Ultraflux UF 801-PB User manual

NT228B GB2 1
NT 228B GB2
Rev.4: March 2010
ULTRAFLUX SA_
Le Technoparc
17, rue Charles Edouard
Jeanneret
78306 Poissy Cedex – France
Tel: [phone]
Fax:+33
(
0
)
1 39 79 91 2
2
UF 801-P / UF 801-PB
NEW GENERATION ULTRASONIC
PORTABLE FLOWMETERS

NT228B GB2 2
1 - INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing Ultraflux as your technical partner. We have offered since the
1970’s a full range of portable and fixed flow meters.
We have over30 years’ experience and expertise using Ultrasonic techniques including
following developments:
¾The innovative DigiSonic P/E family of portable flow meters with integral
loggers and built-in signal analysis function.
¾The UF322 family of fixed flow meters, with adapted versions for liquids (L),
Gas (G), Multi Chord (MC, L&G), Open channels (CO) and large Rivers (RV).
¾The MiniSonic family with the portable meter (Mini-P), the dual pipe meter (PB),
fixed meter CO_Mini-600 / 2000 and ATEX Ex d versions (COD), dual chord
versions (CO_Mini-600-2 / 2000-2), dual pipes versions CO_Mini 600-B/2000-B
and velocity versions Mini-Speed 1 & 2.
¾The new UF 8xx family is our latest state of art, offering with improved
characteristics
UF 801-P portable unit is the first new meter of this family.
All our flow-meters work on the principle of ultrasonic transit time and can be
associated with clamp-on or wetted probes depending on the application.
Regarding this manual, it has been specifically written for the personal operating the
UF 801-P. It contains very important information about the instrument to guide you
through the different steps of handling, precautions and installation, commissioning
and possible troubleshooting.
Other documents and tools are available on paper or in electronic format:
¾ A training manual concerning ultrasonic measurement, reference NT 122
¾ A short form manual with direct instructions to end user.
¾ The specific PC software LS 801W _version *** with connection cable
Most, manuals and PC tools, exist, in different languages, with a minimum of English
and French, which are freely selectable.
Make sure you have read and understood this manual before using the UF
801P
Windows & Excel are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

NT228B GB2 3
Ultraflux S.A. reserves all rights on this document and product.
No part of this document can be reproduced without prior authorization in
writing from Ultraflux S.A.
Ultraflux, UF 801-P / PB and attached probes or accessories are registered
trademarks of Ultraflux S.A.
In the interest of continuous improvement of its products, Ultraflux reserves
the right to change them or some of their characteristics without notice.
This document is written with the end user in mind. It tries to explain all the
instrument and measurement methods to a non specialist and specialist
alike, to obtain the best results.
Meanwhile, Ultraflux will not accept any liability for errors, including
language, or missing information which may be in the documentation.
But, suggested updates and improvements by users are gratefully received
on e-mail via our website.
Note that the document reference NT 228 has two added signs:
• A letter that concerns the content revision (here B)
• A number after the language (GB = English), that concerns a text or
grammatical revisions (here 2).
ULTRAFLUX SA_
Le Technoparc
17, rue Charles Edouard Jeanneret
78306 Poissy Cedex – France
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.:[phone]
E-mail : [email protected]
Web : www.ultraflux.com

