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MODELS |
| INTRODUCTION The INSIGHT Portable Flow Tester is an instrument that will measure flow rate directly without using charts or doing calculations. The tester is designed around the FRC INSIGHT digital flowmeter and a paddlewheel type flow sensor mounted in a flow tube. The flow tester program allows for up to six different calibration schemes to be set in memory. This enables the operator to press a button and use the same portable tester with different size flow tubes. The Portable Flow Tester consists of a Pelican case into which a panel is mounted containing an INSIGHT digital flowmeter, a power switch, low battery indicator, and cable connections. The Pelican case also contains a rechargeable battery and an AC charger/power supply. A slot cutout in the front panel allows for the storage of cables. The INSIGHT digital flowmeter has a 4-digit LED flow display with daylight bright digits 0.56 inch high. The flowmeter electronics are self contained and program features are accessed via push buttons on the front of the module. Flow rate information is provided from the paddlewheel flow sensor mounted in a flow tube. This information is processed and shown on the digital display as flow rate. The Portable Flow Tester is can be powered by its internal rechargeable 12 volt battery, a 120 VAC source, or an external 12 VDC source (with optional cable). The battery charging unit is mounted inside the box. To charge the internal battery plug the cable into the AC CHARGER input on the front panel and connect the other end to a standard 120 VAC electrical outlet. All controls, indicators, and input connections are located on the front panel. Features
Specifications GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Case
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS The hydrant test method described below assumes the use
of a portable flow tester with a 2.5" flow tube. If a different size tube
is used, the mathematical calculations below would need to be adjusted.
If more than one port is opened, the total actual flow will be higher than the displayed flow, but it will be in proportion to the opened port areas. The actual flow can be determined by multiplying the displayed flow by a "K" factor such that: Total Estimated Flow = Displayed Flow x K Use the following values for "K" to determine actual estimated flow. Table 1 Values for K with a 2.5" flow tube |
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constant K
= Total Flow Area Total Flow Area means finding the sum of the areas of all open discharges. K factors are used as multipliers to determine total flow out of a hydrant when the portable flow and pressure meter is hooked up to only one port of the hydrant, but water is flowing out of more than one. Pump Test For the service type of test, connect three lines into a common manifold. On the discharge of the manifold connect a short length of hose leading into the portable flow tester. Attach another length of hose on the discharge side and connect this to a deck gun or monitor. If the monitor incorporates a sufficient straight length, with an integral stream straightener, then the tester may be attached on to the discharge end of the monitor in lieu of the nozzle. Test the pumper according to the certification pressure, RPM, and volume or pressure pump settings. To do that, set the RPM and then adjust the pump pressure by adjusting the discharge valves. Correct the RPM if it has changed and readjust the pressure if that has changed. When you are at the correct pressure and RPM point, note the flow. The flow should meet the pumper rating at that pressure and RPM. Nozzle Test Training Calibrate a Vehicle Mounted Flowmeter
FLOW RATE MEASURING INFORMATION
Table 2. Flowmeter Calibration Flow for Each Pipe
Size
POWER Internal Battery
To install a battery do the steps in reverse. Alternate Power Sources The tester will operate normally and can be used to perform flow tests when connected to a 120 VAC power source. Plug the AC Power Cable into the AC CHARGER input on the front panel and connect the other end to a standard 120 VAC electrical outlet. The flow tester will work from the internal DC power supply. A 12 VDC power source (car or truck battery) can also be used to power the flow tester. Plug the optional 12 VDC Power Cable into the EXTERNAL POWER DC VOLTAGE input on the front panel and connect the other end to a 12 VDC source. OPERATION It is recommended that the calibration of the meter be checked once annually or if the operator feels that the reading might be erroneous. Program Features High and Low Flow Warning (Codes 315
and 316) Flow Cutoff (Codes 318 or 319) Flow Test
Select Sensor/Tube Size
Totalized Flow PROGRAMMING Note: When entering codes in the program access mode there is a time out feature that requires an operator input be made every three seconds. If an input is not detected at a button within three seconds the program will return to normal operation. Inputs The two buttons on the front of the display module allow the operator to gain access to stored data and program functions. The MODE button is used to display and select the calibration/tube size program. Both the MODE and TOTAL buttons are used to enter a program code. Once a program code is entered the MODE button is used to select the digit to be changed and the TOTAL button is used to change the digit or option choice.
Note: Refer to Program Access Mode for detailed information. Program Access Mode
Change Values or Options Program Code Descriptions |
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| Code | Feature | Options |
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311 |
Flow rate increment | Increments by 10 at flow rates above program value Increments by 1 at flow rates below program value |
| 312 | Sensor/Tube Size | A,B,C,D,E,F (with tube size) |
| 313 | Flow rate units | F1 - GPM; F2 - LPM |
| 315 | High flow warning | 0 to 9999 0 = Disabled |
| 316 | Low flow warning | 0 to 9999 0 = Disabled |
| 317 | Totalizer reset | Yes = Resets to 0 at Power On No = Stores total flow at Power Off |
| 318 | Flow cutoff (Frequency) | 0 to 99.9 |
| 319 | Flow cutoff (Flow Rate) | 0 to 999 |
| 321 | Flow calibration (single point) | Calibrate one flow rate |
| 322 | Flow calibration (multiple point) | Calibrate two to ten flow rates |
| E202 | Invalid code was entered | Re-enter code |
| E204 | No flow sensor signal | Check water flow and wiring |
| E206 | Invalid calibration point | Select different calibration point |
| E208 | Memory failure | Contact WFR |
Code 311 Flow Rate Increment Code 313 Flow Rate Units Code 315 High Flow Warning Code 316 Low Flow Warning Code 317 Totalizer Reset Error Code E202 Enter Sensor/Tube Size A sensor/tube size is is programmed into memory by selecting an identifying letter (A thru F) for the sensor, entering the tube size, and doing the calibration procedure. The calibration procedure must be done for each sensor/tube size. If a sensor/tube size had been entered but not calibrated it can not be selected when performing flow test.
There are six Sensor/Tube Size program slots. They are identified by a letter and the tube size. Each program is calibrated to be used with a specific sensor and tube. The tube size will be displayed in inches or millimeters depending on code 313 setting. The display format is as follows: 1st - A x.x
CALIBRATION
Flow Calibration, Multiple Point (Code 322)
FLOW SENSOR MAINTENANCE Depending on the environment that the flow tube is used in, it is possible that mud, grass, algae, or other materials may collect on the paddlewheel of the flow sensor and require it to be cleaned from time to time. Remove the flow sensor and clean the it with a mild soap and clean water. Make sure the paddlewheel spins freely. Remove Flow Sensor
Install Flow Sensor
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| Index | Part No. | Description |
| 1 | iPF-XX iPF-C-120 |
Portable Flow Tester (xx = tube size) AC Power Cable |
| 2 | iPF-02B | 12 VDC rechargeable battery |
| 3 | iPF-8T iPF-10T iPF-12T iPF-14T iPF-16T |
1.5" tube only, NST coupling 2" tube only, NST coupling 2.5" tube only, NST coupling 3" tube only, NPT male 4" tube only, NPT male |
| 4 | MF-15P | Paddlewheel flow sensor |
| 5 | iPF-C-12 | Flow sensor cable, 12 feet |
| 6 | iPF-C-12V | DC power cable (optional) |
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