Vpinstruments Vpflowscope User manual

VPFlowScope probe

VPINSTRUMENTS.COM

User manual

MAN-VP-SPRO-EN-1901 Date: 04-07-2019

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Creation date: 04-07-2019 in Delft

VPFlowScope probe

Publisher

Van Putten Instruments BV

Buitenwatersloot 335

2614 GS Delft

The Netherlands

Table of Contents

1Warning - Read this first 5

2Introduction 6

3Product overview 7

................................................................................................................................... 7

1 Configuration

................................................................................................................................... 8

2 VPFlowScope probe with connector cap

................................................................................................................................... 8

3 VPFlowScope probe with display

................................................................................................................................... 8

4 VPFlowScope probe with the VPFlowTerminal

4Quick start 9

5Measurement 10

................................................................................................................................... 10

1 Flow

................................................................................................................................... 10

2 Pressure

................................................................................................................................... 10

3 Temperature

................................................................................................................................... 11

4 Totalizer

6Mechanical installation 12

................................................................................................................................... 18

1 Piping table

................................................................................................................................... 19

2 Flow range table

7Display 20

................................................................................................................................... 20

1 Display status icons

................................................................................................................................... 20

2 LCD display

................................................................................................................................... 21

3 Data Logger

................................................................................................................................... 21

4 Keypad

................................................................................................................................... 22

5 Menu

8VPStudio software 24

9Electrical connections 25

................................................................................................................................... 25

1 4 .. 20 mA output

................................................................................................................................... 27

2 Pulse output

................................................................................................................................... 28

3 Modbus interface

10 Service 32

................................................................................................................................... 32

1 Software and firmware updates

................................................................................................................................... 32

2 Calibration interval

................................................................................................................................... 32

3 Service subscriptions

11 Specifications 33

12 Order information and accessories 34

13 Appendix A - UL 35

1 Warning - Read this first

Compressed gasses can be dangerous! Please familiarize yourself with

the forces under pressurized conditions. Respect the local guidelines and

regulations for working with pressurized equipment.

Gas flow through pipes follows certain physical laws. These physical

laws have serious consequences for the installation requirements. Familiarize

yourself with the basic physical laws of flow measurement, to make sure that

the product is installed correctly. Always make sure that upstream length,

downstream length, flow, pressure, temperature and humidity conditions are

within specifications.

Precision instruments need maintenance. Check your flow meter

regularly and make sure it remains clean. When polluted, gently clean the

sensor using demineralized water or cleaning alcohol.

Precision instruments need regular re-calibration. To keep your

VPFlowScope probe in best shape, it needs recalibration. We advice annual

recalibration.

Not intended for fiscal metering or billing. Our flow meters are not

certified for fiscal metering. Laws on fiscal metering and billing may vary per

country or state.

Do not overestimate the results. VPInstruments does not take any

responsibility for the correctness of measurement results under field

conditions. The practical measurement uncertainty of a flow meter in the

field may vary, depending on how well it is installed, due to the nature of gas

flow. The piping table provides guidelines on how to optimize the field

accuracy. Our products are not intended to be used as a single means to

determine compressor capacity.

Do not open the device. Our instruments are assembled with high

precision. Opening this device is dangerous and may destroy the

instruments. Warranty is voided when you open the instrument.

Feedback leads to product improvement. Please share your experience

with us, as we are continuously improving our products in our commitment to

quality, reliability and ease of use. Let us know via

sales@vpinstruments.com!

2 Introduction

Congratulations! You purchased the easiest to use and most complete compressed air

measurement tool in the world. With the VPFlowScope probe, you can monitor and record flow,

pressure, temperature, and total air consumption, simultaneously.

Great products deserve great user manuals. We have done our best to make this user manual as

complete as possible. New users, please read it carefully to familiarize yourself with our products.

Experienced users can check out the Quick start chapter.

Check the packaging box for any inconsistencies. Should there be any shipping damage, notify the

local carrier. At the same time a report should be submitted to Van Putten Instruments BV,

Buitenwatersloot 335, 2614 GS DELFT, The Netherlands.

This manual is dedicated to:

VPS.R150.P400

For latest VPStudio software and overview of latest firmware versions, please visit

www.vpinstruments.com.

Older software features may not be covered by the contents of this user manual. Please contact us

for a service subscription program, which includes software and firmware updates!

3 Product overview

The VPFlowScope probe measures mass flow, temperature and pressure simultaneously. All these

parameters are key to proper compressed gas measurement and are therefore included in all

models. With the insertion probe you are flexible in pipe diameter. All data can be accessed by

Modbus RTU, 4 .. 20 mA and pulse.

