FAQ

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• Power Off the Meter: Before cleaning, ensure that the thermal mass flow meter is powered off and disconnected from any power source to prevent electrical hazards.
• Inspect the Sensor: Carefully inspect the sensor element and surrounding components for any signs of contamination, buildup, or blockages. Note any areas that require cleaning.
• Use Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air or a clean, dry air source to gently blow away any loose debris or particles from the sensor element and surrounding components. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as it may damage the sensor.
• Avoid Contact with Sensor: Never touch the sensor element directly with your fingers or any abrasive materials, such as brushes or cleaning tools. The sensor element is delicate and can be easily damaged.
• Use Cleaning Solutions: In some cases, mild cleaning solutions or solvents may be used to remove stubborn contaminants. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations before using any cleaning agents. Apply the cleaning solution sparingly and ensure it does not come into contact with the sensor element.
• Allow to Dry: After cleaning, allow the thermal mass flow meter to air dry thoroughly before reassembling or reinstalling it. Ensure that all components are completely dry before applying power or returning the meter to service.
• Perform Calibration Check: Once cleaning is complete, it’s advisable to perform a calibration check or verification to ensure that the flow meter continues to operate accurately and reliably.
• Regular Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance schedule for the thermal mass flow meter to prevent excessive buildup or contamination. This may include periodic inspections, cleaning, and calibration checks as recommended by the manufacturer.

By following these steps and exercising caution to avoid direct contact with the sensor element, you can effectively clean a thermal mass flow meter and maintain its optimal performance and longevity. If you’re unsure about the cleaning process or encounter any issues, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek assistance from a qualified technician.

• The pipe diameter or measuring range may be incorrectly set in the software.
• Moisture or liquid water may be entering the sensor, especially in thermal mass models.
• The sensor could be heavily contaminated with oil or particles.

• Review the sensor settings in S4C-FS and correct any errors in diameter or flow range.
• Check the compressed air system’s dew point to ensure no water condensation is reaching the sensor.
• Inspect and clean the sensor, and make sure filters and dryers are functioning properly upstream.

• The output signal wiring might be connected incorrectly.
• A fuse or component in the measurement system may be blown.
• The analog output scaling (e.g., 4–20 mA) might not be correctly configured.
• The installed output board might not match your system’s signal requirements.

• Double-check the output wiring using the instructions in the user manual.
• Use a multimeter to check whether any signal is present on the output lines.
• Open the S4C-FS software and ensure the correct signal scaling is selected.
• Confirm that the sensor’s output (e.g., 4–20 mA, Modbus) matches the input expectations of your data logger or PLC.

• There might be leaks or bypasses between the sensors.
• One or more sensors might have incorrect scaling or pipe diameter settings.
• Some sensors might not be measuring the full flow path due to poor installation locations.

• Check the system for any leakage or open bypass valves.
• Make sure every sensor has the correct settings for pipe diameter, gas type, and measurement range.
• Verify that the sensors are installed in locations where they can measure the complete flow in the pipeline.

• The sensor may be incorrectly installed — for example, not centered or installed at the wrong depth.
• The wrong gas type, flow units, or reference conditions may be selected in the settings.
• The inner pipe diameter might be entered incorrectly in the software.
• The sensor technology may not be suitable for the current application (e.g., thermal mass sensors in very humid environments).
• There may not be enough straight pipe before or after the sensor, causing turbulent flow.

• Verify the sensor is properly centered in the pipe and installed at the recommended depth and orientation.
• Check the gas type, measurement units, and reference pressure/temperature conditions in the S4C-FS software.
• Enter the correct inner pipe diameter to ensure proper flow calculation.
• Make sure the sensor technology is appropriate for the gas conditions (e.g., avoid thermal mass sensors where liquid water may be present).
• Install the sensor with adequate straight pipe lengths before and after, as specified in the manual.

• The air or gas might be contaminated with moisture, oil, or particles.
• Turbulent flow caused by nearby elbows, valves, or other obstructions may be affecting readings.
• The sensor could be loose or not inserted to the correct depth.

• Inspect filters and dryers upstream of the sensor to ensure clean, dry air.
• Check for rust, oil, or debris that could be interfering with the sensor element.
• If possible, move the sensor to a more stable section of the pipe, away from bends or valves.
• Make sure the sensor is firmly secured at the correct insertion depth and orientation.

• The sensor may be physically installed in the wrong direction.
• The flow direction configuration in the software may be reversed.

• Look for directional arrows on the sensor housing and confirm that they match the actual flow direction.
• If necessary, update the flow direction settings in the S4C-FS software to correct the reading.

• A zero-flow calibration has not been performed or was done incorrectly.
• High humidity or oil residue may cause thermal sensors to register false readings.
• Nearby machinery or vibrations might create noise signals that are interpreted as flow.

• Use the S4C-FS software to perform a proper zero-flow calibration with the pipe completely depressurized.
• Check for moisture or oil using a dew point sensor or monitor.
• Avoid installing the sensor near sources of vibration, such as compressors or motors, which could affect accuracy.

• The wiring might be incorrect or the cable could be damaged.
• The Modbus communication lines (D+ and D−) may be reversed.
• If you’re using Modbus TCP, the sensor might be connected directly to a PC instead of through a network switch or hub.
• The configured Modbus address might not match the sensor’s actual address.
• The sensor may not be powered or the supply voltage could be too low.

• Compare the wiring with the sensor’s user manual to ensure all connections are correct.
• Use a multimeter to check for a stable 24 VDC power supply.
• Test the cable for continuity or try a known working replacement cable.
• Verify the Modbus address and communication settings using the S4C-FS configuration software.
• Ensure the cable from the splitter to the sensor is shorter than 30 cm for proper detection.
• Use the S4C-FS software’s address scan function to detect the sensor on the network.