CIC is offering a new service to our customers, flowmeter registration. When you register your flowmeter with CIC, we will send you notifications when your meters are nearing their recalibration date. Many customers enjoy this service as it takes some of the risk out of sending your meter in at the last minute. This helps you avoid expedited shipping charges and also a charge for a quick-turn recalibration if necessary. We want to help you be prepared for that next audit.
Please visit the link on the CIC Home page and sign-up. Best of all there is no charge for the service.
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at http://www.cic-inc.com/ or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab or Flowmeter Engineering
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
ADM2000 and Data Connectivity
Questions come up regarding the ADM2000 and its RS232 output. The cable supplied with the ADM2000 consists of DB25 connector at one end, a three conductor mini plug, and a connector for an external power supply.
When the data cable is in use, the external power supply must be connected as the mini plug (which supply’s the serial data from the ADM Flowmeter) disconnects the internal battery and the meter relies on external power. In most cases the DB25 connector is connected to a DB25 to DB9 adaptor or adaptor cable to connect to most computers in use today.
The simplest way to check for connectivity between the meter and the computer is to use Microsoft’s Hyperterminal located in the Windows Accessories tab in the Start Menu and then choose the Communications tab. In this menu you will see the Hyperterminal tab. Once the application is started it asks for a connection name, this can be any random name, and the next required choice is to choose a port, usually COM1.
Once connectivity is established you will see the numerical reading from the meter being displayed on the computer. The data stream is in an ASCII format and each entry is delimited by the carriage return character (CR).
At this point one could write a software routine to collect the data, which can be written in a variety of software languages. All one needs to know is the port to read from and that the data delimiter is (CR).
For questions on ADM2000 data communication, annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab or Flow Meter Engineering.
When the data cable is in use, the external power supply must be connected as the mini plug (which supply’s the serial data from the ADM Flowmeter) disconnects the internal battery and the meter relies on external power. In most cases the DB25 connector is connected to a DB25 to DB9 adaptor or adaptor cable to connect to most computers in use today.
The simplest way to check for connectivity between the meter and the computer is to use Microsoft’s Hyperterminal located in the Windows Accessories tab in the Start Menu and then choose the Communications tab. In this menu you will see the Hyperterminal tab. Once the application is started it asks for a connection name, this can be any random name, and the next required choice is to choose a port, usually COM1.
Once connectivity is established you will see the numerical reading from the meter being displayed on the computer. The data stream is in an ASCII format and each entry is delimited by the carriage return character (CR).
At this point one could write a software routine to collect the data, which can be written in a variety of software languages. All one needs to know is the port to read from and that the data delimiter is (CR).
For questions on ADM2000 data communication, annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab or Flow Meter Engineering.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Additional Information on the ADM Flowmeter Reading Zero
The ADM Flowmeter has a useable measurement range of 0.5mL to 1000mL. As stated in a prior blog entry, the meter will only read zero if the sample tube is plugged and the meter is in a quiet setting. However; the stated accuracy of the ADM after calibration is 3% or +/- 0.2mL whichever is greater. So if the meter were to read 0.19mL when one is testing for zero, it is probably not a cause for concern.
Because the meter has such a low range of measurement, the transducer is sensitive to overflow conditions, i.e. connecting the ADM to a source above 1000mL per minute. A mild overflow will generally not have much effect on the meter, while a major overflow will cause the meter to continually read zero or throw the readings off to the point it is clearly detectable by the operator.
Feel free to call us if you have further questions or visit our website, http://www.cic-inc.com .
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at http://www.cic-inc.com/ or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Because the meter has such a low range of measurement, the transducer is sensitive to overflow conditions, i.e. connecting the ADM to a source above 1000mL per minute. A mild overflow will generally not have much effect on the meter, while a major overflow will cause the meter to continually read zero or throw the readings off to the point it is clearly detectable by the operator.
Feel free to call us if you have further questions or visit our website, http://www.cic-inc.com .
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at http://www.cic-inc.com/ or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What is the cost of calibration for my ADM1000?
The factory recommendation is that the meter should be calibrated annually. Depending on your company policy, it may be shorter. The cost for recalibration is listed on our website with the cost for the different models, the ADM1000, ADM 2000 and ADM 3000; this link will take you directly there: http://www.cic-inc.com/html/flowmeter.html . There are basic recalibration costs, and there is also a listing of other components that may be required. If any replacement parts are needed we will contact you for an approval to proceed. All parts of the meter are replaceable and in stock.
If the meter is of an older variety, it can be up-graded to the latest rev. There are options for expediting the service at a reasonable cost. There is also an option for assessment only; this will provide you with a assessment certificate if the meter is functional. If the meter is not functional and a flow-bench testing is not possible, you will be contacted and given the cost of repair and calibration. If the meter can be flow tested and is found to be out of tolerance, the assessment cost is waved and the customer only pays for recalibration.
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
If the meter is of an older variety, it can be up-graded to the latest rev. There are options for expediting the service at a reasonable cost. There is also an option for assessment only; this will provide you with a assessment certificate if the meter is functional. If the meter is not functional and a flow-bench testing is not possible, you will be contacted and given the cost of repair and calibration. If the meter can be flow tested and is found to be out of tolerance, the assessment cost is waved and the customer only pays for recalibration.