The VPFlowScope probe is available in three configurations to fit every application. Use the

connector cap for sensor features only, ideal for integration into a central management system. Use

the display module for central read out and data logging. Use the VPFlowTerminal for central read out

and data logging on location where a standard display can not be read out. For all models, all

parameters and outputs are available.

The VPFlowScope probe is available in 2 lengths. Additional options are available for both types:

Order Code

Flow range

Option

Length

Option

Display

VPS.R150

150 mn/sec

P300

300 mm length

No display, No connector

cap

P400

400 mm length

D10

Display

P600

600 mm length

D11

Display + 2M point logger

Connector cap

Order the VPFlowScope KIT to receive the complete start kit with all required accessories, everything

you need to get started right away.

3.1 Configuration

The instrument needs only one step to be ready for operation. It needs to know the exact inner pipe

diameter for accurate measurement, wrong inner diameter will lead to very significant errors. The pipe

diameter can be programmed with the keypad on the display module or with the VPStudio

configuration software. This software suite is also used for configuration of the outputs and data

logger. This software can be downloaded from our website. www.vpinstruments.com/downloads.

3.2 VPFlowScope probe with connector cap

The VPFlowScope probe with connector cap can be used in applications where local read-out and

data logging is not required. With it's various outputs the VPFlowScope probe can be connected to

remote data loggers.

3.3 VPFlowScope probe with display

The display module adds a 3 row display with keypad and an optional 2 Million point data

logger(optional) to the VPFlowScope probe. All parameters will be shown on the display in real time.

The keypad can be used to start a data log session or to change the key parameters of the

VPFlowScope probe. All output parameters for remote connection remain available on the M12

connector.

3.4 VPFlowScope probe with the VPFlowTerminal

The VPFlowTerminal can be used as a remote display for situations where the local display can't be

read. All display features will be available on the remote display.

The VPFlowTerminal is equipped with a 10 m / 32.8 ft. cable and connector cap with a M12 8pin

connector. The standard connector cap with M12 5pin connector can not be used for connection with

the VPFlowTerminal. The VPFlowTerminal features a 2 Million point data logger which can record

both the flow meter and the analog inputs.

4 Quick start

This chapter contains the basic steps to start using your VPFlowScope probe flow meter. Additional

information on all subjects can be found in the next chapters.

1. Unpack

Unpack the meter and check if all items are there and in good shape. A checklist with all items is

available on the box.

2. Program the settings

The inner pipe diameter needs to be programmed into the sensor. This can be done via the display

or with the VPStudio software (www.vpinstruments.com/downloads)

If required, set the output parameters for the Modbus, pulse and current output.

3. Mechanical installation

Find the best point of installation for this product. Make sure that all specifications are met.

For installation of the VPFlowScope probe, an insertion point needs to be created. You can weld a

tap with minimum internal 1/2 inch thread or use a hot tap saddle.

Place a ball valve (minimal 1/2 inch full bore) and compression fitting on the insertion point.

Connect the safety chain and insert the probe into the pipe.

The sensor needs to be in the middle of the pipe.

Tighten the compression fitting.

See chapter mechanical installation for more detailed information.

3. Electrical installation

3.1 Permanent installation

Connect a cable with 5 Pin M12 connector to the VPFlowScope probe. Use the power supply

module for permanent installation. The cable can be connected to a central data acquisition /

building management system or data logger via Modbus, 4 .. 20 mA or pulse. See chapter

electrical connections for more information.

Apply 12 .. 24 VDC to power up the device. Use a Class II power supply (less than 2 Amps). If a

display is available, it will light up when power is applied.

3.2 Temporary installation

Use a 12 .. 24 VDC power supply with M12 connector to power the VPFlowScope probe. This

quick method is ideal for audits.

4. Data recording

When the data logger option is available a data log session can be started by pressing the esc/rec

button and then enter. All parameters will be logged with the default logging intervals (5 seconds for

all parameters). These logging intervals can be changed with the VPStudio software. This software

tool is also used to retrieve the recorded sessions.

5 Measurement

For all parameters the update interval is 1 second. Within this second, multiple samples are taken

and averaged to provide a stable and reliable output.

5.1 Flow

The VPFlowScope probe uses our proprietary insertion type thermal mass flow sensor. There is no

bypass flow, which results in a high robustness and less sensitivity for dirt or particles. The flow

sensor is directly temperature compensated.

