Product Summary
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
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
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

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