TransPort® PT878GC

Panametrics portable gas ultrasonic flowmeter
Applications

Features

The TransPort PT878GC clamp-on gas flowmeter is acomplete ultrasonic flow metering system for measurementof most gases, including:• Clamp-on unobstructed installation• Natural gas• Compressed air• Fuel gases• Erosive gases• Corrosive gases• Toxic gases• High-purity gases• Air separation gases• No wetted parts• No moving parts• No pressure drop
• Sound speed output• Standard volumetric flow calculation• Small, lightweight and easy to use• Large, backlit LCD display• Rechargeable battery pack
• Logs over 100,000 flow data points• Submersible package• 32 site locations• Optional thickness gauge

Portable flow metering at its best

No pressure drop, low maintenance

The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter is a highly versatile, selfcontained, portable transit-time system with options andaccessories to meet a variety of gas flow measurement
needs. Its compact size, lightweight, rechargeable battery
pack, and universal power supply charger make it the ideal
go anywhere flowmeter.

Because the transducers clamp onto the outside of the pipe,they do not obstruct the flow inside the pipe. This prevents
the pressure drops typically caused by other types offlowmeters. The TransPort PT878GC has no components thatwill foul or collect debris, and there are no moving parts towear out. As a result, it requires no lubrication and little or noroutine maintenance.

Historically, clamp-on flow metering was limited to liquids
because existing methods could not work on metal pipes
containing gases. Panametrics developed new technologythat extends all the benefits of clamp-on flow metering togas measurement. This remarkable ultrasonic technology
works with gases at high or low pressure in pipes made ofmetal and most other materials.
The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter can be used to measure
the flow of any gas. It is especially useful for metering
erosive, corrosive, toxic, high-purity or sterile gases, or in any
application where penetrating the pipe wall is undesirable.
Since no tapping or cutting of the pipe is required,permanent installation costs are significantly reduced. The
meter has no wetted or moving parts, causes no pressure
drop and has very wide rangeability.
The new meter was tested extensively on metal pipes withdiameters as small as 0.75 inches (20 mm) and as large as
24 inches (600 mm). This meter is suitable for measuring theflow of air, hydrogen, natural gas and many other gases.

Advanced clamp-on ultrasonic transducers
One of the biggest challenges in developing clamp-on
ultrasonic transducers for gas applications is the difficulty intransmitting a coded ultrasonic signal through a metal pipewall, through the gas, and then back through the pipe wall tothe second transducer that is waiting to receive the signal.
In gas systems, only 4.9 x10–7 percent of the transmitted
sound energy is actually received by traditional ultrasonictransducers. This simply isn’t enough to produce reliablemeasurements.
The new line of clamp-on gas transducers produces
signals that are five to ten times more powerful than thoseof traditional ultrasonic transducers. The new transducers
produce clean, coded signals with very minimal backgroundnoise. The result is that the TransPort PT878GC flowmetersystem performs well even with low-density gas applications.

PT878GC specifications
Data logging

Transducer cables• Memory capacity to log over 100,000 flow data points• Standard: one pair of LEMO® coaxial transducer connectors
with 25 ft (8 m) cables• Keypad programmable for log units, update times, andstart and stop time
Display functions• Graphic display shows flow in numerical or graphic format• Displays logged data
• Extensive diagnostic parameters
European compliance
Battery-powered system complies with EMC directive
89/336/EEC• Optional: 500 ft (154 m) extension cables available for mosttransducers

Thickness-gauge option
Transducer
Panametrics dual-element transducer
Pipe-thickness range0.05 in to 3 in (1.3 mm to 76.2 mm)
Pipe materials

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow transducers

Most standard metal and plastic pipe materials

Temperature ranges

Accuracy• Standard: -40°F to 266°F (-40°C to 130°C)±1% typical or ±0.002 in (±0.05 mm)• Optional (overall range): -40°F to 446°F (-40°C to 230°C)

Thermal exposure

Transducer materials

Continuous operation to 100°F (37°C); intermittent operation
to 500°F (260°C) for 10 seconds followed by two minutes aircooling

Stainless steel and plasticMountings
Portable gas-transducer clamping fixtures in polycarbonate
carrying cases:• PCFG-1 for pipes smaller than 12 in (300 mm) in diameter• PCFG-2 for pipes larger than 12 in (300 mm) in diameter
Mounting couplant
CPL-16
Area classifications• Standard: general purpose• Optional: weatherproof Type 4 IP65
• Optional: explosion-proof Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D• Optional: flameproof
II 2 G EEx md IIC T6–T3(certification pending)TransPort PT878GC electronics are designed for general
purpose areas.

Additional options
Printer• Infrared, portable, thermal printer with rechargeablebattery and 120 to 240 VAC power supply/recharger• Weight 13 oz (370 g), size 6.3 in x 6.5 in x 2.3 in(160 mm x 164.2 mm x 59 mm), print width 4 in (104 mm)
RS232-to-infrared
Infrared adapter plugs into any available serial port to givedesktop PCs infrared capability

PT878GC specifications
Operation and performanceElectronics

Fluid types

Flow measurement

Acoustically conductive gases with minimum pressure
requirements. See installation requirements table.

