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TM
VPAC II
Users ManualWith VPACwin
Rev 1
November, 2012
Part No.: 5133-1000
Associated with: VPACwin Software for Windows
Part #: 5133-7001
Version E 1.50 or Higher
6/25/09
2. LICENSE
1. MISTRAS grants CUSTOMER the right to use the SOFTWARE on a single
COMPUTER at a single location so long as CUSTOMER complies with the terms
of the LICENSE and either destroys or returns the SOFTWARE when
CUSTOMER no longer has this right.
2. CUSTOMER may not transfer the program electronically from one computer to
another over a network, unless licensed to do so. An acceptable license can
include the purchase of additional software licenses or the use of a purchased
electronic License key which is plugged into one computer to activate the license.
3. MISTRAS shall have the right to terminate this license(s) if CUSTOMER violates
any of its provisions. CUSTOMER owns the storage media (CD, diskette(s),
etc.) purchased, but under the Copyright Law MISTRAS continues to own the
SOFTWARE recorded on it and all copies of it.
4. CUSTOMER agrees to make no more than one (1) copy of the SOFTWARE for
backup purposes and to place a label on the outside of the backup CD or diskette,
showing the serial number, program name, version number and the MISTRAS
copyright and trademark notices on the same form as the original copy.
5. CUSTOMER agrees to pay for licenses for additional user copies of the
SOFTWARE if CUSTOMER intends to or does use it on more than one
COMPUTER.
4. CUSTOMER may not reverse engineer any of the software or information provided.
5. DISTRIBUTION OR SALES
Distribution or sale of any software incorporating the MISTRAS Group Inc. or any of its
companies Software or Drivers is illegal without a signed and executed Software
Distribution License Agreement.
6. LIMITED WARRANTY
The only warranty MISTRAS makes is that the media on which the SOFTWARE is
recorded will be replaced without charge, if MISTRAS in good faith determines that the
media was defective and not subject to misuse, and if returned to MISTRAS, within thirty
days of purchase. MISTRAS reserves the right to change the specifications and operating
characteristics of the SOFTWARE it produces, over a period of time, without notice.
8. MISCELLANEOUS
This license agreement supplements the purchase order. It cannot and shall not be
modified by purchase orders, advertising or other representations of anyone, unless a
written amendment has been signed by one of our company officers. When
CUSTOMER opens the SOFTWARE package or uses the SOFTWARE, this act shall be
considered as mutual agreement to the terms of this LICENSE. This LICENSE shall be
governed by New Jersey law, except as to copyright matters which are covered by
Federal laws, and is deemed entered into at Princeton Junction, New Jersey by both
parties.
3/23/10
IMPORTANT NOTICE
MISTRAS Group Inc. and its subsidiaries reserve the right to make changes to their products or
to discontinue any product or service without notice, and advise customers to obtain the latest
version of relevant information to verify, before placing orders, that information being relied on
is current and complete. All products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale
supplied at the time of quote or order acknowledgement, including those pertaining to warranty,
patent infringement, and limitation of liability.
MISTRAS warrants performance of its products to the specifications applicable at the time of
sale in accordance with MISTRAS standard warranty. Testing and other quality control
techniques are utilized to the extent MISTRAS deems necessary to support this warranty.
Specific testing of all parameters of each device is not necessarily performed, except those
mandated by government requirements.
In order to minimize risks associated with the customers applications, adequate design and
operating safeguards must be provided by the customer to minimize inherent or procedural
hazards.
MISTRAS Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions
used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructure. MISTRAS
combines industry-leading products and technologies, expertise in mechanical integrity (MI) and
non-destructive testing (NDT) products, services and proprietary data analysis software to deliver a
comprehensive portfolio of solutions, ranging from routine inspection to complex, plant wide asset
integrity assessments and management.
