Regal RH40 User manual

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RH40 Portable Flow Meter
The RH40 Handheld Ultrasonic Flow & BTU Meter is a revolutionary portable meter with multiple
functions. It is the most compact portable meter on the market. It is designed to accommodate the
challenge of onsite flow and energy measurements. The applications range from field servicing,
maintenance, or even temporary flow and energy surveys.
The RH40 compact design offers a single-handed hold and extreme ease of use. Using the latest signal
processing technology, which has demonstrated its robustness and data measurement repeatability, the
portable meter offers highly accurate and reliable measurements. The meter is self-explanatory and simple
to follow. The RH40 is also a handheld energy meter when it is equipped with a BTU measurement
module.
The unique clamp-on fixture design, for both the flow transducers and temperature sensors, makes the
installation hassle-free. No special skills or tools are required. The Li-Ion battery allows the user to
measure flow and energy for an extended period of time- up to 8 hours. A built-in data logger memory of
up to 2GB gives the user the flexibility of using the meter for data-logging and data-analysis.
The RH40 is the best choice for flow survey, meter verification, pump checking, HVAC and energy
balancing, facility management, and other demanding flow and energy monitoring applications.
Features
Accurately measures energy and flow using non-intrusive technology
Capability of measuring bi-directional flow/Energy
Ease of use and fast installation
Able to measure on a very wide pipe size range, from 0.5” up to 120”
Ergonomic design, allowing the main unit to be held and operated with one
hand
Signal quality tracking and self-adaptation for robust performance
Suitable for pure liquids and liquids with some particles. No dependency on
conductivity
Suitable for all commonly used pipes

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Rechargeable battery for 8 hours of operation
Self-explanatory user interface. Step-by-step Quick Start guidance
Optional built-in large data logger
PC software for data download and real-time data acquisition
Bluetooth and serial interfaces for PC link
±0.5% of linearity
Accuracy: ±1% of reading in velocity plus ±0.03ft/s (10mm/s)
Typical Applications
The RH40 handheld flow and BTU meter is a perfect fit for the following applications:
Energy consumption supervision and water conservation management
Cooling system and air conditioning/glycol solutions
Water, including hot water, chilled water, city water, sea water, and more
Sewage and drainage water with small particle quantity
Oil, including crude oil, lubricating oil, diesel oil, fuel oil, and more
Various chemicals, including alcohol, acids, and more
Solvents
Beverage and food processors
Water and waste treatment
Power plants (nuclear, thermal & hydropower) heat energy boiler feed water
Metallurgy and mining applications (e.g., acid recovery)
Marine operation and maintenance
Pulp and paper
Pipeline leak detection, inspection, tracking, and collection
Water distribution network monitoring
Carrying Case

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................6
§1.1 Principle of Measurement............................................................................................................6
§1.2 Parts Identification.......................................................................................................................8
§1.3 Product Identification ................................................................................................................ 10
§1.4 Data Integrity and Built-in Time-Keeper ..................................................................................... 10
§1.5 Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................. 10
2. Flow Rate Measurement .............................................................................................................. 13
§2.1 Built-in Battery........................................................................................................................... 13
§2.2 Power On................................................................................................................................... 14
§2.3 Keypad....................................................................................................................................... 14
§2.4 Display Windows........................................................................................................................ 16
§2.6 Steps to Configure the Parameters............................................................................................. 22
3. Installation ................................................................................................................................... 26
§3.1 Mounting Allocation for Transducers ......................................................................................... 26
§3.2 Transducer Installation............................................................................................................... 27
§3.3 Transducer Spacing.................................................................................................................... 30
§3.4 Installation Checkup................................................................................................................... 31
§3.4.A Signal Strength.................................................................................................................... 31
§3.4.B Signal Quality ...................................................................................................................... 32
§3.4.C Total Transit Time and Delta Time ....................................................................................... 33
§3.4.D Transit Time Ratio............................................................................................................... 33
4. How To......................................................................................................................................... 34
§4.1 How to check if the instrument is working properly ................................................................... 34
§4.2 How to check the liquid flowing direction .................................................................................. 34
§4.3 How to change the unit’s measurement system ......................................................................... 34
§4.4 How to select a flow rate unit .................................................................................................... 35
§4.5 How to use the totalizer multiplier............................................................................................. 35
§4.6 How to turn on and off totalizers ............................................................................................... 35
§4.7 How to reset the totalizer .......................................................................................................... 35
§4.8 How to use the damping filter to stabilize the reading ............................................................... 35
§4.9 How to use the zero-cutoff function (Noise Filter) ...................................................................... 36
§4.10 How to set up the zero calibration ........................................................................................... 36

