Pulsar FlowPulse Instruction Manual
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Pulsar FlowPulse Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Pulsar FlowPulse

  • Page 1 FlowPulse Instruction Manual...
  • Page 3 Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves the right to amend technical details, as necessary. The FlowPulse shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not be representative of the actual FlowPulse supplied.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    FlowPulse Installation Procedures ................17 Flow Pulse PC Installation ....................18 Preparation for Operation ..................... 19 Maintenance ........................19 Chapter 3 Setting Up FlowPulse Using Software ............20 Interface ..........................20 Using FlowPulse PC ......................20 Software Icons ........................21 Flow Tab ..........................
  • Page 5 Chapter 6 Common Questions and Answers ............. 58 Will mechanical vibration affect flow measurement? ......... 58 Is it possible to operate FlowPulse in a high noise environment? ....58 What is the effect of poor pipe condition? ............. 58 What is the effect of pipe lining? ................58 Does FlowPulse measurement drift over time? ............
  • Page 6 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Relay state not stable ...................... 63 Chapter 8 Disposal ........................ 64 Transducers ......................... 64 Controllers..........................64...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Start Here

    There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help or information as shown. Tips TIP: Look f or this ic on throu ghout your Pulsar Measu rem ent manual t o find helpful info rmation and answers to frequently asked que stion s . Additional Information...

  • Page 8: About The Pulsar Flowpulse

    FlowPulse operates in a flow range from as little as 0.3m/s through to 4m/s, with a minimum particle size of 100µ and concentration of 200ppm (the equivalent of hard water) or above.

  • Page 9: Functional Description

    4 to 20 mA output and a volt-free relay switch. Interface with the PC over both the RS-485 and RS- 232 serial port is fully supported by the FlowPulse PC software, which can be used for setting up and operating the device.

  • Page 10: Product Specification

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Product Specification PHYSICAL Outside dimensions 120 x 65 x 65 mm (4.75 x 2.6 x 2.6 inch) Weight Nominal 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Enclosure material/description Type 316 stainless steel casting Cable entry detail 1 cable entry M20 x 1.5mm gland Maximum separation 500m (1,640 ft.)
  • Page 11 Programmed data integrity Via non-volatile RAM SUPPLY Power supply 18 - 28V DC Power Consumption 2.4W @ 24V typical, 3W @24V maximum Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

  • Page 12: Eu Declaration Of Conformity

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL EU Declaration of Conformity...

  • Page 13: Chapter 2 Installation

    Pulsar Measurement. Power Supply Requirements The FlowPulse requires a DC 18-28V power supply. The typical power consumption is 2.5W and the maximum power consumption should not exceed 3W. The power supply should also be correctly fused at 250mA.

  • Page 14: Dimensions

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL If using RS485 then connect terminal 8 (RS485 SCR) to the Modbus return. The power supply ground on FlowPulse must not be earthed or connected to the cable screen. Dimensions Cable Entry It is recommended that you use the cable gland that comes with the Flow Pulse to ensure that the ingress rating is maintained.

  • Page 15: Flowpulse Ip68

    Wiring The IP68 version of the Flow Pulse is designed to work with Pulsar’s Flow Monitor wall unit, utilising the RS485. But it is also available on its own for connection to existing Modbus or other devices to monitor RS485, mA output and/or relay behaviour.

  • Page 16: Terminal Connections

    The relay can be programmed for a variety of alarms. The relay contacts on the FlowPulse are rated at 1A at 24V DC. All connections should be such that the short circuit capacity of the circuits to which they are connected, is limited by fuses rated so that they do not exceed the relay rating.

  • Page 17: Flowpulse Installation Procedures

    Before installation, ensure that the necessary cabling has been fitted • and that the device is not being powered. The FlowPulse must be mounted on the external, dry surface of the • pipe. The device should not be submerged in liquid.

  • Page 18: Flow Pulse Pc Installation

    Flow Pulse and the pipe. Flow Pulse PC Installation The FlowPulse PC software is supported on Win 7, Win 8 and Win 10 (32 and 64 bit). The .Net Framework 4.0 is required to run the program. This is free for download online.

  • Page 19: Preparation For Operation

    Sensor is installed correctly with optimum acoustic coupling • between sensor and the pipe surface. Remove the lid and apply power to the FlowPulse, and the power • supply is correctly connected in the terminal block. There’s no exposed or loose wiring around the connection terminals.

