Manufacturer: Micronics
Scope: T&D supplied Micronics Portaflow 330 portable ultrasonic flow meter to the Country Durham and Darlington NHS trust as part of the £20m construction of theatres and mortuary. The new construction will involve the demolition of the existing 1960s-built Pierremont Building and the Mary Hodgkin Memorial Chapel to make way for a three storey building with upgraded facilities.
Micronics Portaflow PF330 Portable Clamp-on Flow Meter
Micronics Portaflow 330 portable flow meters have been supplied by Thorne & Derrick for the testing of pipe flow and calibrating the recently installed pipes and fittings to ensure they are flowing as anticipated.
The Micronics Portaflow 330 is typically used on clean water applications.
Client: NHS
Country: UK
Sector: Pharmaceutical
Darlington Memorial Hospital to spend £20m on operating theatres – BBC News
Flow Meters : Ultrasonic & Clamp-on Portable Meters
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ABOUT US
Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment. T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
T&D supply utilities, power, renewable energy, construction, rail, manufacturing, food/beverage, mining, oil, gas and petrochemical industries – distributing 100,000+ products from 100+ manufacturers from multi-million pound stocks. Since 1985 we have established a solid reputation based on service, integrity and trust.
Katronic have been working with clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters for twenty years.
During this time Katronic have gained a vast amount of experience in specifying and supplying ultrasonic flow meters for a wide variety of different applications.
In this Blog you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about ultrasonic flow meters in general and Katronic flow meters in particular.
Should you require any further information please contact Thorne & Derrick Sales Engineers – we can answer your questions, we can supply your requirements.
Katronic Ultrasonic Flow Meters
As the ultrasonic sensors are simply clamped on the pipe surface, Katronic ultrasonic flow meters can be installed without the need to break into pipelines.
The sensors are fixed to the pipe using metal chains, straps or mounting rails.
Additionally, coupling paste is applied to the bottom of the flow sensors to ensure an acoustically conductive connection to the pipe.
While particularly rough or pitted pipe surfaces may need cleaning with a file or suitable abrasive material, Katronic flow sensors can usually be installed without the need for surface preparation.
Every instrument of the Katronic KATflow series is equipped with a Setup Wizard and an Audible Sensor Positioning Assistant, which guide the user step-by-step through the installation process.
As a result, it only takes minutes to install and set up the ultrasonic flow meter and to obtain correct measurement data.
Professionalism: T&D, The Metering Specialists, ensure correct selection and application feasibility by on site demonstrations
For volumetric flow measurements, Katronic’s KATflow flow meters can achieve an uncertainty of 1 to 3 % of the measured value depending on the specific flow measurement application.
Uncertainty of approximately 0.5 % can be achieved with on-site process calibration. In case of flow velocity measurements, the flow meters achieve an uncertainty within 0.5% of the measured value.
Katronic’s ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters do not contain moving parts which could wear out. The sensor casings are manufactured from stainless steel and are not in contact with the flowing medium, which helps avoid corrosion. Thus maintenance should not be necessary.
Katronic KATflow 170 is an ATEX certified flow meter for safe installation in Zone 1 & Zone 2 hazardous area locations and potentially explosive atmospheres – available in both aluminium and stainless steel for flow metering of hazardous area located pipework.
Both the KATflow 200 and KATflow 230 ultrasonic flowmeters operate for up to 24 hours in continuous operation on a full charge.
Katronic KATflow 210 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flowmeter (Portable)
The flow meters should fully charge in twelve hours – the operating time of a portable flow meter would decrease if the instrument is used intermittently.
KATflow 230 is fitted with two 4-20 mA active outputs. If these are turned on battery life will decrease. The outputs should be disabled in the input/output menu if not in use.
If an extended operation is required then the KATflow 210 should be used.
The instrument has several battery configurations available and can be operated in three different measurement modes intended to provide the longest possible measurement.
Present estimates indicate that in its largest capacity the KATflow 210 should be able to provide data logging for over three months.
All of the Katronic flow meters can also be operated off mains power, providing continuous operation, even if only on a temporary basis.
If either of the ultrasonic flow meters are failing to meet the expected battery performance please contact the factory for additional advice.
