Ft4x View Manual
Ft4x View Manual
FT4X View™
108057
Rev. A
FT4X View™
Notice
FOX THERMAL INSTRUMENTS
This publication must be read in its entirety before performing any operation. Failure
to understand and follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury
and/or damage to the equipment. Should this equipment require repair or adjustment
beyond the procedures given herein, contact the factory at:
Fox Thermal Instruments believes that the information provided herein is accurate
however be advised that the information contained herein is NOT a guarantee
for satisfactory results. Specifically, this information is neither a warranty nor
guarantee, expressed or implied, regarding performance; merchantability; fitness;
or any other matter with respect to the products; nor recommendation for the use
of the product/process information in conflict with any patent. Please note that Fox
Thermal Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to change and/or improve the product
design and specification without notice.
2
FT4X View™
Table Of Contents
1. Introduction Page 4
2. Installation Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3. Startup Page 8
4. Operation Page 10
a. Main Screen Page 10
b. Charts Settings Page 12
c. Collect Data to Excel Page 14
d. Configure Page 15
e. Simulation Mode Page 25
f. CAL-V® Test Page 26
g. Logs Page 30
6. Index Page 35
3
FT4X View™
Introduction
Introduction Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Model FT4X Thermal Gas Mass Flow meter from Fox
Thermal Instruments. The Model FT4X is one of the most technically advanced
flow meters in the world. Extensive engineering effort has been invested to deliver
advanced features, accuracy measurement performance, and outstanding reliability.
The new FT4X View™ software allows users to easily display data and configure the
INTRODUCTION
The Model FT4X is available with two different communication options: the RS485
Modbus or HART. The FT4X View Software has been developed to react intuitively to
the type of FT4X meter with which it is interfacing.
This Manual contains the installation and operation instructions for the FT4X View™
Software.
This manual is divided into the following sections: Introduction, Installation, Operation,
Glossary and Index.
www.foxthermalinstruments.com
4
FT4X View™
Installation
INSTALLATION
The latest version of the FT4X View™ software is available for download at www.
foxthermalinstruments.com/products/FT4X.php#FT4Xview
The location of the FT4X View Software download link on the FT4X product webpage is
shown below.
5
FT4X View™
Installation
Installation To install the FT4X View™ program on your PC or laptop, run the "FT4XView_V#.##-
setup.exe" file that is located in the downloaded file.
Select the folder in which you wish to install FT4X View™, then click "Install".
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FT4X View™
Installation
Installation It is recommended to restart the computer before accessing the software. Click "Yes".
INSTALLATION
Before restarting, be sure to empty any disks from your PC drives, then click "OK".
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FT4X View™
Startup
TS2 F1 0.75A
1 SWITCH INPUT (+) TS1
2 SWITCH INPUT (-) POWER (+) 1
3 PULSE (+) POWER (-) 2
TP1
4 PULSE (-) 4-20mA #1 (+) 3
5 Tx/Rx (+) TP2
4-20mA #1 (-) 4
6 Tx/Rx (-) 4-20mA #2 (+) 5
7 COMMON 4-20mA #2 (-) 6
W1
TERMINATION
USB Port J1
USB
8
FT4X View™
Startup
If the correct COM Port does not appear, go to Control Panel/Device Manager and click
on Ports (COM & LPT). The COM port number should be displayed under the USB
symbol. If prompted, enter the assigned COM port in FT4X View by using the drop
down menu and press OK.
STARTUP
NOTE: The FT4X Meter must be plugged into the computer in order for the system to
register it.
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FT4X View™
Operation: Main Screen
Main Screen Main Screen
The image below depicts the main screen that appears upon entering FT4X View™.
i NOTE: Data on the screen is refreshed at user selected update rate. See p. 12 for
more information on setting up Charts.
Charts Button
This calls up two charts that can be configured for either temperature or flow. Each
chart can be individually enlarged and rescaled from the original default settings. For
i
more information on how to change the charts settings, refer to "Operation: Chart
Settings" on page 12.