NT228B GB2 4
UF 801-P COMPLIANCE:
1-Safety Precautions:
When using this UF 801-P with probes or accessories, please respect site safety
regulations. Access to pipe work very often requires removal of protection or lagging.
Pipes can be hot or may possibly contain corrosive or toxic liquids or gases: ensure
always you use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) i.e. helmet, gloves, glasses…
Particular attention is required when a flow test is in an ATEX Ex classified area: please
respect site instructions and ask for permit where required. Probes, connection and
instrument handling… could cause sparks, providing a source of ignition for flammable
or explosive mixtures.
Always keep the instrument in good condition.
Charging the UF 801-P batteries requires significant current charging, involving a mains
power connection. Even with the best built-in safety components to prevent from over
voltage or other external reason, over charging may cause over-heating…. Avoid
leaving the device connected to the charger longer than necessary, without checking or
securing these conditions.
2-Conformity to EC Norms:
All equipment is CE certified .
UF 801-P is typically specified as IP67 and has been successfully tested IP68 under 2 m
of water for 8 hours. However, it is better to prevent it from immersion or to provide
heavy duty protection if the immersion risk is great or the humidity is high.
ATEX certification can be delivered for the relevant probes and standards, when
required. All equipment will be labeled accordingly. In the absence of the relevant
marks and attached certificates, do not consider the instrument so certified!
Main Applicable Standards:
• Concerning high voltage human safety risks :
UF 801-P: N/A – Only low voltage (< 60 V).
Charger: 100-240 V AC : conforms to UL & CE Directive 73/23/CE, Rev.
2006/95/CE…
• Concerning EMC : Directive 91/157/CE
• Concerning tightness ( IP ) : EN 60529
• Concerning ATEX : Directive 94 / 4 / CE and Directive 99/92/CE (*)
• Recycling & Environment Protection: ISO 14001 / DEEE > 13/06/2005 in
France
(*) UF 801-P would only be considered as associated to Ex mb IIC T6 with
relevant transducers and attached cables. The Converter would have to be in
the safe area.
Please refer to official documents / conformity certificates

NT228B GB2 5
3- Other Certifications:
All equipment is flow tested before delivery, and compared to a standard.
On request (but not free of charge), the instrument can be delivered with a calibration
certificate. Contact sales for further details.
4-Warranty:
Please refer to the sales contract for terms and conditions.
This Warranty supposes that this instrument is used for the purpose of its design and
has been operated according to the instructions given in this manual. Any maintenance
operation or component replacement must be done by an Ultraflux authorized agent.

NT228B GB2 6
2 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - INTRODUCTION 2
2 - TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
3 - APPLICATIONS 8
3.1 Overview 9
3.2 Measurement Principle 10
3.3 Typical Applications 11
3.4 Probes, Supports and
Accessories (see also § 5) 12
4 - HANDLING THE FLOWMETER 14
4.1 Presentation / Scope of Delivery 15
General precautions / Cleaning: 16
4.2 External Connections 17
4.3 Connection to a PC or another
terminal 18
4.4 Using the Keypad: 19
4.5 The Menus Review 20
4.6 The Configuration Menu: 21
4.7 The PC Software : General 22
5 - PROBES INSTALLATION 23
5.1 Probe selection criteria: 24
5.2 Selection of the Measurement
section 24
5.3 Probe Coupling : 25
5.4 First measurements: 26
6 - SIMPLE MODE 27
6.1 Mode « Simple » 28
6.2 Measurement Menu: 29
6.3 Pipe/Fluid settings for the
application 32
6.4 Probes choice: 32
6.5 Distance between Probes
(clamp-on) 33
6.6 Other Settings: 33
7 - NORMAL & ADVANCED
MODES 34
7.1 Introduction 35
7.2 Additional Parameters of
« normal » mode: 35
7.3 Zero / Auto Zero Settings: 36
7.4 Additional Parameters in
Advanced mode: 37
7.5 Response time / flow display
filtering 38
7.6 Factory Settings (Advanced
mode only) 39
8 - DUAL PIPE VERSION (UF
801-PB) 40
8.1 Introduction to UF 801-PB 41
8.2 Complementary displays : 41
9 - ECHO DISPLAY MENU 43
9.1 When and How Use this menu ? 44
9.2 Examples of echoes and criteria 45
10 - PC Software 46
47
10.1 Installation & Connections 47
10.2 Menu « dialogue » 48
10.3 Editing, Archiving and/or printing
a file 52
11 - DATA-LOGGER 54
11.1 Setting the Data-Logger 55
11.2 Reading the Data-Logger 57
11.3 Editing the data logger (by
Excel) 58
12 - TOTALIZERS 59
12.1 Description 60
13 - INPUTS / OUTPUTS 61
13.1 Introduction 62
13.2 Analogue Output 63