Firstly, please ensure that the flow meters are fully charged – connect the flow meter to the charger.
At this point the flow meter should power up and the battery indicator should be flashing to show that charging is in progress. If this does not happen please contact us.
If the flow meter powers up on main supply turn off the flow meter, disconnect the power supply and attempt to turn on by pressing and holding the <ENTER> button.
If the flow meter fails to turn on, open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, check their integrity and replace in the flow meter. Repeat the start sequence.
If the flow meter screen still fails to illuminate the batteries may require replacement. Please contact the factory for more information.
Call T&D for Katronic Flowmeters
The KATflow series of ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters can cover a pipe diameter range from 10mm (0.4 inches) to 3m (118 inches) with special solutions available for non-standard applications.
The ultrasonic clamp-on sensors of the KATflow series come with a standard cable length of 2.5 or 5.0 meters depending on the specific sensor type. Additional extension cables of up to 100 meters can be ordered separately.
The ultrasonic flowmeters have a library of standard flow meter programmed into them. If the liquid to be measured is not in the list there are two things that can be done:
Firstly, the user can select “Water” from the menu. This might seem unhelpful but water has a good average set of values for the three main parameters that the flow meter needs.
Using water for an application that was not water-based might not be perfect but could give the user a set-up that will allow the flow meter to measure.
Katronic KATflow 200 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flowmeter (Portable)
Please note that river-water, effluent, sewage etc. are all “water”, it is just the solid content that varies.
Secondly, if the user wished to have a more accurate set of data for the medium parameters, select “User” from the drop-down list and the flow meter will prompt the operator for three sets of data:
It is unusual for users to know the C-speed of the medium, which is effectively the speed of conductivity of a liquid to ultrasound.
There is a library of non-standard media in the back of the manual for this purpose. If the data is not found there, please contact Thorne & Derrick technical support for advice.
Please note that any manually entered liquid information is only applicable at that temperature.
Calibrations for specific pipes are not necessary. Entering the specific application parameters (e. g. pipe diameter, pipe material, type of fluid) into the flow meter ensures the above stated accuracy. If additional accuracy is required, a process calibration can be carried out on site.
Due to the ultrasonic measurement technology, there is no need to calibrate the flow meters to achieve the above stated accuracy (see question no. 2).
If a customer requires calibration, this can be ordered for an additional charge. The certificate confirms that the supplied sensor and flow meter combination is delivering measurements which are in the accuracy range stated.
Katronic KATflow 100 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flowmeter (Fixed)
Once applied to the sensors during the initial installation, the acoustic coupling paste should not have to be replaced. If the mounting point is exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions, we would recommend the coverage of the sensors to be checked once a year.
If a KATflow 100, KATflow 150, KATflow 170 or KATflow 230 is fitted with PT100 sensors we would expect the flow meter to provide reliable measurement of the pipe temperature.
If however the flow meter is showing a fixed temperature of +800 ºC it means that the PT100 sensors are incorrectly connected to the flow meter, or are not connected at all.
This temperature is the default error output of the flow meter. Please consult the manual for wiring instructions.
All of the Katronic fixed installation flow meters will turn on immediately when power is supplied. If the flow meter fails to turn on when power is applied there are several checks that need to be made:
Firstly, ensure that power is reaching the main terminals on the flow meter using a multimeter. Check the fuses on the flow meter and replace if blown. Use the wiring diagram in the manual in order to ensure that the flow meter is wired correctly.
Check that the correct type of voltage is being supplied to the flow meter. AC and DC meters are marked accordingly, if an incorrect power supply has been applied to the flow meter, please disconnect the instrument and contact technical support as damage may have been done to the electronics.
Before taking a measurement, the ultrasonic flow meter will guide you to the Audible Sensor Positioning Assistant. This tool will enable you to find the optimum location for the transducers.
At this point it will give the user a graphical indication of signal strength, signal quality and a recommended sensor spacing.
If this is correct, the user then moves to the measurement screen but what happens if in spite of good signal flow measurements are not obtained?
Firstly a check should be made in order to ensure that there is indeed flow in the pipe at that moment. Experience has shown that many “issues” found when taking a measurement are application, rather than instrument based.
