Mainstream Portable Flowmeter

The Mainstream Portable features many new advantages including the introduction of Smart Power Saving. Traditionally, each velocity measurement required activating the sensor for a fixed period of time. Now each velocity measurement is based on a fixed quantity of information. Measurement time for high flow velocities or high signal quality is reduced, whereas measurement time for low velocities or low signal quality is increased. This intelligent use of power ensures consistent measurement performance over all flow conditions, and delivers increased battery life.

Power for the Mainstream Portable comes from a low-cost, exchangeable internal 12V battery or from an external 12V battery, or an external 15-28V supply. The internal deep discharge battery is rated at 7.5 Ah and gives one year’s operation when operating at 1 measurement per minute.

For extended operation, a 12 Ah internal battery is available, or an external battery can be added. Alternatively, Mainstream’s built-in battery charger can maintain the internal battery from an external supply. Connecting a solar panel gives unlimited measurement endurance.

The Mainstream hardware includes power monitoring circuits to track the supply status. Supply voltages can be displayed on the LCD; viewed via the user interface; stored in the data logger and used to control the switch outputs. The condition of the power supply is also visible on an external LED.

Specifications.

• Stainless steel pressure transmitter with desiccant protected atmospheric reference.
• Sensor interface fully compatible with alternative level sensors providing 4:20 mA signals.
• Large character LCD configurable for most engineering units.
• LCD legend available in various languages.
• RS232 compatible local serial port. Automatic error detection protocol.
• Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP compatible
• Mainstream Communicator software included with each flowmeter.
• Intuitive point-and-click user interface for flowmeter configuration, diagnostics and real-time displays.
• Integral data logger with recording rate configurable for 30 seconds to 60 minute intervals.
• Facility to organise logged data into daily records with user selectable start time.
• Logger capacity approximately 250,000 measurements corresponding to more than 6 months data at 2 minute intervals.
• Logger incorporates data compression for rapid data retrieval using Mainstream Communicator software.
• Recorded measurements output in spreadsheet compatible format.
• Two opto-isolated switch outputs, each rated at 60V ac/dc and 250 mA maximum current.
• Switches independently programmable to open or close at a user defined level, ultrasound signal quality, velocity or flow rate.
• Switches also configurable to generate pulses to indicate a user defined flow quantity.
• Built in 12V 7Ah rechargeable battery for up to three months endurance.
• External 12V and 24V power inputs for extended endurance.
• Bi-directional velocity measurement with better than 100:1 turndown ratio.
• Velocity measurement range from 10 mm/S to 5 m/S.
• Resolution 1 mm/S.
• Guaranteed no zero offset or drift.
• Level measurement conversion accuracy better than 0.05% of full scale.
• Flow measurement accuracy depends on installation and operating conditions. Typically better than 5% in evaluation trials.