Configure Button
This allows the operator to go in and set the application parameters. This can be
done either via the FT4X View™ software or manually via the instrument's display.
For more information on configuring application parameters, refer to "Operation:
Configure" on page 15.
OPERATION
Simulation Button
This function can be used to verify that all the flow meter outputs are working
properly. The easiest way to perform this check is to enter a specific temperature/
flow rate. The corresponding analog outputs can be verified using a DMM and using
a watch for the pulse. Refer to Page 25 for more information on how to use the
Simulation function.
Exit Button
Exit the application.
11
FT4X View™
Operation: Chart Settings
Each chart can be selected for flow, temperature or total flow and scaled in one of
three ways: a plus/minus percent scale, inputting min/max values manually, or real-
time automatic scaling.
12
FT4X View™
Operation: Chart Settings
Parameters
All meter operating parameters can easily be selected for charting: flow, temperature
or total flow.
Total Points
OPERATION
The total points specifies the number of points plotted on the graph. Older data is
automatically omitted.
Update Rate
The update rate controls the data refresh rate.
13
FT4X View™
Operation: Collect Data to Excel
Collect Data to Collect Data to Excel
Excel The Collecting Data screen can be accessed from the main screen. Clicking the
"Collect Data to Excel" function will prompt the user for a password. Enter a Level I or
Level II password and the Collect Data window will appear.
Select the sample time from the drop down menu, and then select the required data
from the Data Selection list. Select or create a name for the Excel file and then press
the "Start Data Logging" button.
When "Start Data Logging" is pressed, the data is recorded in the specified Excel file
- and also displayed in the Data Logged window. Pressing "Stop Data Logging" ends
data acquisition.
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FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Configure Configure
From the main menu, click on the "Configure" button and enter the requested password
for either Level I (1234) or Level II (9111) access.
OPERATION
i NOTE: Most users will only need access to the Level I screen to do basic setting of
units, alarms and output scaling.
• Pipe Inner Diameter (ID): The pipe inner diameter can be entered in either
inches or millimeters, depending on whether the flow or mass measurement
units selected are metric or US standard. Once entered, the program will
automatically recalculate the pipe cross-sectional area for the velocity/flow
calculations. A precise ID is required to ensure accurate flow measurement.
• Cut-off: A gas flow rate at - or below - the cut-off setting will cause the meter
to read zero. Default cut-off is set to 1% of maximum flow value.
• Filter: Changing this value will increase or decrease the damping of the flow
rate reading. Increase the setting to increase damping. The default setting is
0.8 (see FT4X Manual for more details).
• Kfact: A K-Factor can be applied to the meter's settings to offset the meter's
calibration. The K-Factor is a direct scaling of the meter's ouput across the
entire full scale.
GHV GHV
Gross Heating Value of the programmed gas in the Gas-SelectX® gas menu is
calculated by the meter and viewed here.
Density Density
View the density of the programmed gas in the Gas-SelectX® gas menu is displayed
here.
Password Password
If the Level 1 password must be changed, enter the new password in this field.
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FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Serial Numbers Serial Numbers: Serial numbers of the meter, the main board, bridge and sensor
(factory set).
OPERATION
Gas-SelectX® Gas-SelectX® Gas Menu
This menu allows the user to select a gas or gas mix from a list of gases. When
entering the FT4X gas menu the user will have three choices:
1. Pure Gas Menu (PUR) - a list of 11 gases
2. Gas Mix (MIX) - a mixture of any gases available in the Pure Gas menu except
Natural Gas (total must equal 100%)
3. Oil & Gas Mix (O&G Mix) Menu - any combination of the 12 gases in the Oil &
Gas menu (total must equal 100%)
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FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Gas-SelectX® Fig. 3.5: Gas-SelectX® Menu in Configuration Screen
Gas-SelectX Menu
location
OPERATION
i NOTE: A list of pure and mixed gases available on the FT4X flowmeter are kept on the
Fox website at www.foxthermalinstruments.com.
