Appendix G. Glossary

Soundspeed — Speed at which a sound wave travels through a given material.

Thickness Gauge — Option that allows the PT878, with an optional thickness gauge transducer, to determine the thickness of most standard metal and plastic pipe materials over a range from 0.05 to 3 in. (1.3 to 76.2 mm).

Tw (time in wedge) — Time the transducer signal spends travelling through the transducer and cable. This time has to be subtracted from the transit time to determine how much time the signal spent in the fluid.

Tracking Windows — A feature which allows the receive window to move automatically if the ultrasonic signal is lost. The PT878 will set up the window in various positions based on a minimum and maximum soundspeed range. In seek mode, the meter will test every position until it detects a receive signal that passes the error tests. The first window (highest soundspeed setting) that passes the tests is the detected window. The meter will then track the receive signal.

Transducer Delay — Time the ultrasonic signal takes to travel from the meter to the pipe material surface. It is a similar measurement to Tw, except that the delay is subtracted from the transit time to find out how much time is spent in the wall.

Transducers — Devices that convert electrical energy into ultrasonic pulses when in a transmit cycle, and convert the ultrasonic pulses back to electrical energy when in a receive cycle. They can be fixed to the outside of the flowcell pipe (clamp-on) or inserted into the pipe to directly measure the fluid (wetted).

Transmitter Sample Size —Number of pulses the transmitter emits in one direction (upstream or downstream) before transmitting in the other direction. It is set to 8 by default.

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GE PT878 user manual Appendix G. Glossary

PT878 specifications

The GE PT878 is a state-of-the-art portable ultrasonic flow meter designed for the precise measurement of liquid flow in various applications. As part of General Electric’s renowned instrumentation lineup, the PT878 combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, making it an invaluable tool for engineers, technicians, and plant operators.

One of the standout characteristics of the PT878 is its non-invasive measurement capability. The meter utilizes clamp-on transducer technology, allowing it to be installed on the exterior of the pipe, eliminating the need for invasive procedures which can disrupt the system or require pipe cutting. This non-contact approach not only simplifies installation but also enhances the device’s versatility, as it can be applied to a wide range of pipe sizes and materials.

The PT878 leverages advanced digital signal processing and sophisticated algorithms to provide accurate and reliable flow measurements. It operates using the time-of-flight method, whereby ultrasonic signals are sent and received through the fluid in the pipeline to determine the flow rate. This technology allows for remarkable precision, ensuring that operational efficiency can be maintained.

Moreover, the PT878 is equipped with features such as a bright, easy-to-read display, intuitive navigation, and robustness against harsh environmental conditions. Its compact and lightweight design enhances portability, making it suitable for field applications. The meter operates on battery power, providing a long-lasting solution for remote monitoring and temporary installations.

Another impressive aspect of the PT878 is its ability to measure not only water but also a variety of liquids, from hydrocarbons to chemicals. It supports multiple measurement modes, including volumetric flow and velocity, offering a level of flexibility that caters to diverse industrial needs.

In addition to flow measurement, the PT878 offers data logging capabilities, allowing users to store and analyze flow data over time. This function is vital for understanding trends, diagnosing issues, and optimizing system performance. Users can easily transfer data to computers for comprehensive analysis, enhancing operational insights.

With its combination of innovative technology, user-friendliness, and robust measurements, the GE PT878 ultrasonic flow meter stands out as a comprehensive solution for industries requiring reliable liquid flow measurement. Whether in a manufacturing plant, a water treatment facility, or any application requiring fluid monitoring, the PT878 delivers exceptional performance and accuracy.