Smart Maintenance& Diagnostics
Bronkhorst digital Mass Flow Controllers and Meters offer a range of parameters for extended measurement,
control and diagnostics functionality. The internal microcontroller primarily supports the flow measurement
and control purpose of the device including digital or analog communication. Additional parameters areimplemented for the purpose of diagnostics.
Bronkhorst instrument parameters can provide valuable information for effective integration into maintenancesystems, obtaining optimal reliability and providing the lowest downtime.
Currently, extensive diagnostic information is provided by Bronkhorst instrument parameters. The parameter listin this document is a limited selection of available instrument parameters. The full parameter list can be found inManual RS232 Interface (9.17.027). The parameter list is extended regularly with new insights and requests fromcustomers.
All instrument parameters are continuously available with any digital interface. Our implementation of digitalinterfaces is built up according standard profiles for ultimate compatibility and convenience.

User stories	One customer directly improved product quality by using Bronkhorst instrument parameters. By measuringthe device internal temperature and detecting temperature variations the customer was able to improve hisprocesses.	Several customers make use of the response alarm to monitor if an MFC reaches and maintains its setpoint
within specified limits. This is helpful to know if an inlet pressure is too low, when a gas bottle is almost
depleted, or to detect obstructions in the system.	Quality issues with the applied fluid were detected by another customer. Through the density measurement,
enabled by the Coriolis measurement principle, combined with the batch dosing feature, the customer
identified that the concentration of the applied fluid was not according to specification.	The power-up alarm message, in combination with the function to return to the last setpoint after a power
failure, a Bioreactor user was happy that his process directly continued after a detected power dip.	By following the relation between the values of measure and valve out over time, it can be detected if
something has changed in the setup. This can be the inlet pressure, but can also be clogging or wear ofcomponents somewhere in the setup. Maintenance can be considered if such change is observed.

Application
The following measurement, control and diagnostic parameters are of interest to monitor process conditions andset instrument messages that indicate a potential issue in the overall system. The parameters can also be used as
possible indicators for maintenance.
In the table below, some possible applications are suggested.

Parameter

Parameter no.

Description

Possible applications

Serial number

Par 92

Serial number

Asset identification & verification information

Response alarm
message

Par 28Monitor a maximum % deviation of measure
to set point with delay up to 255 seconds

Minimum andmaximum alarm
message

Par 28

Monitor a minimum and maximum flow
measure limit in % of FS with delay up to 255
seconds• Detect possible blockage• Pollution• Valve failure/wear & tear
• Low input pressure• Empty gas bottle

Batch counter
alarm message

Par 28Par 124

Maximum of pre-set amount of e.g. total
measured medium

Potential indicator for preventive
maintenancePower-up alarm
message

Par 28

Alarm message directly after power up

Detection of time critical power failures

Hardware alarm
message

Par 28
Par 61Par 62

Alarm message in case a hardware issue isfoundDetection of hardware issues and message fortroubleshooting

MeasurePar 8

Measurement signal

Set point

Par 9

Set point controller

Valve output

Par 55

Valve current• Detect possible blockage• Pollution• Valve failure/wear & tear
• Low input pressure• Empty gas bottle• Back flow detection

Temperature

Par 142

Absolute temperature in °C

Monitoring process conditions

Density

Par 170

Coriolis instruments provide density
measurement

Detect air bubbles in liquid, detect fluid
quality issues

Fieldbus
diagnosticsPar 202
Par 312

Diagnostics info of communication interfaces,Detection of communication interface
implemented for each interface type andbehaviour and message for troubleshooting
protocolOperation hours

Par 95

Total amount of powered-up operation

Potential indicator for preventive
maintenanceCalibration datePar 172

Date of last calibration

Potential indicator for preventive
maintenance

Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V.
Nijverheidsstraat 1a
NL-7261 AK Ruurlo, The Netherlands+31 573 45 88 00
info@bronkhorst.com
www.bronkhorst.com