Hazardous Area Flowmeter – KATFlow 170 Katronic
If the liquid in the pipe is flowing, press <DISP> on the flow meter keypad to access the diagnostic level of the flow meter operating menu, followed by <NEXT> until the display shows:
The flow meter has three pre-set cut-off values outside of which measurement will not be possible under normal conditions.
SNR = the difference in the Signal and the Noise, therefore 15 dB signal and -15 dB noise = SNR of 30 dB
In the case of having what looks like a strong signal but no flow, it could be that the noise value is too high.
In which case check the wiring of the transducers for any loose strands, and consider earthing the screens of the transducers. Alternatively make a note of the above values and contact Technical Support for assistance.
As described in question 14 there must be at least -10 dB Signal and 6 dB of SNR in order for the flow meter to operate correctly. If these levels are not being achieved there are a number of things that can be done:
If all of this fails please contact Technical Support for more advice.
If the pipe is painted, and the coating looks in good condition, there is no need to remove the paint in order to get a good measurement.
Paint should only be stripped from a pipe if it is flaking or in poor condition, where there is obviously multiple layers of paint, or where measurement has been attempted but poor signal is seen – see also question 14.
If the flow meter has been operating continuously as expected and then stops there are several things to check:
WWEM The Water, Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring Exhibition & Workshops
Pictured: T&D’s Metering Sales Engineers (Terry McDonald, Anthony Mitchinson and Adam Rowe) following a recent training day with Kirsty Hammond (Katronic Technical Sales Representative).
T&D are committed to growing product knowledge and expertise in order to support their customers in the optimum choice of meters, including ultrasonic flow type, for measurement applications.
T&D: Distributor Of Water, Gas, Heat, Energy & Flow Meters – contact us for competitive prices, delivery and technical support.
Thorne & Derrick are inviting you to join LinkedIn’s fastest growing Discussion Group – Process & Hazardous Area Industries : Heat Tracing, Gas Detection, Fluid Control & Flow Measurement. News, projects, videos, promotions, whitepapers, jobs, webinars, press plus much more.
ABOUT US
Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment. T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
T&D supply utilities, power, renewable energy, construction, rail, manufacturing, food/beverage, mining, oil, gas and petrochemical industries – distributing 100,000+ products from 100+ manufacturers from multi-million pound stocks. Since 1985 we have established a solid reputation based on service, integrity and trust.
Hazardous Area Training Courses
Thorne & Derrick, the Explosive Atmosphere Experts and suppliers of Hazardous Area Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment are committed to ensuring the correct specification of safe products for installation in hazardous area locations.
T&D are a world-class business committed to ensuring the correct installation and application of all explosion-proof products we distribute.
Where applicable installer training and support services including site surveys can be made available – although we are not a direct provider of training services we understand that danger cannot be understated in the hazardous area industries.
To maintain our hazardous area technical knowledge, skills and expertise we depend upon Roxby Training Solutions and in this post we outline their range of Hazardous Area Training Courses – whether you require ATEX Flow Meters, Zone 2 Air Heaters or Hazardous Area Solenoid Valves, T&D can be trusted to supply the correct products for potentially explosive atmosphere applications without any hidden dangers.
Roxby Training Solutions are a specialist training provider with more than 40 years of experience with instrumentation, measurement and control providing engineering training in both UK and international markets.
Roxby have a specialist focus on CompEx and Instrumentation but also offer mechanical, electrical and health & safety training courses across their portfolio.
Instructional staff have over 140 years industrial experience between them and offer a balance of 50% theory and 50% practical with assessments across their courses to successfully achieve set outcomes and prove competence.
Roxby Training Solutions also put together bespoke, UK based, hazardous area industry training programs for overseas clients using a series of sub-contract training providers extending this to overseas delivery where opportunities present themselves.
All courses are taught in English however other languages are available where required. Roxby Training Solutions hold the following accreditation’s:
Roxby Training Solutions aims are:
Roxby’s Training Solutions Limited – CompEx Hazardous Area Training Provider
Roxby Training Solutions has first class facilities located in Stockton and Stallingborough which house an extensive range of Electrical and Instrumentation equipment, chosen to provide a realistic reflection of the type of equipment likely to be found in the typical workplace.
