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.