cutter,
do not plunge the blade deeply into the box, as it could potentially cut or
scratch equipment components. Carefully remove equipment from each
carton, checking it against the packing list before discarding any packing
material. If there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to the
equipment, report it immediately to Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
Cable colour
Cable details
Red
(Power) +10-28 VDC
Black
0 volts
Orange
RS485+
White
RS485-
Blue
RS485 Common
Green
Cable screen
Fuse 100mA leaded little fuse 0242 series
MicroFlow
Cable

Page 8
Location
When choosing a location to mount the bracket and MicroFlow, note the
following:
•For optimum readings, it is recommended that the MicroFlow should be
positioned at a 45° angle to the surface of the material being measured.
•The mounting surface must be vibration-free.
•The ambient temperature should be between -20ºC and 60ºC.
•Ensure that the Pulsar Controller is installed in a “Safe”, non-hazardous, area.
Mounting
For the best results, it is highly recommended to use the MicroFlow angled
bracket, which is available from your Pulsar distributor, which will ensure that the
MicroFlow can be correctly installed. The bracket can be used if the MicroFlow
sensor is to be mounted on its own in a specific location or along with a Pulsar dB
transducer. Please see ‘Angled Mounting Bracket’ for dimensions of this
bracket, please note that the drawing is not to scale.
‘Mounting sensor to a bracket’ illustrates how you would install the sensor to
one of Pulsar’s angled brackets.
The MicroFlow angled bracket should be mounted by marking and drilling the
holes suitable for fixing your screws/bolts (length to suit your application) and
then fixing the bracket in place.
Important Information
When installing the MicroFlow it is recommended that it is mounted at
least 1m away from moving persons or machinery.
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic shock,
so follow proper grounding procedures during installation.

Page 9
Angled Mounting Bracket
Part number: dBA0008MF
45o
Side view
176mm
22mm
22mm
R20mm
12mm
100mm
90mm
130mm
Top view
Side view
100mm

Page 10
Important Information
Using a spirit level, ensure that the Mounting Bracket is level before
attaching the sensor to the bracket.
R20mm
4 off 12mm
14mm
100mm
60mm
20mm
20mm
100mm
60mm
26mm
Rear view

Page 11
MicroFlow sensor
The dimensions of the sensor body are shown below in Fig.1 and Fig.2:
BOTTOM
90 mm
1” BSP
78 mm
39mm
140 mm
To obtain the most accurate results, ensure the device is mounted at
a 45° angle to the surface being measured.
45°
Surface of measurement
73 mm
M i
Green ‘Dot’ to be
positioned on top of sensor.
Fig.1
Fig.2

Page 12
Mounting sensor to a bracket
Mounting the sensor to the 45° angled bracket is done via an adapter and M20 nut, as
shown in Fig.3:
For correct installation, we recommend that the adapter is threaded on the cable, and
carefully screwed onto the MicroFlow before fitting to the bracket. This will reduce
the risk of any ’twisting’ in the cable.
Ensure that the sensor is tightened and the dot is in the correct position.
Important Information
When fixing the sensor to the adapter, ensure that care is taken when
pulling the sensor cable through. And once attached to the adapter, and
the M20 nut is tightened, the green dot should be central to the
movement of flow as shown in Fig.4.
Bracket
Adapter
Fig.3
Cable
M20 Nut
Green dot to be
displayed on top

Page 13
Care should be taken not to overtighten the sensor when everything is connected,
as seen in Fig.5 below, as this could cause damage to the housing.
M
i
Central to the movement
of flow in channel.
Fig.4
Fig.5
305mm
215mm
205mm

Page 14
When the sensor is mounted on the bracket with dB series level transducer, you
are able to position the bracket in a way where the MicroFlow is obtaining
measurements following the direction of the flow, or facing the direction of flow.
Fig.6 and Fig.7 illustrate the correct positioning of the devices according to the
direction of flow:
Green dot to be
displayed on top
Direction of flow
Fig.6
Direction of flow
Fig.7