The sensor response signal is directly related to

the mass flow rate and can be described by the

following formula:

Vout = k *λ* ρ * v * (Ts-Tg)

Vout = output voltage

k = sensor (geometrical) constant

λ = thermal conductivity of the gas

ρ = density of the gas

v = actual velocity in m / sec

Ts = sensor temperature

Tg = gas temperature

The optional bi-directional sensitivity is shown in

the picture on the right. In bi-directional mode the

negative flow value will show up as a minus sign.

The 4 .. 20 mA value needs to be adapted to suit

the application. See chapter 9.1 for details.

5.2 Pressure

The VPFlowScope probe features a built-in gauge pressure sensor. The sensor range is 0 .. 16 bar |

0 .. 250 psi gauge. The sensor cannot measure vacuum, please contact us if you have a vacuum

application. The sensor membrane can handle media which are compatible with glass, silicon,

stainless steel, Sn/Ni, plating and An/Ag solder.

The sensor signal is sampled with 16 bits. The practical resolution is 0.24 mbar on the 0 .. 16 bar

scale, which is equal to 0.004 psi on the 250 psi scale

5.3 Temperature

The built in temperature sensor measures the compressed air/ gas temperature. The signal is

sampled with 16 bits. The resolution is less than 0.1 °C.

In a vertical pipe, with flow going down, the temperature sensor may heat up at zero flow conditions,

due to the heated flow sensor element. This effect will disappear as soon as there is consumption.

For optimal measurement performance, the VPFlowScope probe needs to be in a stable temperature

environment. When exposed to quick temperature changes or large temperature changes (for

example taking the unit from outdoor to indoor during winter time, or when mounted downstream of a

heat regenerated drier) the temperature compensation may lag behind, which may result in

significant measurement errors.

5.4 Totalizer

The totalizer keeps track of the total consumed amount of compressed air in normal cubic meters, or

in scf depending on which unit you choose to read out. The refresh interval is 1 second, actual

measurement data will be available on the display and by Modbus. For back up reasons, the totalizer

value is written to it's internal memory with an interval of 15 minutes. A power down might result in

maximum 15 minutes of totalizer data loss.

In bi-directional operation, negative flow is subtracted from the totalizer. The totalizer will count

backwards as the compressed air is delivered back to the supply side. The totalizer can only be

reset to zero. It's not possible to set it to a different value.

The display will show totalizer values up to 999.999,9 and will then become 0,0 independent of the

taken unit. This will not clear the internal totalizer.

6 Mechanical installation

Put together the VPFlowScope probe

Connect the display or connector cap on the VPFlowScope probe sensor module. Make sure that it

slides completely over the O-ring seal. Position the O-ring in the upper position for the connector

cap. Use the lower position for the display. Apply some O-ring grease if required. Gently fix the

screw on top.

Install the VPFlowScope probe in the pipe

First select the right installation point. The installation point is crucial for the right measurements.

Sources of error can be: installation effects, unknown flow profiles, swirls, pressure and temperature

effects, humidity effects, oscillations in the flow. To ensure the highest possible accuracy of flow

measurement, the installation and piping instructions must be followed carefully. Therefore read this

paragraph carefully.

Take into account:

Choose a site which is accessible, which allows ease of wiring and maintenance, and which allows

you to still read and access the display when needed.

Meet the specifications of the VPFlowScope probe. When the specifications are not met, for

instance the pressure or temperature level is too high; this will cause inaccurate flow measurement

and can even damage your flow meter.

Do not apply mechanical stress to the flow meter.

Avoid:

Excessive heat, check the temperature range of your VPFlowScope probe.

Potential water damage on the outside. Avoid areas of high humidity and avoid dripping. Be aware

that the VPFlowScope probe is not watertight, it is only splash proof.

Corrosive atmosphere where possible.

Electrical problems (high voltage/ high power).

Mechanical vibration and danger (walking bridges, fork lift trucks).

Stop: These devices are only for use with Air, Nitrogen and other non hazardous and

non combustible gases. The maximum working pressure is 16 bar (250 psi)

Arrêt: Ces dispositifs sont uniquement destinés à être utilisés avec de l'air, de l'azote et

d'autres gaz non dangereux et non combustibles. La pression opérationnelle maximale

est de 16 bar (250 psi)

Prepare the installation

The VPFlowScope probe can be inserted through a welding tap with internal 1/2 inch thread or

through a hot tap saddle. A hot tap saddle can be installed under pressurized conditions, so there is

no need to shut down production.

Use a ball valve to insert and retract the VPFlowScope probe when you want. Use a 1/2 inch full bore

ball valve or a 3/4 inch ball valve. The VPInstruments hot tap drill has a 1” drill size. In that case,

place a 1” ball valve and use, after drilling, a reducer to go back to 1/2” for the compression fitting.

