Alicat M Series Operating Manual
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Alicat M Series Operating Manual

Precision gas mass flow meter
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Operating Manual
M Series
Precision Gas Mass Flow Meter
Innovative Flow and Pressure Solutions

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Summary of Contents for Alicat M Series

  • Page 1 Operating Manual M Series Precision Gas Mass Flow Meter Innovative Flow and Pressure Solutions...
  • Page 2 Product is carried or shipped prepaid to the factory together with proof of purchase. The foregoing shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy in lieu of other remedies of the Buyer for any breach by Alicat Scientifi c of this warranty to the maximum extent permitted by law.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    RS-485 Digital Output Signal Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal M Series Mass Flow Meter Operation Main Mode Tare Gas Absolute Pressure Gas Temperature...
  • Page 4 Figure 3. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Confi guration Figure 4. Optional Industrial Connector Figure 5. Proper Set Up for Remote Tare on Meters Figure 6. Main Mode Display, M Series Flow Meter Figure 7. Select Menu Display Figure 8. Gas Select Mode Display Figure 9.

  • Page 5: Installation

    Thank you for purchasing an M Series Gas Flow Meter. Please take the time to fi nd and read the information contained in this manual. This will help to ensure that you get the best possible service from your instrument. This manual covers the following Alicat Scientifi c instruments:...

  • Page 6: Power And Signal Connections

    Power and Signal Connections Power can be supplied to your M Series meter through either the power jack (power jack not available on CSA/ATEX approved devices) or the 8 pin Mini-DIN connector as shown in Figure 1. An AC to DC adapter which converts line AC power to DC voltage between 7 and 30 volts is required to use the power jack (Note: minimum 15Vdc required for 4-20mA outputs).

  • Page 7: Rs-232 Digital Output Signal

    Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal All M Series fl ow meters have a 0-5 Vdc (optional 0-10 Vdc) output signal available on Pin 6. This is generally available in addition to other optionally ordered outputs. This voltage is usually in the range of 0.010 Vdc for zero fl...

  • Page 8: Figure 2. Mini-Din To Db-9 Connection For Rs-232 Signals

    DB-9 Serial Port 8 Pin Mini-DIN Port 5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8 3----------Transmit------------------------------------Receive---------3 2----------Receive-------------------------------------Transmit--------5 Figure 2. Mini-DIN to DB-9 Connection for RS-232 Signals Purple (Ground) Yellow Unit A Purple Yellow Unit B Purple Yellow Unit C Female Serial Cable Front Figure 3. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Confi guration Note: The easiest way to connect multiple devices is with a BB-9 Multi-Drop Box (see page 39).

  • Page 9: Figure 4. Optional Industrial Connector

    An industrial connector is standard on all CSA/ATEX approved devices (see pages 46 & 47). It is also available as an option on all other Alicat instruments. Function Cable Color Power In ( RS-232TX / RS-485 + Blue RS-232RX / RS-485 -...

  • Page 10: M Series Mass Flow Meter Operation

    M Series Mass Flow Meter Operation The M Series Mass Flow Meter provides a multitude of useful fl ow data in one simple, rugged device. The M Series can have several screen “modes” depending on how the device is ordered. All M Series...

  • Page 11: Gas Absolute Pressure

    1 PSI = 6.89 kPa. Gas Temperature: The M Series fl ow meters also utilize a temperature sensor to measure the line temperature of the gas fl ow being monitored. The temperature is displayed in engineering units of degrees Celsius (°C).

  • Page 12: Select Menu Mode

    Select Menu Mode Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display. Push the button nearest your selection to go to the corresponding screen. Push “Mode” again to return to the Main Mode display. (Note: If your meter was ordered with Totalizing Mode option (page 37), pushing the “Mode” button once will bring up the “Totalizing Mode”...

  • Page 13: Communication Select Mode

    Communication Select The Communication Select mode is accessed by pressing the button below “Comm. RS-232” or “Comm. RS-485” on the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 9 below. Select > Unit ID (A)..A Baud (19200)..19200 Data Rate..Fast Comm.

  • Page 14: Manufacturer Data Mode

    (Figure 7). The “Mfg 1” display shows the name and telephone number of the manufacturer. The “Mfg 2” display shows important information about your fl ow meter including the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture. Main Alicat Scientific, Inc. Ph 520-290-6060 Fax 520-290-0109 Mfg 1...

  • Page 15: Lcd Contrast

    Select Main > LCD Contrast ( 10 ) . PVM DBand ( 0.5 FS ) PRESS Avg ( 008 ) . . . FLOW Avg ( 100 ) ..DOWN Misc M O D E Figure 11. Miscellaneous Display LCD Contrast: The Liquid Crystal Display Contrast can be adjusted between 0 and 30 with zero being the lightest contrast and 30 being the darkest contrast.

  • Page 16: Rs-232 Or Rs-485 Output And Input

    RS-232 / RS-485 Output and Input Confi guring HyperTerminal®: Open your HyperTerminal® RS-232 / RS-485 terminal program (installed under the “Accessories” menu on all Microsoft Windows® operating systems). Select “Properties” from the fi le menu. Click on the “Confi gure” button under the “Connect To” tab. Be sure the program is set for: 19,200 baud (or matches the baud rate selected in the RS-232 / RS-485 communications menu on the meter) and an 8-N-1-None (8 Data Bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit, and no Flow Control) protocol.