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Are there any gases I shouldn’t use in my ADM Flowmeter?
The ADM 1000, ADM 2000, and ADM 3000 are very sturdy meters that have a wide variety of applications. Because the meters are not dependant on a specific gas, we have inquires as to what gases are permitted.
Because the meter vents the gas it’s measuring out of the bottom of the meter case, flammable gases are not recommended. Also gases with any liquid content will collect in the transducer reducing volume causing incorrect readings and letting moisture collect on the motherboard. The same holds true for corrosive gases, transducer and solenoid damage may occur.
We see very few meters that come in for calibration that have this type of damage; however if it does happen the meter is repairable.
To view the ADM line of flowmeters at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Because the meter vents the gas it’s measuring out of the bottom of the meter case, flammable gases are not recommended. Also gases with any liquid content will collect in the transducer reducing volume causing incorrect readings and letting moisture collect on the motherboard. The same holds true for corrosive gases, transducer and solenoid damage may occur.
We see very few meters that come in for calibration that have this type of damage; however if it does happen the meter is repairable.
To view the ADM line of flowmeters at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other inquires on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My ADM1000 always reads zero
One question that occasionally comes up is, why does my ADM1000 always read zero? The ADM1000, ADM2000, and ADM3000 all use a transducer to convert the gas flow entering the meter to an analog value. After that it is converted to a digital value for the microprocessor to act upon.
Because it is a positive displacement type meter, meaning it traps a sample of the gas flow in a sealed chamber for a few milliseconds, too high of a flow can cause the transducer to become damaged, still operating, but the reading is generally wildly off, or a major overflow will crack the casing of the transducer rendering it useless. When this happens, the meter will only read zero as there is no signal from the transducer.
The transducer is a reliable yet delicate device; this is because of the meters ability to measure a flow less than 1 mL. If the flow under test is unknown, turn down the regulator or flow controller on the gas supply before connecting the ADM, then connect the meter to the port and set the regulator to the desired flow, as long as it is 1000 mL or less. Mild overflows typically don’t damage the meter, but better safe than sorry.
Having a new transducer installed isn’t very costly; however the meter will have to be re-calibrated.
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Because it is a positive displacement type meter, meaning it traps a sample of the gas flow in a sealed chamber for a few milliseconds, too high of a flow can cause the transducer to become damaged, still operating, but the reading is generally wildly off, or a major overflow will crack the casing of the transducer rendering it useless. When this happens, the meter will only read zero as there is no signal from the transducer.
The transducer is a reliable yet delicate device; this is because of the meters ability to measure a flow less than 1 mL. If the flow under test is unknown, turn down the regulator or flow controller on the gas supply before connecting the ADM, then connect the meter to the port and set the regulator to the desired flow, as long as it is 1000 mL or less. Mild overflows typically don’t damage the meter, but better safe than sorry.
Having a new transducer installed isn’t very costly; however the meter will have to be re-calibrated.
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at www.cic-inc.com or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Why won’t my meter read zero when no flow is present?
The ADM1000 is probably one of the most widespread gas flowmeters in use today. It features a measurement range of 0.5 to 1000 mL/min for all noncorrosive and non-flammable gases used in many industries. It features a very quick warm-up time and is a volumetric type meter, so it is gas independent.
California Integration Coordinators, Inc. is the factory authorized calibration and repair center for the ADM1000, ADM2000, and the ADM3000. Visit our website to review all of the services we offer for the ADM Flowmeter line. For recalibration or repair, use the Work Order Form prior to shipment of your unit https://flowmeter.cic-inc.com/cgi-bin/form.pl
The most often asked question about the meter is, why my meter won’t read zero when no flow is present or it is not connected to anything. Because the meter’s range extends below 1 mL/min, any air or gas movement near an unconnected sample tube will be read. For the meter to display a zero reading the sample tube must be plugged and it needs to be in a relatively quiet environment.
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at http://www.cic-inc.com/ or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
California Integration Coordinators, Inc. is the factory authorized calibration and repair center for the ADM1000, ADM2000, and the ADM3000. Visit our website to review all of the services we offer for the ADM Flowmeter line. For recalibration or repair, use the Work Order Form prior to shipment of your unit https://flowmeter.cic-inc.com/cgi-bin/form.pl
The most often asked question about the meter is, why my meter won’t read zero when no flow is present or it is not connected to anything. Because the meter’s range extends below 1 mL/min, any air or gas movement near an unconnected sample tube will be read. For the meter to display a zero reading the sample tube must be plugged and it needs to be in a relatively quiet environment.
To view the ADM1000 flowmeter at Agilent’s website use this link http://www.chem.agilent.com/en-US/products/consumables/gasmanagement/adm1000flowmeter/pages/default.aspx
For questions on annual calibration, repairs, and other questions on meter operation, you may contact California Integration Coordinators, Inc. at http://www.cic-inc.com/ or call 530-626-6168 and ask for the Calibration Lab.
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