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Summary of Contents for Alicat Scientific M Series
- Page 1 The Fastest Flow Controller Company in the World! OPERATING MANUAL M · MW · MS · MQ · MB...
- Page 2 If you have any questions about operating it, or if something is not working as expected, please let us know. We are eager to help you in any way possible. Alicat Scientific, Inc. info@alicat.com • alicat.com 7641 N Business Park Drive, Tucson, AZ 85743 USA...
- Page 3 Log data to your PC. Talk to the flow meter serially to capture all flow data for logging and analysis, page 31. This manual covers the following Alicat Scientific instruments: • M-Series Mass Flow Meters • MQ-Series High-Pressure Mass Flow Meters •...
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Contents Quick Start Guide Getting Started Getting to Know Your Mass Flow Meter Connectors and Buttons The Flow Meter Display Status Messages Option: Charging Your Portable Flow Meter Mounting Filters Connecting Your Gas Flow Meter Power and Signal Connections RS-232 / RS-485 Digital Input / Output Signal Analog Signals Option: Color TFT Display Navigation and Customization... - Page 5 Serial Communication Establishing Communication Streaming vs Polling Polling Mode Streaming Mode Taring Collecting Flow Data Quick Command Guide Using Gas Select™ and COMPOSER™ Troubleshooting Maintenance Gas List Engineering Units Flow Units Pressure Units Optional Pinouts Locking Industrial Connector Pinouts 9-pin D-Sub Common Pinouts M12 Connector Pinouts 15-pin D-Sub Common Pinouts 2020.02.20 •...
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Page 6: Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide Setup • Connect your flow meter. Ensure that flow through your device will be in the same direction as the arrow on the flow body (usually left to right). • Tare your flow meter. Before you connect the flow meter, ensure TARE FLOW that no air is flowing through the device and select from... -
Page 7: Getting Started
Getting to Know Your Mass Flow Meter Connectors and Buttons The drawings below represent typical configurations of a standard Alicat mass flow meter (M series) and a standard battery-powered mass flow meter (MB series). Your flow meter's appearance and connections may differ. -
Page 8: The Flow Meter Display
The Flow Meter Display The figure below identifies the various features of the flow meter display. Press the large button with the Alicat logo to toggle the backlight on and off. For more details, see the Menu Map on page 16 and the menu- by-menu descriptions that follow it. -
Page 9: Option: Charging Your Portable Flow Meter
Option: Charging Your Portable Flow Meter If you purchased a portable meter, we've fully charged it at the factory, so you can use it right away. Typical battery life of a fully-charged battery is 18 hours with a monochrome display or 8 hours with a TFT color display, when the backlight is set to 10. -
Page 10: Mounting
Mounting No straight runs of pipe are required upstream or downstream of the meter. For most Alicat flow meters, you can mount or hold the meter in any position, because it is internally compensated for any changes to its orientation during use. (MS/MBS series flow meters use media-isolated sensors that must be tared after changing orientation.) Your flow meter is also minimally affected by vibrations, so you can rest it on top of a vibrating instrument with little impact to measurement accuracy. -
Page 11: Connecting Your Gas Flow Meter
Connecting Your Gas Flow Meter Your Alicat flow meter can measure flow generated by positive pressure and/or suction. Connect the meter so that the flow travels in the same direction as the flow arrow, usually from left to right as you look at the front of the device. -
Page 12: Power And Signal Connections
Power and Signal Connections Power can be supplied to your meter through either the power jack or the multi-pin connector on top of your device. Female Connector: Device Male Connector: Cable ✓ Meter power jacks require a 9–24 Vdc power supply with a 2.1 mm female positive center plug capable of supplying at least 50 mA. -
Page 13: Rs-232 / Rs-485 Digital Input / Output Signal
RS-232 / RS-485 Digital Input / Output Signal To use the RS-232 or RS-485 digital signal, connect the RS-232 / RS-485 Output Signal (Pin 5), the RS-232 / RS-485 Input Signal (Pin 3) and Ground (Pin 8) to your serial port as shown below. (See "Serial Communications" on page 31 for details) DB9 to 8-Pin Mini-DIN Connection for RS-232 / RS-485 Signals 9 Pin Serial Connection... -
