Product Summary

Flow Computer FC200 The FC200 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 flowrate through a single, manually interchangeable sonic nozzles or 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 computer work?

The Flow Computer FC200 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 FC200 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 FC200 is available with the configuration options listed below.

Model Code Meter Type Supported
FC200-CFV Sonic Nozzle
FC200-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 16-bit data acquisition system
Data Storage Not Available
Power Requirements 100-240 VAC / 50 – 60Hz / 1 Phase / 1 AMP
Dimensions 8″ W x 2.5″ H x 12″ D

Accuracy Using Sonic Nozzles

Configuration Mass Flow Accuracy Comments
Level 1 ±6.45% of Reading Assumes: diameter ±0.031″ uncalibrated nozzle, 6:1 pressure range (±0.1% full scale)
and 40° to 100°F gas temperature.
Level 1 ±0.88% of Reading Assumes: diameter ±0.50″ uncalibrated nozzle, 6:1 pressure range (±0.1% full scale)
and 40° to 100°F gas temperature
Level 2 ±0.56% of Reading Assumes: ±0.50% CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure
range (±0.04% full scale) and 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) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature.
An optional humidity sensor is available for moist
air applications.

Accuracy Using Subsonic Venturis

Configuration Mass Flow Accuracy Comments
Level 1 ±1.41% of Reading Assumes: Uncalibrated Venturi, 6:1 pressure range (±0.1% full scale), 10:1 Dp range
(±0.3% of full scale) and 40° to 100°F gas temperature.
Level 2 ±0.61% of Reading Assumes: ±0.5% CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure
range (±0.04% full scale), 10:1 Dp range (±0.3% of full scale) and 40° to 100°F
gas temperature.
Level 3 ±0.43% of Reading Assumes: ±0.25% CEESI calibration, 6:1 pressure
range (±0.02% full scale), 10:1 Dp range (±0.3% of full scale) and 40° to 100°F
gas temperature.
An optional humidity sensor is available for moist
air applications.

Software

National Instruments LabVIEW Logo
The controller software for the FC200 must be installed on a customer-supplied workstation and is used to operate the FC200. The FC200 can not operate as a stand-alone device. Controller software is written using National Instruments LabVIEW™.

Configure Software for Testing & Meter Calibrations

National Instruments logo

  • 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 FC200 (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


Test Setup

Meter Calibration

Data Monitor

Instrument Calibration

Facility Requirements

The FC200 comes with a wall power supply– there are no special power requirements.

Compressed Air Requirements

Particulates:   Less than 10 microns
Moisture Content:   39°F Dewpoint, Maximum
Oil Content:   Less than 10 ppm

Photos & Schematics

The following are pictures and schematics of the Flow Computer FC200.


Flow Computer FC200
Flow Computer FC200-CFV

Flow Computer FC200
Flow Computer FC200-CFV with interchangeable nozzles and meter runs

Flow Computer FC200: Physical Diagram
FC200 – Connections: Bench top or rack mount –


Options

The following is a list of options available for the Flow Computer FC200:

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