1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Dynamax Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. HPFM3
  6. Installation and operation manual

Dynamax HPFM3 Installation And Operation Manual

High pressure flow meter
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
High Pressure Flow Meter
Installation and Operations Manual
10808 Fallstone Rd Suite 350
Houston, TX 77099 USA
Toll Free: 1-800-896-7108
Phone: 281-564-5100 FAX: 281-564-5200
E-mail: admin@dynamax.com
International Email: exports@dynamax.com
Website: www.dynamax.com
Revision: JUNE 2017
1

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the HPFM3 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Dynamax HPFM3

Summary of Contents for Dynamax HPFM3

  • Page 1 High Pressure Flow Meter Installation and Operations Manual 10808 Fallstone Rd Suite 350 Houston, TX 77099 USA Toll Free: 1-800-896-7108 Phone: 281-564-5100 FAX: 281-564-5200 E-mail: admin@dynamax.com International Email: exports@dynamax.com Website: www.dynamax.com Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Features and What is New in HPFM3.................4-6 High Pressure Flow Meter (HPFM) Form & Function............7-8 Personal Computer Requirements ...................8 Pressured Bottle Requirements..................8 Unpacking.........................9 What to Keep!........................9 2. Quick Start Guide.........................10 3. Application and Theory of Operation..................11-13 Why use the HPFM?......................11 Transient Measurements of Conductance of Roots............11-13...
  • Page 3 Table of Contents 7.0 Raw Data for K, and Temperature Corrections..............55-57 7.1 Temperature Correction with Built in Sensor................55 7.2 Corrections at Test Temperature....................55 7.3 Raw Data Tables, Project Data....................56 7.4 K25- Conductance at Standard Temperature................56-57 8.0 Obtaining Good Data, and Data Presentation..............58-61 8.1 Wound Response (Plugging of Stems)................58 8.2 Air evenly distributed in the wood of a large branch............58 8.3 Cautions when measuring small flows/conductance or larger resistances....58...

  • Page 4: Features And What Is New In Hpfm3

    1. Features and What is New in HPFM3 Here is a new and updated HPFM product based on the Dynamax history of 15 years of producing this leading plant characterization instrument. • New High Res Generation 3 HPFM • Reading Sensors direct in parts per million •...

  • Page 5: Specifications

    Software The HPFM3 comes with menu driven software that is easy to use and straightforward in it’s approach. The software also includes diagnostics and calibration modes to assure the user of correct readings. All data is saved to the PC hard drive for later analysis by HPFM or graphing packages.
  • Page 6 New Calibrations, Improved Specifications • Sensor zero set provided with linear and 2nd order polynomial regressions removes sensor and board drift between data sets • Improved overlap on conductance ranges by 50% Differential pressure calibrated to 180 kPa • Sensor Nonlinearity removal by unique software adjustment, 1-4th order effects removed • Conductance and resistance results at the reading temperature are adjusted according to the calibration temperature •...

  • Page 7: High Pressure Flow Meter (Hpfm) Form & Function

    1.1 High Pressure Flow Meter (HPFM) Form & Function The HPFM is shown schematically in Figure 1. It is an apparatus designed to perfuse water into an object while rapidly changing the delivery pressure and simultaneously measuring flow. This is referred as a transient conductance measurement.

  • Page 8: Personal Computer Requirements

    The install shield Wizard will install the program in: C:\Program files\Dynamax\HPFM. There are five distinct parts to software installation, allowing customers to leverage software created independently, by Microsoft, measurement computing, USB software experts and Dynamax Inc. Installation is covered in detail in Section 4. 1. Install latest Microsoft. NET, if required, the Visual c. frameworks. 2. Install the Dynamax, HPFM.exe, and the graphics drivers, calibration files, initialization files, and example data.

  • Page 9: Unpacking

    When unpacking, do not discard the box and packing material. Dynamax ships the HPFM in a box with material on all six sides. This makes the shipping box the perfect box for you to ship your HPFM internationally, across the U.S., or back to Dynamax for an annual calibration. Also keep the Lists of Parts, the software, and the tools that came with the HPFM.