Page 14: Analog Signals
Analog Signals Primary Analog Output Signal Most Alicat instruments include a primary analog output signal, which is linear over its entire range. For both standard 0–5 Vdc and optional 0–10 Vdc output signals, a zero flow condition is usually in the range of 0.010 Vdc. Zero flow for the optional 1–5 Vdc and 4–20 mA output signals is 1 Vdc and 4 mA, respectively. -
Page 15: Option: Color Tft Display
Option: Color TFT Display Instruments ordered with a color display function the same as standard backlit monochrome instruments, but color is used to provide additional on-screen information. Multi-Color Display Indicators • GREEN: Parameter labels and adjustments associated with the button directly above or below the label are presented in green. •... -
Page 16: Navigation And Customization
Navigation and Customization Start Here Main Display Flow Meter Menu Map PSIA TARE TOTAL/ M PEAK SLPM +13.60 +24.38 FLOW TIMER +18.03 +15.44 M AVG +15.44 SL +15.44 SLPM +45.29 Optional Flow 2:56 h:m:s Mass Flow Totalizer +16.67 +15.44 TOTAL/ MENU/ SLPM MENU... -
Page 17: Collecting Live Flow Data
Collecting Live Flow Data The Main Display has two primary functions: • Collecting live temperature, pressure and flow data (see below) • Changing engineering units for temperature, pressure and flow (page 18) This screen displays live data for all flow parameters simultaneously. Live data is measured 1000 times per second and typically displayed 10 times per second on the device LCD screen. -
Page 18: Choosing Engineering Units
Choosing Engineering Units Press the button adjacent to any of the four measurement parameters twice to enter its DOWN Show abs pressure unit selection menu. You can change units in > Show gauge pressure Show baro pressure two ways: Set button eng units Set device eng units Button engineering units (page 18) alter the display only, not the serial data:... -
Page 19: Option: Collecting Totalized Flow Data
Option: Collecting Totalized Flow Data Your flow meter may have been purchased with an optional flow totalizer. This displays the total amount of mass or volume that has flowed through the instrument since its last reset, like a gasoline pump. You can access TOTAL/MENU the totalizer screen by pressing on the Main Display. -
Page 20: Menu
Menu MENU You can enter the menu system by pressing the button from the Main Display. Menu ABOUT Enters the About Menu TARES Enters the Tares Menu (page 21). (below). ABOUT TARES TARE TARE FLOW PRESS BACK MAIN BASIC SETUP CONFIG MAIN BASIC CONFIG Enters the Basic... -
Page 21: About
MFG INFO Displays Alicat's number, firmware revision contact information. and calibration information. DEVICE DEVICE INFO INFO STATE MODEL: M-20SLPM-D SERIAL NO: 182022 ALICAT SCIENTIFIC DATE MFG: 7/25/2018 www.alicat.com DATE CAL: 7/25/2018 Ph 520-290-6060 CAL BY: Fax 520-290-0109 7v22.0-R22 BACK BACK MAIN... -
Page 22: Basic Configuration Menu
Basic Configuration Menu The Basic Configuration Menu contains options for choosing the gas calibration, device engineering units and STP/NTP mass flow references. → Menu Basic Configuration DEVICE UNITS Changes device engineering units for any parameter: GAS Enters Gas Select™ and Mass Flow - Volumetric Flow - COMPOSER™... -
Page 23: Gas Select
Gas Select™ In most cases, your flow meter was physically calibrated on air at Alicat's factory. Gas Select™ allows you to reconfigure the flow meter to flow a different gas without sending it back to Alicat for a physical recalibration. To use Gas Select, simply choose a gas or gas mix from one of the listed categories. -
Page 24: Gas List
Gas List Your Alicat is preloaded with gas properties data for the following gases: Pure Non-Corrosive Gases Stack/Flue Gas Mixes Acetylene (C2H2) 2.5% O2, 10.8% CO2, 85.7% N2, 1% Ar Air (Clean Dry) 2.9% O2, 14% CO2, 82.1% N2, 1% Ar Argon (Ar) 3.7% O2, 15% CO2, 80.3% N2, 1% Ar Isobutane (i-C4H10) -
Page 25: Using Composer™ To Personalize Mixed Gas Compositions
Using COMPOSER™ to Personalize Mixed Gas Compositions To remain accurate, your flow meter needs to know the viscosity of the gas you are flowing through it. The more closely you can define your actual gas composition, the more accurate your flow readings will be. Alicat's COMPOSER™... -
