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OPERATING MANUAL
FOR MASS FLOW DEVICES
Models IM and IMC

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Summary of Contents for Halma ALICAT IM

  • Page 1 OPERATING MANUAL FOR MASS FLOW DEVICES Models IM and IMC...
  • Page 2 Thank you for purchasing your mass flow IM FLOW METER device. If you have any questions, or if something is not working as expected, please contact us. We are eager to help you in any way possible. Contact Information World Headquarters, Europe Tucson, Arizona, USA europe@alicat.com...
  • Page 3: Introduction

    Introduction Your new flow controller has a variety of innovative features: • High-accuracy performance for all your gases. Use your flow controller with any of the 30 calibrated gases • 1000 readings per second guarantees high resolution data • Monitor live pressure and temperature during flow control •...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction Getting Started Mounting Filters Gas Connections Maximum Pressure Maximum Flow Power and Signal Connections Control FlowVision 2.0 Establishing Communication ASCII Serial Communication Establishing Communication Unit ID Taring the Device Collecting Data Data Format Changing the Setpoint Totalizer Batch Dispensing Changing the Gas Control Loop Command Quick Reference...
  • Page 5: Getting Started

    Getting Started The major device components are shown in the diagram below. Most communication with the device is completed through digital communication or analog signals, as described later in this manual. The LED on the top of device provides the following feedback: •...
  • Page 6: Gas Connections

    Gas Connections IM-Series mass flow controllers/meters do not require straight runs of pipe upstream or downstream. Devices ship with plastic plugs seated in the processing ports. To decrease the chance of contaminating the flow stream, do not remove these plugs until you are ready to install the device.
  • Page 7  Note: Power requirements vary based on analog configuration and valve type. Please reference to the Factory OEM Mass Flow Devices specification sheet at alicat.com/imc power requirements. Function Ground to force the valve to close Ground to force the valve to open Rx or B (+): Receives RS-232 (Rx) or RS-485 B (+) signals Analog Setpoint Input (meters: Ground to tare) Tx or A (-): Sends RS-232 (Tx) or RS-485 A (-) signals...
  • Page 8: Control

    Control IM Series controllers and meters can be operated using digital or analog communication. Digital communication can be performed using Alicat FlowVision™ 2.0 software, ASCII serial commands, Modbus-RTU, or analog signals. • FlowVision 2.0: page 8 • ASCII Serial Communication: page 9 •...
  • Page 9: Ascii Serial Communication

    ASCII Serial Communication Alicat’s Serial Terminal is a pre-configured program for serial communication via the device’s DB9 port. Download Serial Terminal for free at alicat.com/drivers. The section below outlines several common commands. For more detailed information on using the ASCII interface, please see the Serial Primer manual at alicat.com/manuals.
  • Page 10: Data Format

    simply enter its unit ID (see the Data Format on page 10). unit_id Poll the device: a Example: (polls unit A) You can change the unit ID of a polling device by typing: current_unit_id@=desired_unit_id Change the unit ID: a@=b Example: (changes unit A to unit B) Streaming Mode In streaming mode, your device automatically sends a line of live data at regular intervals.
  • Page 11: Totalizer

    proportionally changing the position of the valve. Use the setpoint command (unit_idSnew_setpoint_value) with the desired value in the current engineering units. The data frame returns the new setpoint value when it has been accepted as a valid setpoint. To send the desired setpoint value as a floating point number in the engineering units selected: unit_idS floating_point_number_setpoint...
  • Page 12: Command Quick Reference

    Command Quick Reference Serial commands are not case-sensitive. The commands are capitalized below to differentiate them from the variables. General Commands for All Devices unit_id@ desired_id Change the unit ID: unit_idV Tare flow: unit_idP Tare gauge pressure: unit_idPC Tare absolute pressure: unit_id...
  • Page 13: Modbus-Rtu

    Modbus-RTU Modbus is an application-layer messaging protocol that formats data for communications over serial RS-232 or RS-485. The controller/meter supports Modbus-RTU protocol, with data transmitted through Pin 3 of the DB9 connector. Modbus-RTU can be used to control: • taring •...
  • Page 14: Changing The Setpoint

    To tare the device, ground pin 4 (analog in) of the DB9 connector. This feature is only available on the IM meter (not the IMC controller). When the connection is closed, the device tares. Operation resumes when the connection is opened. Taring flow should only be done in a true zero-flow condition.
  • Page 15: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you run into trouble with installation or operation, get in touch with support (page General Use Issue: My device does not turn on or has trouble staying on. Action: Check power and ground connections (page 6). Please reference the technical specifications to ensure you have the proper power for your model.
  • Page 16: Serial Communications

    Issue: My flow readings won’t change when flow changes. Action: If your flow readings won’t change regardless of actual flow, your flow sensor may be damaged. Please contact support to troubleshoot (page Issue: Can I use the controller with other gases? Action: Yes! Your flow controller is designed specifically to work with up to 30 preloaded gases and gas mixes.
  • Page 17: Maintenance

    Maintenance Cleaning Your flow controller does not require cleaning, provided that it has been flowing clean, dry gas. If necessary, the outside of the device can be cleaned with a soft dry cloth. ∆ Caution: If you suspect that debris or other foreign material has entered your device,do not take apart the flow body to clean it, as this will negate its NIST-traceable calibration.
  • Page 18: Reference

    Reference Gas List by Number Any of these gases can be used with your mass flow device. If you change the gas species flowing through the device, use the GasSelect commands (page 12) to update the device's calibration to that gas, to keep your readings accurate. Short Name Long Name Air (Clean Dry)
  • Page 19: Engineering Units

    Engineering Units Pressure Units Flow Units Absolute or Barometric Gauge Notes Volumetric Standard Normal Notes µL∕m SµL∕m NµL∕m Microliter per minute‡ Pascal mL∕s SmL∕s NmL∕s Milliliter per second hPaA hPaG Hectopascal mL∕m SmL∕m NmL∕m Milliliter per minute kPaA kPaG Kilopascal mL∕h SmL∕h NmL∕h...

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Alicat imc

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