NT228B GB2 7
13.3 Relay outputs / pulsed output: 63
Other uses of output relays 64
13.4 Frequency Output 65
13.5 PT 100 / PT 1000 RTD Inputs 65
13.6 External connections / Wiring
Diagram: 66
14 - TIMER / SEQUENCER 67
14.1 Settings : 68
15 - SETTING FILE SAVING AND
RECALL IN UF801-P 70
15.1 Saving and recalling of a
calibration file: 71
16 - PIPE WALL THICKNESS
MEASUREMENT 72
16.1 Pipe wall thickness
measurement : 73
16.2 Installation procedure : 73
16.3 Sound velocity measurement in a
material: 76
17 - CUSTOMIZED FUNCTIONS 77
17.1 Introduction 78
17.2 Special Functions 78
17.3 Currently available functions : 78
18 - CALORIC HEAT FLOW/
ENERGY MEASUREMENT 79
18.1 Introduction 80
18.2 Typical installation on a heater 80
18.3 Wiring 81
18.4 Physical data settings: 82
18.5 PT100 or PT1000 RTD settings 82
18.6 Measurements reading 83
18.7 Recording and reading with the
data logger 84
18.8 Typical physical data 86
19 - BATTERY & CHARGER 87
19.1- Battery & Charger 88
19.2 Battery pack life (exchange: see
20.4) 88
20 - TROUBLESHOOTING & FAQ 89
20.1 General Recommendations: 90
20.2 Typical Troubles or Situations 90
20.3 Other investigations 93
20.4 After Sales Services (SAV) 93
21 - APPENDIX 94
21.1 Pipes typical dimensions: 95
21.2 Roughness Coefficient for pipes: 95
21.3 Sound Velocity in Fluids : 96
21.4 Applications on Water : 96
21.5 Applications on Petroleum
Products : 97
21.6 Applications with Gas 98

NT228B GB2 8
3 - APPLICATIONS
3.1 Overview
3.2 Measurement Principle
3.3 Typical applications
3.4 Probes, Supports and Accessories
Contents

NT228B GB2 9
3.1 Overview
UF 801-P is a high performance ultrasonic portable flow meter for closed pipes
and conduits.
UF 801-PB is the dual pipe or channel version that offers double menus and
multiplexed resources. We will consider mainly UF 801-P except some points as
mentioned in §9.
Both versions use ultrasonic signals between two aligned probes arranged on one
or two paths, to integrate a flow section.
>
See measurement principle on 2.2 or better NT122.
UF 801-P performs a very accurate time of flight measurement on these
ultrasonic pulsed signals and, after calculation from entered data. It displays the
following results:
•The flow velocity
•The volume flow
•The totalized flow
•The sound velocity
•Process / fluid data and user information.
The correct probes must be selected with respect to pipe diameter, pipe or fluid
conditions, pipe wall temperature etc.
> Please contact Sales for further information.
As the UF 801-P is a portable unit, it is usually powered from its internal
battery. It is delivered with an external charger that requires an external supply to
be connected to Mains from 100 to 240 V AC / 50 or 60 Hz, by using the suitable
cable and connectors.
UF 801-P with its accessories is presented in a robust carrying case. See
picture.
With an optional probe (SE 1701), UF 801-P is able to measure pipe wall
thickness.
UF 801-P can operate in different languages. This selection is made in the
Configuration Menu.
A short form guide NT 227 is available. This NT 228 manual is the reference
manual.
It is possible to customize the UF 801-P by choosing your input / output modules
at order stage. Basically, UF 801-P is equipped with one 4-20 mA output, 2 Relays
and one RS232 port.
The UF 801-P is a self operating unit, it has an integrated data-logger able to
record up to 135 000 measured flow values with the time and date, or, with 14
simultaneous values, up to 36 000 records.
Each record can be the average or min/max peak value during the recording
period. This can reduce the number of records without loosing information.

