TVC GFM2 User manual

[phone]
www.tvcalx.co.uk
The Validation Centre (TVC) Limited
Unit 15, Brinell Way, Harfreys Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk,
NR31 0 U, UK.
[email protected]
GFM2
Gas Flow Meter 2 including Analysis Model
Instruction Manual
V2.0

Contents
1.0 Description 3
1.1 Items Supplied 3
1.2 Connectors and Controls 4
2.0 Operational Instructions 5
2.1 Operational Warnings 5
2.2 Powering Up the Unit 6
2.3 Selecting a Function 6
2.3.1 Function: Gas Type Selection 6
2.3.2 Flow Measurement 7
2.3.3 Function: Data Logging 8
2.3.3 (i) Data Logging: Nozzle Measurements 9
2.3.3 (ii) Data Logging: Inline 9
2.4 Data Viewing and Reporting 9
2.5 Viewing Logged Files 10
2.6 Transferring Logged Files into MS Excel Reports 11
2.6.1 Surge File Example 11
2.7 Removing Logged Files 12
2.8 Changing Measured Units or Date and Time 12
3.0 GFM2 Analysis Edition (Optional) 13
3.1 Field Calibration 15
4.0 Operational Flow Charts 16
4.1 Flow Chart 1 16
4.2 Flow Chart 2 17
4.3 Flow Chart 3 18
5.0 Battery Charging 19
6.0 Additional Information 19
6.1 Specication 19
6.2 Calibration 19
6.3 Disposal 20

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1.0 Description
1GFM2
2Battery charger
3Thread adaptors (male and female; 3/8” and 1/4”)
4Quick-t extensions with thread adaptors (male and female; 3/8”
and 1/4”)
5Nozzles (16mm, 19mm and 22mm; only one pictured above)
6Nozzle extension hose
7GFM2 to PC USB interface lead
8GFM2 to TVC Welding Data Logger interface lead (optional)
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1.1 Items Supplied
The GFM2 is supplied with the following:

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3
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5
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1.2 Connectors and Controls
1Quick-t ow inlet
2Quick-t ow outlet
3Display screen
4‘Reset’ button (reset peak gas ow value)
5‘Log’ button
6‘Up’ button
7‘Down’ button
Close up view of quick-t ow inlet and outlet
1 2

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2.0 Operational Instructions
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7USB / Welding Data Logger output connector
8Charger input
9On / O Switch
The following MUST be read before attempting to use the GFM2:
1 The GFM2 is designed for use on Inert Arc Welding Shielding
and Back Purging gases ONLY. The GFM2 is designed for
use with Inert Welding gases. NEVER attempt to monitor
Fuel gases or Oxygen with the GFM2.
2When measuring welding nozzle ow, always ensure that
the wire feed drive wheels are slackened o so that welding
wire cannot be fed through the GFM2.
3When using on equipment with High Frequency (HF) Arc
Starting always ensuring that the HF is turned o.
4DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LINE PRESSURE OF 8
BAR!
2.1 Operational Warnings

2.2 Powering Up the Unit
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2.3 Selecting a Function
The GFM2 has been programmed with nine gas mix selections. As
standard, these are:
•Argon (Ar)
•Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
•Argon/CO2 Mixes (Ar-CO2)
•Nitrogen (N2)
•Argon/Helium Mixes 0 to 10% (Ar-He 10%)
•Argon/Helium Mixes 10 to 30% (Ar-He 30%)
•Argon/Helium Mixes 30 to 50% (Ar-He 50%)
•Argon/Helium Mixes 50 to 70% (Ar-He 70%)
•Argon/Helium Mixes 0 to 100% (Ar-He 100%)
Switch the On / O button to the ‘On’ position. The GFM2 LCD will
illuminate and the software version number together with the model type
will be displayed for a few seconds the screen will then revert to the
standard display layout.
2.3.1 Function: Gas Type Selection

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Use the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons to scroll between the available selections.
The selected gas is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Select the required size nozzle and connect it to the GFM2 inlet tting
using the extension hose if required.
Insert the arc welding torch nozzle into the GFM2 nozzle ensuring a good
t. Check that the GFM2 unit is switched on and the correct gas type
selected.
Press the gas purge button on the arc welding set, once the ow has
stabilised read the ow in litres per minute (LPM) on the GFM2 display.
Once the gas stops owing the GFM2 display will turn red, and display the
total gas consumed. Further gas ows will be added to the gas consumed
total until the ‘Reset’ button is pressed. The total consumed can be read
o the display during gas ow on the ‘Cons’ area of the screen. Peak gas
ow is displayed on the ‘Peak’ screen which shows the highest peak ow
throughout the gas reading or series of readings taken. The ‘Reset’ button
resets these displays to zero also.
2.3.2 Flow Measurement
GFM2 with Nozzle

