New Thermal Mass Flow Meter From Fox Instruments
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The Fox Model FT4A is a thermal mass flow meter designed for various applications, including oil & gas, industrial, and wastewater management, providing flexible gas flow measurement with a wide range of gas compositions via the Gas-SelectX® menu. It features essential capabilities like NIST traceable calibration, robust stainless steel construction, and advanced electronics for configuration and monitoring, allowing real-time gas flow readings without needing pressure or temperature compensation. Additionally, it supports multiple output options and in-situ calibration validation, making it suitable for demanding environments.
![Meter Dimensional Drawings
Drawings of the Model FT4A meter and retractor dimensions are shown here in inches (mm).
DIMENSIONS
F1 F2 F3 F4
4.64 [118.0]
6.70±.20
[170.3±.5]
˝LL˝±.1 [±.25]
NOMINAL
LENGTH
CL SENSING
AREA
.73 [18.5]
ø.75 [19.1]
5.97 [151.6]
2.60 [66.1]
2X 3/4˝ FNPT
PORTS
ELECTRONICS
ENCLOSURE
FLOW DIRECTION
INDICATOR
PROBE
DDC-Sensor™
The Fox DDC-Sensor™ is the state-of-the-art sensor
technology used in the Fox Model FT4A Thermal Gas Flow
Meter. The DDC-Sensor™, a Direct Digitally Controlled
sensor, is unlike other thermal flow sensors available on the
market. Instead of using traditional analog circuitry, the DDC-
Sensor™ is interfaced directly to the FT4A microprocessor
for more speed and programmability. The DDC-Sensor™
accurately responds to changes in process variables (gas flow
rate, pressure, and temperature) to determine mass flow rate,
totalized flow, and temperature.
Fox’s DDC-Sensor™ provides a technology platform for
calculating accurate gas correlations. The FT4A correlation
algorithms allow the meter to be calibrated on a single gas
in the factory while providing the user the ability to select
other gases or gas mixes in the Gas-SelectX® menu. Fox’s
Model FT4A with its DDC-Sensor™ and advanced correlation
algorithm provides an accurate, multi-gas-capable thermal
gas flow meter.
FT4A View™ Software
FOX has developed advanced software - FT4A View™ - a free PC-
compatible application available for download from the FOX website.
Connect your laptop, PC, or control station to the meter using the
USB port interface to access the meter’s data and configure the
meter’s settings.
FT4A View allows:
• Quick access to all configuration parameters and available
gas selections
• Selection of measurement units, flow and temperature
ranges, alarm settings and more
• Display of alarm codes
• Storage of meter configurations to a file that can be archived
• Raw data to be viewed in order to diagnose or troubleshoot
your meter
• Data logging to an Excel™ spreadsheet
• View gas mix average gross heating value and density
Dimensions
Probe Length “LL” Dim, In(mm)
6” 6.0 (152)
9” 9.0 (229)
12” 12.0 (305)
15” 15.0 (381)
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
F1 F2 F3 F4
.73
(1.85)
9.0±.3
(23.1±.75)
"LL"
6.7
(17.0)
6.1
(15.5)
2.4
(6.1)
2X 3/4" NPT
FEMALE
6.3
(16.0)
Ø.75 (Ø1.9)
.40
RETRACTOR WITH 1 INCH
FULL PORT BALL VALVE
RESTRAINT
CABLE
RESTRAINT CABLE
MOUNT
PROBE
CL SENSING AREA
Dimensions
Retractor “LL” Dim, In(mm)
15R 15.0 (381)
18R 18.0 (457)
24R 24.0 (610)
30R 30.0 (762)
36R 36.0 (914)
Dimensions
Probe Length “LL” Dim, In(mm)
18” 18.0 (457)
24” 24.0 (610)
30” 30.0 (762)
36” 36.0 (914)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/ft4a-datasheet-170518234903/85/New-Thermal-Mass-Flow-Meter-From-Fox-Instruments-3-320.jpg)
New Thermal Mass Flow Meter From Fox Instruments
- 1. • DDC-Sensor™ technology • Gas-SelectX®: menu of field selectable gas compositions • CAL-V® Calibration Validation • Measures gas flow rate in SCFD, MCFD & many more • Wide measurement range: up to 1000:1 turndown; 100:1 typical • 4-20mA for flow rate or temperature; HART communication option • Choice of second output: pulse output for flow/total or RS485 Modbus RTU • USB port to connect to a PC, standard • Free FT4A View™ Software available • Insertion probes for pipes 1.5” and larger • Welded, 316 SS sensor construction • Microprocessor based, field- programmable electronics • Standard on-board 2 line x 16 character, backlit display with configuration panel • NIST traceable calibration • Low-end sensitivity for vents and leak detection • Negligible pressure drop • FM (U.S.) & FMc (CANADIAN) approved for Class I, Div 1; ATEX/IECEx approved for Zone 1 • NEMA 4X and CE Mark • Average Gross Heating Value and Density of Gas Mix • Accuracy Compliant with BLM 3175 Expansion of the Gas-SelectX® Menu Many customers need a fast solution to their monitoring needs. For these cases, FOX has developed the Gas-SelectX® calibration gas menu feature for the Model FT4A flowmeter. Gas-SelectX® allows the user to choose from a menu of several common gases or gas mixtures for their application. The Gas-SelectX® feature has three gas menus with the following available gases: Pure Gas Menu Mixed Gas Menu O&G Gas Menu Air Air Methane (C1) Argon Argon Ethane (C2) Butane Butane Propane (C3) Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide i-Butane (C4) Methane Methane n-Butane (C4) Natural