PORTABLE DIGITAL HEISE INSTRUMENT MODEL PTE-1 APPLICATION

IN-SERVICE TEST PROGRAM, PUMP & VALVE PARAMETER MEASUREMENT

IN-SERVICE TEST OWNERS GROUP (ISTOG) MEETING

JANUARY, 2008, ORLANDO, FLORIDA

PRESENTED BY: GREGG JOSSCONSTELLATION ENERGY FLEET IST & APP J PROGRAMS ENGINEER

Handheld Calibrator model PTE-1 from Heise offers practical, state-of-the-art features specifically designed to meet modern line-test and field calibration application requirements. This innovative, precision instrument offers the widest selection of interchangeable ranges anywhere. Heise® Quick SelectTM pressure sensor modules are available from 0.125 inches H2O through 10,000 psi in accuracies from 0.1% to 0.025% F.S. Quick-Select interface modules for temperature measurement with thermocouples and RTD's are also available.

Equipped with two top-loading sensor module bays, the Heise Handheld Calibrator model PTE-1 will accept two sensor modules and display the measurements from both sensors simultaneously. All Quick Select® sensor modules are interchangeable with any base unit and can be quickly and easily changed without the use of tools.

The Heise Handheld Calibrator PTE-1 system capabilities include measurement of pressure, vacuum, temperature, voltage, current, flow volume and velocity, calculation of leak rate and change-of-state for switch testing, including trip point and deadband. A benchtop version (Model ST-2H) that shares the same Quick Select® sensor modules is also available for laboratory applications.

The Heise Handheld Calibrator model PTE-1 is manufactured at a modern, ISO 9001 certified facility in Stratford, Connecticut. All base units and sensor modules include NIST traceability documentation and are backed by a knowledgeable Customer Service support staff.

Heise Model PTE-1 Dual Display LCD Handheld Digital Calibrator

With the unique Quick Select® modular sensor system, the PTE-1 can be easily configured to measure ranges from 0-.25” H2O to 0-10,000 psi. Quick Select® interface modules add temperature measurement with RTDs or thermocouples, while on-board jacks provide measurement of voltage and current (mA). Two sensor bays and a twin LCD provide simultaneous display of any two measurements.

Application specific features support common calibration tasks such as setting pressure switches and relief valves and calibrating pressure transducers. With the datalogging option, calibration results can be stored for subsequent upload to a PC.

Field tested and proven reliable, the Heise® PTE-1 is the popular choice for portable pressure calibration around the world.

Standard Features• Measures pressure and temperature (with RTD &

thermocouple interface modules) • Measures mA and volts via on-board input jacks • Can hold 2 sensor modules and display any 2 readings

simultaneously • Measures high static D/P across two modules • Ranges from 0-0.25" H20 to 0-10,000 psi • Also available in compound, absolute, vacuum and differential

ranges • Accuracies from 0.1 to 0.025% FS • Push-button zero adjust • Trip point/deadband calculation for pressure switch calibration • "% accuracy" feature for transducer/transmitter calibration

Standard Features

• Min/Max memory for relief valve setting and burst testing • 1 programmable and 12 selectable engineering units • Pressure decay rate calculation for leak testing • Variable damping • Tare eliminates pre-existing system pressure • RS232 output • Field calibration capability • Gas flow calculation with pitot tube or annubar • Runs on 2 alkaline 9v batteries (or optional AC power

adapter) • NIST traceable certificate of calibration

Optional Features

• Intrinsic safety / FM approved, Class 1, Division 1

• EMI/RFI immunity per CE requirements

• Data logging & upload of up to 714 data points

• Enhanced LCD for low temperature operation

• Enhanced sensor processing; maintains rated accuracy from 20-120° F

• AC power adaptor

Optional Accessories

• Hard or soft carrying cases

• Contoured protective jacket

• 24 volt external loop power supply

• Voltage adapter to allow switch testing on live, 110 or 220 vac switches

• RTD probes

Product Specifications

Physical Specifications• Dimensions

7.88 in. (L) x 4.24 in. (W) x 3.25 in. (H)• Weight

Max. 2.2 lbs. w/2 pressure modules installed• Case Material

High impact ABS• Sensor Module Capacity

2 bays for Heise HQS "Quick Select®" sensor modules• Display

2 line LCD, 0.037 in. height per line. Can display simultaneous readings from 2 modules