Our Products & Systems division designs, Our Surface Mount machine, for electronic printed Our AE sensors are available in various sizes, shapes,
manufacturers, sells, installs and services our asset circuit boards, is a key part of the NDT products that frequency and temperature ranges, and packaging
protection products and systems. we develop and manufacture. styles in order to meet the diverse needs of the
application and environment.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
Sensors/Preamplifiers Multichannel AE Systems AE Boards
The single most important factor in AE testing is the By offering systems with two channels to hundreds MISTRAS AE boards are complete AE data
selection of the AE sensor. We pride ourselves on of channels, MISTRAS can combine these AE acquisition systems with full on-board signal
our ability to continually design and manufacture processing. With 2, 4 and 8 channel boards,
boards into specialized turn-key data acquisition
a diverse line of quality high sensitivity/low noise they are specifically designed to capture accurate
systems. Whether you have an industrialized field
sensors to meet your particular needs. We
project or an advance research lab, MISTRAS waveforms, at higher bandwidths and sampling
manufacture a large range of sensors to meet
has a chassis solution for you. rates for any application. Using the latest
your requirements including:
and fastest processors available and with top
Airborne General Purpose
sampling rates up to 40 million samples/second,
Rolling Unidirectional Intrinsically Safe Sensors
We provide a complete range of Certified standard DAQ cards cant top these speeds. The
Under Water Coolant Coupled
High Temperature Integral Preamplifier Intrinsically Safe AE sensors, preamplifiers combination of three different high performance
High Radiation Differerential and systems for use in the most hazardous AE boards with six different chassis solutions,
Miniature Low Frequency environments. allows us to provide a system meeting the unique
Wide-band needs of our customer.
The leader in AE data acquisitions, software, and sensors and the authority for AE applications.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
Portable UT Systems UT Scanners and Components UT Boards
The Pocket UT is a battery-operated, hand- We design and manufacture a variety of manual and We design and fabricate ultrasonic (pulser/receiver
held, stand alone, UT full A, B or C-Scan data automated scanners. Scanners, coupled with a Pocket and analog to digital converter) and motion control
acquisition system. With its portability (its only UT System or a conventional, portable PC-based boards. These ultrasonic boards are used for
2lbs!), ease of use and coupled with its full C-Scan system, such as our MicroSonic (with notebook PC), the majority of our ultrasonic inspection system
capability, the Pocket UT System is ideal for on- provide full C-Scan (with B-Scan) data acquisition. applications and available for OEM applications.
site inspection, including rope access inspection,
applications. Also, ask about our TOFD option.
Non-Contact Inspection
We have successfully demonstrated the use
With built-in motor drive capability for motorized
of Non-Contact Ultrasonic Testing (NCUT) for
scanning applications, the Pocket UT is
a variety of applications. NCUT is available for
available with companion scanners and other
system upgrades in the field and can also be
compatible devices.
adapted to new systems.
We offer a full range of Ultrasonic products and inspection systems to diverse testing markets.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
Operating Software-AEwin Loose Parts Monitoring Software Advanced Analysis Software-NOESIS
AEwin is real-time operating software used with Loose Part and Valve Flow monitoring software NOESIS is a post processing, neural network and
our Acoustic Emission systems. The software is designed to meet the strict requirements of the statistical analysis program. The systems extract
has advanced graphing, location, waveform nuclear power industry. The LPM system employs over 23 different features of the AE signal such as
processing, remote monitoring, filtering, data seven layers of alarm discrimination and decision amplitude, duration, energy, frequency centroid,
export capabilities and easily interfaces with tree logic to identify metal-to-metal impact while partial powers and reverberation frequency.
LabView, Word and Excel. This software is based minimizing false alarms to the control room. NOESIS is the ideal analysis program to find a
on more than 30 years of AE software experience The VFMS identifies leak and flow conditions solution when a multivariate classifier is needed.
