Pressurements PressCal Deadweight Tester Software Users Manual PN 3966533 November 2010 © 2010 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Specifications are subject to change without notice. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Fluke Corporation BY USING THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER, YOU ARE AGREEING TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Fluke Corporation (Fluke) grants you a non-exclusive right to use PressCal Deadweight Tester Software (Product) on a single PC or workstation (node), or on multiple nodes, provided that a multi-use license is obtained from Fluke and the number of nodes does not exceed the number of nodes for which license fees are paid.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Title Overview .............................................................................................. 1-1 What is PressCal ................................................................................................ How Does It Work......................................................................................... System Requirements ........................................................................................ Installation .........................
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Setting the Gravity ............................................................................................. 2-7 Setting the Default Values ................................................................................. 2-8 3 Setting Up Customer Details .............................................................. 3-1 Introduction........................................................................................................ Managing Customer Details ...
Contents (continued) Pressure Conversion! ......................................................................................... Recalibration...................................................................................................... Viewing Recalibration Dates......................................................................... Printing Recalibration Dates.......................................................................... Modifying the Recalibration Date ..........................
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List of Tables Table 1-1. 2-1. Title Page Menu Bar Actions .................................................................................................. 1-3 Performing Calculations.........................................................................................
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List of Figures Figure 1-1. 2-1. 2-2. 2-3. 2-4. 2-5. 3-1. 6-1. 6-2. 6-3. 6-4. 7-1. 7-2. Title PressCal User Interface (Main Window) - Action Buttons.................................... Dead Weight Functions Window ........................................................................... PCU Details Window............................................................................................. Weight Set Details Window...................................................................................
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Chapter 1 Overview What is PressCal Pressurements PressCal software (PressCal) provides a quick and effective solution to enhance the pressure measurement accuracy of Deadweight Testers (DWT). PressCal provides an easy-to-use GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows you to calculate all the necessary corrections needed (such as local gravity, temperature etc.) to accurately determine the pressure generated by your DWT.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual System Operation This software only runs if you have purchased the correct software version and installed it into the default C:\PressCal directory. The software keeps the last setup and other settings in a configuration file (PressCal.cfg) so that on power-up the user can carry on from the last settings prior to power down. To maintain the accuracy and security of the software, the PCU’s and Weight Sets’ data is preloaded by SI Pressure Instruments.
Overview Using the PressCal Interface 1 Menu Bar The Menu Bar is positioned at the top of the main interface window (as shown in Figure 1-1) and provides the following actions: Table 1-1. Menu Bar Actions Menu Action Options Description Gauge/Absolute Gauge, Gauge (Absolute), Absolute Use to toggle between Absolute, Gauge and Gauge (Absolute). For further details refer to Performing a Calculation. Deadweight As shown (e.g. DWT6000) Select the model type of the deadweight tester to be used.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Menu Action Setup Pressure Conversion Options Description Gravity4 Allows you to select the gravity, Standard or Local. You can also amend the gravity to suit the local testing environment. Refer to Setting the Gravity. File convert Path Allows you to enter the application location for Microsoft Excel and Word. Refer to Altering the Excel/Word Conversion Path. Password Allows you to create password protection. Refer to Password Protection.
Overview Using the PressCal Interface 1 Calculation Results After all correction parameters have been entered, and the Target Pressure or Weights selected, the following results are displayed: • • • Computed Pressure: shows the actual pressure using the highlighted weights and all correction parameters. % Error of Reading: shows the percentage difference between the Target Pressure and the Computed Pressure.
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Chapter 2 Setting Up PressCal Introduction To use PressCal effectively and to ensure that all calculations are accurate, it is imperative that PressCal is correctly configured and all influential factors are correct at the time of computation. Before performing the calculation, the following should be considered: Table 2-1.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Managing Deadweight Tester Details Click on Setup > Deadweight Tester within the “Menu Bar” to open the “Dead Weight Functions” window as shown in Figure 2-1. Figure 2-1. Dead Weight Functions Window gmp02.bmp Selecting an Existing DWT Model 1. Double-click on the chosen “Deadweight Tester Model No.” The “Deadweight Tester Details” update accordingly showing the current setup for the selected DWT, including the associated PCU, Weight Set, and Fluid Type. 2.
Setting Up PressCal Managing PCU Details Calibration Date Enter the date of when the DWT was last calibrated. Pressure Reference Level Briefly identify the location of the pressure reference level, which is the point at which pressure is referenced when no external pressure head is applied. PCU/Weight Set/Fluid Double-click on the items within the Database lists (Piston, Weight Set and Fluid) that you want the DWT model to contain. The chosen items are then shown within the DWT Details area.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Figure 2-2. PCU Details Window gmp03.bmp Viewing PCU Details and Modifying the Recalibration Date Double-click on the chosen “PCU” from the options shown in the list. The PCU details update showing the current values for the selected PCU, as well as the previous calibration date. The details shown within the window are read-only and can only be modified by SI Pressure Instruments.
