Transcription
OWNER’S MANUALBalometer Jr.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITYSeller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as described in the operator's manual, shall befree from defects in workmanship and material for twelve (12) months, or the length of time specified in the operator'smanual, from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty period is inclusive of any statutory warranty. Thislimited warranty is subject to the following exclusions:a.Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other components when indicated inspecifications, are warranted for 90 days from the date of shipment.b.Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship andmaterial, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of shipment.c.Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on any fuses, batteries or otherconsumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's warranty applies.d.Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warranty with respect to, and shall haveno liability in connection with, goods which are incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are modifiedby any person other than Seller.The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS stated herein. NO OTHER EXPRESSOR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OFSELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES, INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS(INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALLBE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OFSELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE GOODS. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANYSPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FORINSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION COSTS OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may bebrought against Seller more than 12 months after a cause of action has accrued. The goods returned under warranty toSeller's factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY, which contains thecomplete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller. This LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not beamended, modified or its terms waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.Service PolicyKnowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they are to our customers, our servicepolicy is designed to give prompt attention to any problems. If any malfunction is discovered, please contact your nearestsales office or representative, or call Customer Service at (800) 424-7427 (USA) and (1) 651-490-2811 (International).
BALOMETER JR.SECTION 1: ENGLISH .1SECTION II: SPANISH .25SECTION III: FRENCH.53
TABLE OF CONTENTSGeneral Description . 2Using the Balometer Jr. Safely . 3Preparation for Use . 41. Unpacking . 42a. Setup of 2' x 2' Hood . 42b. Setup of 16" x 16" Hood . 43. Attaching Hood to Base . 54. Hood Support System . 65. Handle Attachment. 76. LoFlow Adapter . 7Operation . 8Step by Step Operation . 11Repacking . 12Performance Check . 13Calibration Procedure. 14General . 14Equipment Required . 14Preparation. 14Calibration . 14Exchange of Calibrated Module . 15Appendix A: Theory of Operation. 16Appendix B: Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 18Maintenance. 18Hoods . 18Static Electricity . 18Manifold. 18Zero Adjustment . 18Calibration . 18Troubleshooting . 19Appendix C: Correction Factors forNon-Standard Conditions. 20Repair Information . 21Instructions for Return . 22Ownership/Calibration Log . 23
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe Alnor Balometer Jr. is designed to assist you in making rapid andaccurate measurements of air flow in heating, ventilating and airconditioning systems. The Balometer Jr. directly reads average standardair flow rate, for either supply or return diffusers, on the ceiling, wall orfloor. The use of this instrument eliminates the need for multipointvelocity traverses, the resulting averaging and area calculations, as wellas the use of K factors.In use, air to be measured is captured by the hood assembly and thendirected past a square manifold which senses flow at 16 points. Themanifold is connected through the range selector to an Alnor VelometerJr. The meter is available in traditional units (cubic feet per minute(cfm)*), or either of two metric units: cubic meters per hours (cmh),* orliters per second (l/s).* The Balometer Jr. is capable of reading flows upto 1400 cfm (2400 cmh, 660 l/s). The system is designed so that air flowis sensed at either supply or return diffusers with equal accuracy.A single knob to select both flow direction and range provides youcontrol of the Balometer Jr. for either supply or return diffusers onranges of 100 to 600, and 400 to 1400 cfm (200 to 1000, and 800 to 2400cmh; 50 to 290, and 200 to 660 l/s). A LoFlow range is also availablewhich allows the instrument to read in the range of 0 to 200 cfm (0 to340 cmh, 0 to 95 l/s) by using the included LoFlow adapter screen.For increased flexibility, an optional 16" x 16" hood is available forwork with small diffusers or where the standard 2' x 2' hood will notconveniently fit.*Throughout this manual, the units cfm, cmh and l/s are used for simplicity. Note,however, that the Balometer Jr. actually reads in standard cubic feet per minute (scfm),standard cubic meters per hour (scmh), or standard liters per second (std. l/s). See theSpecifications section for more information.Figure 1: Typical usage2
