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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
SUBTITLE
QUICK START MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
This reproduction is sole property of Elster NV/SA and is subject to the conditions that it or any information contained therein will not be used inany way detrimental to our interests and that all copies will be returned immediately on demand
PAGE:
1 OF 2593.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
SonicExplorer
Version: 1.0.1.
Quick start manual
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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
SUBTITLE
QUICK START MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
This reproduction is sole property of Elster NV/SA and is subject to the conditions that it or any information contained therein will not be used in any waydetrimental to our interests and that all copies will be returned immediately on demand
PAGE2 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Table of contents
1 Preface .......................................................................................................................................... 41.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 41.2 What you need to run SonicExplorer .............................................................................. 41.3 What is in the manual ........................................................................................................ 41.4 Typographical Conventions ............................................................................................. 4
2 Installing SonicExplorer .............................................................................................................. 63 Connecting to meter .................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Setting PC/laptop network connections ......................................................................... 73.2 Verifying connection between PC/Laptop and Meter .................................................... 83.3 Connecting SonicExplorer ............................................................................................... 9
4 Using SonicExplorer.................................................................................................................. 114.1 Service .............................................................................................................................. 114.2 Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 124.2.1. Process Conditions ......................................................... ........................................................... ...... 134.2.2. Tab 1: Velocity and Performance ............................................. ....................................................... 144.2.3. Tab 2: Flow profile ........................................................................................................................... 154.2.4. Tab 3: SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) .................................................... ............................................. 164.2.5. Tab4: AGC (Automatic Gain Control) .............................................................................................. 174.2.6. Tab 5: Stability ...................................................... ........................................................... ................ 184.3 Start a logfile .................................................................................................................... 184.4 Generate customer service package ............................................................................. 194.5 Acquire signals ................................................................................................................ 204.6 Configure .......................................................................................................................... 204.7 Edit preferences............................................................................................................... 214.8 Configuration report ........................................................................................................ 21
5 Setting healthcare limits ........................................................................................................... 225.1 Changing reference case ................................................................................................ 225.2 Changing limits in reference case ................................................................................. 225.3 Creating a new reference case ....................................................................................... 23
Figures
Figure 1: Starting SonicExplorerInstaller ............................................................................................... 6Figure 2: navigating to local network connections .................................................................................. 7Figure 3: local network properties ........................................................................................................... 8Figure 4: verifying connection between PC/Laptop and meter ............................................................... 9Figure 5: Managing and connecting meters at main screen ................................................................... 9Figure 6: Create Meter .......................................................................................................................... 10Figure 7: quick launch menu ................................................................................................................. 11Figure 8: detailed monitoring................................................................................................................. 12Figure 9: Quick health check................................................................................................................. 12Figure 10: Process Conditions screen .................................................................................................. 13
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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
SUBTITLE
QUICK START MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
This reproduction is sole property of Elster NV/SA and is subject to the conditions that it or any information contained therein will not be used in any waydetrimental to our interests and that all copies will be returned immediately on demand
PAGE3 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Figure 11: Healthcare; Velocity and performance ................................................................................ 14Figure 12: Healthcare: Flow Profile ....................................................................................................... 15Figure 13: Healthcare: SNR .................................................................................................................. 16Figure 14: Healthcare: AGC .................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 15: Healthcare: Stability ............................................................................................................. 18Figure 16: taking logfile ......................................................................................................................... 19Figure 17: visualising pulses ................................................................................................................. 20Figure 18: Preferences.......................................................................................................................... 21Figure 19: Choosing reference case ..................................................................................................... 22Figure 20: Changing limits in reference cases ...................................................................................... 23Figure 21: creating a new reference case ............................................................................................. 24Figure 22: Data Collection..................................................................................................................... 24Figure 23: Example reference points of reference case .................................................................... 25
Tables
No table of figures entries found.
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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
SUBTITLE
QUICK START MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
This reproduction is sole property of Elster NV/SA and is subject to the conditions that it or any information contained therein will not be used in any waydetrimental to our interests and that all copies will be returned immediately on demand
PAGE4 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
1 Preface
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to SonicExplorer, the software that allows you to perform healthcare monitoring of
your Ultrasonic Flowmeter Series 6 with your personal computer.