  • Page 20: Chapter 3 Setting Up Flowpulse Using Software

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 3 SETTING UP FLOWPULSE USING SOFTWARE Interface The default method for interfacing with FlowPulse is by using the supplied Flow Pulse PC software and serial cable. If the optional the Flow Monitor is installed, common setup parameters can be programmed directly from the Monitor.

  • Page 21: Software Icons

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Figure 4: Flow information window of FlowPulse PC. Software Icons DESCRIPTION ICON Connect: click to attempt connection to the FlowPulse device. Set the baud rate to 57600 (Setup>Serial Port) with RS232 or to 19200 with RS485 Disconnect: appears after connection is established. Click to disconnect from the Flow Pulse.
  • Page 22 Interval menu. The default is one record in every 2 seconds. • As of FlowPulse PC 1.2.4, if the FlowPulse does not have a site name, a site name will be requested. FlowPulse PC 1.2.3 and lower do not require a site name.

  • Page 23: Flow Tab

    Exit: click to exit program Flow Tab The default screen of FlowPulse PC is the Flow tab. The dial on the left displays the linear flow velocity, while the numerical display on the right shows the volumetric flow rate. The default volumetric unit is litres per second, and is configurable on the Parameters tab.

  • Page 24: Flow Record Tab

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Stability The stability level is an indication of the consistency of flow reading, as derived from the combination of signal strength and statistical fluctuations of the flow reading. A high level of stability would point to a low-noise environment, clean and optimum acoustic pipe conditions, and a relatively laminar liquid flow within the pipe.

  • Page 25: Trace Tab

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Important Notice DO NOT TRY AND REMOVE THE LID. Consult Pulsar if you require any assistance with the device. Trace Tab This tab allows you to call up and display diagnostic traces when the Trace button is activated. Please refer to Diagnostic and Troubleshooting for more...

  • Page 26: Parameters Tab

    If Flow Pulse is being controlled simultaneously on both RS232 via FlowPulse PC and RS485 via Modbus interface, the values on the Parameter tab will not be instantly updated on FlowPulse PC if a parameter change is instructed via the RS485 Modbus.
  • Page 27 FlowPulse. Sensitivity The sensitivity of FlowPulse can be increased for difficult pipes or liquids. When using FlowPulse on high sensitivity setting, observations should be made to ensure that no-flow indication is consistent. Operating at higher sensitivity may increase the susceptibility of the device to external sources of noise.
  • Page 28 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL DESCRIPTION SETTING • Good for low flow or poor pipe condition with weak signal strength. • If set very high, watch for false indication of flow when the High Sensitivity pump is not running and there is no flow. This may not be critical in applications where the main alarm condition is for low or no flow while pumping is called for.
  • Page 29 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Volumetric Unit and Time Unit The flow measurement on the FlowPulse is performed in terms of volumetric flow rate. The defaults are litres for the volumetric unit and seconds for the time unit, giving flow rate in units of litres per second.
  • Page 30 Step Change Limit The step change limit is the maximum change in flow that the FlowPulse will ignore the damping for. A change in flow greater than this limit will adhere to the set damping.
  • Page 31 PULSAR MEASUREMENT mA Output mA Low, mA High, Flow Low, Flow High The mA output has a range of 4 to 20 mA by default. This is scaled to the flow range set by the Flow Low and Flow High parameters. The following...
  • Page 32 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL As an example, in an application with low flow through a 100 mm Pipe I.D., the user can choose to scale the mA output from 4 to 20 to correspond to a flow range of 0 to 15 litres/sec instead of the full flow range of 0 to 31 litres/sec.
  • Page 33 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Relay/Alarm The Relay/Alarm parameters allow the set points and switching mode to be configured. Figure 6 shows the alarm zones defined by the low and high set points, and the function of the different alarm modes. Flow Rate...
  • Page 34 Modbus Slave ID is 126. The chapter on Parameter Guide provides more details on Modbus register addresses and valid values. The RS-485 port can also be used to interface with the FlowPulse PC software, by selecting the PC-485 mode. Please ensure that you have a USB to RS-485 converter before setting FlowPulse to this mode, as this is required for communicating with the device in the PC-485 mode.

  • Page 35: Manual Setting

    Setting terminal on the Parameter tab, as illustrated in the following figure. Figure 7: The manual setting window on the Parameter tab. Every parameter on FlowPulse is identified by a unique Address, and the content is the parameter Value. All configurable parameters can be queried by entering the parameter address in the Address field and clicking on the Query button.