Setting Up PressCal Managing Weight Set Details 2 gmp04.bmp Figure 2-3. Weight Set Details Window Viewing Weight Set Details (and Modifying the Recalibration Data) Double-click on the chosen Weight Set from the options shown in the list. The main table updates showing the following: Type (C/M/I) The type of weight shown is either C (Carrier), M (Major Mass), or I (Incremental).
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Managing Fluid Details Click on Setup > Fluids within the “Menu Bar” to open the “Fluid Details” window as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4. Fluid Details Window gmp05.bmp Viewing an Existing Fluid Type Double-click on the chosen fluid type within the “Fluid List”. The “Fluid Details” update accordingly showing the current setup for the selected fluid, including the Density and Surface Tension qualities. Creating a New Fluid Type 1.
Setting Up PressCal Setting the Gravity 2 Modifying an Existing Fluid Type 1. Double-click on the chosen fluid type within the “Fluid List”. The “Fluid Details” update accordingly showing the current setup for the selected fluid. 2. Click on Amend to modify the chosen fluid type. For information on how to complete the fields refer to Creating a New Fluid Type. Note The Part Number field cannot be modified. 3. Click on Save to store the changes.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Setting the Default Values The default values have been defined by SI Pressure Instruments. However, depending on your environment and your testing specifications, these may need to be modified. Click on Setup > Default Settings within the “Menu Bar” to open the “Default Values” window as shown in Figure 2-5. Figure 2-5. Default Values Window gmp06.bmp 1.
Chapter 3 Setting Up Customer Details Introduction PressCal allows the pre-defining of customer details that can easily be inserted within calibration certificates. Managing Customer Details Click on “Customer!” within the “Menu Bar” to open the “Customer Details” window as shown in Figure 3-1. Figure 3-1. Customer Details Window gmp07.bmp Creating New Customer Details Click on New. The current customer detail’s fields are cleared.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual 1. Enter the following customer details: Customer Database Shows a list of the existing customer names. Double-clicking on a customer name refreshes the adjacent fields to show the details for that particular customer. Selected Customer Only updates after Select has been clicked on. Contact Name Enter the identity of the person to be contacted. Account Shows the account reference.
Chapter 4 Creating an Audit Trail Introduction PressCal can be used to provide an audit trail of the calibration points by saving the individual calculations to file. Each file contains information on the weights, PCUs, correction parameters etc. Managing the Calibration Points File Opening the Calibration Points File To save the calibration point details for future reference, click on File Closed to the right hand side of the “Main PressCal” window.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual If you want to print a previous calculation to the calibration points file, click on the Previous Point button, until the calculation is shown, then click on the Print Cal Point Details button. You can then use the Next Point button to return to the final calculation. When you have finished printing to the file, click on the File Open button to close and save the file. Viewing an Existing File Click on Calibration Points File > View within the “Menu Bar”.
Chapter 5 Performing a Calculation Introduction Before using PressCal to perform a calculation or to generate a certificate, please ensure that all settings are correct for the current DWT. Please refer to Setting up PressCal for details. Preparation 1. Using the Gauge/Absolute “Menu Bar” option select one of the following: Gauge Used to calculate the results relative to atmospheric pressure. Gauge (Absolute) Used to produce absolute results using gauge pressure.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Note If new values are manually entered they are only available for the current session. When the session is restarted the values reset to default. For information on how to adjust the default settings, refer to Setting the Default Values for details. 5. Check: • Correct PCU shown within the “Piston S/No.” field. If the required PCU is not Shown, use the pull-down list to view all PCU options for the current DWT, then select.
Performing a Calculation Calculation 5 Selecting a Target Pressure 1. Complete all stages described within Preparation. 2. Enter a suitable Target Pressure by either inputting the value directly or by using the arrows (v) for fine adjustment. Note Ensure that the correct units have been selected within the Pressure Units field. 3. Press . The “Weight Selection Details” table updates, highlighting the selection of weights needed to achieve the Target Pressure. The results fields are also updated.
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Chapter 6 Producing Certificates Introduction PressCal allows either automatic or manual generation of “Certificates of Calibration”. Automatic Generation Extracts the results of a calculation and inserts them automatically into the certificate of calibration. Manual All calculation results are manually entered into the “Certificate of Calibration”.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Note Front Page window is only shown if it has been tagged to the certificate. See Tagging a Front Page to the Front of a Certificate. Figure 6-2. Certificate of Calibration Window gmp08.bmp Creating and Saving a New Certificate 1. Enter the following certificate details. Note Depending on whether you selected Manual or Automatic determines what can be modified. Test Instrument Details 6-2 Serial No. Enter the serial number of the equipment (e.g. gauge) under test.