i
NOTE: Gases are in mole percentages
In the first example, Propane has been chosen from the list of gas options. The last
two options are "Gas Mix" and "O&G Mix". When the "Gas Mix" or "O&G Mix" options
are chosen, a series of additional gas concentration fields will appear. Each field is
labeled according to the gases available in that menu. A default amount will appear in
each field, but these can be changed to any percentage between 0.0 and 100.0. All
remaining gases not used in the Gas Mix must be changed to 0.0. The total for the
gases chosen for the mix must equal 100.0%.
i NOTE: If the total of the three gases is greater or less than 100.0%, an alarm will show.
Adjust the percentages until 100.0% is achieved.
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FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
If the pulses (counts) output is selected, it can be programmed in three different ways
using the pull-down menu "Frequency Output Configuration".
OPERATION
• Units per Pulse
i
NOTE: The "Save/Restore Parameter" options in both Figures 3.4 and 3.5 are not
available using a Level 1 password.
19
FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Select an existing file to overwrite or a new file name and then press OK. A
confirmation window will be shown.
20
FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
To set the date and time, click the "Set Date/Time to Meter" button.
OPERATION
Display Display Setting
Settings With the top four drop-down boxes, the user can choose the data to display on the
meter's LCD display screen. By selecting "Alternate = On", the screen automatically
switches between the data screens.
21
FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Serial COM Serial COM Settings
Settings Use this function to set the serial communication settings for any of the optional FT4X
bus communication boards.
NOTE: This is only available on a meter configured for RS485 Modbus RTU or HART.
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FT4X View™
Operation: Configure
Daily Total Daily Total On/Off
On/Off After installation and during the setup of your meter, the user must turn on the Daily
Total function.
Fig. 3.13: Turning on Daily Total Function and setting Contract Time
OPERATION
Contract Time Setting the Contract Time
Resetting the Contract Time is done using the Daily Total On/Off window as seen in
the figure above. The default Contract Time is midnight, but the user can change the
Contract Time in this window, if needed.
23
FT4X View™
Operation: Simulation Mode
Simulation Mode Simulation Mode
After clicking on the button marked "Simulation" from the main menu, a password will
be requested. Enter the password and then the Simulation screen will be shown.
The simulation mode simulates flow rate, temperature and/or CSV. Click on the
required data and enter a value. Simulation mode allows users to verify the analog
output, digital outputs and totalizer at simulated flow rates and temperature.
Enter the value, click OK, select the corresponding checkbox, and press "Start
Simulation".
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FT4X View™
Operation: Simulation Mode
Simulation Mode Fig. 3.16: Simulation Running
OPERATION
In Simulation mode, all FT4X outputs and the Totalizer respond as if in normal
measurement mode. Click "Halt Simulation" to end.
25
FT4X View™
Operation: CAL-V®
CAL-V® CAL-V®
After clicking on the button marked "CAL-V" located in the box marked "Calibration
Validation Diagnostic Test" from the main menu, the CAL-V screen will be shown.
CAL-V™ is performed to verify the proper operation of the FT4X Fox meter. From the
Main Menu, click on the "CAL-V" button to access the CAL-V Menu Window.
On the CAL-V™ Menu, there are fields to enter information about the person
performing the test, meter tag information, and any other important information may
be entered into the comments area.
A drop-down menu allows the user to choose between these two options:
• Flow goes to Zero during CAL-V™
• Flow holds the last value during CAL-V™
The user can also specify a particular folder name and location for the data to be
stored in a log to access test results at later times.
Please note that the test will take about four minutes. The flow measurement will stop
and go to zero for this period unless the "hold last value" option has been chosen.
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FT4X View™
Operation: CAL-V®
OPERATION
CAL-V® Results The CAL-V™ test window will display the current calculated value as the
microprocessor adjusts current to the sensor. At the end of the test, a Pass/Fail
message will be displayed.
