Contents

Intro
(1) General
(2) Installation
(3) Electrical
(4) Setup

(5) Download PDF - Atrato Ultrasonic Flowmeter Instruction Manual

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Setup

The Atrato low flow ultrasonic flowmeter should be setup using the USB interface and a suitable computer. Below is a screen shot of the interface configuration screen.


Atrato ultrasonic flow meter setup panel

The 2 tabs at the top of the display are “configuration” and “real-time view”, figure 4, above, is the configuration display. Figure 5 below shows the function of the top left buttons.

Atrato Ultrasonic Flowmeter Control buttons to apply the settings and recover previously set parameters
	Refresh settings to the Atrato Save settings to a file on the computer Retrieve previously saved file Operate flowmeter Check analogue output

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Display

DISPLAY MODE:

This button cycles through the display
options in the “real time view” as well as the LCD display
if one is fitted. The options are:-

Rate:

this is showing just flow rate
Total:
the display just shows total

Both:

the display can be cycled from rate to total
using the left hand button or a remote input if
either pin 6 or pin 7 is selected for this.

Batch:

this is a separate function and several selection
parameters change once this is chosen.

Right push buton resets total :

Check this box if you require the total resettable by either the right push button or remotely through pin 6 or 7

Units: 

A drop down menu offers the choice of - Litres, cc, gms, kg, US gallon, Imperial gallon or Custom units.

RATE (units per):

This is the time base for the flow rate and has the option of Second, Minute or Hour.

RATE DP POSITION:

Use the drop down menu to choose the required decimal point position.

TOTAL DP POSITION:

Use the drop down menu to choose the required decimal point position.

Decrease total for –ve flow:

Check this box if you require the displayed total to reduce with reverse flow.

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SCALE

Scale factor adjustment:

This is a fine tune adjustment on the signal to compensate from errors introduced by erratic flow or other system irregularities.

Density:

The flowmeter is fundamentally a volumetric device but a density figure can be entered here if one of the mass units are selected. Caution must be used however as there is no temperature/density correction.

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EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

Pin 6 (NPN):

Pin 6 can be configured as either outputs or inputs but not both simultaneously. If one input and one output is required the user must determine whether they require a NPN or PNP output and use the appropriate terminal for each action. The options are – Not used Output or input.

Pin 7 (PNP):

    
Pin 7 can be configured as either outputs orinputs but not both simultaneously. If one input and oneoutput is required the user must determine whether theyrequire a NPN or PNP outputand use the appropriateterminal for each action.

Note: the operation for Pin 6 and Pin 7 are identical with the exception of the type of transistor output. These instructions are the same for pin 7 except the Pin 6 (PNP) would read Pin 7(NPN).

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Pin 6 (PNP)/PIN 7 (NPN)

The contents of this box will change depending on the selection made in the External connection box.

If Output is selected the check box options are:-

• Pulse
  
• Flow switch
  
• Reverse flow

Pulse:

  
Enter the number of pulses per unit volume required. This figure can be adjusted to suit the application and the flow range required from the meter. The maximum output frequency is 400 Hz. So care must be taken to ensure that this pulse rate is not exceeded.

E.g. 10 L/Min at 400 Hertz equals (400 x 60)/10 = 2400

Therefore 2400 pulses per litre is the maximum resolution for 10 litres per minute assuming maximum frequency output. If the meter is being used up to 5 L/Min the pulse output and so resolution could be doubled to 4800 P/L.

Flow switch:

The lower area of the section changes so that the user can enter the Threshold at which the transistor is to operate.

The Reset Offset (%): (Hysteresis)

Is either negative or positive depending on whether a falling or rising alarm is required. This is to prevent output flutter if the the flow is cycling around the set point value. To reduce power consumption the transistor is off if positive hysteresis is selected and only powers when the threshold is exceeded. If negative hysteresis is chosen the transistor is on up to the set point. The increments are preset and can be cycled through using the + &- buttons. If more than one set point is required either both transistors must be used or one transistor and the relay. The right hand push button (or pin 7 set as an input) temporarily cancels the relay and resets the system.

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EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

If Input is selected either the left or right push button
function can be operated remotely by switching a suitable
voltage (between 5 and 24V dc) to the pin with the
common 0V line.



An external switch should be connected to +V for PIN 6 &
0V for PIN 7. PIN6 will require a 10K Ohm pull up resistor
to the +V and PIN 7 would require a 10K Ohm pull down
resistor to 0V.

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RELAY

RELAY MODE:

If the relay is required for a flow switch
check the flow switch box and a further set of options for
set point and hysteresis will appear.

Threshold:

Set the required flow rate for the flow switch. The Reset Offset (%) (Hysteresis) is either negative or positive depending on whether a falling or rising alarm is required. The relay has change over contacts but to reduce power consumption the relay is off if positive hysteresis is selected and only powers when the threshold is exceeded. If negative hysteresis is chosen the relay is on up to the set point. The increments are preset and can be cycled through using the + &- buttons. If more than one set point is required either both transistors must be used or one transistor and the relay.