• Electrical ConnectionMiniature recessed banana jacks (one set of test leads provided with each PTE-1)

Base Unit Operating Specifications

• Operating Temperature RangeStandard: 32 to 120°FOptional: -4 to 120°F

• Storage Temperature-4° to 158°F

• Update Rate130 ms (nominal) with one sensor installed

• Resolution±0.002% of span, 60,000 count (max)

• Warm-Up5 minutes for rated accuracy

• Electrical Measurements0-50 mA or 0-30 Vdc

• Options       Datalogging with Hi-Lo Relay Feature - Datalogging manually or automatically stores up to 715 measured values for upload to PC. Includes upload utility software. Hi-Lo relay feature allows programming of setpoints for activation of alarms or control valves. (Hi-Lo not available with FM approval.)Enhanced LCD - For -4 to 120°F operating rangeFM Approval - Class 1, Div.1, Groups A, B, C & D (Not available with CE Mark)CE Mark - EMI/RFI immunity rating (not available with FM approval)

• Power RequirementsStandard: (2) 9 Vdc Alkaline Batteries (provides up to 30 hours operation per set)Optional: 110 or 220 Vac transformer to power calibrator from line power

• CertificationN.I.S.T. Traceable certification document provided for base display unit and sensor modules

Pressure Sensor Module Specifications

HQS-1• Pressure Types

Gauge, differential & compound• Available Ranges

(see chart)• Available Accuracies

±0.06 (0/1-0/200 in.H2O), ±0.07 (0/0.25-0/0.5 in. H2O) or 0.1% of Span

• Compensated Temperature Range20°F to 120°F

• Temperature Effect±.004% of Span per°F over compensated range(from reference temperature range of 70° ±3°)

• Repeatability±0.01% of span (range 0/1 in. H2O or higher)±0.02% of span (ranges below 0/1 in. H2O)

• Sensitivity±0.002% of span (typical)

• Media CompatibilityClean, dry, non-conductive, non-corrosive gas

• Under/Overpressure Capability-15 to 50 psi

• Maximum Static (line) Pressure100 psi

• Process ConnectionStandard: 1/8 NPT femaleOptional: G 1/8 British standard

• Other OptionsFM Approved (for use with FM approved base unit)CE Mark (for use with CE Mark rated base unit)

HQS-2• Pressure Types

Gauge, absolute, compound & vacuum• Available Ranges

(see chart)• Available Accuracies

±0.025, 0.05 or 0.1% of Span (±0.025 & 0.05% not available on 0/10,000 psi range)

• Compensated Temperature Range20°F to 120°F

• Temperature EffectStandard: ±.004% of Span per °F over the compensated range (from reference temperature range of 70° ± 3°)Optional: No additional error due to temperature over the compensated range

• Repeatability±0.01% of span

• Sensitivity±0.002% of span (typical)

• Media Compatibility0/5 psi range only: Clean,dry, non-conductive, non-corrosive gas0/10-0/10,000 psi ranges: Any medium compatible with 316 SS isolation.Optional: Cleaned for Oxygen Service (0/10-0/10,000 psi ranges only)

• Overpressure Capability200% for ranges up to 1000 psi150% for ranges over 1000 psi

• Process ConnectionStandard:    1/8 NPT femaleOptional:   1/8 NPT female with flush port   (ranges 10 psi and over)   G 1/8 British standard   G 1/8 British standard with flush port   (ranges 10 psi and over)   Welded VCR fitting with standard finish

• Other OptionsFM Approved (for use with FM approved base unit)CE Mark (for use with CE Mark rated base unit)

Acrobat Document

Temperature Interface Modules

• HQS-RT1 and HQS-RT2 interface modules allow the PTE-1 to measure temperature with an RTD.

• HQS-RT1: Accommodates Pt100, Ni120, Cu120, and other common 2, 3, or 4 wire probes with resistance outputs of 400 ohms or less.

• HQS-RT2: Accommodates Pt1000 and other common 2, 3, or 4 wire probes with resistance outputs of 4000 ohms or less.