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FT4X View™
Operation: CAL-V® Certificate
CAL-V™: -0.07
Additional Comments:
CAL-V™ is a calibration routine that validates the flow meter's calibration accuracy by testing the following:
* Repeatability of sensor
* Repeatability of sensor electronics
* Zero Stability of the meter
* Confirms Calibration Algorithms
At the conclusion of the test, the meter will display a pass/fail message and the CAL-V™ data.
A "pass" result confirms the meter is measuring accurately.
CAL-V™ limits: 0.0-0.8 Pass, 0.8-1.0 Warning, >1.0 Fail
Configuration:
28
FT4X View™
Operation: CAL-V® Log
OPERATION
29
FT4X View™
Logs: 24 Hour Log
24 Hour Log 24 Hour Log
After clicking on the button marked "24 Hour Log" located in the box marked "View
Log" from the main menu, the operator can view a log of totals from the meter.
Pressing this button produces a pdf listing of totals starting with yesterday's total and
followed by 40 24-hour totals. The start time begins and is reset when the totalizer is
reset.
FT4X Flowmeter
24-Hour Totals Log
FT4X_24hrs_log
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FT4X View™
Logs: Configuration Log
LOGS
Fig. 3.23: Configuration Log Example
FT4X Flowmeter
Configuration Log
FT4X Configuration:
FT4X_cfg_log
31
FT4X View™
Logs: Event Log
The Event Log button will open a series of windows requesting the number of records
to be accessed and which record must start the list. This data will be produced in an
excel spreadsheet.
Enter the number of records that you would like to view in the log.
Enter the number of the record that you would like to have at the beginning of the log.
This event will start the log and all subsequent events will follow. Any previous events
will be excluded from this viewing of the log.
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FT4X View™
Logs: Event Log
The Event/Alarm Log will open in Excel. The Log includes the following information:
• Current date/time
• Meter's firmware version
• Meter's serial number
• Instances of power on/off of meter
• Instances that an Alarm has occured
• Setting of the Real Time Clock
• Changes to meter's configuration or settings
• Changes to the gas mix information
• Resets (total or CRC)
LOGS
Fig. 3.25: Configuration Log Example
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FT4X View™
Definitions
Glossary of Terms COM Communication
and Definitions CRC Cyclical Redundancy Check
CSV Current Sense Voltage
DMM Digital Multimeter
Aa ID
mA
Inner Diameter
Milliamps
PC Personal Computer
RTD Resistance Temperature Detector
DEFINITIONS
34
FT4X View™
Index
Index
Alarm Limits, p. 17
Analog 4-20 mA outputs, p. 17
CAL-V®, p. 26
Collecting Data, p. 14
Configure, p. 15
Address (RS485 enabled models only), p. 22
Analog 4-20 mA Outputs, p. 17
Alarm Limits, p. 17
Baud rate (RS485 enabled models only), p. 22
Contract Time, p. 23
Digital Output, p. 17
INDEX
Filter value, p. 16
Flow cutoff, p. 16
Gas-SelectX®, p. 17
Parity (RS485 enabled models only), p. 22
Password, p. 15
Pipe Area, p. 17
Real Time Clock (RTC), p. 21
Reset Total, p. 15
Reset CRC, p. 15
Serial Communication (RS485 enabled models only), p. 22
Unit settings, p. 15
Contract Time, p. 21
Dampening factor, p. 16
Data Logger, p. 30
Filter value, p. 16
Gas-SelectX®, p. 17
Glossary, p. 34
Installation, p. 5
Introduction, p. 4
Password
Level 1, p. 15
Level 2, p. 15
Reat Time Clock (RTC), p. 21
Reset Total and Elapsed Time, p. 15
RS485 Settings (RS485 enabled models only), p. 22
Simulation Mode, p. 25
USB, p. 5
Viewing the Logs, p. 30
35
Definition of Terms
Aa
Troubleshooting Tips