Body Leakage Test Stand - 2nd GenerationProduct Summary

The FC175 is a portable airflow test measurement instrument for measuring flow. The system consists of a data acquisition system, pressure transducers, temperature sensors and optional dewpoint or relative humidity sensor. This flow computer computer:

  • measures flowrates using sonic nozzles including (multiple sonic nozzle arrays) and subsonic Venturis
  • requires a customer-supplied computer to run monitoring and controller software
Key Features
  • High mass flow accuracy (ranges from ±0.95% to ±0.27%)
  • Can utilize optional external pressure sensors or an absolute/differential 2-wire, loop-powered, 4-20ma output transmitter
  • Includes 2242 k Ohm thermister probe for temperature measurement
  • Additional user-scaleable I/O channels are available
How does this flow controller work?

The Flow Computer FC175 is a solution including hardware and software that takes measurements from instrumentation and performs the necessary calculations to compute a flow rate through the system. The software, which runs on a customer-supplied workstation, contains all of the calibration and configuration information needed to calculate flow rate. The software is used to monitor the current flow rate. The FC175 is capable of measuring flow through both sonic nozzles (critical flow Venturis) and subsonic meters..

Flow Computer & Flow Controller Comparison

For information on related flow computers and flow controllers, refer to the Flow Computer and Flow Controller Product Comparison.

System Specifications

The Flow Computer FC175 is available with the configuration options listed below.

Model Code Meter Type Supported
FC175-CFV Sonic Nozzle
FC175-VEN Venturi

Optional absolute pressure transmitters for sonic nozzle applications include:
Option Description
-01 Level 1 with P2 Gauge
-01A Level 1 with P2 Transmitter
-02 Level 2 with P2 Transmitter
-03 Level 3 with P2 Transmitter
-04 Level 4 with P2 Transmitter
-05 Level 5 with P2 Transmitter

Optional absolute pressure and differential pressure transmitters for sub-sonic venturi applications:
Option Code Description
-05 Level 1 Transmitters (2)
-06 Level 2 Transmitters (2)

Options for humidity and Dew Point sensors:
Option Code Description
-07 Humidity Sensor (Atmospheric Air)
-08 Dew Point Sensor (Compressed Air)

Additional Specifications
Specification Value(s)
Communication Method to Workstation USB
Analog Inputs 15-bit data acquisition system
Data Storage Not Available
Power Requirements Wall Power Supply Included
Dimensions 6.5″ W x 2.1″ H x 6.5″ D

Accuracy Using Sonic Nozzles
Options Configuration Mass Flow Accuracy Comments
-01,
-01A
Level 1 ±0.95% of Reading Assumes: ±0.50% CEESI calibration, 4:1 pressure range (±0.2% full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).
-02 Level 2 ±0.65% of Reading Assumes: ±0.50% CEESI calibration, 4:1 pressure range (±0.1% full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).
-03 Level 3 ±0.54% of Reading Assumes: ±0.50% CEESI calibration, 4:1 pressure range (±0.05% full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).
-04 Level 4 ±0.27% of Reading Assumes: ±0.25% CEESI calibration, 4:1 pressure range (±0.02% full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).
An optional humidity sensor is available for moist air applications.

Accuracy Using Subsonic Venturis
Options Configuration Mass Flow Accuracy Comments
-05 Level 1 ±0.61% of Reading Assumes: Uncalibrated Venturi, 4:1 pressure range (±0.05% full scale), 10:1 Dp range (±0.02% of full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).
-06 Level 2 ±0.43% of Reading Assumes: ±0.5% CEESI calibration, 4:1 pressure range (±0.02% full scale), 10:1 Dp range (±0.01% of full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature. (±0.2%).

Software

National Instruments LabVIEW Logo
Control System Operator Interface

The controller software for the FC175 must be installed on a customer-supplied workstation and is used to operate the FC175. The FC175 can not operate as a stand-alone device. Controller software is written using National Instruments LabVIEW™..

Configure Software for Testing & Meter Calibrations
  • Configure a test by specifying: meter type, fluid state, fluid type, number of meters, units, time base, standard pressure and temperature, and measurement stability criteria
  • Configure a meter calibration by specifying a variety of input parameters in order to calculate discharge coefficient (Cd) as a function of throat Reynolds Number
Monitor & Log Measured Flowrates
  • Data is logged to the connected customer-supplied workstation
  • Data may be logged automatically or at a user-defined interval
  • Data can be plotted (all parameters simultaneously) in real-time
  • When connected, the CFV pattern can also be controlled in real-time
  • Iterative solution for Discharge Coefficient (Cd) based on actual calibration data or theoretical models
Configure Instrument Calibration Settings
  • Enter calibration coefficients for each instrument connected to the FC175 (i.e. pressure transducers, RTD’s, and dew point transmitters)
  • Coefficients can be generated then saved to file, which can then be associated with instruments
Flowrate Calculations Meet ASME Standards
  • Calculations for sonic nozzles are in accordance with ASME MFC-7M / ISO 9300
  • Computations for subsonic Venturis meet the requirements of ASME MFC-3M / ISO 5167
Additional Software Screenshots
Instrument Calibration

Instrument Calibration

Test Setup

Test Setup

Output Configuration

Output Configuration

Meter Calibration

Meter Calibration

Data Monitor

Data Monitor

Facility Requirements

The FC175 comes with a wall power supply– there are no special power requirements.

Electrical Power: 100 – 240 VAC/ 50 – 60Hz / 1 Phase / 6 AMPS
Analog Outputs: (2) 4 – 20 ma dc
Digital Outputs: (2) 24 vdc (400 ma each, max.)
Multiple Sonic Nozzle Array: 0.25 A per Solenoid Valve (Sonic Nozzle). 1.5 A per 6 Nozzle Plenum.
Photos & Schematics

Additional Software Screenshots

The following are pictures and schematics of the Flow Computer FC175.

Flow Computer FC175
Shown with interchangeable Sonic Nozzle Meter Run and Customer-Supplied Laptop Computer

Flow Computer FC175

Flow Computer FC175

Flow Computer FC175

Flow Computer FC175: Physical Diagram

Flow Computer FC175: Physical Diagram

Flow Computer FC175: Connected to an Audit Cart

Flow Computer FC175: Connected to an Audit Cart

Options

The following is a list of options available for the Flow Computer FC175:

  • Humidity sensor (for moist air applications)
  • Internet Support and Diagnostics