Warning: Make sure that the hole is at least 16 mm | 0.63 inch inner diameter, and

completely clear for insertion. A too small hole will damage the probe or your

measurement value will be very low.

The installation

Insertion depth

Generally the insertion depth of the VPFlowScope probe is

0.5 times the inner pipe diameter, where the bottom of the

sensor tip must be in the middle of the pipe (see picture).

Position

Install the VPFlowScope probe upwards in an angle of 30

degrees (see picture). Never install the instruments upside

down.

When mated to a display, the VPFlowScope DP is shaped to make alignment with the flow direction

easy. The display should point downstream of the flow. With a connector cap, the M12 connector

points downstream of the flow. Alignment “by the eye” is sufficient.

The flow direction is indicated on the product label.

Measurement point/ hot tap installation: make it smooth

It is important to create a smooth pipe all the way, before and after the insertion probe. This fact is

often overlooked, resulting in poor measurement results. When welding a stub, and drilling the hole,

make sure it is as small as possible.

Rules of thumb:

Keep it smooth

Avoid welding rims on the inside

Avoid seals (from flanges) to block the flow path

Avoid large dead spaces around the probe

Good practice

Bad practice

The pipe is smooth and the hole is relatively

small, leaving a small gap around the sensor tip.

A standard T-piece is used. This causes

turbulence around the sensor. Furthermore, the

diameter changes in the measurement section,

leading to unpredicted behavior of the flow meter

over the measurement range. Especially in small

pipes < 3 inch this is a very unwanted situation.

Exception

Between pipe sizes of 25 mm and 55 mm | 1

inch and 2 inch: be aware that the field

accuracy is +/- 10%; installation errors are

bigger. The insertion depth between 25 mm

and 65 mm | 1 inch and 2.5 inch is also

different. The VPFlowScope probe needs to

installed 5 mm | 0.2 inch from the bottom or

else the temperature sensor of the

VPFlowScope probe itself is outside the flow

path. The sensor tip will not be in the middle

of the pipe any more. The measurement

value is automatically corrected for small

diameters.

SAFETY FIRST: START WITH MOUNTING THE SAFETY LINE!

The VPFlowScope probe is mounted with a 1/2 inch compression fitting. The probe is

sealed with a Teflon ferrule instead of a stainless steel ferrule. Teflon may become

slippery. The safety line will keep the sensor secure when it accidentally moves out of

the compression fitting. NEVER over-tight the fitting, because it might damage the

sensor tube.

Installation with standard safety line

Step 1.

1. Keep the ball valve closed!

2. Insert the compression fitting in ball valve. Use

Teflon tape or liquid sealant.

Step 2.

1. Insert the VPFlowScope probe until it hits the

ball valve. The probe remains in the compression

fitting.

2. Attach the safety line to the pipe.

3. Hook the safety line to the ring of the

VPFlowScope probe. Make sure that the line is

tight.

Step 3.

1. Keep your hand on top of the VPFlowScope

probe. When you install the VPFlowScope

probe into a pressurized system you are about

to experience temporary leakage and force trying

to push out the VPFlowScope probe from the

compression fitting. When the safety system is

correctly installed this is part of the normal

installation procedure.

2. Open the ball valve slowly and push the

VPFlowScope probe gently downwards.

3. The probe tip should be in the center of the

pipe

4. Tighten the compression fitting

Step 4.

Optionally pull tight the safety line. When

adjusting the safety line, make sure you secure

the VPFlowScope otherwise during adjustment.

This can fox example be done by applying force

by hand on top of the instruments or with a

secondary safety line

1. Unlock the safety line

2. Pull tight the safety line and lock the safety

line again

3. Align the flow direction. Alignment by the eye

is sufficient

Installation with adjustable safety system

Step 1.

1. Remove the compression fitting's parts on the

long threaded end side

2. Place the safety plate over the compression

fitting long threaded end

Step 2.

1. Mount the nut, and close tight. Then mount

the compression fitting's Teflon rings and nut

Step 3.

1. Keep the ball valve closed!

2. Insert the compression fitting in the ball valve.

Use Teflon tape or liquid sealant.

Step 4.

1. Insert the VPFlowScope probe until it hits the

ball valve. The probe remains in the compression

fitting.

2. Hook the safety line to the ring of the

VPFlowScope probe.

Step 5.

1. Keep your hand on top of the VPFlowScope

probe

When you install the VPFlowScope probe

into a pressurized system you are about to

experience temporary leakage around the

compression fitting and force trying to push out

the VPFlowScope probe from the compression

fitting. When the safety system is correctly

installed this is part of the normal installation

procedure.

