Description

The GE Panametrics PT878 (Panametrics Portable Liquid Flowmeter) is a transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter designed for non-invasive flow measurement in closed piping systems. It utilizes clamp-on transducers to measure volumetric flow rate, flow velocity, and totalized flow through metal, plastic, or concrete-lined pipes without disrupting operation. Driven by a proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) engine, the unit automatically adapts to changing fluid properties and attenuating conditions in the field.

Commercial Availability & Procurement

• Condition: Refurbished (Fully Tested & Calibrated) or New Surplus
• Calibration Certification: Available with NIST-traceable certification upon request
• Warranty: 12-Month Comprehensive Warranty
• Availability: In Stock
• Lead Time: Ships within 2 to 3 business days via expedited global freight
• Pricing Note: Price varies depending on the selected transducer kit (frequency and clamping fixture size). List prices are indicative; contact our engineering sales department for a firm, configuration-specific quote.

Technical Specifications

The table below outlines the core electronic, operational, and performance parameters for the PT878 handheld unit.

Hardware Configuration & Signal Diagnostics

The PT878 utilizes clamped-on acoustic transducers that send and receive ultrasonic signals directly through the pipe wall. The system measures the precise time delta between upstream and downstream acoustic paths to calculate fluid velocity.

 [PT878 Handheld Unit]
                     /            \
     [Upstream Coax] /              \ [Downstream Coax]
                    v                v
             +------------+    +------------+
             | Transducer |    | Transducer |
             +------------+    +------------+
  ----------/------------/----/------------/----------
  Flow ---> /  Acoustic / Path          /  Pipe Wall
  ----------/------------/----/------------/---------- 

Critical Field Diagnostics

When commissioning a measurement loop, engineers must monitor the internal diagnostic metrics to verify signal integrity before recording data:

• Signal Strength: Typically ranges from 50 to 85 dB. A signal strength value below 40 dB indicates poor acoustic coupling, improper transducer spacing, or heavy internal pipe scaling.
• Sound Speed: The calculated fluid sound speed should closely match the reference value for the target fluid at the current operating temperature (e.g., approximately 1,482 m/s for water at 20 °C).
• Transit-Time Delta (t_0): The raw differential measurement. Fluctuations or high variance in this value point to excessive entrained gas bubbles or high concentrations of suspended solids.

Field Application & Installation Constraints

When configuring the PT878 for field audits or temporary balancing operations, observe the following integration rules to maintain specified accuracy:

Engineering Note: Avoid placing transducers immediately downstream of control valves, pumps, headers, or sharp elbows. These components introduce severe fluid turbulence and asymmetric flow profiles that distort transit-time calculations.

• Straight Pipe Run Requirements: Install the transducers on a section of straight pipe with at least 10 nominal pipe diameters upstream and 5 nominal pipe diameters downstream from the nearest flow disturbance.
• Coupling Compound Application: Apply a continuous, thin layer of acoustic couplant (e.g., standard grease, silicone, or high-temperature gel) between the transducer face and the prepared pipe surface. Ensure all loose rust, scale, and flaking paint are completely sanded away before mounting.
• Acoustic Shunting Protection: On thick-walled metal pipes, ensure the transducers are spaced precisely according to the calculated spacing formula on the display. Incorrect distance configurations cause the signal to travel along the pipe wall rather than passing through the fluid medium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What transducer frequency do I need for my application?

Transducer selection depends heavily on pipe diameter and fluid attenuation. Generally, 1 MHz or 2 MHz transducers handle standard industrial pipes from 2 in to 20 in. Small pipes (0.5 in to 2 in) require higher frequency 4 MHz or 5 MHz transducers, while highly attenuating fluids or massive pipes require low-frequency 0.5 MHz models. Verify your pipe dimensions and fluid composition with the OEM application matrix prior to ordering.

Can the PT878 measure flow in pipes containing aerated liquids or slurries?

The transit-time principle relies on a clean acoustic path. If the fluid contains more than 1% to 2% by volume of entrained gas bubbles or solid particles, the ultrasonic signal will scatter, resulting in a “Signal Loss” fault. For heavily aerated liquids, raw sewage, or dense slurries, a Doppler-effect flowmeter is typically required.

How do I extract logged data from the handheld unit?

The PT878 features a built-in infrared (IR) port. Data transfer requires an external IR-to-USB adapter connected to a PC running the legacy PanaView instrument interface software. Ensure the PC operating system drivers are correctly mapped to handle the infrared data stream.

Associated Accessories Checklist

When deploying the PT878 kit, verify that all necessary peripheral components are included for your target site conditions:

• UTXDR Transducers: Specify frequency (e.g., 1 MHz, 2 MHz) and temperature rating.
• UC-C-Clamping Fixture: Chain-clamp or track-mount fixtures for matching transducer spacing on larger pipes.
• CGL-1: Standard acoustic couplant gel (or CHT-1 high-temperature silicone for lines exceeding 100 °C).
• PT878-BAT: Replacement NiMH internal battery pack assembly.
• 705-779: Universal AC power supply and charging adapter.
  

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