New Flow Computer Introduced

COX Flow Measurement (USA), a division of Badger Meter, Inc. supplying high-accuracy flow measurement instrumentation for challenging applications, has introduced the ExactComp EC80 Flow Computer. This state-of-the-art flow computer/signal processor, which serves as the engine for all COX turbine meter products, offers features that enhance the performance of frequency output flowmeters under varying fluid flow conditions. The unit’s firmware conforms to the temperature compensation calculations of SAE ARP 4990.

The ExactComp EC80 meets the demanding requirements of the automotive, industrial processing, and test & measurement industries by delivering significant improvements in processor speed, flow algorithms and hardware platform. Its compact design accepts both 4- and 10-ohm pick-offs, and includes dual rotor frequency and RTD temperature sensor inputs for either single or dual rotor turbine flowmeters. The flow computer tracks all variables to compensate for viscosity and rotor blade variations by using selectable blade averaging coupled with a rolling average output. Enhanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology enables exceptional signal characterisation using a 32-bit floating point processor at 150 MHz having a process latency of 100 µS, while outputting linearised data in engineering units.

COX Flow Measurement Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Ron Madison, commented, "The ExactComp EC80 is the ultimate electronic processor, providing total compensation to enhance flow measurement accuracy, while extending linearity over the repeatable range of the flowmeter. This new platform is capable of seeing through aluminum, having high-sensitivity amplifiers with exceptional coupling and processing characteristics. The flow computer is available with packaging for remote, direct or embedded mounting to support any installation issue."

The ExactComp EC80 linearised frequency output uncertainty is ±0.1% of reading over the repeatable range of the flowmeter. Users benefit from an easy interface to their data acquisition system with selectable outputs, as well as providing a constant K-factor for meter interchangeability. Signal conditioning for high sensitivity pick-offs, temperature and flow are performed in a single device; no external amplifiers or other ancillary electronics are required. The flow computer also provides recallable setup data and meter calibration data points.

The EC80’s graphical interface software is instinctively easy to use and allows powerful characterisation of process signals, output signals and liquid properties. The software offers a host of advanced features, including; configuration screens, identification and comments, configuration of output channels, instantaneous data, fluid property data, RTD calibration table, data logging, blade averaging and smoothing, and direct storage of configuration.