  • Page 10: Quick Start Guide

    5. Insert the security lock provided with each HPFM. Connect the HPFM to a PC via the computer’s USB Port and the communication port on the HPFM with the communications cable. – Section 6.0 6. Check the LED on the HPFM and launch the program by clicking on the HPFM3 icon. Listen for a beep, and notice the green LED blinking on the USB-2404UI Analog Module. Open a project file folder to collect data, or reopen an old project file – Section 6.2...

  • Page 11: Application And Theory Of Operation

    3. Application and Theory of Operation Why use the HPFM? The High Pressure Flow Meter has several uses in the analysis of root/shoot studies. Some examples of the uses of the HPFM are: • Root conductance in the lab or field •...
  • Page 12 V = Vo + P2/e Where: Vo is the initial volume of the system at P2 = 0 and e is the bulk modulus of elasticity. The time derivative of Equation (7) gives the flow to cause the elastic volume change: Fe = dV/dt = (1/e) dP2/dt If air bubbles are present anywhere in the system, they will be compressed according to the ideal gas law as the pressure of the fluid around the bubble increases. If Vb is the volume of a bubble at absolute gas pressure Pb then the ideal gas law gives: PbVb = nRT = PiVi...

  • Page 13: Quasi-Steady State Measurement Of Hydraulic Resistance, Rqs

    It is not possible, in practice, to make P2 increase linearly with time from time 0. This is because an extra conductance equal to the conductance of the capillary tubes of the HPFM (KCT) is interposed between the pressure transducers that measure P1 and P2 (see Figure 1).

  • Page 14: Hpfm Installation Guide

    The HPFM software will NOT OPERATE PROPERLY unless your signed in as the Administrator user. Turn off Virus Protection and all other applications. 2. Insert the HPFM3 CD in your CD drive. Use Windows Explorer to browse to the root of the CD. For Windows Vista and Windows 7 users.
  • Page 15 5. If upgrade is needed, double-click on dotnetfx35.exe in your CD directory and follow the instructions on the installation dial 6. After .NET Framework 3.5 installation is completed, double-click on setup.exe to install HPFM software. Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 16 7. Choose directory where you want the software to be installed at (use default directory C:\Program Files\Dynamax\ HPFM\). 8. After the HPFM installation, setup.exe will automatically install Security Key driver. This USB device is used in conjunction with HPFM for security purpose. Click OK to exit this screen when completed.
  • Page 17 11. The installation of InstaCal program will start, which is essential to HPFM operation. Click on Setup to continue. 12. Click on Next and choose installation directory (use default location). 13. Windows will prompt you to restart your computer after installing all of the above products. Click on Yes to restart. Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 18 14. A successful installation should have the following: • HPFM and InstaCal icons on your desktop • HPFM directory located at C:\Program Files\Dynamax\HPFM\HPFM.ini is a setting file, which matches the calibration data supplied for your serial number and calibration document. • MC is directory located at C:\Program Files\Measurement Computing\DAQ\ Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 19 The cb.cfg file is unique for the HPFM application. The .CFG file defines the A/D channels and configures them for the pressure readings. 15. For 32-bit Windows XP/2000/Vista: in order for HPFM to read pressure, check, and then copy if needed the CB.CFG file from: C:\Program Files\Dynamax\HPFM\IcalUL\ CB.CFG has been copied to: C:\Program Files\Measurement Computing\DAQ\. For 64-bit Windows XP/2000/Vista: copy the CB.CFG file to...
  • Page 20 16. After installing the CFG files, we will add two drivers for USB communication. Plug the HPFM USB cable into one of the USB port on your PC, and connect to the Measurement Computing USB2404-UI device under the top of HPFM. When prompted for New Hardware Found, select Yes, this time only and click Next.
  • Page 21 When a fully installed the USB Carrier drivers wizard will say: 17. Unplug and reconnect the USB cable between the HPFM and the computer USB port. Allow one minute for Windows to detect the USB2404-UI hardware, and install the software protocol drivers.
  • Page 22 18. After installing the device drivers, open the InstaCal program from the desktop or the START menu. Before actively using the icons the serial number must be highlighted. Then, click on Configure icon to confirm the settings. Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 23 19. Select tab USB-2404-UI, check the settings, and if required make the following changes: • ADC Timing Mode: Best 60Hz Rejects (DO NOT use any other timing modes in the list) • Temperature units: Celsius Once these changes have been made click OK and proceed to the next step. 20.
  • Page 24 21. While under CH1 settings make the following changes: • Channel Mode: Bridge • Bridge Type: Full Bridge • Range:+/-62mv/v Once these changes have been made click OK and proceed to the next step 22. While under CH2 settings make the following changes: •...
  • Page 25 24. Double check your Calibration table. This step is to ensure that correct calibration table is copied into your HPFM directory 25. Go to your CD ROM drive, open “HPFM.ini” from the root directory with Notepad. 26. Then, go to your HPFM installed directory at C:\Program Files\Dynamax\HPFM and open the same file name “HPFM.ini” with Notepad.
  • Page 26 27. Compare the contents of the two files. If they don’t match, copy it from CD and paste into the installed directory mentioned above and overwrite the existing HPFM.ini document. DO NOT make changes to this ini.file. The settings menu, and the data viewer allows for editing the values if necessary. Normally this is not required except by a certified Dynamax technician. Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 27: Setup For The Hpfm