Courses can be carried out at customers’ premises if preferred, provided that facilities are suitable.
Roxby Training Solutions Classroom
As part of the business, Roxby also specialise in a full range of outsourced services with the skills and experience to act as your in-house training/recruitment manager:
CompEx is the globally recognised training and assessment scheme for electrotechnical crafts personnel who work in potentially explosive atmospheres and hazardous area location industries, such as on-and-off-shore oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, energy, chemical industries, etc.
JTL who is the National training agent for the Electrical contracting industry has been appointed to develop, operate and manage the training provision globally and has licensed and accredited a number of centres to deliver the training and assessment.
As an approved JTL CompEx Assessment Provider, Roxby offer CompEx ‘F’ Foundation Ex01, Ex02, Ex03 and Ex04 Assessments for full CompEx and CompEx Refresher, Ex05 & Ex06 Dust Modules, Ex11 Mechanical, Ex12 Design Engineers and Ex14 Responsible Person, delivered in their training centres or at customer’s premises where suitable.
All T&D Sales Engineers hold CompEx Certificates (Hazardous Awareness Course EX F) and undertake advanced and ongoing Explosion Protection training with suppliers – we can be safely trusted to specify and supply Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in hazardous areas and explosive atmospheres.
Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas and Explosive Atmospheres
Details of forthcoming Hazardous Area Training courses are available here, Book A Course.
| Hazardous Areas Courses | CompEx Foundation ExF |
| CompEx Ex01 – Ex04 | |
| CompEx Refresher Ex01R – Ex04R | |
| CompEx Dust Training Ex05 – Ex06 | |
| CompEx Mechanical Ex11 | |
| CompEx Application Design Ex12 | |
| CompEx Responsible Person Ex14 | |
| Area Classification | |
| Supplementary Hazardous Area Training Modules | |
| Instrumentation Courses | Introduction To Instrumentation MC01 |
| Measurement And Control MC02 | |
| Advanced Instrumentation MC03 | |
| Process Control PC01 | |
| Process Measurement PM01 | |
| Electrical Courses | 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (C & G 2382-12 & 2382-15) |
| Basic Electrical Skills | |
| Portable Appliance Testing (C&G 2377-22) | |
| Electricity At Work Regulations | |
| Mechanical Courses | Basic Mechanical Skills |
| Hydraulic Fluid Power Systems | |
| Introduction To Pneumatics | |
| Mechanical Maintenance | |
| Mechanical Technology Training | |
| Health & Safety Courses | Basic Health & Safety Certificate (CIEH) |
| Manual Handling Instructor / Assessor Course (CIEH) | |
| Manual Handling Techniques (CIEH) | |
| Risk Assessment / Method Statement (CIEH) | |
| Fire Safety Level 1 | |
| Fire Warden Training | |
| First Aid At Work | |
| Essential Office Safety | |
| Functional Safety Course | |
| Health & Safety At Work Awareness Course | |
| Health & Safety Level 1 | |
| Manual Handling Level 2 | |
| Noise Assessment / Regulation | |
| Permit To Work Systems | |
| Working With Visual Display Units & Display Screen Equipment for Assessors / Users | |
| IOSH Managing Safety | |
| IOSH Working Safely | |
| NEBOSH General Certificate | |
| Principles of COSHH | |
| RIDDOR (Reporting Injuries, Diseases And Dangerous Occurrences) |
T&D : UK & International – Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmosphere Experts.
Remain up-to-date with Hazardous Area Industry news, view, products and developments by Following HazardEx.
See how we service and support our key markets and hazardous area industries in the following SlideShelf of industry infographics.
Thorne & Derrick are inviting you to join LinkedIn’s fastest growing Discussion Group – Process & Hazardous Area Industries : Heat Tracing, Gas Detection, Fluid Control & Flow Measurement. News, projects, videos, promotions, whitepapers, jobs, webinars, press plus much more.
ABOUT US
Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment. T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
T&D supply utilities, power, renewable energy, construction, rail, manufacturing, food/beverage, mining, oil, gas and petrochemical industries – distributing 100,000+ products from 100+ manufacturers from multi-million pound stocks. Since 1985 we have established a solid reputation based on service, integrity and trust.