SonicExplorer is a software tool which allows easy healthcare monitoring of an ultrasonic
gas flow meters from Elster-Instromet (only series 6). It is recommended to perform a
health care monitoring of your UFM on a regular basis (e.g. monthly). Using SonicExplorer
on a regular basis can detect certain malfunctions before they develop into real problems.
In addition the long term stability of the ultrasonic meter can be monitored.
SonicExplorer allows you to calculate physical properties, e.g. velocity of sound, density,
superior calorific value, ... These calculations are made according to generally accepted
standards: AGA 8 / 10 and ISO 6976.
When there is doubt about the performance and health of the UFM; the Service Pack
feature of SonicExplorer can be used to collect the most important data of the UFM.
SonicExplorer will put this all in a .zip file making it ready to send to Elster for detailed
inspection of the UFM.
1.2 What you need to run SonicExplorer
The minimum system requirements to run SonicExplorer are: Windows XP service pack 2,Vista or Windows 7.
Free disk space, should be minimum 500 MB
No license is required for SonicExplorer. SonicExplorer software provided on an as-is
basis. In no event will Elster be liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages resulting from a defect in the software, or the unintentional or deliberate
misuse of the software.
.Net Framework 3.5 service pack 1 is required (this is included in the package). .Net
Framework 3.5 service pack 1 software provided on an as-is basis. In no event will
Elster be liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from a
defect in the software, or the unintentional or deliberate misuse of the software.
Screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. One ethernet port for communication with the meter
1.3 What is in the manual
This manual describes how SonicExplorer should be installed and its basic functionalities.
This includes connection, monitoring and verifying the performance of a Q.Sonic series 6.
1.4 Typographical Conventions
This manual employs consistent visual cues and some standard text formats to help you
locate and interpret information easily.
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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
SUBTITLE
QUICK START MANUAL
DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
This reproduction is sole property of Elster NV/SA and is subject to the conditions that it or any information contained therein will not be used in any waydetrimental to our interests and that all copies will be returned immediately on demand
PAGE5 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Choose: To use a mouse or key combination to pick an item that begins an action in
SonicExplorer.
Click: To quickly press and release the mouse button.
Select: To mark an item by highlighting it with key combinations or by clicking it with
a mouse.
Window: A rectangular region of the screen containing a set of controls that accept input
from the user and display information to the user. Windows can perform many
different functions, from representing the front panel of an instrument to allowing you
to select a filename.
Caution!
A caution is also used to indicate operations or practices that may cause the
product to operate in an undefined or unexpected way, or may produce non-
specification results.
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DOCUMENT TITLE
SONICEXPLORER
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
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PAGE6 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
2 Installing SonicExplorer
This section details the installation procedure. Follow the instruction carefully.
Caution!
Elster recommends installing SonicExplorer on a laptop/PC under the account
of the user who will be using SonicExplorer. During the installation the user
needs to have administrator rights.
Afterwards the administrator rights are no longer necessary, as long as the
installation was done under the same username.
1) Place the folder with the SonicExplorer installation files on your desktop.
2) Open the folder and double click on setup.exe, see Figure 1.
Figure 1: Starting SonicExplorerInstaller
3) SonicExplorer will start installing, follow the procedure.
4) When procedure is followed SonicExplorer is installed. When questions or problems
arise during the installation please contact your Elster-Instromet or its the local agent.
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DOCUMENT TITLE
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
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PAGE7 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
3 Connecting to meter
3.1 Setting PC/laptop network connections
To connect to the meter, the local network connection of the PC/laptop needs to match the
connection properties of the meter or to the ethernet network where the meter is connected
too:
The IP-address should be similar the one of the meter, but may not be the same
(detailed explanation will be stated below).
The subnet mask should be set exactly the same as the meter.
Both parameters of the meter can be obtained through the display (see document:
22.100.200.002.02/2 latest valid version).
Next a detailed instruction on how the settings of the local network can be checked or
altered is shown.
The example shown is for a laptop with Windows XP as operating system. With
other operating systems their might be some small differences, please contact your
IT department for assistance if necessary.
Most likely youll need administrator rights on the PC/laptop for viewing and
changing the local network settings.