    Brown) you may use the clear 1.5 mm ID Teflon FEP “Clear” tubing supplied by Dynamax. For low flow ranges (Green, and Orange) ONLY use the 1.0 mm ID “Natural” (light tan) HPLC tubing supplied by Dynamax for connections between the purple outlet of the 8WO and the compression fitting on the object to be measured. NOTE: DO NOT USE 0.12 mm ID RED TUBING FOR CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HPFM AND A PLANT SAMPLE! The red tube is used only for testing and bubble removal Carefully follow the instructions in Section 5.4.

  • Page 28: Tips For Setting The Pressure Regulator

    WARNING! Do not pressure the compressed air supply hose to above 690 kPa (100 PSI) while the hose is disconnected! Do not disconnect or connect the hose if the pressure is above 70 kPa(10PSI)! 5.3.1 Tips for Setting the Pressure Regulator The valve at the top of the bottle should not be opened until the regulator pressure set screw is backed off completely.

  • Page 29: Preparing The Compressed Air Supply System For Use With Hpfm

    5.3.2 Preparing the Compressed Air Supply System for use with the HPFM Connect the hose quick-disconnect (Male) into the HPFM compressed air supply quick-disconnect (Female). Make sure that the needle valve is opened about 4 turns. The airflow control valve (AV) should be closed or pointed directly up. Remember that turning the valve to the right will bleed pressure from the HPFM. Turning the valve to the left will increase pressure when the compressed air supply is connected.

  • Page 30: Adding Degassed Water To The Hpfm

    Adding De-gassed Water to the HPFM The Captive Air Tank (CAT) is a two-compartment tank. The upper compartment contains water and the lower section can be pressurized with air. A flexible rubber diaphragm separates the two compartments. The large stainless steel CAT allows you to pressurize the water without the air and water mixing together. The CAT will hold 7.0 liters of water and it is best to refill while there is still at least 1.0 liters of water in the tank. If the CAT is initially empty then refer to Subsection 5.4.2, “Priming a totally empty tank.”...

  • Page 31: Making Degassed Water/ Preventing Algae Buildup Inside The Hpfm

    5.4.1 Making Degassed Water / Preventing Algae Buildup Inside the HPFM The Captive Air Tank (CAT) should be filled only with ‘degassed water’, i.e., water with air dissolved at less than satu- rating concentrations of O2 and N2 at atmospheric pressure. There are two methods of making degassed water. The first method is to boil water. This removes some of the absorbed gas because air is less soluble in hot water than cold water. If this method is used, the CAT could be filled while the water is still hot. The steps for boiling the distilled water for the HPFM are: WARNING Take Precautions.

  • Page 32: Priming A Totally Empty Captive Air Tank (Cat)

    5.4.2 Priming a Totally Empty Captive Air Tank (CAT) When first priming the HPFM or if air bubbles have entered into the HPFM system, you must pre fill the CAT with at least 2 liters of degassed, distilled water before you can start the priming process. If the HPFM has had water already added, please skip this subsection and move on to Subsection 5.4.3, “Adding water to a Partially Empty Captive Air Tank (CAT).” This pre-fill will assist in the removal of all air bubbles. Removing air bubbles as in Section 5.5, “Eliminating Air from the HPFM”...

