VPFlowScope DP cleaning
Introduction
VPFlowScope DP is meant for the flow measurements in saturated air in horizontal lines. Compressed gas condition shall be limited to a minimum amount of dirt and oil. Also, in case of possible condensation due to temperature change or water content grow, it is advised to check and clean the VPFlowScope DP meter regularly. For the fixed installations it is also recommended to test the system condition by testing the flow meter during the first year of measurements after the following time periods: 1 week, 4 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 8 months and 12 months. This will determine the maintenance interval of your flow meter.
VPFlowScope test
Regular testing the health condition of a VPFlowScope DP is recommended as a good habit. We advise you to perform a simple testing by critically observing/analyzing the measurements of the flow meter.
In case of unexpected behavior of the gas flow, pressure or temperature measurements (e.g. negative or extremely high numbers, oscillations and drift) a conclusion may be made about:
1. Condition of the compressed gas flow system or/and
2. Health of the flow meter.
To test the gas condition of your compressed system, check the status of the compressors, filters and dryers of your compressed system. To test the flow meter health, check regularly the quality of white filters as it is described in the User Manual and given below
In case of unexpected behavior of the gas flow, pressure or temperature measurements (e.g. negative or extremely high numbers, oscillations and drift) a conclusion may be made about:
1. Condition of the compressed gas flow system or/and
2. Health of the flow meter.
To test the gas condition of your compressed system, check the status of the compressors, filters and dryers of your compressed system. To test the flow meter health, check regularly the quality of white filters as it is described in the User Manual and given below
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1. Check the filter condition
- Filters white and dry: OK: Continue using the VPFlowScope DP
- Filters brown and wet/oily: NOT OK: replacement is required.
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2. Exchange procedure (see pictures)
- (a) Remove both old style filters from probe and dispose. DO NOT RE-USE THE OLD FILTER. Or (b) remove new style filter from transmitter.
- Inspect & clean surface. If dirty: remove all remains with acetone.
- Place filters back (2X)
- With the tweezer, gently push the rims of both filters to ensure proper sticking.
- Place back o-rings. Make sure they are positioned properly in the probe. Assemble the unit together and apply a pressure test to make sure al seals are tight.
NEVER APPLY ANY GREASE TO THE ORINGS, AS THE GREASE MIGHT CAUSE UNWANTED CLOGGING OF THE MICROPORUS MEMBRANE.
In case a white filter of an old design was originally installed in the flow meter follow the same procedure but then on the probe part instead of the transmitter. Exchange a new filter even if the quality seems to be satisfactory.
This holds for the part VPA.5100.003 for VPFlowScope DP up to SN 5103650.
When separated from the probe the sticker filters may never be re-used.
ATTENTION: In case of unsatisfactory condition of the flow meter or/and filters, customer may apply simple cleaning as described in section below.
Cleaning the probe
You may clean the probe at location applying one of the two methods described below:
• By blowing clean (compressed) air through the probe
• By purring clean water through the probe.
For these two methods the transmitter and the housing with sensor, and also the white filters shall be separated from the probe as it is described above in the test section. Also, the probe tip may be separated from the probe by un-screwing the screw on the tip. Check the scheme below to properly understand the mechanical parts of the VPFlowScope DP (transmitter is not given in the figure).
• By blowing clean (compressed) air through the probe
• By purring clean water through the probe.
For these two methods the transmitter and the housing with sensor, and also the white filters shall be separated from the probe as it is described above in the test section. Also, the probe tip may be separated from the probe by un-screwing the screw on the tip. Check the scheme below to properly understand the mechanical parts of the VPFlowScope DP (transmitter is not given in the figure).
When separated from the housing, filters and the tip, the interior of the probe shall be first visually investigated for the presence of any foreign content such as oil, water or dirt. Based on this investigation a cleaning method out of three described above shall be chosen and implemented.
Under no circumstances the housing and the filters may be in contact with water. Water in the housing may permanently damage the inside sensor.