Bronkhorst®
Instruction Manual MI Series Industrial mini CORI-FLOW™
9.17.120A
27
Consult the applicable fieldbus manual for information about setting up and terminating a FLOW-BUS, Modbus or
PROFIBUS DP network.
3.7.5
Service port
The micro USB port provides an alternative way to operate the instrument via RS232. With a micro USB to USB2.0 adapter
cable, the instrument can be connected to a Windows computer. This enables RS232 operation with the use of the free
Bronkhorst® FlowWare software, even if the instrument is already being operated through one of the other interfaces
(analog, RS232 or fieldbus, if applicable).
3.8
Adjusting zero point
Due to the mechanical characteristics of its sensor tube, a (very small) offset signal is inherent to a mass flow
meter/controller. As a result of this zero-stability error, a flow may be detected when actually there is none.
The zero-stability error can be neutralized by adjusting the zero point of the instrument (the signal that corresponds to zero
flow). Immediately after zeroing, the zero-stability error is 0%. In ideal situations, i.e. when process conditions are constant,
the error will remain unchanged.
A certain tolerance around the zero point is allowable. Significant changes in ambient or process conditions, however, can
affect the zero-stability error to the extent that the instrument needs to be adapted to the new conditions, by re-adjusting
the zero point.
The zero point of a Bronkhorst® flow meter/controller is factory adjusted at approximately 20 °C and atmospheric pressure,
with the instrument positioned upright. If the ambient conditions or mounting orientation are significantly different,
zeroing a new instrument is recommended before using it for the first time.
The following factors affect the zero-stability error (in order of importance):
·
fluid temperature
·
ambient temperature
·
mounting orientation
·
(inlet) pressure
·
fluid density
·
fluid viscosity
·
vibrations from the environment
·
pressure fluctuations
Zeroing an instrument requires that:
·
the ambient conditions (temperature, pressure) match those of the operating environment of the instrument
·
the instrument is filled homogeneously with the operational media
·
there is absolutely no flow through the instrument; preferably, this is achieved by closing a valve immediately after the
outlet of the instrument (control valve, shut-off valve)
Blocking the flow through the instrument is absolutely essential; zeroing an instrument while there is still a flow will lead to
measurement errors.
Adjusting the zero point of an instrument can be done by the following methods:
·
manually (using the multifunctional switch)
·
digitally (via RS232 or fieldbus)
·
with the autozero function of a Bronkhorst® readout and control unit
Once started, the procedure takes approximately 40 seconds to complete (longer if the output signal is unstable), regardless
of the preferred method.