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§4.11 How to change the flow rate scale factor ................................................................................. 36
§4.12 How to use the password lock.................................................................................................. 36
§4.13 How to use the built-in data logger .......................................................................................... 37
§4.14 How to use the Frequency Output............................................................................................ 37
§4.15 How to use the Totalizer Pulse Output ..................................................................................... 38
§4.16 How to set up the alarm signal ................................................................................................. 38
§4.17 How to use the built-in Buzzer ................................................................................................. 39
§4.18 How to use the OCT output...................................................................................................... 39
§4.19 How to modify the built-in calendar......................................................................................... 39
§4.20 How to adjust the LCD contrast................................................................................................ 39
§4.21 How to use the RS232 serial interface ...................................................................................... 39
§4.22 How to view the Totalizers....................................................................................................... 39
§4.23 How to use the Working Timer................................................................................................. 39
§4.24 How to use the manual totalizer .............................................................................................. 39
§4.25 How to check the ESN .............................................................................................................. 40
§4.26 How to check the battery life ................................................................................................... 40
§4.27 How to calibrate the flow meter .............................................................................................. 40
5. Menu Window Details.................................................................................................................. 41
6. Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 46
§6.1 Power-on Errors......................................................................................................................... 46
§6.2 Working Status Errors ................................................................................................................ 46
§6.3 Other Problems and Solutions.................................................................................................... 48
7. Communication ............................................................................................................................ 50
§7.1 General...................................................................................................................................... 50
§7.2 Connect the Flowmeter to a PC.................................................................................................. 50
§7.3 Check the Flowmeter COM Port Settings.................................................................................... 50
§7.4 Set up PC Software..................................................................................................................... 51
§7.5Communication Protocol ............................................................................................................ 51
The following is a wiring diagram for the 4-20mA output. The password for 4-20mA configuration is
4213068. ........................................................................................................................................... 53
§7.6 Protocol Prefix Usage................................................................................................................. 53
8. Warranty and Service .................................................................................................................. 55
§8.1 Warranty ................................................................................................................................... 55
§8.2 Service ....................................................................................................................................... 55
§8.3 Software Upgrade Service .......................................................................................................... 56
9. Appendix ...................................................................................................................................... 57

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§9.1 RH40 Meter and Battery Maintenance....................................................................................... 57
§9.2 Transducer Installation Guide ....................................................................................................57
§9.2.A Find the mounting site ........................................................................................................ 57
§9.2.B Prepare the Pipe Surface.....................................................................................................58
§9.2.C Prepare the Transducer....................................................................................................... 59
§9.2.D Install the Transducers........................................................................................................ 59
§9.3 Pipe Size Tables.......................................................................................................................... 60