1) Go to My Computer -> My Network Places -> View network connections -> right
mouse button click on Local Area Connection -> Properties (see Figure 2)
Figure 2: navigating to local network connections
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PAGE8 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
2) Go to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -> properties and a menu will be shown with the
network properties (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: local network properties
3) Depending on the situation following settings are recommended:
a. PC/Laptop will be directly connected to the meter:
i. Set the selection to Use the following IP address.
ii. Set the first 3 tabs of the IP-address the same as the meter. The last
has to be different.
For example: meters IP-address is 192.168.1.110. A good choice forthe PC/Laptop will be 192.168.1.100, whereas the last part is different.
iii. The subnet mask must be the same as the meter (frequently used is:
255.255.255.0). Be aware that the after the last point it has to be a
zero, which is normally is the case.
iv. Press OK and afterwards close Local Area Connection, only then the
changes are implemented.
b. PC/Laptop will be connected to the meter through a local ethernet network.
i. Set the selection to Obtain an IP address automatically.
ii. Press OK and afterwards close Local Area Connection, only then the
changes are implemented.
iii. Hereby we assume that the local ethernet network ensures that the
meter and PC/laptop can communicate. If problems arise please
contact the authorized person of the local ethernet network.
3.2 Verifying connection between PC/Laptop and Meter
It is possible to perform a small test to verify if the connecting between the meter and the
PC/Laptop is working. This can be done through Command prompt.
Write: ping X, whereas X stands for the IP-address (see example in Figure 4). When the
connection is correct a reply of the meter will follow, see Figure 4.
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
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PAGE9 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Figure 4: verifying connection between PC/Laptop and meter
3.3 Connecting SonicExplorer
Open the Short-cut of SonicExplorer on your desktop. The main screen of SonicExplorer
will be shown. The software version of SonicExplorer is shown during start-up.
First the meter needs to be created in SonicExplorer before its possible to connect. All
created meters will be displayed on the main screen. Creating should be done through the
Add button at the bottom. The Delete and Edit button should be used for managing
already created meters (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Managing and connecting meters at main screen
When creating new meter (pressing Add) a menu will pop-up. Fill this in properly (see
Figure 6). For practice the Simulator can be enabled, in this case there will be no
connection to a meter, but SonicExplorer itself will simulate one.
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PAGE10 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
If the IP Address of the meter is not known, it can be obtained through the display
of the meter (see document: 22.100.200.002.02/2 latest valid version).
Ensure the meter and the computer/laptop are connected to the same ethernet
network. Otherwise it will not be possible for SonicExplorer to find the meter.
Figure 6: Create Meter
When a meter is correctly created, connecting SonicExplorer should be done by pressing
Connect (see Figure 5). When connected the gas velocity and performance are visualised.
It is possible to connect to more than one meter at the same time. Please keep in might that
it is preferred to have the meters need to be on the same network, with a different IP-
address and the same subnet mask.
It is also possible to create a simulator meter, see Figure 6. Hereby SonicExplorer should
not be connected to a meter and can be used for training purposes.
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93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
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PAGE11 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4 Using SonicExplorer
When connection is made with a meter; all possible actions can be shown by pressing with theright mouse button on the UFM icon. This will bring up the quick launch menu showing common
used operations, see Figure 7.
Figure 7: quick launch menu
A description of each action is described in this manual:
Service -> see chapter 4.1
Analysis -> see chapter 4.2
Start a log -> see chapter 4.3
Generate a Customer Service Package -> see chapter 4.4
Acquire signals -> see chapter 4.5
Configure -> see chapter 4.6
Edit Preferences -> see chapter 4.7
Configuration Report -> see chapter 4.8
4.1 Service
Detailed monitoring should be done by pressing on the Service button in the quick launch
menu. Three graphs are shown with the: Velocity of Sound (VoS), Velocity of Gas (VoG)
and the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) ratio for each path. There is also a table, with all
important general data and all important measurements for each path, see Figure 8.
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PAGE12 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Figure 8: detailed monitoring
It is also possible to do a very quick health check. This is done by pressing on the icon of
the UFM on the main page, see Figure 9.
Figure 9: Quick health check
4.2 Analysis
SonicExplorer allows the user to make live healthcare reports of the Flowmeter series 6.