  • Page 33: Adding Water To A Partly Empty Captive Air Tank (Cat)

    g. Once the HPFM is filled, close the Water Supply Valve. 6. Disconnect the water connection from the Refill Kit. 7. Pull the pressure release on the side of the Refill Tank. Lock the Refill Tank Handle by pushing down on the handle with tabs on the handle sliding into the keyed position on the top cap of the tank. Once the handle is completely down, twist the handle. The tank handle should now be locked in position. 8.

  • Page 34: Elimination Air From The Hpfm

    i. Once the HPFM is filled, close the Water Supply Valve. Disconnect the water connection from the Refill Kit. Look closely for any air bubbles in the tubing lines within the HPFM unit. If you find any, refer to Section 5.5, “Eliminating Air from the HPFM.” The HPFM unit should now be primed and ready to use. Note: THE LESS YOU MANIPULATE THE WATER AFTER DEGASSING THE LESS UNWANTED GAS YOU WILL HAVE IN THE HPFM. Eliminating Air from the HPFM Before eliminating air from the HPFM for the first time, study Photo 4, which gives the location of components on the HPFM.

  • Page 35: Purging Air From The Water Filter

    The areas of the HPFM that require purging are all internally wetted parts. The goal is to have no air bubbles in the system. The major areas to check and purge are the CAT, the tubing, the 8-way manifold, and the HPFM Refill Kit. The HPFM can have air trapped in the CAT, the valve at the top of the CAT, and the tubing from the CAT to the filter. This can be removed quickly by: 1. Be prepared to wipe up and remove excessive water on or around the HPFM. Be sure to avoid any water entering the electronics.

  • Page 36: Removing Air Trapped In The 8-Way Manifold

    3. Under low pressure, and using a towel to catch water drops, disconnect the water inlet tube (INLET) from the water inlet on the 8-way manifold. Then allow air and water to escape from the upper half of the filter and PVC tubing. You may need to tilt the HPFM so the water filter outlet is higher than the rest of the system. After all air and bubbles have escaped and only water flows out, replace the inlet hose and tighten the inlet coupling on the 8WI. Water should stop dribbling, once the 8WI coupling is tight. 4. Attach a clear outlet tube to the 8WO, and open the outlet valve. Then, open the flow inlet valve, the brown capillary valves, to allow any large air bubbles in the manifolds to escape. Once you observe the tube is clear of bubbles, open each capillary in turn, to remove bubbles.

  • Page 37: Removing Microscopic Air Bubbles From The Pressure Transducers

    5.5.3 Removing Microscopic Air Bubbles from Pressure Transducers Use the 3cc syringe and 7/8” needle we provided in the accessory kit. Fill it with Algaecide contained water. Eliminate all air bubble inside the syringe and fill the water into Transducers. Keep tapping the adapter on the transducer to move the air bubble to the opening of the Transducer then add water to push air bubble out. Make sure you DO NOT use the big 1 3/8”...

  • Page 38: Storing The Hpfm

    5.6 Storing the HPFM Pressurize the CAT to 140-280 kPa (20-40 PSI), shut the air valve (AV) to retain the pressure. Turn the water valve right (WV) to the “flow” position and close the outlet valve on the 8-way outlet valve (8WO). This will prevent entry of air into your system, keep a minimum pressure on connecting hoses, and your HPFM will remain in optimum form, ready for measurements, whenever you need it. Be sure to turn off the power to the HPFM A/D board and to the pressure gauge to save battery power. Also be sure to shut off the gas supply to the pressure regulator. This will prevent gas loss from your supply tank in case of a slow leak.

  • Page 39: Software Operation

    6. Software Operation System Connections Connect the pressure regulator to the compressed gas tank you are using (usually compressed air or nitrogen). Be sure the air valve (AV) is in the “off” position. Set the supply pressure to approx. 4 MPa (600 PSI). Turn on the digital pressure gauge. If the HPFM has been previously used it should have been left pressurized to 140-280 kPa (20-40 PSI). Locate the two 8-way valves and note how the valves are opened and closed (See figure 3). Make sure the valves to the two pressure transducers are ALWAYS left open and that the outlet valve is closed except when water flow is desired.