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1.Introduction
§1.1 Principle of Measurement
The Regal Series flow and energy meters are based on the transit-time measurement principle, where the
system utilizes a pair of sensors which function as both ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. The sensors
are installed on the pipe wall, either clamped on the outside of the pipe or inserted into the pipe at a
specific distance from each other. The flow meter operates by alternately transmitting and receiving a
coded burst of sound energy between the two sensors and measuring the transit time it takes for sound to
travel between the two sensors. The difference in the transit time is directly related to the velocity of the
liquid in the pipe. The flow rate is then calculated based on the transit-time difference, the geometry of
the pipe and the fluid dynamics formula.
The sensors, or transducers, are commonly mounted with the Z-method or the V-method. There are
several types of transducers you may choose for your application. HS and HM transducers have mounting
rails. They are, therefore, easy to install. You may need a clamping strap to secure the mounting rail to
the pipe if the magnet on the rail does not work with the pipe. See Appendix §9.2 for details on the
different types of transducers. All the other types of transducers do not have a mounting rail. You can
clamp them on to pipe using the supplied clamping strap. Installation using these clamping straps is an
easy, straight-forward process. The installation process is fully explained in Section §3.
The RH40 operates by alternately transmitting and receiving a frequency-modulated burst of sound
energy between the two transducers and measuring the transit time that it takes for sound to travel
between the two transducers. The difference in the transit time measured is directly and exactly related to
the velocity of the liquid in the pipe, as shown in the following equation and figure.
Where
θis the angle between the sound path and the flow direction
M is the number of times the sound traverses the flow
Z method
downup TT TMD
V


 2sin

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D is the pipe diameter
Tup is the time for the beam traveling from upstream the transducer to the downstream transducer
Tdown is the time for the beam traveling from the downstream transducer to the upstream
transducer
ΔT = Tup –Tdown
Both flow and thermal measurements are necessary to calculate energy usage. There are two methods for
thermal energy calculation:
(1) Qt = Q x (T2 –T1) x Ct,
(2) Qt = Q x (TC2 –TC1)
The site of the transducer installation is very important. Here are some recommendations for selecting
the right site:
In order to achieve high accuracy, we recommend using a pipe with at least a 15D straight-pipe
run: upstream 10D and downstream 5D, where D is pipe diameter. A longer, upstream straight-
pipe run is best.
If there is a valve upstream and the valve is not fully open, it could generate flow disturbance.
If there is a pump upstream, we recommend a pipe with at least a 30D straight pipe run.
If the pipe is vertical, make sure the flow is going upward, not downward. Downward flow could
produce air gaps, if the flow is free fall.
If the pipe is horizontal, make sure the pipe is FULL. The transducer needs to be installed on the
side of the pipe, not on the top or bottom of the pipe.

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§1.2 Parts Identification
Charger with Adapter
RM Transducer
RS2 Transducer
Temperature Sensors
LF Transducer (optional)
Clamping Strap

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HM-type (2”-28”)
HS-type
L1-type
(Optional)
Transducer Cable 5m x 2
Extension Cable 5m x 2
(Optional)
USB Cable
Complete RH40 Kit, including carrying case, measuring
tape, nylon clamping straps, and software CD

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§1.3 Product Identification
Each set of the RH40 series flow meter has a unique product identification number, or ESN. This number
is written into the software and can only be modified by the manufacturer with a special tool. In the case
of any hardware failure, please provide this number when contacting the manufacturer. It is displayed in
Menu Window M55. The window can be accessed by pressing the following series of keys:
M5 (System) 5(Version/SN#)
See section §2.4 for more information on display windows.
§1.4 Data Integrity and Built-in Time-Keeper
All user-entered configuration values are stored in the built-in, non-volatile flash memory that can retain
the data for over one hundred years. The memory integrity is retained even when the power is
disconnected or turned off. Password protection is provided to avoid inadvertent configuration changes or
totalizer resets.
A time-keeper is integrated in the flow meter. It works as the time base for flow totalizing. The time-
keeper remains operational as long as the battery’s terminal voltage is over 1.5V. In the case of battery
failure, the time keeper will not keep running, and the time data will be lost. The user must re-enter
proper time values after the battery is restored. Improper time values will affect the totalizer as well as
many other functions. Re-entering the time value is a crucial step after battery failure because the
totalizer is a factor in accurate flow rate measurement.
§1.5 Technical Specifications
Design
Portable
Flow Measurement
Volumetric flow rate, total flow, velocity. Bi-directional.
Energy Measurement
Measure Energy rate and energy total. Dual RTD is required.