Patented correlation Transit-Time™ mode

Pipe size ranges• 0.75 in to 12 in (20 mm to 300 mm) with TransPort
PT878GC-01 electronics• 4 in to 24 in (100 mm to 610 mm) and larger with TransPort
PT878GC-02 electronics
Pipe wall thickness
Thicker walled pipes require greater gas density. See
Installation Requirements Table.
Pipe materials
All metals and plastics. No lined pipes.

Enclosure
Submersible IP67
Dimensions
Weight 3 lb (1.36 kg), size (h x w x d) 9.4 in x 5.5 in x 1.5 in(238 mm x 138 mm x 38 mm)
Display
240 x 200 pixel backlit LCD graphic display
Keypad25-key, rubberized tactile membrane keypad
Internal battery

Flow accuracy (velocity)

Rechargeable battery: 8 hours of continuous operation• For pipes 6 in (150 mm) and smaller: ±2% to 5% of reading
typicalBattery charger input
100 to 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.38 A• For pipes over 6 in (150 mm): ±1% to 2% of reading typical

MemoryAccuracy depends on pipe size and other factors.

FLASH memory, field-upgradeable

Repeatability

Operating temperature±0.2% to 0.5% of reading–4°F to 131°F (–20°C to 55°C)

Range (bidirectional)

Storage temperature

See Installation Requirements Table.

–40°F to 158°F (–40°C to 70°C)

Rangeability (overall)To ensure maximum battery life, storage temperature
exceeding 95°F (35°C) is not recommended for more than
one month.

150:1
Specifications assume a fully developed flow profile(typically 20 diameters upstream and 10 diameters
downstream of straight pipe run) and flow velocity greaterthan 5 ft/s (1.5 m/s). Pipes 2 inches (50 mm) or less require aminimum of 10 ft (3 m) of continuous straight run
without flanges, welds or coupling joints.
Measurement parameters
Standard and actual volumetric flow, flow velocity andmass flow

Standard inputs/outputs• One 0/4 to 20 mA current output• One user-selectable pulse (solid state, 5 V maximum) orfrequency (5 V square wave, 100 to 10,000 Hz)• Two 4 to 20 mA analog inputs with switchable power
supply for loop-powered temperature or pressuretransmitter
Digital interface
Infrared communication port for printer or PC interface
Site-parameter programming• Menu-driven operator interface using keypad and “soft”
function keys
• Online help functions including pipe tables• Storage for saving site parametersQuick and easy to use
It’s possible to make the first flow measurement withinminutes of opening the box—the TransPort PT878GC
flowmeter is that easy to use. Input the site parameters,
clamp the transducers onto the pipe, and adjust the spacing.
No ancillary equipment is needed, and there’s no need tobreak into the pipeline. An experienced user can make scoresof different measurements in a single day. The TransPort
PT878GC flowmeter is ideal for all kinds of flow survey work.

Built to be economical and stay economical
To be of real value, a portable flowmeter must be aseconomical to own and operate as it is capable in the field.
The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter is built to stay in service formany years. Completely solid state, the device rarely wears
out or needs servicing, resulting in little downtime and low
maintenance costs.

Optional pipe wall thickness-gauge transducer
Pipe wall thickness is a critical parameter used by
the TransPort PT878GC flowmeter for clamp-on flow
measurements. The thickness-gauge option allows accurate
wall thickness measurement from outside the pipe.

Transit-time flow measurement technique

The TransPort PT878GC flowmeter uses thetransit-time flow measurement technique
The transit-time technique uses a pair of transducers, witheach transducer sending and receiving coded ultrasonicsignals through the fluid. When the fluid is flowing, signaltransit time in the downstream direction is shorter thanin the upstream direction; the difference between thesetransit times is proportional to the flow of velocity. The
TransPort PT878GC measures this time difference and uses
programmed pipe parameters to determine flow rate anddirection.

Alphanumeric and graphic liquid crystal display
completes the picture
A large, multifunction LCD presents measured data in bothalphanumeric and graphic forms. In addition, it helps makeprogramming easy by presenting a software menu thatwalks you through data entry and function selection.
Standard alphanumeric functions include flow velocity,
volumetric or mass flow, and totalized flow in either English(U.S.) or metric units.
In graphic mode, the LCD shows both real time and logged
data. The result is a chart recording right on the display,which is very useful for reviewing data and observing trends
while on site.
Optional pipe wall thickness gaugePT878GC accessories

Submersible, rugged electronics housing

1. TransPort PT878GC

This flowmeter is protected from the day-to-day rigors ofindustrial usage. The TransPort PT878GC is equipped with arubber boot that provides protection against vibration andshock. The completely sealed housing and ports meet IP67
requirements, so the flowmeter will withstand submersion
in up to 3 ft (1 m) of water for limited periods of time. It willcontinue to function safely even if it is dropped in water.