and incorporates features from world renowned in critical valves throughout the nuclear reactor NOESIS successfully solved granulation end point
experts, giving AEwin the most comprehensive cooling system. The self-monitoring design alerts prediction of pharmaceutical products and crack
functions and features from small and simple engineering of system maintenance needs for detection of high noise areas in roller coasters, in-
applications to complex research laboratory software and hardware, in the control room and flight helicopter gear boxes and gas turbine stator
needs. within containment. cracking.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Station
Cracks
Corrosion
Fatigue
Other
Parametric Data
Strain
Weather
Vibration Cellular
Fiber Optic
Other
AE Wireless Technology On-line Asset Integrity Monitoring with current voltage outputs through the use of standard
We have significant experience in applying The Sensor Highway System is an AE/Vibration industrial, DIN Rail Mounted Signal Conditioning Modules,
wireless AE to Crack and Leak detection, as well Monitoring System that provides plant and infrastructure with options for Proximity Probes, Tachometers, Pressure
as process monitoring, impact detection and the personnel the ability to detect and track defect growth in Transducers, Load Cells, Thermocouples, Environmental
analysis of composite materials in concrete and materials and structures at an early stage. Designed for Sensors, Strain Gages, etc. It has several communication
metal bridge structures. unattended and remote use for both asset integrity and interfaces for data communication and remote control
condition monitoring applications, the system supports including wireless Ethernet 10/100, telephone modem,
For requirements of difficult and remote access up to 16 high speed and 16 parametric input channels RS-232/485, USB host and device, 4 20 ma and digital
measurements, we have a wide range of battery expandable to over 100 and is designed for operating in I/O, and relay outputs for alarm and control purposes.
powered wireless units. These are used for extreme weather and rugged factory conditions. The key
This system is ideal for situations where a customer
remote monitoring of multiple AE channels and feature of the system is its highly flexible sensor fusion
requires remote analysis and desires Internet access
parametric information in applications on bridges, interface for input and processing using a variety of
for asset status, activity, trend monitoring and data
pipelines, aircraft and valves. sensors such as AE, ICP Accelerometers and sensors
visualization by MISTRAS.
ACM Features:
Firewall
Vibration +AE technology: Early wear, fault
detection & fault isolation. LAN/WAN
Dual Function Sensor: True accelerometer and Corporate
Fleet Server Internet
AE sensor, recording low frequencies (less than
20 kHz) and high frequencies (greater than 200
kHz) simultaneously in one sensor body. Remote Site Operator
& Analysis Displays
All signal processing, e.g. FFT, feature
All Display &
extraction, and alarm determination, is Information Access
of Multiple Sites
performed within the ACM module requiring
Asset Condition Monitoring System
only a limited data set to be moved across
for Rotating Machinery network connections. Local Ethernet Cable
Site Operator &
Analysis Displays
The ACMS (Asset Condition Monitoring System) or Wireless Network
Local direct laptop connection and display
is an online, real-time condition monitoring system capability through the ACM module. Site
Server
that incorporates the industries best of breed Sensor Data Fusion: Integrates and correlates Smart
features and functions. This includes the most analog & digital signals (Parametrics).
Devices
Parametric
Inputs
unique feature, a single sensor that integrates Web based system access with configurable Strain
Gauges
conventional vibration with acoustic emission Windows display and navigation. Other
sensor technology. This combination allows for Local & remote operator and analysis display
early detection of the onset of component wear access. Dual Function
Sensors
and damage. (AE + Vibration)
For detecting dynamic loading, electrical faults,
Motors - Pumps - Fans - Compressors
rotor imbalance, bearing and shaft surface
Gearboxes - Generators - Turbines - Transformers
defects, lubrication and mechanical wear.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
Vibration Sensing Products General Purpose Instrument
We manufacture innovative and patented Monitoring
solutions for the predictive maintenance We offer a complete line of Industrial Monitors which Options include high/low pass filtering, 10/100/500
community with applications in the most display displacement, velocity and acceleration mV/g input and Peak/RMS mode. The units
demanding of environments for industrial, military units, as well as temperature models. Systems can also be integrated to DCS, PLC or SCADA
and scientific applications. feature 4-20 mA output, (2) relays for warning or systems via the 4-20 mA output.
shutdown protection, sensor analog output and
Holding the patent in ISO shielding for high noise powering standard ICP accelerometers. Industry standard small size and low cost assure
rejection of accelerometers, we are a world these monitors will fit a variety of applications.
leader in supplying a full line of high sensitivity,
accelerometers for rotating and industrial use,
seismic and structural measurements.