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Analogue outputs

Analogue MODE: There are four options on the drop down menu: Not Used, 4-20mA, 0-5 Volt and 0-10 Volt. Once the selection has been made a further two boxes for entry of the analogue output at zero flow and full scale appear. These are numeric entries in the units and time base selected earlier.

OUTPUT/DISPLAY DAMPING

Viewing filter : This prevents the display, flow switches and analogue outputs from jittering with irregularities in the flow from say a peristaltic pump. The increments are arbitery with the degree of damping approximately doubling with each level. F5 will take perhaps a minute to stabilise.

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Calibration frequency

Checking this box gives a full scale output analogue voltage or current to check the system wiring and ancillary equipment. To turn off this temporary output simply uncheck the box. No other changes can be made with this box open.

Real time view: The large display reflects the meter readings showing on the LCD display if fitted and will mimic that display. The buttons either side have the functions selected in the System Configuration Settings and also work in parallel with the buttons on the flowmeter LCD unit. The small window below the rate and total display shows various relevant operational parameters whilst the unit is operating e.g. relay status and frequency output if these options are selected or in batch mode overfill or under fill.

FLOW RATE:

This is the instantaneous flow rate and is updated approximately every 100 milliseconds.

Filtered Flow Rate :

This is the filtered flow rate and is identical to the LCD display on the flowmeter (if fitted) and the speed of change will depend on the filter setting. The filter will also affect the response time for the analogue outputs and the flow switches.

TOTAL:

The total liquid passed since the last reset.

PIN 6 & 7:

If no selection is made “Not used” will be in the Notes column. See following text and chart for the display legends.

OR:- When Pin 6 or 7 is set to “Output” and set to “Pulse” this will display the frequency of the running output and the number of pulses per litre selected.

OR:- If it is selected to “Output” and set to “Flow switch” the Value column will show the transistor status either “low” or “high” and the notes will show the selected switch points.

OR:- If “Output” and “Reverse Flow” are selected the Value column will show either “low” or “high” depending on forward or reverse flow.

OR:- If “Input” is selected the Value column will show “high” or “low” depending on the switch condition and “Input Logic
level” in the Notes column.

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The chart below shows the message details for a variety of configuration settings and meter running conditions.

PIN 7:

The display for “Pin 7” will function the same as “Pin 6” (see above).

Relay:

If no function is set for the relay the Value column will show “Off”
otherwise it will display the function and its operating parameters.

Batching option:

If Batch is selected in the “Display mode” the relay is automatically assigned to the total display for batching pre-set volumes of liquid. The preset batch size can be entered in the relay box. This value will be seen on the LCD display and will count down when the left hand start button is pressed. The batch can be interrupted by pressing the right hand button, in the paused state a further press of the right button cancels the batch. If you wish to continue the batch from the paused state the left hand button continues the dispense from the point it was interrupted.

If an alternative batch size is required after the unit is disconnected from the computer pressing both buttons together for 3 seconds will permit the batch size to be altered by using the right hand key to increment the digit that is flashing and the left hand button to advance to the next digit. Holding the left button for 3 seconds enters the selected numbers and the meter is ready to begin batching. Both buttons can be operated remotely if required e.g. for remote start/stop signals.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Linearity	±1.5% of reading over flow range
Repeatability	±0.1% from 25% to 100% ±0.5% from 0 -25%
Housing	IP54
Temperature range	-10 to 60°C non condensing
Fluid temperature range	-10 to 60°C (110°C model in development)
Storage temperature	-20 to 100°C
Pulse output	PNP or NPN maximum frequency 400 Hz
Relay	24 Vdc 500 mA max non inductive
PIN 6 Transistor O/P	PNP 24 V @ 20 mA max
Input	Pull down resistor required (10K Ohm)
PIN 7 Transistor O/P	NPN 24 V @ 20mA maximum
Input	Pull up resistor required (10K Ohm)
LCD display	Reflective 6 X 8mm high main characters 2.5mm enunciators Gal. cc. Kg. gms. Ltr. /min /Hr /Sec
4 – 20 MA output	into 250 Ohm maximum 14 Bit resolution ±0.1% linearity (plus flowmeter accuracy)
0 – 10 Volt output	14 Bit resolution (14 V dc min supply voltage) ±0.1% linearity (plus flowmeter accuracy)
0 – 5 Volt output	12 Bit resolution
USB	Type A connector Windows XP or later
Wiring Terminals	1mm maximum
Power supply	10 – 24 V dc ( 15 -24V dc for 4-20mA or 0-10V)
Power consumption	110 mA (plus analogue output current)
Connections	1/2” BSP male Alternative - 3/8" John Guest push in
Atrato Flow Meter Materials of construction
End fittings	PEEK, Food & Medical grade
Flow tube	316 Stainless steel as standard Alternative - Borosilicate glass
Seals	Viton as standard Alternative – Nitrile, EPDM, Silicon
Housing	Aluminium extrusion
End caps	ABS
Mounting bracket	ABS
External elastomeric seals	PTE

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