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FC-21 Flow Computer
5.4 Batcher Operation
The Batcher mode is used primarily to control batches. The main difference
between the Batch mode and Rate/Total mode is the relay operation. The
Batch mode allows the operator to "START" the unit via the front panel or
remote input. Once started, the relays (RLY1 & RLY2) will energize and send
power to a flow control device (i.e. solenoid valve or pump). The flow sensor
will send a signal to the unit and total accumulation will begin. When the
Prewarn value (PRE 2) is reached, Relay 2 will drop out (this is ideal for flow
slow down). When the Batch amount (PRE 1) is reached, Relay 1 will drop out
and the Batch is complete.
Several messages will be displayed during normal batch operation (i.e. Batch
Fill, Batch Stopped). The keypad is disabled for the duration of these timed
messages (approx. 2 sec).
5.4.1 Batcher Configuration.
When the unit is programmed for batch mode, several batch operation choices
are available. These choices include: Up or Down Counting, Maximum Batch
Preset, Batch Overrun Compensation, Auto Batch Restart, Time Delay, Flow
Signal Timeout, Maximum Drain Time, Slow Start Quantity, Start or Reset/Start,
and Stop or Stop/Reset.
Batch Count Mode
The Batch Count Mode allows the user to choose whether the unit will batch up
to a preset value or batch down from a preset value to zero.
Maximum Batch Preset
The Maximum Batch Preset allows the user to program the Maximum Batch
value allowed to be entered by the operator. If an operator should try to
program a batch higher then this value, the unit will not allow the value to be
entered and will prompt the user with an error message saying that the Maximum
Batch Preset has been exceeded.
Batch Overrun
The Batch Overrun is used for batch applications that have slow responding
valves and a consistent batching flowrate. When the Batch Overrun is set, the
unit will compensate for batch overruns by computing an averaged overrun
value from the last four batches. This average is used to internally adjust the
batch setpoint to minimize overrun.
Auto Batch Restart
The Auto Batch Restart function allows the user to set an amount of time to
automatically restart a batch after the completion of a batch. This time can be
set from 1 to 99 seconds.
Time Delay
The Time Delay for Auto Batch Restart functions as follows: When a batch is
completed, the next batch will automatically start after the amount of time
entered here.
Flow Signal Timeout
The Flow Signal Timeout allows the user to enter a timeout of 0 to 99 seconds.
If a batch is “Filling” and zero flow persists for more than the user entered time
then the batch will be aborted. This prevents over flows due to faulty flow
sensors and/or wiring.
Maximum Drain Time
The unit declares that a batch is “done” when the flow rate equals “0”. A flow
rate may be present long after the Preset Relay de-energizes due to slow
reacting valves or leaky valves. The Maximum Drain Time allows the user to
enter an amount of time (0 to 99 seconds) to wait before declaring “Batch
Done”. After the Preset Batch quantity is reached, the unit will declare “Batch
Done” when the flow rate is “0” or the Maximum Drain Time has expired. The
batch data will then be available for printing and datalogging.
Batcher Configuration