  • Page 40: Hpfm Operation Guide

    6.2 Opening a Project File To collect data, we create project files, which log all data and results. The files are organized by dated folders or my documents/HPFM-Projects. Transient and Quasi-steady State data files with results are saved in comma separated files. The files contain notes, dates, and time stamped data, as well as averaged results or regression results, 1. Start HPFM software by double-clicking HPFM icon on the desktop. You will see a black colored status window popped up followed by a 3-second beep. Navigate to File – Open, New Project tab is selected by default. 2.
  • Page 41 4. Make sure to completely bleed out the pressure inside HPFM CAT, and confirm that with pressure gauge reading. 5. Click OK to start set-zero (See the screen above.) Once hearing a beep, start increasing the pressure inside HPFM CAT by turning the air valve to Air Flow In position. 6. Stop pressuring at 550 kPa by turning the air valve to Closed position. 7.

  • Page 42: Transient Measurementof Conductance

    6.4 Transient Measurement of Conductance Introduction The transient measurement of conductance of your root or shoot sample allows a quick and fast way to gather the data either in the field or the lab. Quickly acquiring the data is good when dealing with the root systems especially. The root systems as well as the shoots of many plant species have the ability to “repair” themselves and plug off the xylem. Also, there is an osmotic effect in root systems that will increase the osmotic pressure (and therefore reduce the flow) as more water is injected into the root system. 6.4.1 Measurement of the Transient The “Transient” option is used to measure root or shoot conductance dynamically, by measuring flow every few seconds while allowing the applied pressure to change at a constant rate of 5 to 10 kPa s-1 = (0.5 to 2 PSI s-1).
  • Page 43 4. Enter a FILE NAME and comments, select INTERVAL and click OK button. 5. Confirm HPFM CAT pressure at 0 kPa according to pressure gauge. Click Start and a new window will pop up. Enter a FILE NAME and comments, select INTERVAL and click OK button. Once you have selected a file name data collection will automatically begin. As soon as the first points appears on the graph start the pressurization.
  • Page 44 5. Continue pressurization until PT2 reaches about 500 to 550 kPa or sooner if you detect a problem, e.g., wrong range selected or a leak observed. Towards the end of the test, try to stay between 50% and 100% of the flow rate of the range. In the RED RANGE case shown here, dP and flow rate exceed the limits, and one must choose the next higher conductance flow range.

  • Page 45: Regression Of The Transient, Current Data

    6.4.2 Regression of the Transient, Current Data After stop, check Set Ignore Points box and select points to be ignored or deleted. Usually you will ignore points below 100 kPa. 6. Apply 1st order regression, and click Yes to save regression values. Note: All regression temperature corrected K and standard temperature (25°C) K are saved in the file named by the project managers with a .trn extension.

  • Page 46: Regression Of Transient, Saved Data (.Trn) Files

    6.5 Regression of the Transient, Saved Data (.trn) Files At any time later, recorded files can be retrieved and analyzed. While measurement of the Transient is simply graphing a line of increasing pressure and flow, Regression provides the “best fit” of that graphical line and calculating the slope. That slope is the hydraulic conductance of the measured plant. Choose Regression as the Analysis Type. Click Start and Regression window appears. Click Load Data, navigate to the desired folder, and choose your transient data to be analyzed. Check Set Ignore Points box and select Choose Points to be Ignored.
  • Page 47 Or select Choose Min / Max Points instead. Choose 1st Regression Order, and click Perform Regression button to finish. Click Yes to save the regression. Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 48: Introduction Qss Quasi-Steady State