Gas Nitrogen Pentanes (C5) Nitrogen Oxygen Hexanes (C6) Oxygen Helium Carbon Dioxide Helium Hydrogen Nitrogen Hydrogen Propane Heptanes (C7) Propane Octanes (C8) Nonane+(C9+) The meter’s proprietary algorithms allow the user to switch gases or gas mixes in the field, as needed. The Pure and Mixed Gas Menus make the FT4A ideal for measurement of digester gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and a variety of other biogases. With the addition of the O&G Menu on the Model FT4A, Gas- SelectX® can be used in upstream Oil & Gas applications. Whether you need to measure natural gas, air, flare gas, vent gas, or digester gas, the FT4A brings these options and more to the user with a quick push of a button. Model FT4A Gas Mass Flow Meter For Oil & Gas, Industrial, and Wastewater Applications FOX THERMAL INSTRUMENTS, INC. 399 RESERVATION ROAD MARINA, CA 93933 PHONE: 831-384-4300 FAX: 831-337-5786 sales@foxthermalinstruments.com www.foxthermalinstruments.com Model FT4A Thermal Mass Flow Meter and Temperature Transmitter Accuracy Compliant with BLM 3175: • Flare Gas • Sales Gas • Fuel Gas
- 2. Fast and Flexible Gas Flow Measurement Offering you the flexibility to monitor multiple gas types at the push of a button, rotate the housing as needed for tight installations, and configure meter settings from advanced software, the FOX Model FT4A thermal mass flow meter and temperature transmitter can be used in a large variety of Oil & Gas, Industrial, and Wastewater gas flow measurement applications. Theory of Operation Fox Thermal Flow Meters use a constant temperature differential (constant Δ T) technology to measure mass flow rate of air and gases. The thermal mass flow sensor consists of two Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD’s). The Reference RTD measures the gas temperature. The instrument electronics heat the mass flow sensor, or heated element, to a constant temperature differential (constant Δ T) above the gas temperature and measures the cooling effect of the gas flow. The electrical power required to maintain a constant temperature differential is directly proportional to the gas mass flow rate. The microprocessor linearizes this signal to deliver a linear 4-20mA signal. Fox Model FT4A Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meter Features The Fox Model FT4A measures gas flow rate in standard units without the need for temperature or pressure compensation. It provides an isolated 4-20mA output (with a HART option) and a selection of pulse or RS485 Modbus RTU. With a standard on-board 2-line x 16-character, backlit display, operators can view flow rate, total, elapsed time, process gas temperature, and alarms. The display is also used in conjunction with the Configuration Panel to access flow meter settings, such as 4-20mA and pulse output scaling, pipe diameter, zero flow cutoff, flow filtering (damping), display options, and high or low alarm limits. The Model FT4A has an insertion probe and is easily installed by drilling a hole in the pipe and welding on a 1” NPT coupling. A Fox-supplied compression fitting secures the probe in place. It is supplied with 316 stainless steel wetted materials standard. A USB port to connect to a computer or laptop is standard; interface options include 4-20mA, pulse, HART, and RS485 Modbus RTU. MODEL FT4A Advanced Features Suitable for harsh and hazardous environments, the instrument features: • Robust DDC-Sensor™Design • Gas-SelectX® gas selection menu featuring new Oil & Gas Menu • CAL-V® Calibration Validation • Rotatable probe: allows ±180 degree swivel • FM/FMc, ATEX, IECEx approvals. CE mark. • 10-30VDC power input, standard • NIST-traceable calibration • Free FT4A View™ Software • High and low alarm limits • 40 Daily Totals (24 hour totals) • Wetted materials are all welded, 316 stainless steel Perfect for Oil & Gas, Industrial, and Wastewater applications, the Model FT4A is the latest instrument offered in the FOX product line. CAL-V® For customers that need a quick and easy way to verify the calibration of the meter in the field, the Model FT4A offers the CAL-V® feature. This feature can be accessed and run through the meter’s standard display and configuration panel, Modbus, or the FT4A View™ Software. The test takes less than 5 minutes to run and produces a pass/fail result at the conclusion of the test. A fail result may indicate either a dirty sensor or the need to recalibrate. If the CAL-V® test is performed using the FT4A View™ software, a Calibration Validation Certificate can be produced at the conclusion of the test. The certificate will show the date and time of the test along with meter data such as firmware version, meter serial number, configuration settings, and currently selected gas/gas mix. This in situ calibration validation helps operators comply with environmental mandates and eliminates the cost and inconvenience of annual factory calibration. The Fox 2nd generation DDC Sensor™ eliminates the sensor element vibration which can lead to metal fatigue and failure. The Model FT4A flowmeter and temperature transmitter is approved for FM/FMc Class I, Division 1, ATEX/IECEx Zone 1. CE Mark.