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GFM2 with Nozzle and Extension Hose
The data logging facility records ow results and surge data on the GFM2
internal memory. Recorded data can be downloaded from the GFM2 via
USB connection for direct import into the included data viewing and
reporting software. There are three modes for data logging:
Log 1 Quick, on-screen results.
Log 2 Logs gas over a set period, taking a gas reading every 20
milliseconds.
Log 3 Logs gas at regular intervals.
To select an alternative mode, press and hold the ‘Reset’ button for three
seconds to enter the ‘Setup’ screen. Press the ‘Up’ button to enter the
logging options screen. Press the ‘Log’ button to scroll through the three
logging options. Use the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons to change the logging
time in each option. Once selected, press ‘Reset’ twice to return to the
main screen.
2.3.3 Function: Data Logging

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2.3.3 (i) Data Logging: Nozzle Measurements
1Switch unit on.
2Select ‘Log 1’ mode. This provides a quick, ‘screen print’ of results.
3Connect the GFM2 to the welding torch using the correct size nozzle
adaptor.
4Start the ow of gas and allow to stabilise.
5Press the ‘Log’ button while gas is owing to record the gas ow data.
6Once the gas ow has been logged, the screen will display the gas
consumed and peak gas ow.
Connect the GFM2 into the gas line observing the correct gas ow
direction. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN CONNECTIONS! Use PTFE tape to
seal if required.
2.3.3 (ii) Data Logging: Inline
NB: DO NOT EXCEED THE RATED MAXIMUM PRESSURE OF 8 BAR!
For long periods of gas ow monitoring, the mains power supply can be
connected to the GFM2. Use either ‘Log 2’ or ‘Log 3’ depending on the
type of logging required.
Log 2 The GFM2 will start logging as soon as it sees the gas ow
and will stop logging once the pre-set time has been reached.
Log 3
The GFM2 will start logging as soon as the ‘Log’ button is
pressed and continue to log at the set intervals until the ‘Log’
button is pressed again.
2.4 Data Viewing and Reporting
To view the recorded data to a PC, connect the GFM2 using the USB
cable provided and view using the software included with the unit.

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The GFM2 unit will display the following screen whilst it is connected:
When the GFM2 is connected to a computer it will appear as a removable
drive in the Windows ‘My Computer’ page. Double-click the drive icon to
open the drive and nd the GFM2 les.
All logged gasses are stored under folders labelled by the date (day,
month, year i.e. 01042014). Open one of the folders to view the logged
gases for that day.
LOG.CSV contain all gas screen prints taken whilst in ‘Log 1’ mode.
.TXT
contain logged gasses whilst in ‘Log 2’ and ‘Log 3’ modes.
Each TXT. le is labelled using the time the gas was
logged (hours, minutes, seconds).
2.5 Viewing Logged Files

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2.6 Transferring Logged Files into MS Excel Reports
TVC provide two MS-Excel templates which can be used to open GFM2
les and display the logged gas in an MS-Excel report. Both templates
operate in the same manner making them easier to use.
The ‘Log File Reporter’ template opens the .LOG les (gas screen
captures whilst in ‘Log 1’ mode). The ‘Surge File Reporter’ template is
used to open TXT.les.
2.6.1 Surge File Example
1Open the ‘Surge File Reporter’ template.
2Once opened, click the load button to open a Windows le browser.
3Locate the GFM2 drive and select one of the TXT. les logged. Click the
open button. The template will now open the GFM2 le and display the
gas data found.

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The template also provides gas costing. Gas costs can be adjusted from
the gas costs spreadsheet, located in one of the tabs at the bottom of the
MS-Excel template. To retain the information in MS-Excel document
format, re-save the document under a dierent name.
Files on the GFM2 are like normal Windows les. This means you can
remove or delete them as you normally would.
The GFM2 should be factory-set to measure in either Metric or Imperial
units, however, should this need to be adjusted this can be done via a
computer.
When the GFM2 is connected to your computer it will appear as a
removable drive in the Windows ‘My Computer’ page. Double-click the
drive icon to open the drive and nd the GFM2 les.
Double-click on the le ‘TVC-Handheld-Date-Setter.exe’. The following
software window will open on your PC.
Follow the instructions and ensure that the correct measurement units box
is ticked (Item 4, above).
The date and time can be adjusted using this also (Item 5, above).
2.7 Removing Logged Files
2.8 Changing Measured Units or Date and Time

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The GFM2 Analysis Model has been created to record the levels of
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2) in sample gases. The start-up
screen will be displayed, and a function selection screen will be displayed.
For normal GFM2 use, press the ‘Up’ button, for gas test and analysis,
press the ‘Down’ button.
3.0 GFM2 Analysis Edition (Optional)
The unit looks slightly dierent to the standard GFM2.
The unit has a xed hose (1) as well as a control valve on the back (2).
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The gas under test is connected to the GFM2 input connector and fed
through the ow meter head. It is then routed through the analysis pod.
NB: The supplied connector hose should be used to connect the
output of the ow meter head to the analysis pod.
The exhaust gas is vented to atmosphere so appropriate ventilation
precautions with respect to prolonged use in conned spaces should be
followed.
The analysis pod requires a set ow rate for accurate and repeatable
operation. The ow rate should be adjusted using the needle valve to
achieve 10lpm ± 1LPM. The ow rate is shown on the analysis screen and
switches from red to green when the ow rate is in an acceptable range.