NT228B GB2 10
3.2 Measurement Principle
As stated above, please refer to our NT122 didactic handbook on the included cd.
It contains useful information on the measurement principle, ultrasonic wave
transmission, hydraulic conditions, flow profile and Reynolds Number
The first condition to measure flow is that the fluid can transmit ultrasound at the
chosen Frequency: it must not be too viscous or include too many particles or gas
bubbles that create a barrier or disperse the sound energy.
Contrary to the electromagnetic principle, conductivity has no influence.
So, with two probes with following installation:
Always keep in mind the flow integration and flow results depend on the flow
section and the flow profile. Choose the best probe arrangement and location to
minimize external influences. Fully developed and stable hydraulic conditions are
preferred measurement locations.
Always keep in mind that the physical measurement is based on the time and
Delta t result. Lower Delta t requires more attention to probe choice, installation
and zero setting …
The two probes are used alternately as
an emitter and receiver: the difference
between the speed of sound and the
flowing fluid velocities creates a time
difference between upstream and
downstream sound transmissions.
UF 801-P, with its dual 32 bits
processors and DSP PC Board,
performs a digital signal shape
analyse, offers a very high resolution,
accurate transit time and Delta t
measurements, the key of high level
reliable results.
Delta t = tBA - tAB (nanosecond)
VUS = (L2/2*D)*(Δt/tAB*tBA) (m/s)
And, with Kh = VUS / Vs(S = section)
Q (Flow) = S * Vus / Kh (m3/h …)
Volume = Q * Time (m3… )

NT228B GB2 11
So, a flow of 2 m/s in a 1 m I.D. pipe would give a Delta t around 1500
nanosecond when 0.5 m/s in a 10 mm ID pipe would show 5 ns, which could be
sufficient but is a low range value.
3.3 Typical Applications
The main purpose of the UF_801 P and P-B is a competitive flow measurement
that can be installed quickly and easily. With clamp-on transducers, there is no
need for a spool piece or pressure tapping, whilst retaining the same final
accuracy as any respectable flow meter. Compared to previous or existing devices
or to our competitors, this new device sets a new performance standard.
The concept is a smart use of hardware and firmware resources, to easily adapt to
end user flow problems and to offer complete diagnostics on actual flow
conditions, including liquid quality or density information…
The UF 801-P/PB gives the actual flow value and its direction. Normally used as
a portable device, it can also be used for temporary replacement of any flow-
meter for flow indication, regulation and as a volume totaliser.
Ultraflux offers a wide range of probes with different sizes and frequencies to
be selected depending on the application and pipe diameter from 10 mm I.D. to
more than 5 metres.
A large advantage on ultrasonic signals is obtained by choosing our microstructure
technology probes. From the smallest to the largest:
SE 1714/2~4 MHz ; SE 1586/2 MHz ; SE 1515/1 MHz or SE 1599/0.5 MHz.
The clamp on solution is available on all metallic or plastic pipes. Most
asbestos pipes are also accepted. Limitations may come from very high corrosion
or thick internal pipe deposits. Generally the lower the probe frequency, the
higher the limit.
When the pipe wall material (concrete …) or condition (corrosion …) is not suitable
for clamp on transducers, we can propose insertion transducers with possible
installation by hot tapping.
Most liquids are acceptable: Water, any quality, from ultra-pure and non
conductive to sewage applications. This includes hot water circuits.
Clamp-on sensors are very convenient for petrochemical products, acids or any
liquid presenting some corrosion or vaporisation risks.
With some restrictions concerning the pipe material and diameter, and also the
pressure, UF 801-P permits clamp-on flow results on gas pipe-lines: natural gas,
compressed air….
When the instrument must have an official use, it is recommended to obtain
an official certificate by comparing it to a reference standard on a flow rig.
Basically, we practice only a dry calibration. Its reliability is sufficient for a
standard use. It offers a very high repeatability when repeating the same probe
installation.

