VPInstruments VPFlowScope VPS.R080.M050 series User manual

VPFlowScope in-line
VPINSTRUMENTS.COM
User manual
© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV
MAN-VP-SINL-UK-1701 Date:22-03-2017

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Creation date: 22-03-2017 in Delft
VPFlowScope in-line
© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV
Publisher
Van Putten Instruments BV
Buitenwatersloot 335
2614 GS Delft
The Netherlands
This document is available in:
English, English (UK)

3Contents
3
Table of Contents
1Warning - Read this first 5
2Introduction 6
3Product overview 7
................................................................................................................................... 71Configuration
................................................................................................................................... 82VPFlowScope in-line D0 (no display)
................................................................................................................................... 83VPFlowScope in-line D10 & D11 (display version)
................................................................................................................................... 84VPFlowScope in-line D0 with the VPFlowTerminal
4Quick start 9
5Measurement 10
................................................................................................................................... 101Flow
................................................................................................................................... 102Pressure
................................................................................................................................... 103Temperature
................................................................................................................................... 114Totalizer
6Mechanical installation 12
................................................................................................................................... 121Piping table
................................................................................................................................... 132Installation without tubing kit
................................................................................................................................... 133Installation with tubing kit
7Display 15
................................................................................................................................... 151Display status icons
................................................................................................................................... 152LCD display
................................................................................................................................... 153Data Logger
................................................................................................................................... 164Keypad
................................................................................................................................... 165Menu
8VPStudio software 19
9Electrical connections 20
................................................................................................................................... 2014..20mA output
................................................................................................................................... 222Pulse output
................................................................................................................................... 233Modbus interface
................................................................................................................................... 274USB interface
10 Service 28
................................................................................................................................... 281Software and firmware updates
................................................................................................................................... 282Calibration interval

VPFlowScope in-line4
© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
................................................................................................................................... 283Service subscriptions
11 Specifications 29
12 Order information and accessories 30
13 Appendix A - UL 31

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
5
1Warning - 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 de-
mineralised 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 [e-mail]!

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
6VPFlowScope in-line
2 Introduction
Congratulations! You purchased the easiest to use and most complete compressed air
measurement tool in the world. With the VPFlowScope in-line, 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.R080.M050.DXX Where DXX indicates the display type
VPS.R250.M100.DXX Where DXX indicates the display type
VPS.R01K.M200.DXX Where DXX indicates the display type
VPStudio software version 1.24
Sensor firmware version 1.20
Display firmware version 2.9.1
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!

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
7
3Product overview
The VPFlowScope in-line measures mass flow, temperature and pressure simultaneously. All these
parameters are key to proper compressed gas measurement and are therefore included in all
models. All data can be accessed by Modbus RTU, 4..20mA and pulse.
The VPFlowScope in-line 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 in-line is available in three sizes: 0.5", 1" and 2". Additional options are available
for all types:
Order Code
Flow range
Option
Display
Option
Connector
VPS.R080.M050
0 ... 80 m3n/hr
D0
No display
C5
5 Pin M12
VPS.R250.M100
0 ... 250 m3n/hr
D10
Display
C8
8 Pin M12, for remote
logging *
VPS.R01K.M200
0 ... 1000 m3n/hr
D11
Display + 2M point logger
* An 8 Pin M12 connector can only be ordered in combination with a D0 model.
Order the VPFlowScope in-line KIT to receive the complete start kit with all required accessories,
everything you need to get started right away.
3.1 Configuration
The instruments are pre programmed and ready to use. For configuration of the outputs and data
logger, the VPStudio configuration software is used. This software can be downloaded from our
website. www.vpinstruments.com/downloads

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
8VPFlowScope in-line
3.2 VPFlowScope in-line D0 (no display)
The D0 model can be used in applications where local read-out and data logging is not required. With
it's various outputs the VPFlowScope in-line can be connected to remote data loggers.
3.3 VPFlowScope in-line D10 & D11 (display version)
The D10 and D11 models add a 3 row display with keypad to the VPFlowScope in-line. 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 in-line. The D11 model also features a
2 Million point data logger. All output parameters for remote connection remain available on the M12
connector.
1. Menu / Enter button
2. Esc / Record button
3. Down button
4. Up button
5. LCD display
6. USB interface
7. M12 connector
3.4 VPFlowScope in-line D0 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 with M12 8-pin connector. Therefore the
D0 model needs to be ordered with an M12 8-pin connector. The VPFlowTerminal features a 2 Million
point data logger which extends the data log capacity of your VPFlowScope in-line.

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
9
4Quick start
This chapter contains the basic steps to start using your VPFlowScope in-line 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. Mechanical installation
·Find the best point of installation for this product. Make sure that all specifications are met.
·For installation of the VPFlowScope in-line, the pipe needs to be cut. Mount the VPFlowScope in-
line between the pipe ends. Use tri-clamp or similar adapters for quick installation and removal.
·For installation with the tubing kit: The connection is BSP outer straight thread [For NPT thread,
chase the BSP thread of the pipe ends with a die]; 0.5", 1" or 2" depending on the VPFlowScope
in-line model.
·For installation without tubing kit: The connection is BSP inner straight thread [It can accept NPT
male thread ends]; 0.5", 1" or 2" depending on the VPFlowScope in-line model.
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 in-line. The cable can be
connected to a central data acquisition / building management system or data logger via
Modbus, 4..20mA 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 the
built-in display option is available, it will light up when power is applied.
3.2 Temporary installation
Use a 12 Volt power supply with M12 connector to power the VPFlowScope in-line. This quick
method is ideal for audits.
4. Data recording
When the data logger is available a data log session can be started by pressing the esc button and
then enter. All parameters will be logged with the default logging intervals. These logging intervals can
be changed with the VPStudio software. This software tool is also used to retrieve the recorded
sessions.

© 2017 Van Putten Instruments BV | MAN-VP-SINL-UK | Revision:1701 | Date:22-03-2017
10 VPFlowScope in-line
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 in-line 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 in-line features a built-in gauge pressure sensor. The sensor range is 0...250 psi,
rounded off this equals 0...16 bar 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. It is mounted in a
separate position, to ensure quick response time and low self-heating of the sensor element.
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 VPlowScope in-line 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.