Elster recommends making such a healthcare report for each Flowmeter series 6 on a
regular basis (e.g. monthly). Hereby its possible to detect certain malfunctions before they
develop into real problems. In addition the long term stability of the ultrasonic meter can be
monitored.
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
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PAGE13 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
By pressing Analysis in the quick launch menu, SonicExplorer will start the healthcare
functionally.
4.2.1. Process Conditions
The screen with the Process Conditions will be opened and should be filled in according
the process conditions, see Figure 10. Gas composition can be saved and loaded (when
loading ensure the loaded data is still exactly correct).
Be aware
When having a very low flow rate a warning message will pop-up. A healthcare
check is still possible, however keep in mind that some flow-profile-related criteria
(e.g. Path Velocity Ratios) may exceed normal limit values.
For a reliable Velocity of Sound check the exact gas composition, temperature
and pressure has to be known. If not, this check at the end of the report shouldbe ignored.
Figure 10: Process Conditions screen
Once all process conditions are filled in, some important gas parameters (compressibility,
Line density and Velocity of Sound) are calculated. To continue the healthcare check, press
Run.
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PAGE14 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Depending on the application conditions, it is possible that the original test limits are not
sufficient. If needed, they can be set to the application conditions. This is described in
chapter 5.
SonicExplorer will show 5 tabs, all with graphs visualising the measurements of the meter.
On these graphs are also the limits and possible warnings values shown. A green, yellow or
red light on the tab gives the user a quick status of the test status on each of the tabs. You
can click on the specific tab to get more details on the test results.
4.2.2. Tab 1: Velocity and Performance
This tab contains 4 graphs, see Figure 11:
VoS check: Overall VoS compared to the calculated VoS. This is only relevant if the
exact gas composition, pressure and temperature are known. Otherwise it should be
ignored.Limits can be altered.
Performance: Number of approved signals compared to the number of sent out signals.
This decreases with higher gas velocities. When it drops below 20% all pulses
(including the approved) will be dismissed
Limits can be altered.
VoS Path Ratios: Velocity of Sound of each path compared to the overall Velocity of
Sound.
Limits can be altered.
Velocity path ratios: Velocity of Gas of each path compared to the overall Velocity of
Gas. With ideal flow profiles the axial paths have a slightly higher ratio (around 4%). Be
aware that a flow profile on a station can be far from ideal.
Limits can be altered.
Figure 11: Healthcare; Velocity and performance
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PAGE15 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.2.3. Tab 2: Flow profile
This Tab contains 3 graphs, see Figure 12:
Axial/swirl: Velocity of Gas of the axial paths compared to the Velocity of Gas of theswirl paths (or vice versa). With an ideal flow profile the axial paths are around 4%
higher as the swirl paths.
Limits can be altered.
Asymmetry: Asymmetry in the flow profile can be detected by comparing:
o Both axial paths
o Both swirl pairs.
Limits can be altered.
Swirl angle: Swirl in the flow profile can be detected by comparing the swirl paths of
each swirl pair.
Limits can be altered.
Figure 12: Healthcare: Flow Profile
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PAGE16 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.2.4. Tab 3: SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)
This Tab contains 3 graphs, see Figure 13:
Elevated AGC dB: For each transducer the elevated gain of the pulse is shown.Limits are fixed.
SNR dB: AGC limit of each transducer compared to the AGC level of that transducer.
This will decrease with higher gas velocities. When the value has dropped to 5
measuring will become more difficult (a warning will pop-up). At a value of 2,
SonicExplorer will give an error.
Limits are fixed.
AGC ratio: For each path the AGC level of transducer A is compared with the AGC
level of transducer B. Preferably this should be as close to 1 as possible.
Limits are fixed.
Figure 13: Healthcare: SNR
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
2012-11-08
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PAGE17 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.2.5. Tab4: AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
This Tab contains 2 graphs, see Figure 14:
Axial AGC Ratios: The AGC ratios of the axial paths compared. Should be close to 1.Limits are fixed.
Swirl AGC Ratios: The AGC ratios of the swirl paths compared. Should be close to 1.
Limits are fixed.