For more details and specifications, please visit us on the web at www.mistrasgroup.com or call 1.609.716.4000
HQTS: P: (609) 716-4000 F: (609) 716-0706
195 Clarksville Road Princeton Jct., NJ 08550
www.mistrasgroup.com
TM
VPAC II
Users ManualWith VPACwin
Rev 1
November, 2012
Part No.: 5133-1000
Associated with: VPACwin Software for Windows
Part #: 5133-7001
Version E 1.50 or Higher
Revision number: 1
Added documentation for features new to this version. The major changes include:
11/15/2011
E1.30
Added features:
-Added a 16 digit serial number field for each valve structure (Database tab and spreadsheet
view).
-Max number of valves is now down to 55 from 100, because of this.
-Added 2 new valve types: Globe and Butterfly.
-Version number handshake now supported when VPACwin connects to a VPAC II via
Bluetooth.
-Baseline dB set at 14. Signal levels at or below baseline will report a leak rate of 0.0.
Fixes:
-Corrected how the spreadsheet automatically decides when to apply noise correction.
-Serial number field changed from General type to Text.
5/10/2012
E1.40
Added features:
-Added a button to open a blank leak calculation sheet without downloading from VPAC II.
-Noise correction no longer changes the value in the signal level cell, only the leak rate cells.
-2 new valve types: RV and Plug (descriptive purpose only)
-Option to switch Large Ball equation cutoff between 8" and 18" for Ball Gas valves.
-Updated to the latest version of InTheHand.Personal.DLL that handles Bluetooth
communication.
-Updated to the latest version of the KEYLOK USB key drivers. AEDataInstaller.exe added to
handle uninstall/install of old/new drivers.
Fixes:
-Made opening past result spreadsheets backward compatible. However, formulas will not be
updated in versions older than E1.30.
-Software is now compatible with different regional settings. Eliminates the 'invalid formula'
exception.
-Corrected a bug that restricted the dimensions of the spreadsheet when maximized.
10/31/2012
E1.50
Added features:
-New, more aesthetic look.
-Added support for trending valve characteristics over time.
-A 'Report low readings as zero' checkbox is now available on VPACwin spreadsheets.
--This enables the user to toggle between:
--- reporting the possible leak rate if the signal level is below what the VPAC II can accurately
detect OR
--- reporting zero if the reading is below the baseline.
-The program no longer restricts the valve inlet sizes, but will inform the user that leak rates will
be
extrapolated when they are outside these bounds.
Fixes:
-If no valid license key was detected but the user tried to save the spreadsheet anyway,
leak rates would appear. This has been corrected.
-Moved the check for .xps and .pdf file support to when the user actually attempts to save in that
form,
rather than when the spreadsheet loads. Otherwise, it takes too long to load each spreadsheet.
VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
VPAC II
Valve Leak Monitor
Users Manual with VPACwin
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Capabilities ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Getting Started .......................................................................................................................... 1
2. NAVIGATING THE USER INTERFACE..................................................................................... 3
2.1 Power and Backlight Key Operation .......................................................................................... 3
2.2 Auto Power Off ......................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Sensors and Filters .................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 User Modes ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.4.1 Measurement Mode ........................................................................................................... 4
2.4.1.1 Measurement Displays .................................................................................................. 4
2.4.1.2 Storing a Valve Reading ................................................................................................ 5
2.4.1.3 Storing an Upstream Measurement ................................................................................ 5
2.4.1.4 Storing a Downstream Measurement.............................................................................. 5
2.4.1.5 Viewing Stored Measurements ...................................................................................... 5
2.4.2 ID Mode ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.4.2.1 Selecting an Active Valve ID......................................................................................... 6
2.4.2.2 Checking the Active Valve ID ....................................................................................... 6
2.4.2.3 Viewing Valve Parameters ............................................................................................ 6
2.4.2.4 Sorting Valves............................................................................................................... 6
2.4.2.5 Adding Valves .............................................................................................................. 6
2.4.2.6 Deleting Valves ............................................................................................................. 6
2.4.3 Rate Mode ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.3.1 Viewing leak rate .......................................................................................................... 7
2.4.3.2 Activating noise correction ............................................................................................ 7
2.4.4 Setup Mode ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.4.1 Default Settings............................................................................................................. 8
2.4.4.2 Checking the battery level ............................................................................................. 8