  • Page 17: Gas Select

    To send a Tare command via RS-232 / RS-485, enter the following strings: In Streaming Mode: $$V<Enter> In Polling Mode: Address$$V<Enter> (e.g. B$$V<Enter>) Gas Select – The selected gas can be changed via RS-232 / RS-485 input. To change the selected gas, enter the following commands: In Streaming Mode: $$#<Enter>...

  • Page 18: Collecting Data

    +014.70 +025.00 +02.004 +02.004 Air +014.70 +025.00 +02.004 +02.004 Air M Series Mass Flow Meter Data Format Note: On units with the totalizer function the fi fth column will be the totalizer value, with gas select moving to a sixth column.

  • Page 19: Sending A Simple Script File To Hyperterminal

    Sending a Simple Script File to HyperTerminal® It is sometimes desirable to capture data for an extended period of time. Standard streaming mode information is useful for short term events, however, when capturing data for an extended period of time, the amount of data and thus the fi le size can become too large very quickly. Without any special programming skills, the user can use HyperTerminal and a text editing program such as Microsoft Word to capture text at user defi...

  • Page 20: Operating Principle

    Operating Principle M Series Gas Flow Meters are based on the accurate measurement of volumetric fl ow. The volumetric fl ow rate is determined by creating a pressure drop across a unique internal restriction, known as a Laminar Flow Element (LFE), and measuring differential pressure across it. The restriction is designed so that the gas molecules are forced to move in parallel paths along the entire length of the passage;...

  • Page 21: Other Gases

    Other Gases: M Series Flow Meters can easily be used to measure the fl ow rate of gases other than those listed as long as “non-corrosive” gas compatibility is observed. For example, a fl ow meter that has been set for air can be used to measure the fl ow of argon.

  • Page 22: Volumetric Flow And Mass Flow Conversion

    Most gases behave in a nearly ideal manner when measured within the temperature and pressure limitations of Alicat products. However, some gases (such as propane and butane) can behave in a less than ideal manner within these constraints. The non-ideal gas law is formulated as: PV=ZnRT Where: “Z”...

  • Page 23: Standard Gas Data Tables

    As the older standards are phased out of the industry, this difference in readings will cease to be a problem. If you see a difference between the Alicat meter and your in- house standard, in addition to calling Alicat Scientifi c at (520) 290-6060, call the manufacturer of your standard for clarifi...

  • Page 24: Gas Viscosities, Densities And Compressibilities At

    Viscosity* Density** Compressibility Short Form Long Form 25 deg C 25 deg C 25 deg C Number 14.696 PSIA 14.696 PSIA 14.696 PSIA 184.918 1.1840 0.9997 Argon 225.593 1.6339 0.9994 Methane 111.852 0.6569 0.9982 Carbon Monoxide 176.473 1.1453 0.9997 Carbon Dioxide 149.332 1.8080 0.9949...

  • Page 25: Gas Viscosities, Densities And Compressibilities At

    Viscosity* Density** Compressibility Short Form Long Form 0 deg C 0 deg C 0 deg C Number 14.696 PSIA 14.696 PSIA 14.696 PSIA 172.588 1.2927 0.9994 Argon 209.566 1.7840 0.9991 Methane 103.657 0.7175 0.9976 Carbon Monoxide 165.130 1.2505 0.9994 Carbon Dioxide 137.129 1.9768 0.9933...

  • Page 26: Troubleshooting

    Both meters must also be calibrated (or set) for the gas being measured. M Series mass fl ow meters are normally set to Standard Temperature and Pressure conditions of 25° C and 14.696 PSIA. Note: it is possible to special order meters with a customer specifi...

  • Page 27: Maintenance And Recalibration

    The Serial Number, Model Number, and Date of Manufacture are also available on the Manufacture Data 2 screen (page 14). Cleaning: M Series Flow Meters require no periodic cleaning. If necessary, the outside of the meter can be cleaned with a soft dry rag. Avoid excess moisture or solvents.

  • Page 28: M Series Technical Specifi Cations

    Technical Data for Micro-Flow and Ultra-Low Flow Mass Flow Meters 0 to 0.5SCCM Full Scale through 0 to 50SCCM Full Scale The following specifi cations are for the standard confi guration of the Alicat product as shipped from the factory. There are many low-cost customization options available.
  • Page 29 Technical Data for Low Flow Mass Flow Meters 0 to 100 SCCM Full Scale through 0 to 20 SLPM Full Scale The following specifi cations are for the standard confi guration of the Alicat product as shipped from the factory. There are many low-cost customization options available.
  • Page 30 Technical Data for Moderate Flow Mass Flow Meters 0 to 50 SLPM Full Scale through 0 to 250 SLPM Full Scale The following specifi cations are for the standard confi guration of the Alicat product as shipped from the factory. There are many low-cost customization options available.
  • Page 31 0 to 500 SLPM Full Scale through 0 to 4000 SLPM Full Scale The following specifi cations are for the standard confi guration of the Alicat product as shipped from the factory. For Mass Flow Meters above 2000SLPM please contact the factory.