• Selectable Units of Measure°C, °F, °K, °R and ohms

• Input ReceptacleAccepts TA4F type RTD connector

• RTD Probes AvailablePt-100 probes, 6" or 12" length, with or without handle. DIN Class A accuracy. Includes mating TA4F connector. Consult factory for details and availability.

• The HQS-TC1 interface module allows the PTE-1 to measure temperature with a thermocouple

HQS-TC1• Compatibility

Programmed to provide direct temperature readout from types J, K, T, E, R, S, B, & N thermocouples or direct millivolt readout from any thermocouple.

• Reference JunctionAutomatic internal or manual external

• ResolutionAutomatic or manually selectable, up to .01°

• Units of MeasureSelectable; °C, °F, °K, °R, and millivolts

• ReceptacleAccepts "miniature thermocouple connector", Omega® type SMP

Accessories• 110Vac/60 Hz ac Adapter • 220Vac/50 Hz ac Adapter • Contoured protective case • Soft carrying case • Hard carrying case • Field Link 2 Software package - to create certification documents

from datalogged data • LPSIIa External 24vdc Loop Power Supply - to power transducers

and pressure switch test circuit

• SM-1 Voltage Adapter - allows PTE-1 to be used to check "live"

pressure switches

Operating Characteristics• Damping: (Measurement

Averaging) Programmable averaging from zero through 16 consecutive readings

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes for rated accuracy (max.)

Temperature Effect for Electrical Measurement

• ±.001% of Span per °F over compensated range

Electrical Measurement Specification

Input (volts) Accuracy

0/10 Vdc ±0.025%FS

0/30 Vdc ±0.10%FS

0/20mA ±0.03%FS

0/50mA ±0.05%FS

Auto Ranging 10/30 Vdc and 20/50mA

Serial Interface• Type

RS-232• Baud Rate

300, 1200, 2400, or 9600 selectable

Frequently Asked Questions Question: What are the primary components of a PTE-1?

Answer: PTE-1 systems include a base unit and the desired selection of interchangeable Quick Select pressure modules. The base unit incorporates the firmware that provides the diverse measurement capabilities of the PTE-1. The base unit acts as the host for the Quick Select pressure measurement modules. Quick Select modules slide into "sensor bays" located in the base unit. The base unit can simultaneously accommodate two Quick Select modules of any combination of range and accuracy. One or both Quick Select modules may be active and the measured value displayed on the liquid crystal display of the PTE-1.

Quick Select pressure modules are designated HQS-1 and HQS-2.

The HQS-1 is a specialized low-pressure sensor module. This module is manufactured to provide pressure measurement capability from a range of 0/0.25 inches of water through 0/200 inches of water. The HQS-2 Quick Select pressure module is primarily manufactured for ranges of 0/5 through 0/10,000 psi. Additionally, the HQS-2 is available in ranges of 10, 15, 25 and 50 inches of water for less demanding applications than those that can be serviced by the HQS-1.

Calibration data is stored in EEPROMs that are resident in each Quick Select pressure module and the base unit. Since the pressure calibration is resident in the Quick Select pressure module, any module can be used in any base unit. The accuracy specification for the Quick Select module includes the maximum inaccuracy contribution from the base unit. When installed in any base unit, the PTE-1 system will provide the measurement accuracy specified for the installed Quick Select pressure module.

Question: How does the HQS-1 sensor work?

Answer: The sensor in the HQS-1 Quick Select pressure module measures pressure through a method known as variable capacitance. Inside the sensor there is a micro-machined silicon diaphragm. This diaphragm is between two non-moving plates on which a metal has been sputtered. Air in between the diaphragm and the non-moving plates acts as an insulator. As pressure vacuum is applied to the sensor, the diaphragm moves changing the distance between the diaphragm and the fixed plates. This change in distance changes the capacitance of the sensor. It is this variable capacitance that is measured and correlated to pressure or vacuum values during the calibration process.

The sensor is connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). This ASIC generates a linear signal ramp and applies this signal to the top plate of the sensor while an equal and opposite signal is applied to the bottom plate.

