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 of Zero

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 detailed in section C part 6.

It should be noted that power supply voltage variations and changes in ambient temperature can have an effect on zero readings.

3.Flow Readings

Each controller is factory calibrated for 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 signal 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 maximum flow rate is exceeded non-linear and inaccurate readings will result.

Units may be used for gases other than the calibration gas. In this case a “K Factor” would need to be applied and a corrected value calculated using the following formula:

M-4271/0707, pg. 14 of 26

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Omega 3400ST, 3200ST manual Operation, Warm Up, Verification of Zero, Flow Readings