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SOLUTION
FLOW SYSTEMS has designed and engineered a unique solution (hardware and software) that combines Instrumentation, Data Acquisition and Control, Computation, Monitoring and Data Logging (Remote or Local) to meet the needs of the high-end
Flow Controller market.
The data acquisition, control subsystems and all instrumentation are standard, readily available Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) items. This ensures that servicing or replacement of any item can be achieved in a timely manner, providing high-availability for the test
system.
The
FC500-FC is
one of the first commercially available flow computers that will accommodate using combinations of Sonic Nozzles configured in a Multiple Sonic Nozzle Array. This configuration requires that the user provide both compressed air and 24vdc power to actuate the solenoid valves, which are supplied by FLOW SYSTEMS.
This unique functionality allows the
FC500-FC to act as a stand-alone Flow Controller. Users configure the setpoint
(flow) range and the response characteristics and then the
FC500-FC will adjust the flow to match the setpoint value. Optionally, Automated Pressure Regulation is available to increase resolution and minimize the effect of upstream pressure
fluctuations.
The FC500-FC can interface with up to 6 Sonic
Nozzles, thus offering a 64:1 range in Flow.
| Configuration / Monitoring Software: |
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The FC500 software was developed using National InstrumentsTM LabVIEW(TM) and uses an Ethernet connection to communicate with the
FC500-FC. This package gives the user the following functionality: |
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Test Set-up Screen:
Configures the
FC500-FC for meter type, fluid, and units.
Flowmeter Configuration:
Calculations for Sonic Nozzles are in accordance with ASME
MFC-7M / ISO 9300.
Input Configuration:
Allows the user to set the upper and lower
flow range that corresponds
to the 4 to 20 ma dc input or process variable signal.
Data Monitoring and Logging:
The Data Monitor gives
users ample information in both a graphical and numeric format
to observe real time or historical data for both the setpoint and actual
flow.
Data may be logged into the internal memory of the
FC500-FC automatically at a user-defined interval, or manually
by depressing the "Log Data" button on the front panel. The FC500-FC can store 3Mb of internal data in the
base configuration. Optionally, an 11Mb data buffer is available.
Flow Totalizing / Batching:
Allows the user to Start, Stop, Clear and Log Batch data.
Remote data logging requires an Ethernet connection to the
FC500-FC.
Calibration Assistant for Maintenance of Internal Instrumentation:
Configuration of Outputs:
Two independent analog output (4 to 20ma dc) channels which may be configured for
remote monitoring of Flow or other variables such as pressure or temperature by
another device or data logger.
Two independent digital outputs (24vdc, <400 ma each) may be configured
to indicate
specific conditions that can be sensed by another device.
Optional
Internet Support and Diagnostics:
FLOW SYSTEMS can observe and/or control a system remotely for training, optimization or troubleshooting purposes.
This service requires a temporary, high-speed data line.
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Estimated
Performance of FLOW SYSTEMS Flow
Controller model FC500-FC 2x2(3-8)
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Assumptions:
Gas Temp. = 70F, Barometric
Pressure = 14.696psia
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Maximum
Back Pressure :
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50
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psia
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(
Maximum Back Pressure is due to
the Choking Pressure
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35.304
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psig
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Ratio
of the smallest Sonic Nozzle in
the Array)
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Sonic
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Throat
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Inlet
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Inlet
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Actual
Volume Flow
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Nozzle
#
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Diameter
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Pressure
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Temp.
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Qdot
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Qdot
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inches
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psia
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deg.
F
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lbm/sec
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SCFM*
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SLPM**
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kg/hr
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g/sec
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ACFM
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ALPM
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8
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0.088
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100
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70
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0.01
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11.28
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296.41
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23.00
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6.39
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3.31
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93.80
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7
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0.063
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100
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70
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0.01
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5.64
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148.11
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11.49
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3.19
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1.66
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46.87
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6
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0.044
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100
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70
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0.00
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2.81
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73.92
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5.74
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1.59
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0.83
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23.39
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5
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0.031
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100
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70
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0.00
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1.40
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36.89
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2.86
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0.80
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0.41
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11.67
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4
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0.022
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100
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70
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0.00
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0.70
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18.41
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1.43
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0.40
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0.21
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5.82
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3
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0.016
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100
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70
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0.00
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0.35
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9.18
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0.71
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0.20
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0.10
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2.90
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Maximum
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0.124
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100
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70
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0.03
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22.22
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583.87
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45.30
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12.58
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6.52
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184.76
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Minimum
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0.016
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100
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70
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0.00
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0.35
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9.18
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0.71
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0.20
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0.10
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2.90
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(Min.
Flow Dependent on Back Pressure.)
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63.61
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Turndown
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Turndown
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63.61
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*
Standard Conditions:
14.696psia, 70F
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**
Standard Conditions: 14.696psia,
32F
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To
estimate the performance of system
using another gas as the test
fluid, multiply by the following
factors:
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Mass
Flow
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Volume
Flow
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Mass
Flow
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Volume
Flow
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Gas
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Factor
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Equation
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Gas
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Factor
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Equation
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Argon
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1.246
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0.90
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Methane
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0.725
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1.31
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CO2
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1.201
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0.79
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Nat.