2.4.4.3 Changing the sensor ...................................................................................................... 8
2.4.4.4 Changing the filter......................................................................................................... 8
2.4.4.5 Clearing the memory ..................................................................................................... 8
2.4.4.6 Checking the License .................................................................................................... 9
2.4.4.7 Setting the Averaging Mode .......................................................................................... 9
2.4.4.8 Changing the units......................................................................................................... 9
2.4.4.9 Setting the Date ........................................................................................................... 10
2.4.4.10 Setting the Time .......................................................................................................... 10
2.4.4.11 Setting the Alarm Levels ............................................................................................. 10
2.4.4.12 Gain ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.4.4.13 Upgrading the firmware............................................................................................... 11
2.4.4.14 Viewing the version number ........................................................................................ 11
2.4.4.15 Viewing the serial number ........................................................................................... 11
2.4.4.16 Enabling the Bluetooth interface .................................................................................. 11
3. CHANGING THE BATTERIES .................................................................................................. 12
3.1 To charge batteries: ................................................................................................................. 13
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
VPAC II
Valve Leak Monitor
Users Manual with VPACwin
1. INTRODUCTION
The VPAC II unit is a digital valve leak detector. It has been designed to replace the very successful VPAC and
includes several improvements that are now possible with new technology advancements.
The user interface is simple and intuitive, and the unit retains all settings even when powered down. The instrument
is powered by four AA Alkaline batteries which will last several weeks in typical use. Battery replacement is quick
and easy, so downtime is minimized.
If you require extra information, please visit us at our website at www.mistrasgroup.com. Should you have any
questions, concerns or comments please feel free to contact our Customer Service department at
customer.service@mistrasgroup.com or our Sales department at sales.systems@mistrasgroup.com.
We have included our System Defect Report and Product Enhancement Form on the last page of this manual for
your convenience.
1.1 Capabilities
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Notice that some key labels and symbols are in black while others are in blue. Blue represents the default use of the
key, while black shows the secondary operations the key can perform dependent on the operating mode of the
VPAC II.
A simple press of the power key will power up the unit. To power the unit down however, it is necessary to press
and hold the Power key for 2 seconds (until the LCD screen goes blank). This is to prevent accidental shutdown and
also enables the secondary backlight function of the button.
Press and release the power button when the unit is already on to toggle the state of the backlight.
In order to maximize battery life, if no key has been pressed or no Bluetooth activity has occurred for 10 minutes,
the unit will automatically shut itself off. Should this happen at an inconvenient time, simply push the power key
again and the unit will power up with exactly the same settings.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
The VPAC II will start up in measurement mode. To return to measurement mode from any other mode press the
MEASURE button.
Measurement mode displays the real-time reading for the current valve. The units of measurement are dB. The
values will range from baseline 99, where baseline is the value perceived exclusively from the electronic noise of
the VPAC II (approx. 12 dB). If the reading exceeds the alarm levels (see Setup mode) the value will be flashing.
The 20-segment bar graph represents a 20dB scale in 1dB steps. Its range is automatically selected based upon the
signal level and auto ranging. The graph serves to indicate if the current signal is stable or has significant short term
variation.
Quick mode
The screen will simply display the
current reading followed by dB. This
mode is best when only the valve
reading needs to be viewed. Features
such as storing readings, calculating leak
rate, and viewing IDs are not supported
in this mode.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
With the desired active ID selected, place the sensor upstream of the active ID valve.
Hold the UP arrow.
STORED UP confirmation will scroll across the screen.
The upstream reading will be stored for the valve ID.
With the desired active ID selected, place the sensor downstream of the active ID valve.
Hold the DOWN arrow.
STORED DN confirmation will scroll across the screen.
The downstream reading will be stored for the valve ID.
2.4.2 ID Mode
Press the ID (RIGHT) button to enter ID mode. The ID indicator will illuminate on the LCD screen. You can only
enter ID mode from measurement or rate modes.
The ID menu enables the user to select an active valve and view its parameters. The valve parameters are used to
calculate the leakage rate and are downloaded from a PC with VPAC II software installed.
