Sonic Driver POCKET-UFM User manual
Made in Britain
POCKET-UFM Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Installation Manual
Version 4.0
13th March 2023
Copyright Sonic Driver Ltd 2023
Contents
1.0 Introduction
•1.1 Transit Time Measurement
•1.2 Packing List
•1.3 General Precautions
•1.4 Cleaning
•1.5 Storage
•1.6 Fitting/Changing Internal Battery
•1.7 Connecting The Flow Transducers
•1.8 Mounting The Flow Transducers
•1.9 Turning the UFM On
2.0 Using the Quick Start Sequence
•2.1 Transducer Menu
•2.1.1 Type
•2.1.2 Mounting
•2.2 Pipe Menu
•2.2.1 Outer Diameter
•2.2.2 Wall Thickness
•2.2.3 Material
•2.2.4 Sound Velocity
•2.3 Liner Menu
•2.3.1 Material
•2.3.2 Sound Velocity
•2.3.3 Thickness
•2.4 Fluid Menu
•2.4.1 Type
•2.4.2 Temperature
3.0 Sensor Positioning
•3.1 Optimising Transducer Mounting Location
•3.2 Upstream and Downstream Pipe Runs
•3.3 Transducer Mounting
•3.4 Transducer Spacing
4.0 Error Codes
5.0 Icons
6.0 Battery Life
7.0 Specification
8.0 Product Identification
9.0 Service
10.0 Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Appendix A Contact Details
Appendix B Table of fluid properties
Appendix C Table of pipe and lining material properties
Appendix D Table of speed of sound in water
Appendix E Table of typical pipe roughness values
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the Sonic Driver TM POCKET-UFM TM clamp-on ultrasonic
flowmeter, figure(1).
Figure(1) The Sonic Driver POCKET-UFM.
The ultrasonic flowmeter (UFM) uses advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and transit time
measurement techniques (Sonic Driver TM) to make accurate and reliable clamp-on ultrasonic flow
velocity measurements on liquids flowing in closed pipes.
Using information about the installation, entered by the user, using the meters intuitive and easy to
us menu driven User Interface (UI) the UFM can display;
•Flow velocity
•Volumetric flow rate
•Mass flow rate
•Heat quantity flow rate
With the addition of a wall thickness measuring probe the UFM can also function as a pipe wall
thickness gauge (WTG).
1.1 Transit Time Measurement
The principle of flow measurement using ultrasonic clamp-on transit time measurement is simple,
see figure(2).
Figure(2) The principle of transit time flow measurement.
Two ultrasonic transducers are coupled or clamped to the outside of the pipe at a predetermined
distance apart.
Ultrasonic pulses travel between the transducers through the pipe wall and the fluid within the pipe.
If the fluid is flowing then it takes slightly longer for the ultrasound to travel against the flow
(upstream time T_up) than with the flow (downstream time T_down), see figure(2).
In a typical installation the individual times measured upstream and downstream are just a few
hundred microseconds, the difference between them is typically measured in tens of nanoseconds.
This very small time difference (T_up - T_down) is measured by the UFM and is directly
proportional to the flow velocity (V) of the fluid.
Knowing the pipe internal cross sectional area the UFM can calculate volumetric flow rate in many
common engineering units. A further knowledge of the density of the fluid allows the UFM to
calculate mass flow rate.
Finally, a knowledge of inlet and outlet fluid temperature and Specific Heat Capacity of the fluid
allows the UFM to calculate heat flow rate.
All of these rates can be totalled and positive, negative and net values displayed.
1.2 Packing List
Figure(3) UFM Carry Case and Contents.
Within the UFM carry case, see figure(3) you should find;
Item
Quantity
POCKET-UFM
1
PEEK/Stainless Steel Flow Transducer
2
Wall Thickness (WTG) Probe
Optional
Chain Mounting Clamp
2
Tape Measure
1
Coupling Gel
1
Battery
1
Table(1) Packing List.
If any item on the packing list is missing or has been damaged in transit contact Service, see
Appendix A.
1.3 General Precautions
The content of this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate.
Sonic Driver Ltd assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this
manual.
In no event will Sonic Driver Ltd be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if we are advised of the
possibility of such damages.
Sonic Driver Ltd reserves the right to make improvements to its manuals, instructions and products
at any time, without notice or obligation. The latest revisions may be found on the company web
site, see appendix A.
The UFM is a precision measuring instrument and should be handled and operated with care;
•Before operating the UFM for the first time read the installation manual and operating
instructions fully.
•Only use the UFM in the way and for the purpose that it is intended.
•Do not subject the UFM to bumps and shocks such as caused by dropping the UFM.
•Keep the UFM and its transducers and probes clean.
•Only use the UFM within its ambient temperature and stated level of Ingress Protection.
•Avoid excessive stress and bending of transducer cables and connectors.
•Avoid striking the clear display window and keypad with sharp objects.
1.4 Cleaning
Wipe the UFM and sensors with tissue or soft cloth after use, remove excess coupling gel.
1.5 Storage
When not is use the UFM and transducers should ideally be cleaned and stored in the carry case
they were supplied in.
1.6 Fitting/Changing Internal Battery
The UFM is powered by a single 9V internal battery. Sonic Driver recommend a high capacity
primary battery of at least 1200mAh be used.
To fit or change the battery slide the cover of the battery compartment in the rear of the UFM, see
figure(4).
Figure(4) Battery compartment.
Lower capacity or use of rechargeable battery will decrease the run time of the UFM.
1.7 Connecting The Flow Transducers
Connect the flow transducers to the Lemo connectors at the top of the UFM, see figure(5).
Figure(5) Flow transducer connection.
Red flow transducer is mounted on the pipe downstream, black flow transducer is mounted
upstream.
When using the WTG probe then connector orientation is not important.
1.8 Mounting The Flow Transducers
Mount the flow transducers on the pipe using the chain clamps supplied, see figure(6). Ensure that
the arrow on the labels (arrowhead and flights) on the flow transducers is pointing in the direction
of flow.
Use coupling gel between the transducers and the pipe to give good ultrasonic contact.
Measure the spacing of the transducers using the tape measure provided, note that spacing is
measured between the front faces of the transducers. Ensure the transducers are facing each other
and aligned axially along the pipe.
Figure(6) Flow transducer mounting, spacing is 25mm between front faces.
In figure(7) and figure(8) the transducers are misaligned and twisted, as a result the UFM will make
poor flow measurements.
Figure(7) Misaligned transducers. Figure(8) Twisted transducers.
When using the WTG probe it is possible to simply hold the probe on the pipe by hand, making
good contact using coupling gel.
1.9 Turning the UFM On
To power on a POCKET-UFM press and hold the On key.
As soon as the UFM is switched on a self-diagnostic program will start. This program fully tests
both the UFM hardware and software.
If an error is detected an error message will be displayed prompting user action. If the error persists
contact customer support, see appendix A.
Error codes and their meanings can be found in the Main Menu under the Diagnostics Menu.
In order to turn the UFM off from the Main Menu press and hold the “</Off” key.
A progress bar decrements to turn the UFM off.
If the “</Off” key is released before the progress bar fully decrements the UFM returns to the
Measurement screen.
If there is no keypad activity in User Interface (UI) mode for 60 seconds then the UFM will
automatically power off. Automatic power off does not apply in Measurement mode.
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