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Flow Velocity
± 10 m/s (± 32 ft/s), bi-directional.
Flow Accuracy
1% of reading 0.01m/s (0.03ft/s) in velocity*
Temperature Accuracy
Within 0.1°C
Repeatability
0.5%
Response Time
0.5s. Configurable between 0.5s and 99s.
Display/Keypad
LCD with backlight. 4 x 16 letters. 5 x 4 tactile-feedback membrane
keypad plus 4 utility keys.
Displays instantaneous Energy rate/total, flow rate/total (positive,
negative and net), velocity.
Units
English (U.S.) or metric.
Totalizers
Positive totalizer, negative totalizer, net totalizer, manual totalizer.
Output
4-20mA
Optically isolated Open Collector Transistor output (OCT) for
frequency and pulse
Recording
Automatically records the daily total of the last 128 days, the
monthly total of the last 64 months and the yearly total of the last 5
years.
Data Logger
>150,000 measured values.
Communication Interface
Bluetooth and RS232. Supports the MODBUS protocol.
Software
PC software for data logger download and real-time data acquisition.
Available apps for Android.
Pipe Size Range
0.5" - 120" (DN15mm - DN3,000mm), depending on
transducer.
Pipe Material
All metals, most plastics, some lined pipes**.
Liquid Type
Virtually all liquids (full pipe).
Liquid Temperature
32˚F - 176˚F (0˚C - 80˚C) or 32˚F - 312˚F (0˚C - 155˚C),
depending on transducer type
Enclosure
Handset:
Plastic with anti-shock
protection 1.2 lbs
(538g) with batteries
Carrying case:
Aluminum alloy protective case.
Suitable for normal and harsh
environment
Environmental Protection
IP54
IP54
Handheld Dimensions
Handset:
8”x4”x1.5”
(205mmx103mmx37mm)
Carrying case:
20”x15”x6”

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(501mmx380mmx152mm)
Weight
Handset:
1.2 lbs (538g) with
batteries
Carrying case:
15 lbs (7.5kg) approximate
Power source
3 AAA Ni-H built-in batteries. When fully recharged, it will
last over 8 hours of operation. AC power supply to charge
batteries.
*Note: This accuracy rate is only applicable under the reference conditions and with a velocity
above 0.5 ft/s. Flow rate is calculated by multiplying velocity with the inner cross-section area of
the pipe.
**Note: See section §3.1, #5 for more information on lined pipes.

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2.Flow Rate Measurement
§2.1 Built-in Battery
The RH40 flow meter can operate either from the built-in Ni-H rechargeable battery or from an external
AC power supply. The battery will last over 8 hours of continuous operation when fully charged. In
addition, the AC power supply allows the device to run while charging. The red LED will be on when the
battery is charging.
The battery-charging circuit employs both constant-current and constant-voltage charging methods.
The battery charges quickly at the beginning, and the current tapers off as the battery approaches full
power. In other words, the current becomes smaller and smaller throughout the charging process. As, a
result, there should be no problems with over-charging. This also means that the process of bringing the
device to full power can take up a significant amount of time. We recommend charging the device
overnight to get close to 100% power. The charger can be connected to the handset at all times when
constant measurement is required. If extended use of the handset is required, it is best to leave the
device plugged in.
When fully charged, the terminal voltage peaks at around 4.25V. The terminal voltage is displayed on
window menu M56 (press buttons M, 5, and 6, in succession). When the battery is nearly consumed, the
battery voltage drops to below 3V. The approximate remaining working time for the battery is indicated
Red LED