The VPAC II supports 55 valve IDs, each with an upstream, downstream, and current valve measurement, as well as
a timestamp. IDs will be displayed in the order they were downloaded from the PC a.k.a. route order.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Option 1:
Enter ID mode.
The LCD shows the active ID name.
Press the UP/DOWN arrows to move through all the defined IDs.
When the desired ID name is displayed, press ENTER or LEFT to go back to measurement mode.
Option 2:
Press the UP/DOWN arrows in Measurement mode to change test point numbers.
Valve IDs correlate to test point numbers.
Press ID (RIGHT) to check the valve ID of any test point.
Enter ID mode.
LCD shows the active ID name.
Press ENTER or LEFT to return to Measurement mode.
Enter ID mode.
Scroll to the desired valve ID.
Press RIGHT. The first parameter will be displayed. The LCD bar graph will show the progress as the
user steps through each parameter.
Press RIGHT to display the next parameter and so on, until the valve ID is once again displayed.
Enter ID mode.
Hold the ENTER key.
A-Z will display on the screen and the IDs will be sorted alphabetically.
Hold the ENTER key again.
ROUTE will display on the screen and the IDs will be returned to route order.
NOTE: Measurement mode test points are always displayed in route order. Sorting the IDs A-Z will result in a non-
sequential test point display upon returning to measurement mode. This will not adversely affect any of the
operation performed on the ID.
Valve IDs can be added to the VPAC II through the built in Bluetooth interface.
Load the provided software onto any Bluetooth-enabled computer and follow the instructions.
NOTE: If a route is loaded with less than the maximum 55 valves, you may add empty valve slots to the end of the
route, if needed. Scroll past the end of the route until you see END OF ROUTE displayed on the screen. Then
press ENTER to add an empty slot. This can be done as many times as is needed up to the 55 valve limit.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Press the RATE button to enter rate mode. The rate indicator will illuminate on the LCD screen.
The rate menu item displays the valve leak rate of the active valve ID, based on its stored readings. Leak rate can
only be calculated if valid valve parameters for the active valve are present. It can be reported in liters per minute or
standard cubic feet per hour.
Rate mode also supports noise correction for when a known noise source is affecting the measurement. This will
usually not be needed under normal circumstances.
Normal leak rate will always be shown first when entering rate mode, even if noise correction was selected
previously.
If there is no leak detected, meaning the valve is tight or the leak is smaller than the sensitivity of the device, then
NO LEAK will appear on the screen.
If there are missing valve parameters the rate calculation cannot be performed, and the display will show ERR-
followed by the first parameter found to be missing (e.g. NO SIZE, NO TYPE, etc). Valve IDs must be downloaded
will all the appropriate parameters for rate mode to work.
Press the SETUP button to enter setup mode. The setup indicator will illuminate on the LCD screen.
The setup menu provides system info and allows the user to configure system settings. The setup menu list contains
the following:
BATTERY
SENSOR
FILTER
CLR MEM
LICENSE
AVERAGE
UNITS
DATE
TIME
ALM LEV
GAIN
UPGRADE
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
VERSION
SER NUM
BLUETOOTH
Out of the box, the unit will be programmed with the following default settings:
Sensor: S1
Filter: F1
Averaging: Instant
Alarm Levels: Low = 0; High = 99
Units: Inlet size = inches; Leak rate = liters per minute; Pressure = Bar; Date Format =
mm/dd;
On subsequent power-ups, the unit will remember the settings in effect when power was shut off and restore them.
Settings will also be retained when changing batteries.
The attachment point for sensor 1 (S1) is the left side of the top of the VPAC II. This is where to connect either the
D9203-IS sensor (VPAC sensor) or the D9241-IS (Low frequency VPAC sensor).
The attachment point for sensor 2 (S2) is on top of the VPAC II in the center. Two guide pins will enable the
VS9203 (Valve-Squeak with built-in waveguide) to be secured here.
Two software-selectable filters are available for use. It is recommended to use the high-frequency filter (F2) for the
D9203-IS sensor (VPAC sensor) and the VS9203 (Valve-Squeak with built-in waveguide).