Figure 14: Healthcare: AGC
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PAGE18 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.2.6. Tab 5: Stability
This Tab contains 2 graphs, see Figure 15:
Peak-Skip: The Peak skip test checks the RTd (Relative Timing difference) betweenpaths of different length. The RTd value is calculated for all path combinations where
the path lengths are significantly different.
Limits can be altered.
Turbulence: The turbulence test is used to check the relative stability of each individual
paths velocity readings. The stability of the individual Velocity of Gas (VoG) of each
path gives an indication of the reliability of that paths VoG. The turbulence will increase
lower flow velocities.
Limits can be altered.
Figure 15: Healthcare: Stability
4.3 Start a logfile
It is preferred to start a logfile by pressing Service in the quick launch menu. Then open
Data source at the left side of the service screen by clicking on the Data Sources tab on
left hand side of the screen. Go to: Meters -> name of the meter -> Logs. At the left bottom
you have the action buttons for taking a logfile, see Figure 16.
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DOCUMENT NUMBER
93.303.201.001.02/2REVISIONB
REVISION DATE
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PAGE19 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Figure 16: taking logfile
4.4 Generate customer service package
If there are questions about the performance of the meter, a service package should be
generated through SonicExplorer. Herewith SonicExplorer, will perform a healthcare check
and log samples of the transducer (pulse) signals, this will be zipped into a file, which can
be sent to the Elster service department. It is advisable to write in the guiding letter to
Elster, why there are doubts about the meter. All this information provides a very good
basis for Elster for analysing the meter. Once analysed Elster NV/SA will respond and
propose on how to proceed.
Generating a service package should be done as follows:
1) Press Generate customer service package in the quick launch menu.
2) SonicExplorer will first start the healthcare check. Please fill in the process conditions,
as described in chapter 4.2.1.
3) Once the health check is completed, SonicExplorer will start taking samples of the
transducer (pulse) signals. As the meters stops measuring during the collection,
SonicExplorer will first ask for a login. This can be obtained at Elster. After the login a
warning will pop-up that the meter will stop measuring. Taking the pulses might take
several minutes.
4) SonicExplorer will put all the data in a zip-file and places it into a new mail with the right
email-address. Please also provide a guiding text, explaining the doubts about the
meter performance.
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PAGE20 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.5 Acquire signals
Taking transducer pulse signals can be done, by pressing Acquire signals in the action list.
SonicExplorer will ask for username and password. This can be obtained at Elster.
Be aware
SonicExplorer will generate a warning that during the gathering of the pulses the
meter will stop measuring. The output will remain on the last value. Acquiring of
the pulses will take several minutes.
Before proceeding, SonicExplorer will ask the number of pulses that should be taken. It
preferred to set this to a value of 2 or 3. Then the pulses will be taken.
Afterwards the pulses can be displayed by going to Service in the quick launch menu, then
open data sources, select the applicable meter, MPC files and then right click on thedesired collection. The pulses will be opened in a new chart, see Figure 17.
Figure 17: visualising pulses
4.6 Configure
By pressing Configure in the quick launch menu it is possible to see and change the
parameters.
Be aware
Standard all parameters are hardware protected and can only be changed when
the security switch is disabled (see the quick start manual, doc code:
22.100.200.000.02/2 latest valid version).
Changes in the parameterfile can have consequences on the performance of the
meter and the validity of the calibration results (if applicable). Therefore Elster
strongly insists to only alter anything after consultation with either Elster-Instromet
or its local agent.
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PAGE21 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
4.7 Edit preferences
By pressing on Preferences in the quick launch menu, the Preferences can be set as
desired (see Figure 18). Preferably the File Locations should not be changed, makingpossible future assistance easier.
When the Preferences are set, SonicExplorer should be restarted.
Figure 18: Preferences
4.8 Configuration report
By pressing on Configuration report in the quick launch menu, a .pdf is generated with an
overview of all parameters. This report can be used to verify with the calibration report, if
applicable.
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PAGE22 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
5 Setting healthcare limits
5.1 Changing reference case
When performing a healthcare check, SonicExplorer uses a reference case for setting the
limits. The operating conditions and station lay-out can have a serious impact on the flow
profile in the meter. Therefore it is important to use the correct reference case when
performing a healthcare check.
Changing the Reference Case can be done by clicking service in the quick launch menu.