2. TransPort PT878GC AC charger
3. Clamp-on gas transducers
4. LEMO BNC transducer interconnection cable
5. Input/output cable
6. RS232 to infrared dongle
7. Thickness gauge

Wide range of clamping fixtures available

8. PrinterTransducer alignment is crucial in obtaining accurate
measurements in clamp-on gas installations. Panametrics
offers a wide range of clamping fixtures to help ensure
proper alignment of transducers with minimal effort.

9. Printer AC charger
10. CFG-V1/V4/V8/V12 clamping fixtures
11. CFG-PI fixture with chain and alignment blocks 12
12. Preamplifiers
13. Alignment wrap
14. Couplant

Typical meter setup for portable clamp-on gas flow

PT878GC installation requirements table

The following table shows the minimum pressure requirements of the TransPort PT878GC for given pipe sizes and wallthicknesses. Also provided is the maximum flow velocity of the meter for each case. Refer to the TransPort PT878GC installationand operation manuals for more detailed data.
Nominal pipe sizein (mm)Pipe wall thicknessin (mm)Minimum pressure
psig (bar)Air

Maximum flow velocity
ft/s (m/s)
NGAirNG

3/4 (20)≤0.07 (1.8)

60 (5.1)-90 (27.4)-1 (25)≤0.14 (3.6)

60 (5.1)-90 (27.4)-

1-1/2 (40)≤0.15 (3.8)

60 (5.1)-90 (27.4)-2 (50)≤0.16 (4.1)

60 (5.1)

200 (14.8)

90 (27.4)

110 (33.5)

3 (75)≤0.22 (5.6)

60 (5.1)

200 (14.8)

120 (36.6)

120 (36.6)

4 (100)4 (100)4 (100)≤0.24 (6.1)≤0.34 (8.6)≤0.68 (17.3)

60 (5.1)
180 (13.4)
300 (21.7)

150 (11.4)
400 (28.6)
800 (56.2)

120 (36.6)
120 (36.6)
72 (21.9)

120 (36.6)
120 (36.6)
72 (21.9)

6 (150)6 (150)6 (150)≤0.28 (7.2)≤0.44 (11.2)≤0.87 (22.1)

60 (5.1)
180 (13.4)
300 (21.7)

150 (11.4)
400 (28.6)
800 (56.2)

90 (27.4)
90 (27.4)
55 (16.8)

120 (36.6)
120 (36.6)
72 (21.9)8 (200)8 (200)8 (200)≤0.33 (8.4)≤0.5 (12.7)≤0.88 (22.4)

60 (5.1)
180 (13.4)
300 (21.7)

175 (13.1)
400 (28.6)
800 (56.2)

80 (24.4)
80 (24.4)
80 (24.4)

100 (30.5)
100 (30.5)
100 (30.5)

10 (250)
10 (250)
10 (250)≤0.37 (9.4)≤0.5 (12.7)≤1.0 (25.4)

60 (5.1)
180 (13.4)
300 (21.7)

200 (14.8)500 (35.5)
800 (56.2)

70 (21.3)
70 (21.3)
70 (21.3)

85 (25.9)
85 (25.9)
85 (25.9)

12 (300)
12 (300)
12 (300)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)≤1.0 (25.4)

60 (5.1)
180 (13.4)
300 (21.7)

250 (18.3)
500 (35.5)
800 (56.2)

55 (16.8)
55 (16.8)
55 (16.8)

70 (21.3)
70 (21.3)
70 (21.3)

14 (350)
14 (350)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)

90 (7.2)
270 (19.6)

300 (21.7)
800 (56.2)

50 (15.2)
50 (15.2)

60 (18.3)
60 (18.3)

16 (400)
16 (400)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)

90 (7.2)
270 (19.6)

300 (21.7)
800 (56.2)

40 (12.2)
40 (12.2)

54 (16.5)
54 (16.5)

18 (450)
18 (450)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)

90 (7.2)
270 (19.6)

300 (21.7)
800 (56.2)

35 (10.7)
35 (10.7)50 (15.2)
50 (15.2)

20 (500)
20 (500)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)

90 (7.2)
270 (19.6)

300 (21.7)
800 (56.2)

35 (10.7)
35 (10.7)

43 (13.1)
43 (13.1)

24 (600)
24 (600)≤0.38 (9.7)≤0.5 (12.7)

90 (7.2)
270 (19.6)

300 (21.7)
800 (56.2)

30 (9.1)
30 (9.1)

36 (11.0)
36 (11.0)

How to use this table:
1. Find pipe size of your application.
2. Find pipe wall thickness of your application.
2A. D
 etermine if your application meets the minimum pressure requirements given pipe size and pipe wall thickness as determined by pipe wall
thickness.
2B. Determine maximum flow velocity capability.
3. Consult factory for natural gas with sulfur or high carbon dioxide content.
4. Consult factory for applications that are not listed above.

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BHCS38744(04/2023)

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