Page 26: Adding A New Mixed Gas Composition To Composer
Navigating and Customizing Your Flow Meter Adding a new mixed gas composition to COMPOSER™ Generate and store a new COMPOSER™ mix in 3 easy steps: DOWN EDIT % DOWN NEXT LETTER 71.35% CH4 Methane COMPOSER Mix name: 3.00% C2H6 Ethane Name 1.00% C3H8 Propane... -
Page 27: Defining Stp/Ntp Reference Values
Defining STP/NTP Reference Values Standardized flow rates are reported in "standard" or "normal" volumetric flow units that reference a given temperature and pressure combination. This reference is called an STP (standard temperature and pressure) or, typically in Europe, an NTP (normal temperature and pressure). →... -
Page 28: Advanced Setup
Advanced Setup The Advanced Setup Menu lets you configure the display, zero band, averaging (for flow and pressure) and serial communications. → Menu Advanced Setup SENSOR SETUP Enters the Sensor COMM SETUP Enters the Communications DISP SETUP Enters the Display Setup Menu (page 28). -
Page 29: Sensor Setup
Sensor Setup The Sensor Setup Menu contains advanced settings that govern how the flow and pressure sensors report their data. → Advanced Setup Sensor Setup SIG DIGITS Sets the number of DISPLAY AS ZERO Defines the significant digits to display zero band threshold under flow readings on-screen and which flow values are... -
Page 30: Configuring Serial Communications
Configuring Serial Communications You can operate the flow meter remotely via its top connector for easy streaming and logging of all data. Before connecting the flow meter to a computer, ensure that it is ready to communicate with your PC by checking COMM SETUP the options in the menu. -
Page 31: Serial Communication
Serial Communication Connecting your flow meter to a computer allows you to log the data that it generates. The flow meter communicates digitally through its communications connector and cable using a real or virtual COM port on your computer. This section of the manual shows you how to operate the flow meter using ASCII commands. -
Page 32: Streaming Vs Polling
Streaming vs Polling ✓ Note: In what follows, indicates an ASCII carriage return (decimal 13, hexadecimal D). Serial commands are not case-sensitive. Polling Mode Your flow meter was shipped to you in polling mode with a unit ID of A, unless requested otherwise. -
Page 33: Taring
Taring Before collecting flow data, be sure to tare your flow meter. This can occur serially through two separate commands. Taring flow sets the zero flow reading and must be done when no flow is passing through the flow meter: [unit ID] Tare flow: ... -
Page 34: Quick Command Guide
Quick Command Guide ✓ Note: Serial commands are not case-sensitive. For simplicity, we assume that the unit ID of the flow meter is A in the listing that follows. [current unit ID] [desired unit ID] Change unit ID: Tare flow: ... -
Page 35: Using Gas Select™ And Composer
Using Gas Select™ and COMPOSER™ To reconfigure your flow meter to flow a different gas, look up its Gas Number (page 41). Then type: [unit ID] [Gas Number] Choose a gas: Example 1: (reconfigures to flow nitrogen) Example 2: ag206 (reconfigures to flow P-10) ... -
Page 36: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If you run into any trouble with your meter's installation or operation, please get in touch with us by phone, chat or email. You'll also find help on our website alicat.com and in the pages that follow. General Use Issue: My meter does not turn on or has trouble staying on. - Page 37 Issue: I dropped my meter. Is it OK? Do I need to recalibrate? Action: If it turns on and appears to respond normally, then it is probably OK. It may or may not need a recalibration. Compare it against a known-good flow standard. If it checks out, keep using it, but tell us about the drop at your next annual recalibration so we can check it out for you.
- Page 38 Issue: Can I put the meter on top of a vibrating device? Will it be accurate? Action: Yes, and yes! The flow meter is internally compensated for any changes in orientation, including rapid vibrations. Noise will increase if the flow meter is vibrating. Issue: My meter does not agree with another meter I have in line.
- Page 39 Serial Communications Issue: I can't communicate to the meter when it is connected to my computer. Action: 1. Make sure the baud rate and other serial settings of your software MENU → ADV and COM Port require is the one your meter is using ( SETUP →...