    6.6 Introduction QSS- Quasi Steady State Quasi Steady State measurements and results depend on nearly steady pressure from the water supply as well as an outlet pressure that closely matches the pressure at the sample. A difference in pressure caused by raising the sample above the outlet reduces flow, and similarly lowering the sample increases the flow due to the weight of water in the at- tachment hose affecting the pressure. Try keeping the sample close to the same level as the instrument outlet P2 trans- ducer. An HP offset is available in QSS measurements to remove this pressure difference, if so desired. In contrast to transient measurements, a constant offset is already remove by the regression, since the slope (K) accounts for the dif- ference in flow divided by the difference in pressure. In QSS measurements we need to be more careful to avoid creating more or less conductance from the dP offset. Small variability in readings is removed by allowing a QSS measurement to stabilize, and then use the AVERAGE button, to store the running average of 10 most recent readings.
  • Page 49 b. Click on the STATIC OFFSET, set the new value to zero, and SAVE Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 50 c. Open all two valves corresponding to the desired range and open the flow out valve. Check for leaks in the lines. Select yellow, for example, and set the pressure to about 300 kPa. Click START and proceed with readings. If the software recognizes that the differential pressure between PT1 and PT2 is over 180 kPa, then it will give you a message telling you that the dP is out of range. You will need to go the next highest flow range. The following steps ac- complish this: d.
  • Page 51 4. If the flow rate is too low for a given range, the dP is too low as well. In the graphic example of the GREY range below, note the two dials showing dP and Flow rate are in the yellow warning area. Note the data is also erratic as demonstrated by raising the sample by 30 CM and then lowering the sample. The dP difference caused by gravity on the water tubing causes a significant fluctuation in K. a. On the QSS Control software select the “STOP” button For best results, apply a dP pressure between 90 and 150 kPa. You may increase the pressure at the CAT to force more water flow within a given flow range, if desired.
  • Page 52 In this example we entered a static offset of –3.02. After starting again, we note the dP is less than 1, and calculated zero flow in the data viewer. Static offset is saved in the hpfm.INI file, and will be used for the next time HPFM is turned on, or the flow analysis (QSS only) is restarted. If one changes to a new flow range, be sure to check or change the Static Offset. Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 53: Graphics Operation

    6.7 Graphics Operation One of the best new HPFM feature are the graphics, and interactive operation available to Zoom, Unzoom, Print and view real time data. One may lock the time span, to see only the recent data. At any time on any operation type, right click on the graphic window to bring up the menu. To zoom in on a series of data, point above and left of a part of the graph you want to enlarge, and drag your pointer to a point below and to the right.
  • Page 54 To unzoom, it is easier to click the Unzoom, or set scale to default. The default is the normal pressure range of HPFM. Images are saved whenever you right click, and select Save Image As… This action will allow you to save images in six common image formats.

  • Page 55: Raw Data For K, And Temperature Corrections

    7.0 Raw Data for K, and Temperature Corrections 7.1 Temperature Corrections with the Built in Sensor The calibration factors used to convert dP to flow are temperature dependent, because KCT is inversely proportional to the viscosity of water and the viscosity of water changes about 2.3% per oC (Tyree et al 1995). The HPFM will be supplied with calibration curves and the temperature at which the calibration was done.

  • Page 56: Raw Data Tables, Project Data

    7.3 Raw data tables, project data Users who want to make temperature corrections should measure the temperature dependence of their study species for the sake of maximum accuracy. Fortunately, in many cases the two temperature corrections cancel out if the following conditions hold: (1) The temperature dependence of the capillary tubes on the HPFM and of the sample are equal.
  • Page 57 Project folders contain the raw data from each experiment. The examples from earlier test data are also included as shown below on the CD ROM. Each file contains all of the data as well as your comments, calibration used, and the temperature corrected K values shown in the previous Sections 7.2 and 7.3. In the example below, the QSS data file is opened with excel, and converted directly from a .csv, to a file format that can be transferred to charts, or other analysis programs. Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 58: Obtaining Good Data, And Data Presentation

    8.0 Obtaining Good Data, and Data Presentation 8.1 Wound Response (plugging of stems) Frequently, the resistance of whole shoots will rise constantly while doing quasi-steady state measurements. This is gener- ally due to natural wound responses. If the basal 3 to 5 cm is removed, most of the resistance increase is also removed. Many species do not plug at all.

  • Page 59: Air Bubbles

    Figure 12 Comparison of transients measured on most sensitive range (Green range) Flow was into a 1.5 m length of tubing connecting the 8WO to the smallest compression fitting connected to a solid plug 1.5 mm OD. For the graph on the left a 1.5 mm OD plastic tube was used on the right a 3 mm OD plastic tube. The higher plateau on the right is due to the higher elasticity of the larger tube.
  • Page 60 Figure 13 Transient done on the Orange range NOTE: A linear transient line (Flow versus pressure) does not mean there is no air in the stems. When air is evenly distributed in the woody shoot, the transient can look quite linear and yet the value of conductance (= the slope) is too big.