2. Open the ball valve slowly and push the

VPFlowScope probe gently downwards.

3. The probe tip should be in the center of the

pipe

4. Tighten the compression fitting

Step 6.

1. Unscrew the safety lock and pull the safety

line tight

2. Tighten the safety lock

3. Align the flow direction. Alignment by the eye

is sufficient

6.1 Piping table

Check the piping table below and match it for your application. The table shows the amount of

upstream and downstream length depending on the installation. If applicable in front of the meter, use

given upstream length. If applicable in behind the meter, use given downstream length. Gas flow in

pipes follows certain rules, which must be observed for optimal measurement results. In some cases

the upstream length needs to be longer, in other cases it can be shorter.

If possible choose a longer upstream length, as these are minimum values. The up- and

downstream lengths are used industry wide as guidelines, but will never be a guarantee

for obtaining the “true value”. So always be careful and try to build up your own

experience from practical measurements

Piping table

The following table provides a guideline for proper distances between upstream or downstream

objects and the VPFlowScope probe. The upstream length is the length between the last non-straight

object and the VPFlowScope probe. If the upstream length is straight, and the distortion is

downstream of the VPFlowScope probe, you can use the column "downstream length" as a

guideline. In very complex situations, with multiple up- and downstream objects, you should consider

another location. This table is a practical guideline and is not exact science. Practical situations can

have multiple sources of distortion, therefore VPInstruments does not take any responsibility for the

correctness.

Picture

Description

Upstream

length2

Downstream

length2

Effect

Single elbow

30 * D1

10 * D1

Distorted flow profile

Complex feed-in situation

(header)

40 * D1

10 * D1

Flow profile will be

distorted

Double elbow, multiple

elbows following each

other

40 * D1

10 * D1

Distorted profile +

swirl

Diameter change from

small to large (gradual or

instant)

40 * D1

5 *D1

Jet shaped flow

Diameter change from

large to small (gradual

change, between 7 and

15 degrees)

10 * D1

5 * D1

Flattened flow profile

1 = inner diameter; 2 = minimumlength

6.2 Flow range table

Schedule 40 standard seamless carbon steel pipe

Flow

Size (inch)

Inch

Min (scfm)

Max (scfm)

Min (m3n/hr)

Max (m3n/hr)

2.1

52.5

688

1,169

3.1

77.9

1,516

2,576

100

4.0

102.3

2,610

4,435

150

6.1

154.1

5,924

10,065

200

8.0

202.7

10,259

17,429

250

10.2

259.1

16,756

28,468

300

11.9

303.2

22,953

130

38,995

400

15.0

381.0

121

36,237

205

61,565

500

18.8

477.8

190

56,996

323

96,832

The ranges apply only to compressed air and nitrogen

Schedule 10 standard seamless carbon steel pipe

Flow

Size (inch)

Inch

Min scfm

Max scfm

Min m3n/hr

Max m3n/hr

2.2

54.8

749

1,273

3.3

82.8

1,712

2,908

100

4.3

108.2

2,923

4,966

150

6.4

161.5

6,508

11,057

200

8.3

211.6

11,173

18,982

250

10.4

264.7

17,487

29,709

300

12.4

314.7

24,724

140

42,004

400

15.6

396.8

131

39,315

223

66,794

500

19.6

496.9

205

61,643

349

104,729

The ranges apply only to compressed air and nitrogen

7 Display

The display provide some additional features:

LCD display with 3 rows of real time data, refreshed every second

Key pad with menu to configure the main settings

Data logger with adjustable logging intervals (option)

5 custom units (multiply an existing unit with a factor and show it on the LCD display).

Configuration can be done with VPStudio.

By default, the display will show 3 rows of measurement data in the factory default units: mn/sec,

deg C and bar (g). The menu can be entered to change the configuration. See section menu for all

configuration options.

The VPFlowScope display can be powered up without a sensor being connected. In this case a "no

sensor" message will be shown when the device. Always connect a sensor to ensure proper

operation.

7.1 Display status icons

Some status icons show feedback on the meters' status. Below is a list with explanation

Icons

Description

Sensor module is properly connected and supplied with power

No communication with the sensor [Check external power when disconnected]

A blinking dot will indicate that a data session is active

2 rotating arrows indicate that there is communication with the computer

The display is locked. The menu can not be accessed

Memory indication. Each block indicates 20% of memory usage. The blocks start to

blink if the memory is more then 95% full

7.2 LCD display

The LCD display provides 3 rows for real time data. Each row can be configured in the display menu

by selecting the desired parameter for this row.

Available options are listed in menu -> display.

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