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Page 40: Maintenance
Replacement Accessories Accessories are available by contacting Alicat. For repair, recalibration or recycling of this product contact: Alicat Scientific, Inc. service@alicat.com • alicat.com 7641 N Business Park Drive, Tucson, AZ 85743 USA 1-888-290-6060... -
Page 41: Gas List
Gas List Short Long Short Long Name Name Name Name Air (Clean Dry) Sulfur Dioxide C3H6 Propylene Argon 1Buten 1-Butylene2 Methane cButen Cis-Butene (cis-2-Butene) Carbon Monoxide iButen Isobutylene Carbon Dioxide tButen Trans-2-Butene C2H6 Ethane Carbonyl Sulfide Hydrogen Dimethylether (C2H6O) Helium SiH4 Silane Nitrogen... - Page 42 Short Long Short Long Name Name Name Name 183 HeNe-9 9% Ne, 91% He 148 Bio20M 20% CH4, 80% CO2 184 LG-9.4 9.4% CO2, 19.25% N2, 71.35% He 149 Bio25M 25% CH4, 75% CO2 185 SynG-1 40% H2, 29% CO, 20% CO2, 11% CH4 150 Bio30M 30% CH4, 70% CO2 186 SynG-2 64% H2, 28% CO, 1% CO2, 7% CH4 151 Bio35M 35% CH4, 65% CO2...
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Page 43: Engineering Units
Engineering Units True Mass Flow Units Flow Units Label Notes Volumetric Std. Normal Notes milligram per uL ∕m SuL ∕m NuL ∕m microliter per minute mg ∕s second mL ∕s SmL ∕s NmL ∕s milliliter per second mg ∕m milligram per minute mL ∕m SmL ∕m NmL ∕m... -
Page 44: Pressure Units
Pressure Units Absolute or Barometric Gauge Notes pascal hPaA hPaG hectopascal kPaA kPaG kilopascal MPaA MPaG megapascal mbarA mbarG millibar barA barG g∕cm2A g∕cm2G gram force per square centimeter kg∕cmA kg∕cmG kilogram force per square centimeter PSIA PSIG pound force per square inch PSFA PSFG pound force per square foot... -
Page 45: Optional Pinouts
Optional Pinouts Additional Pinouts Individual pinouts available at alicat.com/pinout ✓ Due to variance in cable manufacturing, please identify proper wiring/pins via continuity check & color when using blunt cut multi-strand cables. Locking Industrial Connector Pinouts If your mass flow meter was ordered with a six-pin locking industrial connection, please be sure to reference the following pinout diagram. -
Page 46: 9-Pin D-Sub Common Pinouts
9-pin D-Sub Common Pinouts If your instrument was ordered with a DB9 connection, be sure to check the calibration label on the device or the calibration data sheet and reference the appropriate pinout diagram. Male Connector: Cable Female Connector: Device Common 9-pin D-Sub Pinouts DB9 (Female) DB9A /... -
Page 47: M12 Connector Pinouts
M12 Connector Pinouts If your Alicat Instrument was ordered with the M12 connection, please be sure to reference the following pin-out diagram. M12 Connector Male Pin Function 0–5 Vdc (or optional 0–10 Vdc) Output Signal Power In +24 VDC, 1 A recommended for most models −... -
Page 48: 15-Pin D-Sub Common Pinouts
15-pin D-Sub Common Pinouts If your instrument was ordered with a DB15 connection, be sure to check the calibration label on the device or the calibration data sheet and reference the appropriate pinout diagram. Male Connector: Cable Female Connector: Device Pin DB15 DB15A DB15B DB15H DB15K DB15O DB15S Key of Terms:... - Page 49 Additional Information for Alicat CSA and ATEX Approved Devices II 3 G EEx nA IIC T4 Class I, Div. 2 Group A, B, C and D T4 24 Vdc, 0.800A max Class I, Zone 2 AEx nA IIC T4 WARNINGS: EXPLOSION HAZARD –...
- Page 50 II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc Sira 19ATEX4045X Class I, Div. 2 Groups A, B, C and D T4 24 Vdc, 0.800A max -40 ºC to +60 ºC Ex ec IIC T4 Gc Class I, Zone 2 AEx ec IIC T4 Gc CSA 08CA2009485X X –...
- Page 51 Notice: Alicat Scientific, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes and improvements to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice. This manual is copyrighted. This document...
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