When the pressure is balanced (i.e., both ports opened to atmosphere) the space between the diaphragm and each of the fixed plates is the same. When this is the case all the signal to the top plate is capacitively coupled to the equal and opposite charge signal sent to the bottom plate and, therefore, no signal current will flow through the center plate (diaphragm). If an imbalance is present, as would happen when the diaphragm moves off center due to the input of pressure or vacuum, the excess current flows through the center plate (diaphragm) to the input of a differentiator in the ASIC. The differentiator translates the frequency of the sensor output into a voltage, which in turn is scaled over the full scale range of the instrument. The amplified sensor output is then calibrated over the operating pressure range. The calibration coefficients for the sensor are stored in EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) within the Quick Select pressure module.

Question: What is the sensing method of the HQS-2 Quick Select pressure module?

Answer: The HQS-2 Quick Select pressure module incorporates a micro-machined piezoresistive strain gauge type sensor. This technology makes use of the fact that when put under stress (as with the flexing of a diaphragm under pressure) the resistive properties of a piece of silicon will change. In the manufacturing process resistors are deposited in a silicon substrate. The resistors are typically configured in a wheatstone bridge orientation. When positioned in this fashion, the output will be near zero at zero pressure and will increase in a near linear fashion with the application of pressure. The reverse side of the substrate is then etched to the required thickness for a given pressure range.

When power is applied to the sensor the level of resistance across the wheatstone bridge will change in proportion to the level of applied pressure. The output from the sensor is extremely repeatable and has minimal hysteresis due to the fact that the sensor substrate is silicon. The sensor output can then be amplified by electronic circuitry within the module and can be calibrated over the operating pressure range. The calibration coefficients for the sensor are stored in EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) within the Quick Select pressure module.

Question: What are the available ranges for the Quick Select pressure modules?

Answer: The PTE-1 system provides the broadest range of pressure measurement capability available in a single handheld calibration system. Overall, Quick Select pressure modules are available in ranges from 0.25 inches of water through 0-10,000 psi.

As previously outlined, there are two basic types of Quick Select pressure modules available for the base unit. The first type, designated HQS-1, uses a capacitance sensor and is ideal for low pressure measurement. This sensor is available in differential (used for gauge or differential measurements) and compound pressure types. The HQS-1 is available in gauge/differential ranges from 0/0.25 to 0/200 inches of water. The compound pressure version of the HQS-1 Quick Select pressure module is available in ranges from ±0.125 to ±100 inches of water (see the price list or product bulletin for a complete list of HQS-1 sensor modules.)

The HQS-2 is available in ranges from 0/10 inches of water through 0/50 inches of water and 0/5 psi through 0/7500 psi. The inches of water ranges are limited to gauge pressure only and an accuracy of ±.25% of span. For low pressure measurement applications that require higher accuracy or differential pressure measurement capability an HQS-1 Quick Sensor module should be specified. The ranges of 0/5 psi through 0/10,000 psi are available in gauge and absolute pressure types.

Question: What are the available accuracies for the Quick Select modules?

Answer: Quick Select sensors are available in accuracies ranging from ±.025% of span through ±0.1% of span. The actual accuracies available vary by range.

Question: Can the PTE-1 be recalibrated in the field?

Answer: Yes!

The base unit of the PTE-1 system includes the required firmware to recalibrate both Quick Select pressure modules and the base unit electronics. All calibration routines are menu driven. The calibration program is activated through the set-up menu accessed by pressing the Set-Up key on the keypad of the PTE-1 base unit. Access to the calibration firmware is password protected to help minimize the risk of unauthorized personnel modifying or accidentally entering incorrect calibration data.

Question: What is the media compatibility of the various Quick Select modules?

Answer: All HQS-1 sensors are suitable for use on clean, dry, non-corrosive and non-conductive gases.

All HQS-2 ranges above 0/5 psi are supplied in standard configuration with 316 Stainless Steel media isolation.

Question: What is the power source of the PTE-1 system?

Answer: The PTE-1 system is powered by two 9 Vdc alkaline batteries. Estimated battery life is 30 hours. However, actual battery life will vary based on environmental conditions (primarily temperature) and the number and type of instrument capabilities, options or accessories in use. An AC adapter is available as an option. The AC adapter is included in the kit configurations of the PTE-1 system.

Question: What will affect the length of time the PTE-1 will operate on a set of 9 VDC batteries?