  • Page 32: M Series Dimensional Drawings

    M Series: 0 – 0.5SCCM 0 – 1SCCM 0 – 2SCCM 0 – 5SCCM 0 – 10SCCM 0 – 20SCCM 0 – 50SCCM M Series: 0 – 100SCCM 0 – 200SCCM 0 – 500SCCM 0 – 1SLPM 0 – 2SLPM 0 –...
  • Page 33 M Series: 0 – 50SLPM 0 – 100SLPM M Series: 0 – 250SLPM...
  • Page 34 M Series: 0 – 500SLPM 0 – 1000SLPM 0 – 1500SLPM M Series: 0 – 2000SLPM...

  • Page 35: Profibus Technical Specifi Cations

    NOTICE: The following specifi cations are applicable to Alicat PROFIBUS enabled mass meters and mass controllers only. All standard device features and functions are available and operate in accordance with the standard Alicat Scientifi c device operating manual provided with the device.
  • Page 36 1/8 NPT Both Sides .525 2.375 .525 1.05 2.542 2 x 8-32 UNC ┬ v .350 2.225 .125 .150 .925 M-1SLPM-PROFIBUS Flow body dimensions will vary with range. Please see Alicat’s device specifi cations for fl ow body dimensions. DOC-SPECS-PROFIBUS Rev0...

  • Page 37: Option: Totalizing Mode Screen

    Option: Totalizing Mode Screen M Series Flow Meters and Controllers can be purchased with the Totalizing Mode option. This option adds an additional mode screen that displays the total fl ow (normally in the units of the main fl ow screen) that has passed through the meter or controller since the last time the totalizer was cleared.

  • Page 38: Option: Portable Meters

    Alicat Portable Meters and Gauges Alicat Portable Flow Meters and Gauges use a common 9 Volt battery located in the top section of your meter. Output signals from the fl ow meter are passed through the female connector on top of the fl ow meter.

  • Page 39: Option: Remote Electronics

    Option: Remote Electronics for High Line or Gas Temperatures Some applications involve operating temperatures outside the standard Alicat device specifi cations. A solution using remote electronics is available. (This option is not applicable to liquid devices.) The fl ow body’s components are minimized to only the required sensors. The fl ow data is sent to the microprocessor electronics up to 6 feet away from the sensor package.

  • Page 40: Accessory: Flow Vision™ Sc

    Scripts lets you connect to and communicate Flow Vision™ SC with multiple Alicat units simultaneously. Now you can view Data Logs virtual displays, control tabs, charts and data lines from every connected Alicat device on the same screen. Charts...

  • Page 41: Accessories

    Accessories Part Number Description FLOWVISIONSC Flow Vision™ SC software for interface with all Alicat instruments BB-9 Multi-Drop Box PS24VHC High current power supply for BB-9 use with Large Valve Controllers PCASE Industrial carry and storage case for portable meters/gauges DC-61...

  • Page 42: Eight Pin Mini-Din Pin-Out

    Eight Pin Mini-DIN Connector Pin-Outs If your Alicat Instrument was ordered with the standard Eight Pin Mini-DIN connection, please be sure to reference the following pin-out diagram. DB-9 Serial Port 8 Pin Mini-DIN Port 5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8 5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8 3----------Transmit------------------------------------Receive---------3 3----------Transmit-------------------------------------Receive---------3 2----------Receive-------------------------------------Transmit--------5 2----------Receive--------------------------------------Transmit--------5...

  • Page 43: Profibus Pin-Out

    Connect to the device using two DB9 connectors. The female top connection is PROFIBUS. The male connection on the side is power and RS-232 or RS-485. Pin out diagrams for all PROFIBUS enabled Alicat devices are shown below. SIDE 1. NC 1.

  • Page 44: Db15 Pin-Outs

    DB15 Pin-Outs If your Alicat Instrument was ordered with a DB15 connection, please be sure to reference the appropriate pin-out diagram. DB15 Pin-Out Pin Number Function Signal Out Supply Tare (meters) Set-Point (controllers) Ground Secondary Out RS-232 RX RS-485 –...
  • Page 45 DB15 Pin-Outs If your Alicat Instrument was ordered with a DB15 connection, please be sure to reference the appropriate pin-out diagram. DB15H Pin-Out Pin Number Function Signal Out Ground Supply Tare (meters) Set-Point (controllers) Secondary Out RS-232 RX RS-485 –...

  • Page 46: Additional Information

    UNLESS AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS. EXPLOSION HAZARD – SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR CLASS I, DIVISION 2. All Alicat CSA / ATEX approved devices are equipped with a locking 6 pin industrial connector. The power and signal connections are shown below. Function...
  • Page 47 USE of Alicat instruments (M, MC, MS, MCS, MCR, P, PC and PCR product families only) in Class 1 Division 2 applications. CSA certifi es the use of this product for general use as well as use in hazardous locations as defi...

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