Click Data Sources followed by Meters and then the desired meter. Open the Reference
Cases and click on the desired Reference Case (wet, dry or site or ..) with the right mouse
button. A list will be opened, see Figure 19:
Click on Edit for checking the limit setting of the Reference case, also see chapter
5.2.
By clicking on Make Active the Reference Case can be enabled. Once enabled it will
turn green.
Figure 19: Choosing reference case
When all the Reference Cases are not as desired, it is possible to make a new one, with
live data from the meter. This is described in chapter 5.3.
5.2 Changing limits in reference case
When making a healthcare check and errors pop-up in the report, Elster should be
contacted. When the errors are not caused by a faulty measurement of the meter, but are
triggered by a not ideal flow profile; its possible that Elster recommends altering the limits.
Below is briefly described how the limits can be altered, however keep in mind that Elster
strongly recommends to only alter the limits after consultation with Elster!
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PAGE23 OF 25
93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Go to the desired Reference Case, as also described in chapter 5.1 and click Edit.
SonicExplorer will display a screen as Figure 20. On the left there is a table with all
Reference Points. Choose one reference point then the test limits are shown the table on
the right. Each Reference Point has its own Test Limits table. Therefore altering the limits
should be done for each Reference Point separately.
In the table Test Limits, the values in light grey cannot be altered. Also the Targets cannot
be changed.
Figure 20: Changing limits in reference cases
5.3 Creating a new reference case
When creating a Reference Case, SonicExplorer will take a logfile with preferably several
gas velocities. At each gas velocity SonicExplorer will analyse the data and create a
Reference Point. A Reference point contains the most optimal limit setting for a reliable
healthcare check. Between the reference points the limit settings are interpolated.
Creating a Reference Case can be typically done during at:
calibration: with each calibration point as reference point
commissioning: with reference points starting from slightly below Qmin operating increasing
until slightly above Qmax operating.
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93.303.201.001_2_B SONICEXPLORER_GETTINGSTARTED.DOC
Creating a Reference Case should be done as follows:
1) When SonicExplorer is connected to the meter click service in the quick launch menu.
Click Data Sources followed by Meters and then the desired meter. Below three
buttons appear, click on Reference, see Figure 21.
Figure 21: creating a new reference case
2) When a new reference case is created and Sonic Explorer opens the tab Data
Collection, see Figure 22.
Figure 22: Data Collection
3) During the entire process SonicExplorer will create a logfile. This should be started by
clicking Begin Data Collection. SonicExplorer will pop-up a menu for saving the logfile.
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PAGE25 OF 25
4) Look in the right graph for the gas velocity in the meter (also the stability is shown
below the graph). When the correct velocity is reached, it is possible to make a
reference point. This can be done in 2 different ways:
a. With Auto-end Cal. Point enabled for a certain number of points.
Press Cal. Point Start; SonicExplorer will ask for some process conditions, see
chapter 4.2.1. Meanwhile SonicExplorer will start making a Reference point for
the number of point filled in at Auto-end Cal. Point. When all points are taken,
the new reference point will automatically be completed on the left table.
b. With Auto-end Cal. Point disabled.
Press Cal. Point Start; SonicExplorer will ask for some process conditions, see
chapter 4.2.1. Meanwhile SonicExplorer will start making a Reference point.
SonicExplorer will only stop creating the Reference point when Cal. Point
End is pressed. Then the new reference point will be completed on the left
table.
If the flow is not very stable, SonicExplorer will generate a warning.
5) Reference n points should be taken for different gas velocities:
a. During an actual calibration, for each calibration point.
b. At commissioning, reference points starting from slightly below Qmin operating
increasing until slightly above Qmax operating.
All reference points will be shown in the right table. A small example is shown in
Figure 23.
Figure 23: Example reference points of reference case
6) When all Reference points are taken, End Data Collection should be pressed. Sonic
Explorer will stop logging the data. Then click Create Ref. Case. Sonic Explorer will
pop-up a menu for naming the reference case, please fill in properly.
7) SonicExplorer will create the most suitable limits for the current application, this can be
seen as described in chapter 5.2, however it is highly recommended not to alter these.
Also make sure this Reference case is used when making a health care check, see
chapter 5.1.