NT228B GB2 12
Example of installation:
Here is a dual pipe installation.
SE_1586 probes are in V reflex mode.
Application is ultra pure water.
Purpose is to calculate from flow and return
the production / consumption figures
.
3.4 Probes, Supports and Accessories (see also § 5)
The UF 801-P / PB accepts all standard or special transducers from Ultraflux
catalogue with frequency from 200 KHz up to 4 MHz. Most of them, for portable
use, are clamp-on with fast connection, but UF 801 can accept insertion or wetted
models as well.
Please, refer to the probe data sheet for specific technical characteristics.
UF 801-P menu lists the standard available probes:
•Clamp-on probes are referenced SE. Each reference is attached to an
internal table with the probe frequency, the beam angle and dead time.
•Insertion probes or wetted probes are referenced SM. The attached
table considers only the crystal frequency and the dead time in probe face.
If the probe has a built-in angle, only L & D installation distances describe
the exact installation.
•It is also possible to enter special probe SA or SB (clamp-on or wetted).
The selected pipe section to install the probes should allow for the best
straight lengths, mainly upstream from the probes, but also downstream, in
order to benefit from a predictable and stable hydraulic profile.
10 pipe diameters upstream, and 3 downstream, are considered acceptable
conditions. Larger distances are preferred, if possible. Consider these distances
with respect to an upstream disturbance: a divergent flow is typically worse than a
convergent flow!
Avoid deposits or accumulation of gas. Sensor installation near the crown or base
(+/- 15°) must be avoided. So, install the sensors in a horizontal plane (unless
the conduit is vertical!).

NT228B GB2 13
If you are using intrusive/wetted probes, adjust the insertion depth and then
the alignment or orientation of the probes for the same pair (to have parallel
faces). L is the exact distance between probe faces’ and D is the projection part
of L that is concerned with the flow: (L – 2 * lo) * Cos (angle)
Once these adjustments are finished, it is necessary to measure with accuracy the
face to face distance L between transducers and its projection D on the flow axis.
Note these “As Built” values and enter in UF 801-P menu.
! The final flow accuracy depends on the data provided.
With external probes, the flexibility does not exempt the user to ignore the
above rules.
The choice of a Direct (\), Reflex (V), or N / W installation mode will depend on
your decision regarding the pipe dimensions and internal / external conditions,
and also the flowing fluid to be measured.
From the entered data and selected probe characteristics, the UF 801-P calculates
the distance D.S required between these probes.
Particular attention should be paid to cleaning the pipe at the probe location and
to ensure the coupling surface is clean and smooth.
The 4 installation modes are:
Direct mode
(when difficult conditions)
Reflex mode
(the more commonly used)
N mode
(reduced effect of pipe wall
noise)
W mode
(very small pipes)

NT228B GB2 14
4 - HANDLING THE FLOWMETER
4.1 Presentation / Scope of Delivery
4.2 External Connections
4.3 PC Connection
4.4 Using the Keypad
4.5 Menus Review
4.6 The Configuration Menu
4.7 The PC Software : General
Contents

NT228B GB2 15
4.1 Presentation / Scope of Delivery
On delivery, please make sure the following items are enclosed (standard scope of
delivery):
•1 Transport case
•1 The UF_801-P or P-B converter with charged NiMH batteries.
•1 Protection bag for UF_801
•1 Power adapter and battery charger with EC mains cable
•1 Cable with “Y” termination for connection to probes (L=5m)
•1 Cable for connection to PC or other outputs
•1 Pair of straps for general purpose probe attachment to pipes
•1 Coupling gel bottle
•1 Short form user guide
•1 CD Rom including PC Software and Technical manuals / data sheets
Depending on your selection / P.O., different probes and supports related to
expected use are included in the transportation case or packed separately.
Example of delivery: presentation of UF 801-P in its case with 3 sets of probes:
SE1586 / SE1707 / SE1599. Under the cover on the right hand there is space for
cables, belts and charger

