M-4271/0707, pg. 14 of 26
C.
Operation
1. Warm Up
Before applying power to the unit check all tubing and electrical
connections. Once correct installation is verified switch on the power. The
unit should then be allowed to warm up for 5 minutes before gas pressure
is applied.
2. Verification o f Z ero
Flow through the unit should be stopped by sealing or capping the inlet of
the controller. It is not adequate to only stop flow by turning off the gas
supply or closing a valve as there may be a leak in the system. This would
give a false reading.
After 5 minutes, the zero should be stable when there is no flow through
the unit. If after 10-15 minutes the output is still not zero volts (within
±0.05 volts) the unit should be adjusted as de tailed in section C part 6.
It should be no ted that power supp ly voltage variat ions and changes in
ambient temperature can have an effect on zero readings.
3. Flow Readings
Each controller is factory calibrated f or a specific flow range and gas (or
gas mixture). The calibration gas and flow range are shown on the unit’s
label and calibration certificate.
By monitoring the voltage output sign al it is possible to determine the flow
rate of the gas. Units are configured so that an output signal of 5.0VDC is
provided when the maximum flow (i.e. Full Scale flow) is passing through
the unit. The output signal is linear and scaleable enabling calculation of
flow rates with in the sensor’s range. For example:
For a flow range of 0-500sccm:
At 500sccm the output signal would be 5VDC
If the output signal were 3.5VDC then the flow rate would be:
500 ÷ 5 × 3.5 = 350sccm
If the maximu m flow rate is excee ded non-linear an d inaccurate read ings
will result.
Units may be used for gases other th an the calibration gas. In this case a
“K Factor” would need to be applied and a corrected value calculated using
the following formula: