168-082010_ 210-212 Meter/Controller Page 7 of 17
2. Installation and Operation
This section contains the necessary steps to assist in getting a new Flowmeter /controller into operation as
quickly and easily as possible. Please read the following thoroughly before attempting to install the instrument.
2.1. Receiving Inspection
Carefully unpack the Hastings HFM-210/HFC-212 series instrument and any accessories that have also been
ordered. Inspect for any obvious signs of damage to the shipment. Immediately advise the carrier who
delivered the shipment if any damage is suspected. Check each component shipped with the packing list.
Insure that all parts are present (i.e., Flowmeter, power supply, cables, etc.). Optional equipment or
accessories will be listed separately on the packing list. There may also be one or more OPT-options on the
packing list. These normally refer to special ranges or special gas calibrations. They may also refer to special
helium leak tests, or high pressure tests. In most cases, these are not separate parts, but special options or
modifications built into the Flowmeter.
2.2. Power Requirements
The HFM-210/HFC-212 series requires ±15 VDC @ ±30 mA (HFM-210) +60 mA, -185 mA (HFC-212)
for proper operation. The supply voltage should be sufficiently regulated to no more than 50 mV ripple. The
supply voltage can vary from 14.0 to 16.0 VDC. Surge suppressors are recommended to prevent power spikes
reaching the instrument. The Hastings power supply described in Section 1.4.2 satisfies these power
requirements.
The HFM-210/HFC-212 series instruments have an integral 5 VDC ref. source. This stable voltage is on pin
15 of the “D” connector and may be used for the command voltage.
2.3. Output Signal
The standard output of the Flowmeter is a 0-5 VDC signal proportional to the flow rate. In the Hastings
power supply the output is routed to the display, and is also available at the terminals on the rear panel. If a
Hastings supply is not used, the output is available on pin 6 of the “D” connector and is referenced to pin 5. It
is recommended that the load resistance be no less that 2kΩ. If the optional 4-20 mA output is used, the load
impedance must be selected in accordance with Section 1.3.
2.4. Mechanical Connections
The Flowmeter may be mounted in any position as long as the direction of gas flow through the instrument
follows the arrow marked on the bottom of the Flowmeter case label. The preferred orientation is with the
inlet and outlet fittings in a horizontal plane (if operating with a dense gas or at high pressures the instrument
must be installed horizontally). When mounted in a different orientation the instrument should be re-zeroed at
zero flow with the system pressurized to the expected operating pressure.
The smallest of the internal passageways in the HFM-210/HFC-212 series is the diameter of the sensor tube,
which is 0.0125” (0.31 mm), so the instrument requires adequate filtering of the gas supply to prevent
blockage or clogging of the tube.
The pressure regulator and the plumbing upstream must be of sufficient size to minimize changes in the
upstream pressure. When switching from full flow to zero flow, the inlet pressure of instrument should rise to
no more that 30% above the inlet pressure at full flow. In general, high capacity regulators and large internal
diameter plumbing help to make the system more stable. The pressure drop between the regulator and the
instrument due to line resistance should be minimized. The differential pressure across the unit should be less
than 6” of H
2
O at maximum flow.
There are two 8-32 threaded holes, located on the bottom of the base that can be used to secure it to a
mounting bracket, if desired (screws provided). Other holes for special mounting can be added to the end cap
as desired.