Producing Certificates Managing New Certificates 6 Test Instrument Details Range Specify the pressure range that you want the results to be obtained within. Either enter the values directly or use the arrows (v) for fine adjustment. Also ensure that the correct units are displayed. No. of Points Select the interval points within the range that you want results to be calculated for (max. 20). Select the number of points going up and the points going down.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Obtaining Certificate Calibration Data Click on Calibrate to open the “Certificate Data” window. The window shows a series of columns categorized as “Instrument Reading”, “Applied Pressure”, “Instrument Error”, “Error (%FS)” and “Outside Accuracy Statement”. Manual Certificate If you are generating a manual certificate you can enter the values directly into the columns. These values may have been provided by PressCal during an earlier calculation.
Producing Certificates Managing New Certificates 6 Viewing the New Certificate Click on View to see an example of how the certificate will look when printed. If a front page has been tagged to the certificate, then that page is also shown. See Figure 6-3 for an example of a “Certificate of Calibration”. Figure 6-3. Certificate of Calibration gmp09.bmp Click on Exit to close the window. Printing the New Certificate Click on Print to print out the certificate.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Managing Existing Certificates Viewing an Existing Certificate Click on Certificate > View within the “Menu Bar”. A file manager opens allowing you to navigate to the certificate storage directory. Select the certificate within the directory and click on OK. The certificate is opened in read-only format and can be fully viewed by using the vertical and horizontal scroll bars. Note If a front page has been tagged to the certificate then that page is also shown.
Producing Certificates Managing a Certificate Front Page 6 Managing a Certificate Front Page PressCal allows you to either “tag” or “not tag” a front page to any certificates produced. The front page holds the customer and instrument set details. If this option is “tagged,” then a two-page certificate is produced. Tagging a Front Page to the Front of a Certificate Before a front page can be created or modified you must first set up the certificate so that the front page is tagged.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual 3. Enter or modify the following additional details: Manufacturer Name of the manufacturer of the unit under test. Range/Certified Range Shows the pressure range that the results have been obtained and certified for. Date of Receipt Date of acceptance for testing. Date of Measurement Date that the actual calibration test was carried out. Free Text Enter any further details about the calibration test.
Chapter 7 Additional Features Password Protection It is possible to set up password protection for PressCal. Click on Setup > Password within the “Menu Bar” to open the “Modify Password” window. Note By default no password is defined, but once a password is entered it must be remembered or access is denied. If you forget your password or cannot access PressCal due to a previous user’s password, please contact SI Pressure Instruments for assistance. Creating a new Password 1.
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Removing the Password 1. Enter the current password within the Old Password field. 2. Click on Save. 3. Select Yes from the Delete Password pull-down options, then click on Save. The password is now deleted and you will no longer be prompted for one when you log in. Pressure Conversion! PressCal provides a facility that allows you to convert a pressure value from one type of units into another (using BS 350).
Additional Features Altering the Excel/Word Conversion Path 7 Viewing Recalibration Dates To view a list of the calibration and recalibration dates for each PCU and Weight Set: 1. Use the From and To arrows (v) to select the date range for the calibration scheduling that you want to view. 2. Click on View. Both the PCU and Weight Set display fields refresh showing a list of those items whose recalibration date falls within the specified time period.
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Chapter 8 Glossary and Pressure Equation Glossary C Carrier Weight DWT Deadweight Tester FS Full Scale GUI Graphical User Interface I Incremental Weight M Major Weight MS Microsoft® PC Personal Computer PC6 SI Pressure Instruments’ Pressure Calibrator PCU Piston Cylinder Unit PressCal SI Pressure Instruments’ Deadweight Tester Pressure Calculation and Certificate Generator Software UUT Unit Under Test 8-1
Pressurements PressCal Users Manual Pressure Equation ⎛ Ρ ⎞ ⋅ ⎜⎜1 − a ⎟⎟ + σc ⎝ Ρmi ⎠ Pe = + Ρ f gΔh A0 (1 + λΡ )[1 + (α ρ + α c )(t − t r )] Σ m1 g i where Pe m Σ i i g Pa Pmi A0 λ ap ac t σ 8-2 gauge pressure measurements total mass applied on piston (including all float elements) local gravity density of air density of weights effective area of piston-cylinder assembly at reference temperature t r at null pressure pressure distortion coefficient of the piston-cylinder assembly linear thermal expa