- 3. Meter Dimensional Drawings Drawings of the Model FT4A meter and retractor dimensions are shown here in inches (mm). DIMENSIONS F1 F2 F3 F4 4.64 [118.0] 6.70±.20 [170.3±.5] ˝LL˝±.1 [±.25] NOMINAL LENGTH CL SENSING AREA .73 [18.5] ø.75 [19.1] 5.97 [151.6] 2.60 [66.1] 2X 3/4˝ FNPT PORTS ELECTRONICS ENCLOSURE FLOW DIRECTION INDICATOR PROBE DDC-Sensor™ The Fox DDC-Sensor™ is the state-of-the-art sensor technology used in the Fox Model FT4A Thermal Gas Flow Meter. The DDC-Sensor™, a Direct Digitally Controlled sensor, is unlike other thermal flow sensors available on the market. Instead of using traditional analog circuitry, the DDC- Sensor™ is interfaced directly to the FT4A microprocessor for more speed and programmability. The DDC-Sensor™ accurately responds to changes in process variables (gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature) to determine mass flow rate, totalized flow, and temperature. Fox’s DDC-Sensor™ provides a technology platform for calculating accurate gas correlations. The FT4A correlation algorithms allow the meter to be calibrated on a single gas in the factory while providing the user the ability to select other gases or gas mixes in the Gas-SelectX® menu. Fox’s Model FT4A with its DDC-Sensor™ and advanced correlation algorithm provides an accurate, multi-gas-capable thermal gas flow meter. FT4A View™ Software FOX has developed advanced software - FT4A View™ - a free PC- compatible application available for download from the FOX website. Connect your laptop, PC, or control station to the meter using the USB port interface to access the meter’s data and configure the meter’s settings. FT4A View allows: • Quick access to all configuration parameters and available gas selections • Selection of measurement units, flow and temperature ranges, alarm settings and more • Display of alarm codes • Storage of meter configurations to a file that can be archived • Raw data to be viewed in order to diagnose or troubleshoot your meter • Data logging to an Excel™ spreadsheet • View gas mix average gross heating value and density Dimensions Probe Length “LL” Dim, In(mm) 6” 6.0 (152) 9” 9.0 (229) 12” 12.0 (305) 15” 15.0 (381) ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY F1 F2 F3 F4 .73 (1.85) 9.0±.3 (23.1±.75) "LL" 6.7 (17.0) 6.1 (15.5) 2.4 (6.1) 2X 3/4" NPT FEMALE 6.3 (16.0) Ø.75 (Ø1.9) .40 RETRACTOR WITH 1 INCH FULL PORT BALL VALVE RESTRAINT CABLE RESTRAINT CABLE MOUNT PROBE CL SENSING AREA Dimensions Retractor “LL” Dim, In(mm) 15R 15.0 (381) 18R 18.0 (457) 24R 24.0 (610) 30R 30.0 (762) 36R 36.0 (914) Dimensions Probe Length “LL” Dim, In(mm) 18” 18.0 (457) 24” 24.0 (610) 30” 30.0 (762) 36” 36.0 (914)
- 4. FT4A Rev. C SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specs Flow Accuracy: Air: ±1% of reading ±0.2% of full scale Other gases: ±1.5% of reading ±0.5% of full scale Accuracy specification applies to customer’s selected flow range Maximum range: 15 to 60,000 SFPM (0.07 to 280 NMPS) Minimum range: 15 to 1,000 SFPM (0.07 to 4.7 NMPS) Straight, unobstructed pipe requirement: 15 diameters upstream; 10 downstream. Flow Repeatability: ±0.2% of full scale Flow Response Time: 0.8 seconds (one time constant) Temperature Accuracy: ±1° F (±0.6° C) Calibration: Factory Calibration to NIST traceable standards CAL-V®: In-situ, operator-initiated calibration validation Operating Specs Gas-SelectX® Gas Selections: Pure Gas, Mixed Gas, and Oil & Gas Mixed Gas Menus to suit any application. See the Fox website for more information on availability of current gases. Units of Measurement: SCFM, SCFH, NM3/M, NM3/H, NM3/D, NLPS, NLPM, NLPH, MCFD, MSCFD, SCFD, MMSCFD, MMSCFM, SM3/D, SM3/H, SM3/M, LB/S, LB/M, LB/H, LB/D, KG/S, KG/M, KG/H, SLPM, MT/H Flow Velocity Range: 15 to 60,000 SFPM (0.07 to 280 NMPS) Turndown: up to 1000:1; 100:1 typical Flow Ranges Pipe Diameter SCFM MSCFD NM3/Hr 1.5" (40mm) 0 - 850 0 - 1,220 0 - 1,520 2" (50mm) 0 - 1,400 0 - 2,020 0 - 2,504 3" (80mm) 0 - 3,080 0 - 4,440 0 - 5,508 4” (100mm) 0 - 5,310 0 - 7,650 0 - 9,496 6" (150mm) 0 - 12,040 0 - 17,340 0 - 21,530 8" (200mm) 0 - 20,850 0 - 30,020 0 - 37,284 12" (300mm) 0 - 46,650 0 - 67,180 0 - 83,420 Note: To determine if the FT4A will operate accurately in other pipe sizes, divide the maximum flow rate by the pipe area. The application is acceptable if the resulting velocity is within the velocity range above. Check Fox website for velocity calculator. Gas Pressure (maximum): 500 psig (34.5 barg) Relative Humidity: 90% RH maximum; non-condensing Temperature: DDC-Sensor™: -40 to 250°F (-40 to 121°C) Enclosure: -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C)* *Note: Display dims below -4˚F (-20˚C); function returns once temperature rises again. Input power: 12 to 28 VDC, 6 watts max. (CE requirement) Full input power range: 10 to 30 VDC. Outputs: One standard isolated 4-20mA output for flow or temperature; fault indication per NAMUR NE43; HART communication option. Second output for pulse or RS485 Modbus RTU. Isolated pulse output: 5 to 24VDC, 10mA max., 0 to 100Hz for flow (the pulse output can be used as an isolated solid state output for alarms). Serial Communication: USB connector for connecting to a laptop or computer is standard. Optional isolated communication outputs: RS485 Modbus RTU. Free PC-based software tool - FT4A View™ - provides complete configuration, remote process monitoring and data logging functions. 4-20mA and Pulse Verification: Simulation mode used to align 4-20mA output and pulse output (if ordered) with the input to customer’s PLC/DCS. Physical Specs Sensor Material: 316 stainless steel Enclosure: NEMA 4, aluminum, dual ¾” FNPT conduit entries. Retractor Assembly: 150 psig (10.3 barg) max. Fox recommends the following probe lengths (without insulation): Pipe Diameter Probe Length 1.5" (40mm) to 6" (150mm) 6-inch 8" (200mm) to 12" (300mm) 9-inch 14" (350mm) to 18" (450mm) 12-inch Use the equation below for larger pipe sizes Probe Lengths (LL*) in inches(cm) = 6.0 (15.2) 9.0 (22.9) 12.0 (30.5) 15.0 (38.1) 18.0 (45.7) 24.0 (61.0) 30.0 (76.2) 36.0 (91.4) *See dimensional drawing on page 3. Dimensional Probe diameter: ¾” Equation for selecting flow meter probe length: Probe length = ½ pipe ID (in inches) + 3” + 10” (for retractor, if any) + thickness of insulation (if any). Round up to the next standard probe length available. Approvals CE Mark: Approved EMC Directive: 2014/30/EU Emissions and Immunity Testing: EN61326-1:2013 FM (U.S.) & FMc (CANADA): Approved Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, D; Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, G; and Class III, Division 1; T4, Ta = -40˚ to 70˚C; Class I, Zone 1, AEx/ Ex db IIB + H2 T4; Gb Ta = -40˚C to 70˚C; Type 4X, IP66/67 ATEX (FM16ATEX0013X): Approved II 2 G Ex db IIB + H2 T4; Gb Ta = -40˚C to 70˚C; IP66/67 II 2 D Ex tb IIIC T135˚C; Db Ta = -40˚C to 70˚C; IP66/67 IECEx (IECEx FMG 16.0010X): Approved Ex d IIB + H2 T4; Gb Ta = -40˚C to 70˚C; IP66/67 Ex tb IIIC T135˚C; Db Ta = -40˚C to 70˚C; IP66/67 ATEX and IECEx Standards: EN 60079-0:2012 + A11:2013 IEC 60079-0:2011 EN 60079-1:2014 IEC 60079-1:2014 EN 60079-31:2014 IEC 60079-31:2013 EN 60529:1991 + A1:2000 IEC 60529:2001