Answer: There are two primary things that will reduce the battery life below the 30 hour level provided by two 9 volt Alkaline batteries.

They are:Temperature extremes: both high and low temperatures reduce battery life. For alkaline batteries maximum battery life, in an application such as the PTE-1, is achieved at temperatures of 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit). Operation of the calibrator at temperatures outside this range will result in reduced battery life.

The RS232 interface requires 4mA when activated. If the RS232 interface is left enabled (activated) battery life will be reduced from 30 hours to approximately 23 hours. Therefore, to prolong battery life, the RS232 interface should be disabled when not in use.

Regardless of the type of battery installed, operation of the PTE-1 in temperatures outside the 20-30 degrees Celsius limits and the use of the RS232 interface will result in diminished battery life.

Use of other product features, such as those accessed from the front panel, single or dual installed Quick Select pressure modules or use of current or voltage measurement capabilities will have negligible effects on the length of time the PTE-1 will run on a fresh set of installed batteries.

Question: What about the use of non-alkaline batteries on the PTE-1 system?

Answer: The PTE-1 includes a monitoring system, accessed through the battery check function, that provides the ability to check the power level remaining in the batteries as well as the estimated remaining battery life as a percent of the 30 hour nominal battery life. The battery voltage measurement provided will be accurate, regardless of the type of batteries installed. However, the estimate of the remaining battery life is calculated based on the discharge curve (depletion of stored level of electrical power with use) of an alkaline battery. The discharge curves for non-alkaline batteries are significantly different than those provided by alkaline batteries. Therefore, if a PTE-1 is used with any type of non-alkaline batteries the estimate of remaining battery life provided by the battery check function will be incorrect.

– The estimated battery life of a PTE-1 on the most common forms of 9 Volt batteries follows for your reference.

– Type of Battery - Estimated Battery Life– Standard Alkaline - 30 Hours – Standard Non-Alkaline - 15-20 Hours – Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium - 7-10 Hours – Lithium - 40 Hours

Question: The PTE-1 has standard built-in software damping. What does this do?

Answer: Damping allows the operator to stabilize the display from the effects of low level pressure fluctuation, electronic noise or vibration in the area that the pressure measurement is to be performed. HQS-1 Quick Select pressure modules have extremely high sensitivity to very small changes in pressure. Damping will allow the operator to minimize the effects of this sensitivity, if desired, by setting the damping function as required.

HQS-2 Quick Select pressure modules may be used to monitor pressures that have low level fluctuations or vibration characteristics. Damping may, at times, be required to eliminate display instability resulting from process media conditions.

Question: How does the PTE-1 damping work?

Answer: The operator can program the damping function to average from one (no damping) to 16 readings. For example, if the damping is set at the midway point 8 readings will be averaged. The averaged value is then used to update the display. The PTE-1 updates the displayed pressure reading every 100mS. If eight readings are averaged, the displayed value will represent the average pressure measurement over the preceding 800 mS (8 readings times 100 mS per reading).

Question: Won’t damping slow down the instrument response to a real pressure change?

Answer: Yes!

The greater the level of damping the slower the calibrator will be to reflect the total magnitude of a pressure change. For example, if damping is set at the maximum value of 16 and there was a step change in pressure, it would take 1.6 seconds (16 times 100 mS per reading) before the calibrator display and any transmitted data reflected full extent of the pressure change. Therefore, the level of damping in use should be minimized to allow the calibrator to provide the fastest response time to changes in measured pressures.

Question: What are the capabilities of the optional data logging function of the PTE-1 system?

Answer: The data logging option allows for manual, automatic or time delayed data logging. These capabilities can be summarized as follows:

• Manual data logging: Operator stores measured values from left, right or both sensors at the push of the data store key on the keypad. The measured value may be stored in terms of pressure or flow (velocity or volume). In addition, if the output of only one sensor is to be logged, a measured current or voltage value that is displayed on the PTE-1 can also be logged concurrent with the logging of the pressure value. The measured values will be stored sequentially in the data logging memory.

• Automatic data logging: This mode of operation allows for unattended logging of measured values from the left, right or both sensors at an operator programmed time interval from 0.1 seconds to 65,000 seconds. The measured value may be stored in terms of pressure or flow (velocity or volume). In addition, if the output of only one sensor is to be logged, a measured current or voltage value that is displayed on the PTE-1 can also be logged concurrent with the logging of the pressure value. The measured values will be stored sequentially in the data logging memory.