  • Page 61: Air Bubbles

    Figure 14 Transient collected on the Orange Figure 15 is a repeat of the transient done above with a small air bubble in the 8W0 manifold. The transient was re-measured on the Red range. The slope of this curve should still give a valid conductance although the bubble can be eliminated completely.

  • Page 62: Connecting The Hpfm To The Roots And Shoots

    9. Connecting the HPFM to Roots and Shoots SAFETY FIRST! When working with tools, one should always consider safety. Razor blades can cut more than the xylem. So can saw blades. Being careful cannot protect you all the time. Wear gloves when using sharp objects. Make sure that you are cutting away from your body (and fingers) as well as away from other people. Wear safety glasses when using a saw blade. If you are in the field, and you are excising trees (or small parts of large trees), make sure that you wear the proper equipment, i.e., hard hats, steel-toed boots, when cutting.
  • Page 63 II. For sizes from 20mm to 50mm, leave 5-10mm of root stem above the top of the rubber compression seal. Note: Check the distance below the rubber compression seal. Can you see leaks? Can you perform the installation of the coupling easily? c.
  • Page 64 5. Apply a light coating of the included G4 silicone grease to the threads of the head of the coupling as well as to the inside cone. The area inside the cone that requires the lubricant is where the compression seal will compress into the head by the nut.
  • Page 65 Stick the needle down into the HPLC tubing connection of the cone and depress the hypodermic syringe filling the open area inside, displacing the air. As the air is replaced, use the needle to help remove air bubbles or pockets, using the velocity of the water moving out of the hypodermic needle. Once you have filled the open area of the compression fitting with water and have removed all the air, pull the hypodermic needle out while still depressing water out to fill the displace- ment of the needle itself. Make sure that you have water on top of the open area of the HPLC connection with no air pockets below. 9.
  • Page 66 CAUTION! Make sure that you do not have air in the compression coupling unit, the tubing leading to the compression unit, or in the HPFM. The steps for connecting the tubing are: a. Carefully remove the “O” rings from the HPLC compression-fitting cap.
  • Page 67 CAUTION! Do not over tighten. Never use tools to tighten. You can compress the connection tubing, stopping the flow of water and give you erroneous results. 10. Open the flow out valve, making sure that there are no leaks. If there are leaks, repeat steps 7 through 9. If there are none, close the flow out valve and you are ready. NOTE: A common problem with connecting large stems to compression fittings is that the fitting slips off during pressurization.

  • Page 68: Disconnecting The Hpfm

    10. Disconnecting the HPFM 10.1 Valves Settings for moving the HPFM The valve setting for moving a HPFM is simply in normally to leave the CAT tank pressurized and closing the outlet valve on the 8WO. The reason this deserves a section is that the valve position is important. The minimum required work, if these valves are not closed, is that the 8WI and 8WO manifold system will need to be bleed again.

  • Page 69: Maintaining The Hpfm

    11. Maintaining the HPFM 11.1 Changing the Water Filter The HPFM water filter, under normal conditions, should be replaced annually. Under heavy loads, the filter should be replaced at least twice a year. To change the water filter follow these steps: 1. Release the compressed gas pressure making sure that the Captive Air Tank pressure is 0 PSI (0 kPa). This is accomplished by turning the Compressed Air Valve to the right, releasing the pressure slowly (1-1.5 PSI per second, 6.9-10 kPa per second).

  • Page 70: Calibration Of The Hpfm

    12. Calibration of the HPFM Normally, the HPFM will not require frequent calibrations. A factory calibration is recommend every two years. Dynamax recommends that the calibrations only be performed by one of our fully trained technicians at the factory, or by one of the trained and fully qualified Dynamax distributors. During calibration all data is saved and supplied with each HPFM CD-Rom,...
  • Page 71 Green Range: @ Zero flow evaporation at 4.73 e-09 Calculated A0 = -7.59 e-09 A0 with evaporation considered = -2.86 e-09 Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 72 Orange Range: @ Zero flow evaporation at 4.73 e-09 Calculated A0 = -2.84 e-08 A0 with evaporation considered = -2.36 e-08 Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 73 Red Range: Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 74 Yellow Range: Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 75 Grey Range: Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 76 Brown Range: Revision: JUNE 2017...
  • Page 77 Zero Adjustment Measurement: Revision: JUNE 2017...