NT228B GB2 16
General precautions / Cleaning:
UF 801-P/PB is a very reliable instrument. It has been designed for general and
special service work. Always respect the usual handling precautions and special
instructions given in this manual.
Some components (i.e. LCD display) or flat cable connections could be susceptible
to vibration. Protect the device from heavy shocks and poor transportation
conditions. For air travel, keep UF 801-P/PB in its bag and place all items in the
over head locker rather in baggage compartment.
Do not expose the UF 801-P/PB to sunshine, the LCD display can over heat and
damage the liquid crystals; do not expose to freezing conditions.
To keep clean, please keep the UF 801-P/PB inside the protective pouch.
The UF 801-P can be delivered with a transparent protection tape on the LCD
display PU glass, to prevent scratches. Contact Ultraflux for protection and
replacements.
Clean instrument with a soft cloth. Do not use detergents. Alcohol solution is
acceptable.
Remove acoustic gel from the probes with a paper tissue before storage.
Take care with the enclosed magnets (Supports SE/SU 1707…). Do not remove
from the housing.
For long term storage conditions, keep all items in the packing case.
If storing for long periods (several months), please note that the batteries will
discharge (current drain from the clock…). We recommend a complete recharge
every 2 months and leave the device in a charged condition (see here after).
Recommendations to a new user:(See also the short form user guide)
Look through the different menus, without changing the settings at this stage.
Note that some functions have different functions following a short or a long
pressing action, e.g. a short press on F pages forward to the next menu and a
long press returns to measurement menu.
Inside some menus, pressing A & B can have a dedicated function that is shown
at the bottom of the relevant display screen, (i.e. “default screen” selection in
measurement menu.

NT228B GB2 17
4.2 External Connections
The UF 801-P is tested and delivered ready for use, with charged batteries.
UF 801-PB /
Ch.2
F +/- to select a
menu
V or Δto enter in a
menu
A /Bto change of
page
See next page
for connections
On / Off
Long press
+ message when
switching Off
Optional connections /
extensions such as PT100
…
Optional I/O modules…

NT228B GB2 18
4.3 Connection to a PC or another terminal
See § 13 for more information and wiring instructions + pin-out.
Connection to a PC is required for data logger download. The delivered cable is
ready for use directly on a RS 232 port or on a USB-232 port converter.
Other connections can be wired on the DB 15 to transmit or to acquire analogue
data or On/Off status.
Respect the 600 Ohm maximum impedance on the 4-20 mA output.
Respect relays limits: 0.1 A / 100 V / 3 VA
With PT 100 / 1000, prefer 3 or 4 wires connection.

NT228B GB2 19
4.4 Using the Keypad:
> See also the short form User’s Guide NT 227
After switching ON, the UF 801-P displays its configuration (serial Nr, Hardware /
Firmware revision), its main settings (with probe reference) and starts in the
Measurement mode menu: Q / Graph / Flow information (*).
If the unit is already set up for the expected use, there is no need of extra-
programming: only read the results in the screen that you can select by pressing
V or Δ(up/down), after probe installation and connection.
(*) To select a measurement screen “by default”, display it
and then press
Menus header access: Press , and repeat to go to the next screen,
or alternately with or
A short press accesses to the different menu headers.
A long press returns back to measurement menu.
To enter a menu, press or
To change a page, press or
To change a line, select it with or
To modify value or text, use or
If no button is pressed for a long time (1 to 10 mn) , the display returns
automatically to the measurement display screen that was selected with
B (see * above).
F
+
-
V
Λ
A
B
V
Λ
+ -
B

NT228B GB2 20
4.5 The Menus Review
Pressing
F
once gives access to the Configuration menu.
Pressing
F
twice gives access to Pipe / Fluid Settings Menu
Pressing
F
three or more times, or
F
then or
Gives access to the next menus or optional functions as enabled in
Configuration Menu:
We list here below these different menus:
Menu Description / Function
Configuration This menu selects general choices, such as the
language or settings level, and activate or disable
I/O or logging resources.
Pipe / Fluid
Settings Sets the pipe geometry & fluid characteristics and the probes.
Totalizers Volume count settings: units…
Inputs /
Outputs Sets the outputs: analogue, relays, frequency, input switch, PT100 …
Data Logger Memory space for automatic records : choice of
data, recording period …
Timer /
Sequencer Delayed auto start, with synchronised records…
Echo Display To control ultrasonic signals quality
Thickness
measurement Pipe wall thickness.
Linearization Used for optimised calibration accuracy
Factory settings Setting of some advanced modes …
Remark : some menus may not appear and are displayed only if set in the
configuration menu.
+ -