  • Page 36: Setup Menu

    This menu enables setting up of the RS232 port. The default setting when interfacing using FlowPulse PC is 57600 Baud 8bits-No Parity-1Stop bit. There is normally no need to change this as FlowPulse PC should automatically detect a FlowPulse connected however a specific comport can be selected in the ‘Serial Port’...

  • Page 37: Tools Menu

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Tools Menu This menu is available in FlowPulse PC 1.2.4 and newer, it provides the following actions: DECRIPTIONS OPTION This is used to convert a FlowPulse log file to CSV format. This provides a more readable format for...

  • Page 38: Chapter 4 Rs485 Parameter Guide

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 4 RS485 PARAMETER GUIDE Parameter System Every parameter on the FlowPulse is represented by a unique address and a value. The parameters consist of two main types: output parameters and configuration parameters. Output parameters are read only and cannot be set by the user. Examples are current flow reading and current signal strength.

  • Page 39: Output Parameters

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Output Parameters Flow Rate (P20 and P21) The current flow rate can be read from register 20 and 21, in the following format: 12 . 36 Register [20] = 12 Register [21] = 360 P20 contains the whole number part of the flow reading, while P21 contains the fractional part of the flow reading.

  • Page 40: Configuration Parameters

    The default RS485 setting is 19200-8Bit-Noparity-1Stopbit. P51 allows the Modbus protocol to be turned on and off, and P52 is the Modbus Slave ID of the FlowPulse. When using Modbus-RTU, note that the register addressing scheme uses Base-0 addressing protocol (i.e. there is no offset of 1).
  • Page 41 NOTES PARAMETER 0 = 1200 1 = 2400 3 = 9600 Baud rate for RS232 Baud Rate FlowPulse PC / debug / 4 = 19200 refresh port 5 = 38400 6 = 57600 7 = 115200 0 = No parity...
  • Page 42 E.g. if set to 2300, then the Minimum flow 250 – 4000 corresponding flow Cutoff index would be 100, and the FlowPulse will not report any flow unless the red(flow) indicator exceeds 100 on the flow index.
  • Page 43 PULSAR MEASUREMENT ADDR OPTIONS DEF. NOTES PARAMETER Step Change Limit is the limit on any sudden 22 - 426 Step Change Limit change in flow reading. May use diagnostic trace to adjust this. Only activated when the noise floor is raised,...
  • Page 44 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL ADDR OPTIONS DEF. NOTES PARAMETER In percentage terms, default is 100, for 100%. Multipoint Calibration 5 – 5000 Example: 50% would be @ 0.2 m/s half and 200% would be double the reading In percentage terms, default is 100, for 100%.
  • Page 45 500 = 0 offset. 400 would give 0 – 1000 mA Trim -100 µA offset, while 650 would give +150 µA offset. This differs from the method of directly entering -100 or +150 on the FlowPulse PC parameter tab.
  • Page 46 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL ADDR OPTIONS DEF. NOTES PARAMETER In units of µA, it applies an offset to the lower end of the mA output range. The default value is 1000 which relates to 0 – 2000 Low mA Trim 1000 0 trim added.
  • Page 47 PULSAR MEASUREMENT ADDR OPTIONS DEF. NOTES PARAMETER Flow High P178 contains the 0 – 65535 whole number part of (integer part) Flow Low limit, while P179 contains the fractional part of Flow Low limit. The P179 value is stored as whole...
  • Page 48 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL ADDR OPTIONS DEF. NOTES PARAMETER The length of time (in seconds) that a low set Low Set Point 0 – 100 point must be present Persist before triggering a relay. The length of time (in seconds) that a high set High Set Point 0 –...
  • Page 49 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Flow Unit Parameters The table below lists the valid combination of volumetric and time units: PER TIME VAILD VOLUME • Second Litres • Minute • Minute Cubic Metres • Hour • Second Cubic Feet • Minute • Second Imperial Gallons •...
  • Page 50 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Device Information Parameters These parameters are read-only and are usually only updated by the device. ADDR DEF. NOTES PARAMETER Registers 240 and 241 form a 32-bit number. Register 240 => Most significant Serial Number 240 & 241 16-bit Register 241 =>...
  • Page 51 PULSAR MEASUREMENT ADDR DEF. NOTES PARAMETER Simulated flow value in millimetres/sec. When on, simulated flow value will override any real flow Simulated flow Value detected. Simulated flow is affected by calibration factor, controls mA output and triggers relay in the same way as real flow.