Gas
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0.774
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1.29
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Helium
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0.395
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2.86
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Nitrogen
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0.983
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1.02
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Hydrogen
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0.264
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3.79
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Oxygen
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1.051
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0.95
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2x2
Sonic Nozzle Prover
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Estimated Performance of FLOW SYSTEMS
Flow Controller model FC500-FC 4x4 (8-13)
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Assumptions:
Gas Temp. = 70F, Barometric Pressure =
14.696psia
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Maximum Back Pressure :
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85
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psia
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(
Maximum Back Pressure is due to the
Choking Pressure
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70
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psig
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Ratio of the smallest Sonic
Nozzle in the Array)
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Air
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Sonic
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Throat
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Inlet
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Mass
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Actual
Volume Flow
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Nozzle
#
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Diameter
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Pressure
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Flow
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Qdot
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Qdot
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inches
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psia
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lbm/sec
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SCFM*
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SLPM**
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kg/hr
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g/sec
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ACFM
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ALPM
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13
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0.500
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100
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0.45
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361.56
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9501.61
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737.16
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204.77
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62.41
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1767.18
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12
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0.354
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100
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0.23
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180.73
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4749.51
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368.48
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102.36
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31.20
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883.35
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11
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0.250
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100
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0.11
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90.33
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2373.98
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184.18
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51.16
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15.59
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441.53
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10
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0.177
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100
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0.06
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45.15
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1186.53
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92.05
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25.57
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7.79
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220.68
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9
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0.125
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100
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0.03
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22.56
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592.99
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46.01
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12.78
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3.89
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110.29
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8
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0.088
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100
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0.01
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11.28
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296.41
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23.00
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6.39
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1.95
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55.11
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Maximum
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0.702
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100
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0.89
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711.97
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18710.50
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1451.61
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403.22
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122.89
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3479.92
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Minimum
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0.088
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100
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0.01
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11.28
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296.33
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22.99
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6.39
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1.95
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55.11
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(Min.
Flow Dependent on Back Pressure.)
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663.14
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Turndown
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Turndown
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63.14
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*
Standard Conditions:
14.696psia, 70F
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Standard Conditions: 14.696psia, 32F
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To estimate the performance of
system using another gas as the test
fluid, multiply by the following
factors:
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Mass
Flow
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Volume
Flow
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Mass
Flow
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Volume
Flow
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Conversion
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Gas
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Factor
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Equation
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Gas
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Factor
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Equation
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Argon
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1.25
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0.90
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Methane
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0.73
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1.31
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CO2
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1.20
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0.79
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Nat.
Gas
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0.77
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1.29
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Helium
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0.40
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2.86
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Nitrogen
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0.98
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1.02
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Hydrogen
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0.26
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3.79
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Oxygen
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1.05
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0.95
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4
x 4-6
Sonic Nozzle Prover
Accuracy
The FC500-FC uses a 16-bit data acquisition system to measure all analog inputs. The following tables state, percent of reading,
flow accuracy for both available meter types and
corresponding instrumentation configurations.
Sonic Nozzles
| Configuration |
Flow Accuracy |
Comments
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| Level 1 |
+/-6.45% of Reading |
Assumes:
diameter 0.031" uncalibrated nozzle, 6:1 pressure range (+/-0.1% full scale) & 40° to 100°F gas temperature. |
| Level 1 |
+/-0.88% of Reading |
Assumes:
diameter 0.500" uncalibrated nozzle, 6:1 pressure range (+/-0.1% full scale) & 40° to 100°F gas temperature. |
| Level 2 |
+/-0.56% of Reading |
Assumes: +/-0.5%
CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure range (+/-0.04% full scale) & 40° to 100°F gas temperature. |
| Level 3 |
+/-0.29% of Reading |
Assumes: +/-0.25% CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure range (+/-0.02% full scale) & 40° to 100°F gas temperature. |
| Level 4 |
+/-0.14% of Reading |
Assumes: +/-0.1% CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure range (+/-0.01% full scale) & 40° to 100°F gas temperature. |
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Optional Humidity sensor for moist air applications
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Connections - Bench Top or Rack Mount:
Click
to view enlarged image
| Power Requirements: |
100
- 240 VAC
/ 50 - 60Hz / 1 Phase
/ 6 AMPS |
| Analog
Inputs: |
(1) 4 to 20 ma dc |
| Analog
Outputs: |
(2) 4 to 20 ma dc |
| Digital Outputs: |
(2) 24 vdc at < 400 ma each |
| Multiple Sonic Nozzle Array: |
0.25A per Solenoid Valve (Sonic Nozzle).
1.5 A per 6 Nozzle Plenum. |
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Compressed Air: |
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Flow: |
5 SCFM |
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Connection: |
3/8" OD Nylon Tubing, Push-In type compression fitting. |
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Pressure: |
70
to 100 psig |
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Temperature: |
60° to 90° F |
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Particulates: |
Less than 10 microns |
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Oil Content: |
Less than 10 ppm |
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Moisture Content: |
39°F
Dewpoint, Maximum |
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| Optional Configurations:
»
11Mb Internal Data Storage
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