  • Page 78: Appendix I Parts List

    APPENDIX I - Parts List Amount Part No. Description 1 unit HPFM Standard HPFM unit 1401 Small o-rings 1402 Large o-rings 1310 Plastic compression caps 5 ft. 1535 (.005”) I.D. x 1/16” O.D. “Red” Bleed Tubing 5 ft. 1540 (.042”) 1 mm I.D. HPLC “Natural” Connection Tubing 6 ft.

  • Page 79: Appendix Ii Bill Of Materials

    APPENDIX II Bill of Materials Figure 1 Schematic of High Pressure Flow Meter (HPFM) Bill of Materials AV = Compressed Air Valve WV = Water Valve NV = Needle Valve F = Water Filter PC = Purge Cap on Water Filter (F) CAT = Captive Air Tank SB = supply box for storage of small parts and location of 12 VDC 4.5 Amp Hour Battery A/D = location of A/D circuit in the supply box...

  • Page 80: Appendix Iii Trouble Shooting And Faq

    • Check each pressure transducer to see if they are working properly, which mean if they output proper readings to your voltmeter. • If you have gone through all these steps and still find no luck on running SetZero procedure, please contact Dynamax Technical Support on HPFM for further instruction.Please DO NOT disassembles any part of the system. FAQ: We cannot save the regression values after performing the SetZero option. A “file access denied”...

  • Page 81: Appendix Iv Reference List

    APPENDIX IV - Reference List 3. Tyree, M.T., Patino, S.,Benink, J., Alexander, J., (1994). Dynamic measurements of root hydraulic con- ductance using a high-pressure flowmeter in the laboratory and field. Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 46, No. 282, pp. 83 - 94. A new high-pressure flowmeter (HPFM) is described that is capable of rapid water-flow measurements. This article de- scribes the HPFM, presents the theory of dynamic flow measurements, discusses sources of error, presents evidence that dynamic measurements of Kr in Ficus maclellandi (and six other tropical species from Panama) yield the correct...
  • Page 82 79. Cochard, H., Martin, R., Gross, P ., Bogeat-Triboulot, M.B. (2000). Temperature effects on hydraulic conductance and water relations of Quercus robur L. Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 51, No. 348, pp. 1255 - 1259. The effects of temperature on root and shoot hydraulic conductances were investigated for Quercus robur L. saplings. In the first experiment, conductances were measured with the HPFM on excised shoots and detopped root systems. In the second experiment, the impact of temperature-induced changes in groot on sapling transpiration (E) and leaf water potential was assessed.

  • Page 83: Appendix V Glossary

    APPENDIX IV – Glossary The output of the pressure transducers is logged using a custom-designed, dual channel A/D circuit with 12 bits plus sign accuracy. The location of A/D circuit in the supply box. The HPFM is supplied with Windows software for controlling the A/D circuits, logging data, and for preliminary data analysis.
  • Page 84 Hydraulic Conductance It is an apparatus designed to perfuse water into an object while rapidly changing the delivery pressure and simultaneously measuring flow. The slope of flow plotted versus pressure equals the hydraulic conductance of the object. While measurement of the Transient is simply graphing a line of increasing pressure and flow, Regression is the “best fit” of that graphical line and calculating the slope. That slope is the hydraulic conductance of the measured plant. Hypodermic syringe Air must be removed by disconnecting PT2 from the 8WO and injecting water using a hypodermic needle and syringe.
  • Page 85 Initial gas pressure. Measurement of pressure in pounds per square inch. The outlet pressure relative to atmospheric pressure applied pressure. Purge Cap, PC Air is purged using the red purging caps located on the top and the bottom of the filter near the outer edge of the round body of the filter. Pressure Regulator that prevents accidental over-pressurization. Pressure transducers, PT1 Pressure Transducer #1 on inlet side. Pressure transducers, PT2 Pressure Transducer #2 on outlet side.
  • Page 86 The volume of a bubble at absolute gas pressure Pb Water Valve, WV Allows water flow into the filter and subsequently into the valve manifold (8WI and 8WO) system at P2 = 0. An Omnifit, 8-Way, HPLC valve of octagonal geometry with 8-tubes emerging from a common point in the center and each tube terminated by a valve. An 8-way manifold on outlet side Revision: JUNE 2017...

Table of Contents