USING THE BALOMETER JR. SAFELYWhen using the Balometer Jr. to check air flow at ceiling diffusers, makecertain that you can safely raise and hold the unit while makingmeasurements especially when working on a ladder.Observe all necessary precautions so that the unit does not becomecaught in moving machinery.The Balometer Jr. is not designed for gas mixtures other than air. Usewith corrosive or other dangerous or explosive gas mixtures is notrecommended, and is at the user’s risk.Due to its size and shape, care should be taken when carrying theassembled instrument from place to place so that it does not accidentallybump into people or objects.Special nylon material is used to manufacture the Balometer Jr. hoodsbecause of its impermeability and toughness. However, precautionsshould be used so that it is not ripped by accidental contact with sharpobjects.When the instrument is stored or otherwise not being used to takereadings, be certain to protect the meter movement by switching therange selector to the OFF position.The air flow sensing manifold can be damaged if subjected to excessivestress. It is not repairable. Any air flow other than through the calibratedsensing holes (even hairline cracks) will affect instrument accuracy.Special manifold mounting springs are designed to cushion the assemblyand allow for some deformation of the base without affecting accuracy.These springs should not be removed or altered in any way.3
PREPARATION FOR USE1. UnpackingBefore removing any parts from the carrying case, the arrangement of thevarious items should be noted so that repacking can be done easily.Depending on prior usage, either the 2' x 2' hood or the optional 16" x16" hood may already be attached to the instrument base. If the entireunit is to be lifted out as an assembly, caution must be exercised toassure that the pieces do not separate, since dropping the instrument maycause damage.If your instrument was ordered with the optional 16" x 16" hood, it mayhave been shipped in a separate carton. However, room has been setaside in the instrument carrying case to store it when not in use. SeeRepacking on page 12 for information.2a. Setup of 2' x 2' HoodCarefully remove the hood assembly from the case and unfold the hoodfrom around the frame. The frame itself is completely assembled, butfolded for storage. After the hood has been attached to the base (seeparagraph 3 on page 5), the assembly can be unfolded and deployed asthe hood is raised and attached to the hood support system (see page 6).Proceed to step 3.2b. Setup of 16" x 16" HoodIf the optional 16" x 16" hood is to be assembled, first locate the two ―L‖shaped frame top sections packed to the left of the instrument base in thecarrying case. These sections are held together by an eyelet and slotarrangement which mates with a similar eyelet and slot on the othersection. These pieces can be slid together, and are self locking by meansof a retention spring. For reference, the direction of sliding is marked byan arrow on the appropriate corners of the frame sections. The assembledframe should be square and solid. See Figure 2 for additional detail.Figure 2:Assembly of 16” x 16” frame top4Now install the 16" x 16" hood to the frame top. This is most easilyaccomplished by first stretching the hood around two corners of theframe, and then pulling the hood into position around the other corners.Make sure that the hood seams are located at the corners of the frame.Finally, press the elastic cord into the channel along each of the sides ofthe frame. Assembly of the 16" x 16" hood is now complete.
3. Attaching Hood to BaseIf the hood size which is to be used is already attached to the base,proceed to step 4.First remove the hood which won’t be used by gently pulling the elasticcord at the bottom of the hood out of its channel, working your way allaround the base. When the hood is clear, carefully roll it up and place itin the carrying case to protect it from damage.Next, attach the bottom of the hood which will be used to the base. Thisis most easily accomplished by first stretching the hood around twocorners of the base, and then pulling the hood into position around theother corners, keeping the hood seams in alignment with the corners ofthe frame. Once this is done, the cord can be pressed into the channel tokeep the hood firmly attached and prevent air leaks. See Figure 3 fordetails.Figure 3:Assembly of hood to base5
4. Hood Support SystemLocate the four hood support rods which are packed behind theinstrument base in the carrying case. Insert one rod in each corner of thebase by pressing the round end of the rod into the square hole at theinside base corner until the lip on the top of the round section is stoppedby the base. See Figure 4.If the 16" x 16" hood is to be used, arrange the support rods so that thetip of each rod is pointing away from the center of the base. See Figure 4.If the 2' x 2' hood is to be used, the support rod must be extended to fulllength. This is accomplished by pushing the retainer toward the base ofthe support rod so that the end of the solid square extension is releasedfrom the inside of the U-shaped section of the support rod assembly, andis free to pivot on the hinge near the top of the U-shaped section. Afterall the rods in all four corners are extended, they should be arranged sothat the open section of the U-channel is facing toward the center of thebase, and the tip of each rod is pointing away from the center of the base.See Figure 4.Once the support rods are properly located, the hood can be raised andthe end of the support rods inserted into the corners of the hood frame.Proper tautness is achieved by the spring mechanism in the base of thesupport rods.Figure 4: Installation ofhood support system6
5. Handle AttachmentDetermine from the work to be done which handle arrangement will bemost convenient to use. Generally, if you are working from the floor, thehandle location near the bottom of the instrument will be mostconvenient, while ladder work will be easiest with the handle installed onthe top of the range selector housing. Installation is accomplished bysimply turning the handle into the threads at either the top or bottom ofthe range selector housing. Make sure that the handle is secure beforeusing. See Figure 5.6. LoFlow AdapterThe LoFlow adapter screen can be used for measuring air volumes below200 cfm (340 cmh, 95 l/s), but is strongly recommended for use onlywhen measuring very low flows, below 125 cfm (200 cmh, 60 l/s).The LoFlow adapter is inserted by carefully pushing it into positionagainst the manifold on the side which the air will enter. (For example, ifthe air will move through the hood to the base of the instrument, theadapter goes on the ―hood‖ side of the manifold.) It is necessary that theadapter be in very close contact with the manifold. Gaps of more that1/16" may cause reading errors. Take care not to distort the manifoldmounting springs or the adapter during installation or removal. SeeFigure 6.Figure 5:Handle location and installationDo not forget to remove the adapter when the range selector is set toeither the medium or high range. The LoFlow adapter is not requiredunless measurements of less than 100 cfm (200 cmh) are to be made. It isstrongly recommended that the adapter be used only when measuringvery low flows (up to 125 cfm, 200 cmh, 60 l/s).This completes the assembly of the instrument. Proceed to the Operationsection for step by step instructions.Figure 6: Installation ofLoFlow screen7
OPERATIONThe operating controls for the Balometer Jr. are located on the front of theinstrument. These controls along with instrument features are illustratedin Figures 7 and 8. A description of these controls and features isprovided in Tables 1 and 2.(1) Foam Gasket(2) Hood (2’ x 2’ shown)(3) Handle (shown in topposition)(7) Range Selector Switch(8) Bezel(5) Velometer Jr. Meter(6) Zero Adjustment(4) Lower Handle PositionFigure 7: Instrument controls and features—front view8
Index No.NameDescription1Foam GasketThis gasket is used to provide a good airseal between the top of the hood and thediffuser.2HoodThe hood captures the air and directs ittoward the manifold.3Handle (topposition)Intended for use when the Balometer Jr. isused in conjunction with a ladder. Allowsfor easy one-hand support of unit.4Lower HandlePositionIntended for use when the Balometer Jr. isused without the aid of a ladder. Extendedreach allows easy access to many ceilingdiffusers while standing on floor.5Velometer Jr.MeterThe meter is calibrated to provide flowreadings in either cubic feet per minute orcubic meters per hour. Separate scalescorresponding to the position of the rangeselector are provided.6ZeroAdjustmentRotating this screw allows the meter to beset at zero. This adjustment should only bemade with the range selector set to OFF andwith no airflow past the manifold.7Range SelectorSwitchThe 7-position switch is used to select therequired flow range and operating mode(supply or return). The OFF positionprevents flow from passing through themeter.8BezelCovers range selector and meter system.Table 1: Instrument controls and features description—front view9
(1) Support Arms(2) Manifold(3) Manifold Springs(4) LoFlow Adapter(Cut-away view)Figure 8: Instrument features—top viewIndex No.NameDescription1Support ArmsThese arms are used to support the hood.They can be removed and folded forpacking.2ManifoldThis plastic assembly is used to produce anaverage of the air flow at the 16 intake andexhaust points.3ManifoldSpringsThese springs are used to hold the manifoldin position and absorb shocks duringtransportation.4LoFlowAdapterUsed for measuring low air volumes. Thescreen should be placed against manifoldon side from which the air is entering.Screen covers entire manifold; cut-awayview is for clarity only.Table 2: Instrument features—top view10
Step By Step OperationIf the instrument has been stored at a temperature below 68 F (20 C) orhigher than 86 F (30 C) it should be allowed to stabilize at roomconditions (68 F to 86 F) in order to achieve specified accuracy.1. Assemble the Balometer Jr. as described in the Preparation for Usesection of this manual.2. Check the Velometer Jr. for zero adjustment by setting the rangeselector to the 0 (OFF) position and verifying that the meter readszero. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to adjust the zero screw sothat the pointer reads zero. Although the meter will typicallycontinue to read zero (within one division) regardless of how the unitis held, it is best to zero the meter in the position in which it will beused.3. Set the range selector to the highest range in the desired direction,supply or return.4. Bring the Balometer Jr. into contact with the perimeter of the diffuseror grill to be measured. To assure maximum accuracy, the foamgasket along the top of the frame must be firmly in contact with thesurface all around the opening. Take care to ensure that your body orother material is not accidentally affecting the reading by blocking ordiverting the air flow at either the air entry or exit sides.When using the Balometer Jr. to check air flow at ceiling diffusers,make certain you can safely raise and hold the unit while making themeasurement. This is especially important when working on aladder. Make sure that the unit cannot be caught in movingmachinery.5. If the reading is found to be below the full scale of the next lowerscale, the range selector may be switched to the next lower scale.If the lowest (blue) scale is used, the Lo-Flow adapter screen mustbe installed. See Preparation for Use section.6. The reading from the Balometer Jr. is in cubic feet per minute orcubic meters per hour, referenced to standard conditions of airpressure and temperature (scfm or scmh). These standard conditionsare 70 F and 29.92 inches of mercury (21 C and 760 mm Hg). Todetermine the true volume flow rate, multiply by the correctionfactor shown in Figure 11. The correction factor is based on the staticpressure and air temperature at the manifold.7. The additional system back pressure generated by the Balometer Jr.may affect the output of an individual diffuser. Depending on systemdesign and balancing method, this may or may not be important.When proportionally balancing a system of similar outlets, this is notusually an important factor. If system design or other factors requireadjustment, Figure 12 is included for your reference.11
REPACKINGThe Balometer Jr. can be stored in the carrying case with either the 2' x 2'or the optional 16" x 16" hood attached. The 16" x 16" hood may bestored fully assembled, while the frame for the 2' x 2' hood must befolded in half prior to storage. First, remove the handle by unscrewing itfrom the top or bottom of the range selector/meter assembly. Store thehandle in its pocket on the left side of the carrying case.Next, remove the hood support rods by gently pressing down on the rodto compress the spring in the lower tube assembly, and release it from thecorner of the hood frame. Each of the four rods should be removed fromthe base by gently pulling upward on the lower U-section until the lowertube assembly is free from the square section on the base. The top solidsection of the rod should now be folded into the U-section if it is notalready placed there. This is accomplished by pushing the retainertoward the end of the U-channel, swinging the center rod into the Uchannel, and then pushing the retainer back so that it holds the rod inplace.Note: Use care not to pinch fingers when swinging rod closed. After allfour rods are closed, they should be placed in their pocket, at the rear ofthe carrying case. The LoFlow adapter screen is simply pressed intoplace on the top side of the base to secure it.If storing the base with the 2' x 2' hood in place, the next step is to foldthe frame top. Fold the frame in half at its hinge points, being careful notto pinch the hood material, and then wrap the material around the foldedframe assembly. The instrument base can now be placed in the case(aligned so that range selector and meter fit into proper cut-out on leftside). The frame and hood can be placed around the sides and back sothat the short center sections fit into the pockets on the sides of the case.See Figure 9.Figure 9: Location of unit incarrying caseIf storing the base with the 16" x 16" hood in place, first make sure thatthe 2' x 2' hood and frame is properly in place, with the center sectionslocated in the pockets along the sides of the carrying case. Next set thebase of the instrument into its pocket (aligned so that range selector andmeter fit into proper cut-out on the left side). Finally, place hood andframe in position, centered over base. See Figure 9.If the optional 16" x 16" hood is to be stored disassembled, first removethe hood from the frame top by gently pulling the elastic cord out of itschannel, working your way around the entire top until the hood is freefrom the frame. Next partially disassemble the frame top by pulling twoopposing corner sections apart, leaving two L-shaped pieces. Store thesepieces in the foam cutout to the left of the base, remove the hood fromthe base, and store the folded hood by placing it under the base.Before closing the case make sure that all items are securely in place, andthat no damage will occur.12
PERFORMANCE CHECKWhen checking the performance of the Balometer Jr., first verify that theunit has been properly adjusted to zero. If the calibration is to bechecked, a reference flow standard at least 5 times more accurate than theBalometer Jr. should be used. Flow standards that may be used for thispurpose include orifice plates or laminar flow elements. These devicesrequire accurate pressure and temperature reading instruments to measureactual flow volume.If the Balometer Jr. is checked against a velocity standard such as a Pitotstatic probe or thermal anemometer, you should be aware that this mayintroduce errors. If a velocity standard is used, the average velocity mustbe obtained by taking a traverse.* The accuracy of the average reading isdependent on the flow uniformity, the number of readings in the averageand the accuracy of the velocity reading instrument. This averagevelocity reading must then be multiplied by the area over which thetraverse was taken. If this area is not accurately measured, additionalerrors in the final flow volume reading will result.Finally, air flow instrumentation is often dependent on environmentalconditions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and eventurbulence. These conditions can have very different effects on variousinstrument types. Caution must be exercised when making comparisons.* A traverse is a set of velocity readings taken in a prescribed geometric pattern whichwill provide an overall velocity value when averaged together. Any of TSI’s velocitymeasuring instruments can be used for this purpose. The owner’s manuals containinstructions on how to perform the traverse.13
CALIBRATION PROCEDUREGeneralThe Balometer Jr. is easily calibrated assuming that your calibrationfacility has access to the proper equipment. Each range uses an easily setsingle screw adjustment for calibration. However, the procedure shouldbe attempted only by persons who have the proper equipment. Note thatany attempt at recalibration voids all calibration certification providedwith instrument.Equipment RequiredWind tunnel capable of providing controllable air flow in both supplyand exhaust directions from 50 to 1400 cfm (85 to 2400 cmh, 24 to660 l/s); measurement standard for air volume in the same range;measurement standard for air volume between 50 and 1400 cfm (85 to2400 cmh, 24 to 660 l/s); 2' x 2' outlet air diffuser similar to onestypically in use; 1/16" hex adjustment device at least 21/2" long (―ball end‖device is useful).The wind tunnel and measurement standard should be controllable andaccurate to within five times the accuracy of the scale being calibrated.Preparation1. Verify that there are no cracks in the manifold or leaks in the hosesconnecting the manifold to the range selector.2. Connect wind tunnel, measurement standard, diffuser and BalometerJr. in such a way that the air which passes through the Balometer Jr.has also passed through the measurement standard and diffuser.Make sure there are no leaks in the system as any leaks will causeerrors in calibration.3. Allow the Balometer Jr. and tunnel to stabilize at an air temperaturebetween 68 F and 86 F (20–30 C) before attempting to calibrate theinstrument.Calibration1. Set up Balometer Jr. with 2' x 2' hood.2. Set up Balometer Jr. on wind tunnel so that air volume through unitcan be determined from measurement standard.3. Turn off all air through Balometer Jr. and set range selector to OFFposition.4. Using zero adjust screw, set Velometer Jr. meter to 0.5. Turn on wind tunnel and set to 180 cfm (300 cmh, or 90 l/s).14
6. Set range selector for low range in proper direction for air flowthrough the Balometer Jr. Install LoFlow adapter screen on the sideof the manifold against which the air pressure will be felt.7. Insert hex adjustment tool into adjustment hole (See Figure 10),adjust until meter reading agrees with wind tunnel setting, and thenremove adjustment tool. Also remove the LoFlow adapter.8. Move range selector to mid range; set tunnel for 500 cfm (800 cmh,250 l/s); adjust as in step 7 until meter reading agrees with windtunnel setting; then remove adjustment tool.9. Move range selector to high range; set tunnel for 1200 cfm (2000cmh, 600 l/s); adjust as in step 7 until meter reading agrees withwind tunnel setting; then remove adjustment tool.10. Verify calibration against standard as required.11. Modify setup so that flow through Balometer Jr. is in oppositedirection. Again make sure there are no leaks in the system.12. Repeat steps 5 through 10 for air flow in this direction.Exchange of Calibrated ModuleIf complete calibration facilities are not available, you may exchange therange selector/meter assembly for one calibrated at the factory. (See partslist for proper item number.) You may maintain multiple selector/meterassemblies if desired, to minimize down time between calibrations. Toseparate the selector/meter assembly from the base, remove theattachment screws (see Figure 10), and then carefully slide the hoses offthe manifold to remove the assembly. The hoses should then be removedfrom the selector/meter assembly and saved with the screws for use inreassembly. To reattach, slide the hoses on the selector/meter assemblyand then gently slide the hoses onto the manifold. Use the screws tosecure the assembly to the base. Make sure that the top manifold hose isattached to the hose nipple on the range selector closest to the center ofthe base. Also examine manifold to verify that there are no cracks orother sources of leaks.Figure 10: Removingmeter/Range Selector unit15
APPENDIX A:THEORY OF OPERATIONThe Balometer Jr. is an adaptation of the Alnor Balometer and VelometerJr. systems which allow this instrument to be used for measurement of airvolume by reading average velocity as the air moves through a crosssection of known constant dimension.The Balometer Jr. consists of six major subassemblies which function asa system to provide accurate air flow measurements:1. Air Collection System—All the air issuing from or entering adiffuser is collected through a cloth ―hood‖ which is chosen to fit aspecific diffuser at one end, and translates this variable size to astandard opening which is slightly larger than one foot square. Thediffuser end of this hood is foam-edged to allow for a complete sealaround the opening.2. Instrument Base—The base, in addition to housing the rangeselector, manifold, and Velometer Jr., provides the standard crosssection through which the air is passed.3. Manifold—This grid contains 16 calibrated holes in a 4 x 4 patternspaced wi
The Alnor Balometer Jr. is designed to assist you in making rapid and accurate measurements of air flow in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. The Balometer Jr. directly reads average standard air flow rate, for either s
