Within the Tecfluid’s range of electronic converters we find the DFD420, a pulse divider and flow transmitter easily programmable and compatible with most of the pulse transmitters that can be found in the market.
The DFD420 flow transmitter is a pulse / current converter that fits both Tecfluid’s Covol series oscillating piston flowmeters and TM series turbine flowmeters, as well as other pulse transmitters on the market.
What is a pulse converter?
A pulse converter is an electronic device that is used to convert the pulses received from a sensor into another type of compatible signal for other devices such as flow controllers, in our case the DFD420 converts input pulses of a flowmeter into:
- Pulses per volume unit or configurable flow alarm
- 4-20 mA analog output
The DFD420 has two outputs:
4-20 mA analog output in a 2-wire loop, that also powers the instrument,
and optoisolated output that provides pulses proportional to the input pulses or configurable alarm.
Why having a current output?
In order to give flow rate information to an instrument with 4-20mA input, for example, to send information by cable in industrial environments. To do this, the frequency of the input pulses (flow rate) is measured and converted into an analog signal proportional to the flow rate and the parameters configured using the Winsmeter DFD software, which we will talk about later.
The current output can be connected to any device that has a compatible current input being the values 4 and 20 mA programmable.
Why having a pulse output?
In order to give information on the amount of liquid passing through the flowmeter, ie volume.
For this, the DFD420 converter counts the number of pulses at its input and divides them by the division factor programmed by the user. Thus they become a comfortable amount to quantify the volume (for example 1 pulse / liter).
The advantage of these electronics is that the process is performed so that no pulses are lost. This is important if you want to get accurate measurements of volume or to dose exact amounts of product.
How to program this flow transmitter?
All parameters of the transmitter can be programmed by means of USB connection, with the Winsmeter DFD software for PC of Tecfluid which can be downloaded from the link of the downloads page of our website.
Cable ends required
Mini USB connector B type.
It is at one end of the transmitter.
Programming screen detail
Programming and setting of the instrument can be easily done in an intuitive way using the Winsmeter DFD associated software.
The device lacks of keyboard and must be configured integrally via the Winsmeter DFD software.
The 4 and 20 mA values and other device parameters are programmed by means of this software.
Main technical characteristics of DFD420 converter
- Power supply:
- 2-wire system
- 12 … 36 VDC
- Power consumption: maximum 0,8 W
- Analog output: 4 – 20 mA
- Accuracy: 0,5 %
- Linearity: 0,2 %
- Pulse divider
In addition, the DFD420 converter evolves benefits of its APTM44, DFD2 and CI420 predecessors and adds some new ones:
It can work as:
-
- Pulse amplifier offering an optoisolated output (like its predecessor APTM44). It is interesting when it is necessary to convert a turbine or Covol signal into a optoisolated signal, the latter being useful for PLC’s and other control devices.
- Pulse divider being able to provide a desired pulse per unit volume (as its predecessor DFD2). Turbine type and Covol flowmeters do not provide pulses per entire unit volume. If you are interested in a certain number of pulses per unit volume the DFD420 is the electronic converter you need.
- Transmitter so that you can obtain a 4-20 mA output proportional to the flow rate. When it works as a transmitter, the digital output can perform as a flow alarm (like its predecessor CI420).
The instrument is a 2-wire device and in all cases the device is powered from the 4-20 mA loop.
The input is ready for different pulse types:
- turbine pickup
- reed contact
- open collector
- optoaisolated
Unlike their predecessors, the assembly can be:
- compact, enabling connection without signal interference
- remote so that it can also be connected to other devices on the market
Compact assembly detail
DIN rail detail for remote installation
The DFD420 converter is ideal for applications with flow control systems with 4-20 mA output as well as pulse output for dosing.
This is a universal device and can be used not only with Tecfluid flowmeters, but also with other pulse transmitters on the market.
Do you want more information? Download the flyer or contact with us