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in this window as well. The remaining working time is estimated based on the battery voltage at the time.
Some errors may occur, especially when the terminal voltage is in the range between 3.70 to -3.90
volts.
For battery maintenance and replacement, please refer to Appendix §9.1.A
§2.2 Power On
Press the ON key to turn on the power, and OFF to turn off the power. Once the flow meter is turned on,
it will run a self-diagnostic program—checking the hardware first, and then, the software integrity. If
there are any abnormalities, corresponding error messages will be displayed. (See Section §6 for more
information on error messages.)
Under normal conditions, there should be no display of error messages, and the flow meter will proceed
to the main window. This menu can also be accessed at any time by pressing the (“Ex”) key up to
three times, depending on the menu window in use at the time. The main menu will display the signal
strength, signal quality, and transit-time ratio. These readings are based on the most recent pipe
parameters configured, or by the initial program.
The flow measurement will keep running in the background without change, regardless of any user
window browsing or viewing activities. Only when the user enters new pipe parameters will the flow
meter change measurement to reflect these alterations.
When new pipe parameters are entered or when the power is turned on, the flow meter will enter into a
self-adjusting mode. The device will account for the increase in receiving circuits so that the signal
strength will be within a proper range. Using this step, the flow meter finds the best receiving signals.
See Section §2.6 for more information of configuring the pipe parameters.
When the user adjusts the position of the installed transducers, the flow meter will re-adjust the signal
gain automatically. Any user-entered configuration value will be stored in the NVRAM (non-volatile
memory), until it is modified by the user.
§2.3 Keypad
The SET key is used to configure the pipe parameters.
The LOG key is used to set up and view the built-in data-logger.

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The CAL key is used to setup calibrations.
The Mkey is used to access all the other menu functions.
The ENT key is the enter key to confirm or acknowledge any input or selections.
The (“Ex”) key is the exit or backspace key.
The key is used to view measurements.
The key is used to navigate up, or to add numbers together.
The key is used to navigate down, or to subtract numbers.
The 0 through 9 and. keys are used to enter numbers and values.

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§2.4 Display Windows
SET
1. Quick Start
S1. Set Mounting Site
S2. Pipe Parameters
S3. Fluid Parameters
S4. Transducer
Parameters
S5. Install Transducer
S6. Verify S,Q,R
S7. Diagnose Triplet
2. Set Pipe
S21. Enter OD
S22. Set Wall TH
S23. Set ID
S24. Pipe Material
S25. Set Liner
Exit
3. Set Fluid
S31. Fluid Type
S32. Sound Speed
S33. Viscosity
Exit
4. Transducer
S41. Transducer Type
S42. Mount Method
S43. Mount Space
S44. Scale Factor
Exit
5. Set Filter
S51. Average Filter
S52. Noise Filter
S53. Poor Sig filter
S54. Empty pipe
Exit
6. Exit

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LOG
1. Log Items
1. Basic 4 items
2. All 16 items
3. Exit
2. Schedule
L11. Log Interval
L12. Start Time
L13. Stop Time
Exit
3. Save To
L20. Save Log to File
4. View Log
L30. Choose saved file
5. Clear Log
L40. Choose saved file
6. Exit

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CAL
1. Zero Cal
C10. Zero Cal
instructions
2. Linear Cal
C21. Man totalizer
C22. Linear Table
Exit
3. 0/4 –20 mA
Cal
C31. Verify
C32. Calibrate
Exit
4. Temperature
Cal
C41. T1/T2
C42. Calibrate
Exit
Exit

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5. System
M
9. Exit
M58. Work Timer
M57. System Lock
M56. Battery Voltage
M55. Version/SN#
M54. Date/Time
M53. Comm
M52. Unit
M51. Language
4. Totalizer
10. Exit
M49. Yearly Totalizer
M48. Monthly Totalizer
M47. Eng TOT Reset
M46. Eng Multiplier
M45. Flo TOT Reset
M44. Flo NEG on/off
M43. Flo POS on/off
M42. Flo NET on/off
M41. Flo Multiplier
3. Input/Output
9. Exit
M38. Batch Control
M37. Alarm
M36. Buzzer
M35. Freq. Output
M34. Relay Output
M33.OCT Output
M32. O/4 –20A CL
M31. Display
2. Diagnosis
5. Exit
M24 Reynolds No.
M23. Transit Time
M22. Sound Speed
M21. Triplet
1. Site
M11. Save Site
M12. Recall Site
M13. Delete Site
4. Exit

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6. Heat Energy
M61. Location
M62. Temperature
3. Exit
7. Calculator
8. Misc
9. Exit
M81. Max flow rate
M82. Last pwr off
M83. Pwr on time
4. Exit