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O2 0.00% - 20.9%
CO2 0.00% - 50.00%
O2 and CO2 measurement ranges:
NB: The analysis pod is NOT designed to measure any
concentrations of of O2 greater than 20.9%. Using the GFM2 on
higher O2% mixes is not approved.
The measured gas concentrations are displayed on the screen. Logging
and reporting are the same as GFM2 (outlined above in the sections
above).
As with any measurement equipment the analysis pod requires time to
achieve an accurate measurement. The T95 time is 120 seconds when
using the set ow rate.
3.1 Field Calibration
The analysis pod is factory calibrated; however, additional eld calibration
is included to maintain optimum operation.
To perform the eld calibration an O2 and CO2 free gas, e.g. pure Argon
or pure Nitrogen, should be purged through the system. The purge should
be run for at least ve minutes before the eld calibration is performed.
Once the purge is complete, while the gas is still running at the set ow
rate, press and hold the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons for around three seconds.
The screen will show ‘Zero Complete’. Release the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’
buttons. The eld calibration is now complete, and the purge gas can be
removed.

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NB: Running a eld calibration on a gas mix containing O2 and or
CO2 will cause the measured gases to be inaccurate. If this occurs,
the eld calibration should be run again on the appropriate gas.
It is recommended that a eld calibration is run once per month, or before
use, particularly if the GFM2 has not been used for a while. Field
calibration can be run as often as desired
4.0 Operational Flow Charts
4.1 Flow Chart 1
Power On
Ensure ‘Log 1’ operation mode is
selected.
To reset the peak ow, press the
‘Reset’ button.
Insert the welding torch nozzle into
the GFM2 nozzle and purge gas. The
gas ow will display in LPM whilst gas
is owing. The GFM2 will display the
peak ow achieved when the gas ow
stops, and the gas consumed.

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4.2 Flow Chart 2
Ensure ‘Log 1’ operation mode is selected.
To set ‘Log 1’, press and hold the ‘Reset’
button for 5 seconds. The ‘Setup’ screen
will be displayed.
For ‘Log 1’, use the ‘Up’ / ‘Down’ buttons
to set the log duration to ‘000 s’.
To exit the ‘Setup’ screen, press the
‘Reset’ button. The main screen will be
displayed.
Select the gas mix required on the main
screen by pressing the ‘Up’ / ‘Down’
buttons.
Insert the welding torch nozzle into the
GFM2 nozzle and purge gas. The gas ow
will display in LPM whilst gas is owing.
The GFM2 will display the peak ow
achieved when the gas ow stops, and the
gas consumed.
To save the displayed data, press the ‘Log’
button.
Reset the displayed data by pressing the
‘Reset’ button.
Power On

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4.3 Flow Chart 3
Ensure ‘Log 2’ operation mode is selected.
To set ‘Log 2’, press and hold the ‘Reset’ button for 5
seconds. The ‘Setup’ screen will be displayed.
For ‘Log 2’, use the ‘Up’ / ‘Down’ buttons to set the log
duration from ‘005 s’ to ‘060 s’.
To exit the ‘Setup’ screen, press the ‘Reset’ button. The
main screen will be displayed.
Select the gas mix required on the main screen by
pressing the ‘Up’ / ‘Down’ buttons.
Press the ‘Log’ button. A green bar will appear on the top
of the screen.
The GFM2 is now ready to record the gas surge.
When the gas surge data has been recorded, the bar will
turn red and then disappear off the screen.
Reset the displayed data by pressing the ‘Reset’ button.
Insert the welding torch nozzle into the GFM2 nozzle and
purge gas. The gas ow will display in LPM whilst gas is
owing. The GFM2 will display the peak ow achieved
when the gas ow stops, and the gas consumed. When
the gas ows, the green bar will change to blue and
move across the screen for the pre-set log duration.
Power On

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5.0 Battery Charging
The GFM2 uses a rechargeable 7.2 Volt Lithium-Ion battery which lasts
for approximately 8 to 10 hrs. When the battery level reaches 000% the
GFM2 should be recharged using the supplied battery charger.
To charge the GFM2, use ONLY the battery charger supplied by TVC.
Insert the battery charger plug into the charging input socket. Connect the
battery charger to a suitable mains supply. The GFM2 battery will take
around two hours to fully recharge and should be disconnected from the
battery charger once fully charged.
The following details the charge cycle and LED indications for the GFM2
battery charger:
Yellow LED Green LED Mode
O O Mains disconnected
On On Battery charging
O On Mains connected; battery charged, or
battery disconnected
6.0 Additional Information
6.1 Specication
Range 5 to 100 LPM (Argon)
Accuracy ±5% reading ± 1 Digit
Transducer Type Turbine
Battery Li-Ion 7.2V 2.6Ah Rechargeable
6.2 Calibration
All GFM2 meters are supplied with valid and traceable 12-month
calibration certication.
TVC recommend that the GFM2 unit is returned to TVC, or a TVC-
approved agent, for recalibration and service annually.

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To meet our obligations under the WEEE directive, we have
a collection point for the recycling of this product once it has
reached the end of its normal working life. In these
circumstances, please contact us for further instructions.
For further information on equipment calibration or disposal
please contact TVC.
6.3 Disposal