  • Page 52: Chapter 5 Optimisation And Diagnostics

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 5 OPTIMISATION AND DIAGNOSTICS Interpreting Diagnostic Trace Figure 8: Example of traces for no-flow (top) and 1.4 m/s flow (bottom). The vertical axis is related to the signal strength, while the horizontal axis is related to detected flow.

  • Page 53: Pc-Over-Rs485

    PC-over-RS485 In addition to the RS232 port, FlowPulse can also be interfaced to the PC via the RS-485 connection. A standard USB to RS485 converter is required. While using PC over RS-485, the Modbus RTU protocol will not be available.

  • Page 54: Quick-Response Setup

    FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Quick-Response Setup In applications where a quick response is required, the FlowPulse can be set to give a minimum response time of approximately 1 second. Please follow these steps to setup Quick Response: 1. Establish connection using FlowPulse PC 2.

  • Page 55: Simulated Flow

    The filename is prefixed by “ParamFlowPulse-” followed by the date and time. 3. Connect FlowPulse PC to the second device on which to load the parameters. Select System->Load Parameters to Device, then choose the parameter file to load.

  • Page 56: Firmware Upgrade

    Firmware upgrade is performed in the Bootloader mode. Note that all flow measurement and output operation will be halted when the FlowPulse is in the Bootloader. Please follow these steps: 1. Please ensure that the device is connected to the PC via the RS232 port or the RS485 port.

  • Page 57: High Noise Environment

    RS485 is not used, the cable screen should be connected to the enclosure using the cable entry gland. If RS485 is used, connect cable screen to the RS485 screen terminal, then earth the FlowPulse enclosure separately if possible. 3. Relocate the device away from pumps, valves, tees, or elbows where...

  • Page 58: Chapter 6 Common Questions And Answers

    Yes, refer to High Noise Environment section in this chapter. What is the effect of poor pipe condition? One of FlowPulse’s unique strength is its ability to detect flow with very weak ultrasonic signals. However, severe pipe corrosion, both externally and internally, can affect the accuracy of measurement.

  • Page 59: Can Flowpulse Be Operated In A Wet Environment

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Can FlowPulse be operated in a wet environment? The FlowPulse enclosure is rated at IP68 to give maximum electrical safety in the event of accidental or temporary contact with liquid. Operation in an environment that frequently exposes the device to liquid is not recommended.

  • Page 60: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    Device not powered, or if powered, a critical fault has developed. Fault Registers and Log File The registers 270-279 can be queried (via FlowPulse PC or Modbus) to check for fault codes: 1. Retrieved parameter exceeded valid range. 2. Parameter value entered by user exceeded valid range.

  • Page 61: Flow Measurement Is Significantly Different From Expectation

    If RS485 is used, the cable screen should be connected to the RS485 screen terminal and the Noise and/or interference FlowPulse enclosure separately earthed if possible. If variable speed drives (VSD) are present, ensure that VSD manufacturers wiring and grounding instruction is followed.

  • Page 62: Flow Reading Under No-Flow Condition

    Earthed on the other end. If RS485 is used, the cable screen should be connected to the RS485 screen terminal and the FlowPulse enclosure separately Earthed if possible. Ensure that VSD manufacturers wiring and Variable Speed Drive (VSD) grounding instruction is followed.

  • Page 63: No Flow Indicated When There Is Flow

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT No flow indicated when there is flow POSSIBLE CAUSES ACTION Check coupling compound as it Check and reapply coupling compound if could be washed out or worn. necessary. Insufficient suspended particles Increase “Sensitivity” setting. or gases, poor pipe condition, Relocate onto the top position of the pipe.
  • Page 64 FLOWPULSE INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 8 DISPOSAL Incorrect disposal can cause adverse effects to the environment. Dispose of the device components and packaging material in accordance with regional environmental regulations including regulations for electrical \ electronic products. Transducers Remove power, disconnect the Transducer, cut off the electrical cable and dispose of cable and Transducer in accordance with regional environmental regulations for electrical \ electronic products.
  • Page 65 S U P P O R T @ P U L S A R M E A S U R E M E N T . C O M Copyright © 2020 Pulsar Measurement Ltd. Registered Address: 1 Chamberlain Square CS, Birmingham B3 3AX Registered No.: 3345604 England &...

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