• Automatic Event Timer data logging: This mode of operation allows for unattended logging of measured values from the left, right or both sensors during a future time period. Like a VCR the PTE-1 can be programmed to record an input to the device over a given period of time. When the data logging function is used with the event timer function the PTE-1 can be programmed to data log the desired measurement values from time A to time B at a programmed interval of T. For example, the PTE-1 can be programmed to record the measured values of the left sensor from 10:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. at an interval of 60 seconds. When programmed in this fashion, the PTE-1 will automatically turn itself on at 10:00 P.M., taking readings every 60 seconds, and turn itself off at 11:00 P.M.

• Stores values can be reviewed on the display of the PTE-1 or uploaded as an ASCII file to a computer for importing into a spreadsheet or data base program.

• If the output of only one sensor is to be logged, a measured current or voltage value that is displayed on the PTE-1 can also be logged concurrent with the logging of the pressure value. The measured values will be stored sequentially in the data logging memory.

Question: How many measurements can the data logging option store?

Answer: With the date/time stamp enabled, meaning every measurement value will be logged with the date and time the measurement was taken, the calibrator can store 384 sets of data. With the date/time stamp capability disabled a total of 714 sets of data can be stored.

Question: Exactly what information can be logged?

Answer: Pressure measurement, flow measurement, current measurement and voltage measurement information can be logged. A data set includes the following information: data point number, measured value, unit of measure and, if enabled, date and time information. The data logging stores measurement data seen on the base unit display. Data can be logged from the left, right or both sides of the LCD display.

Question: What is the format of the logged data?

Answer: Data can be uploaded from the calibrator in either of two formats. The first is the un-parsed format and the second is the parsed format. When the un-parsed method is used the entire date will appear in one column and the entire time will appear in a single column. If the parsed method is selected, the time will be presented in individual columns for hours, minutes and seconds and the date information will be presented in individual columns for the day, month and year. At the end of the Questions & Answers text you will find sample printouts for both parsed and un-parsed data. Two samples are provided for each. The first provides the output layout for a calibrator logging the output from 2 Quick Select pressure modules. The second shows the data display format for a calibrator logging the output of a single Quick Select pressure module and a mA measurement.

Question: Where is the Quick Select pressure module calibration data stored?

Answer: Each Quick Select pressure module includes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory chip (EEPROM). The calibration data for the given sensor, including temperature correction and linearization information, is stored in this EEPROM.

Question: What causes the limitations on storage temperature to be –4 to +158° Fahrenheit?

Answer: The storage temperature limits are the result of the liquid crystal display used in the handheld calibrator. Liquid crystal displays can be damaged at extreme temperatures. Typically, damage results in the display not providing the desired level of contrast. Unfortunately, this is a limit of the currently available LCD technology. No extended range for storage temperature is planned.

Question: Is there a need to measure voltages above the 30 Vdc limit of the calibrator?

Answer: As of this time we have not run into requests for the capability to measure higher voltage levels. If this becomes an issue we will review the need further. It is not likely that the measurement range could be expanded without significant redesign of the product. At this time, we do not anticipate that this will pose any significant obstacle to selling the calibrator.

Question: Can we send information from a computer to the calibrator?

Answer: No. The calibrator RS232 interface is an input output interface but, other than factory calibration, at this time, there is no support for input of commands or information. A modbus, two way communication protocol, is being developed for use in gas transmission applications. For further information, contact factory customer service.

Question: Is the calibrator suitable for use in the rain?

Answer: The calibrator is not water tight. Rain would likely penetrate into the calibrator enclosure through the miniature banana jacks on the keypad as well as through the sensor bays. However, a contoured carrying case provides added weather resistance.

PTE-1 Handheld Unit

Braided Steel Sensing Line Hose

PTE-1 Handheld Unit with Sensing Line Hose

Non-Inserted HQS-2 Pressure Module

Inserted HQS-2 Pressure Module

Quick Disconnect Parts

Field Quick Disconnect Input

PTE-1 Field Use

PTE-1 Field Use

PTE-1 Field Use