Crowcon XgardIQ Smart Fixed Point Gas Detector
The Crowcon XgardIQ is the next generation of fixed gas detectors from Crowcon and has been manufactured to enhance site safety and minimise the time workers must spend in hazardous areas exposed to harmful gas.
The fixed gas detector is versatile, compatible with Crowcon’s full range of sensor technologies and is available fitted with a variety of flammable, toxic or oxygen gas sensors.
Andy Avenell, senior business development manager at Crowcon, said while explaining the product development;
“We spend a significant amount of time talking to engineers and operators in oil and gas facilities, petrochemical and chemical plants and other high risk areas. The experiences and insight gained from such sites has been instrumental in the specification development of XgardIQ.”
When lives and real estate are at stake, the Crowcon XgardIQ provides reliable notification system of the presence of harmful, explosive and flammable gases. This minimises the amount of time that a worker must spend in a hazardous area.
The XgardIQ minimises the amount of time spent between swapping sensors and performing routine maintenance. The sensors can be ‘hot-swapped’ without the need for a hot work permit. The old module can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated one or removed for testing and calibration in a safe area.
Crowcon XgardIQ Fixed Gas Detector Product Interface Features
The modern plant environments often require a varying degree of gas detection diversification. The Crowcon XgardIQ can offer this versatility and wide application of gas detection with a single product.
Crowcon’s unique positive safety feature reassures operators that the XgardIQ is functioning properly by alerting when there is any irregular events that may effect the sensors performance. This puts the XgardIQ ahead of other sensors that may otherwise cease to function when exposed to extreme environmental conditions.
When the detector is working safely, the bright blue +ve safety LED remains constantly turned on. If there are any abnormal operating conditions that are detected, the +ve LED warning light will flash and a warning light message displayed.
Crowcon XgardIQ Gas Detector Display And Input
The Crowcon XgardIQ is an intelligent and versatile fixed point gas detector providing comprehensive and powerful output signal options. These include an analogue 4-20mA signal with auto sink/source detection feature and RS-485 Modbus communications provided as standard.
The XgardIQ minimises the time that personnel have to spend in potentially hazardous areas by using simple, hot-swappable sensor modules. Sensors can be both bump tested or calibrated in-situ or alternatively can be removed in seconds using one hand. They can then be replaced with pre-calibrated sensors or re-calibrated in a safe area.
All functions of the Crowcon XgardIQ and any adjustments can be made via the integral keypad without the need to purchase and special tools or equipment.
The XgardIQ is compatible with virtually any control system including gas detection panels, PLC’s, DCS’s and SCADA systems. This makes the detector easier to install and reduces costs associated with installation.
When calibrating the XgardIQ sensor, calibration gas must be applied used the calibration cap also available from Crowcon. Typically, a flow rate of 0.5 litres per minuter is appropriate however this may vary for different sensor types.
Calibration can be performed with a suitable gas concentration from 10% of the scaled sensor range to 100% of the maximum sensor range. The minimum calibration gas concentration that can be used is 10% of the scaled range.
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T&D are the UK’s largest stockist of Drum, IBC & Tank Heaters & Jackets. Delivering UK & Worldwide.
T&D’s online library of Drum, IBC & Tank Heating applications is now updated to include the following : fermenting cider within IBC’s for the food and beverage industry.
Visit Silicone Heaters for details of electric surface heating solutions – flexible silicone heaters can be applied to heat the most complex shapes, geometries, curves and pipes.
Specified Product Solution : HIBC/1 IBC Heating Jacket
Did you know?
Cider fermentation is carried out at a temperature of 4–16 °C (40–60 °F). This is low for most kinds of fermentation, but is beneficial for cider as it leads to slower fermentation with less loss of delicate aromas.
T&D, The Hazardous Area Heating Specialists
IBC Heating Jackets – T&D supply heating and insulating jackets for plastic or steel metal cage IBC’s for bulk liquid storage.
Contact T&D for specification, support and sales of Electrical Heating Equipment for safe, industrial and hazardous area plant and equipment – we provide process temperature heating and frost protection (Winterisation) products for pipework, valves, IBC’s, drums and tanks.
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Published 13 Mar 2020
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