The low-frequency filter (F1) should be used with the D9241-IS sensor (Low frequency VPAC sensor).
This menu will allow you to delete all valve IDs and stored measurements on the VPAC II, or, if needed, just the
stored measurements.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
This menu item will allow you check the state of your license for your VPAC II.
The valve reading can be set to show an instantaneous reading (default) or a 10-second average reading. The latter
is used when the reading fluctuates greatly, due to liquid in the valve flashing to gas.
This menu allows the user to change the units for five parameters:
Inlet size (INLT) inches (IN) or centimeters (cm);
Leak rate (RATE) liters per minute (LPM) or standard cubic feet per hour (CFH);
Pressure (PSSR) pounds per square inch (PSI) or Bar;
Date (DAY) will accept the day first followed by the month (ddmm) or vice versa (mmdd).
Time (TIME) will accept the time in the 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
This menu item will allow you to manually set the date. However, VPACwin will automatically set the date and
time when a testing route is transmitted to the VPAC II.
The date and time will be bound to a valve ID when a valve reading is taken. This timestamp will be displayed as a
field in a spreadsheet when the valves are uploaded to a PC.
This menu item will allow you to manually set the time. However, VPACwin will automatically set the date and
time when a testing route is transmitted to the VPAC II.
Time is used in conjunction with the date to assemble a timestamp for each valve ID when a measurement is
performed.
You can set alarm levels for the valve readings. If the valve reading drops below the LOW alarm or exceeds the
HIGH alarm, the numbers will flash.
2.4.4.12 Gain
The gain menu item is used by MISTRAS engineers to check the calibration levels of the VPAC II. You wont ever
need to use this.
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Use this feature to prepare the device for downloading new program code from a Bluetooth-enabled PC. Make sure
the battery level is above half full before attempting an upgrade.
Note: If UPGRADE was selected by accident, pressing ENTER will cancel the operation and cause the VPAC II to
reset.
This will display the current software version number the device is running.
To conserve battery power, Bluetooth will not be turned on unless it is explicitly told to do so. Use this feature to
prepare the VPAC II for passing valve information back and forth between itself and a PC.
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To change the batteries, first power down the unit by pressing and holding the Power key until the LCD screen
clears. Disconnect any cable attached to the unit. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom left of the unit.
Unscrew the cover to expose the batteries. The batteries may then be removed and fresh batteries installed. Make
sure to observe the correct polarity when installing the new batteries. Failure to do so will not damage the unit, but
it will not operate until the batteries are correctly oriented. Replace the battery compartment cover and power up the
system again. The unit will retain all previous settings.
WARNING:
- Use only approved batteries.
- Batteries must be replaced in a non classified area only!
- Do not connect or disconnect batteries in a hazardous location!
- Rechargeable batteries must be charged before use.
- Never charge batteries in classified area!
- Do not mix different battery types!
- Never use new with depleted batteries
- Depleted batteries can be charged using battery charger included in VPAC II kit.
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WARNING:
To avoid personal injury and property damage from the risk of electric shock or fire:
- Charge only Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. Charging other types of batteries may cause
them to leak, rupture or explode.
- Do not open battery, dispose of in fire, put in backwards, mix with used or other battery types or short circuit
may ignite, explode, leak or get hot causing injury.
- Use the charger only in dry locations. Keep away from rain, snow or excessive moisture.
- The charger is intended to be in vertical or floor mount position. Charger has a fan to cool internal circuit and
batteries during charging. Do not cover charger openings during charging.
- Do not operate charger if damaged.
- For use in other countries beyond USA attach the proper plug adapter.
This section describes how to install VPACwin as well as the Bluetooth USB Mini Adapter.
Insert the VPACwin CD-ROM into your computers CD drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the
installation. NOTE: Do not plug in the green MISTRAS license key until installation is complete.
If your computer does not already have Bluetooth capability, a Bluetooth USB mini adapter has been included for
your convenience.
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4.1.3 Troubleshooting:
If the Bluetooth installation fails or VPACwin complains of No Bluetooth Service Detected, there may be
conflicting Bluetooth drivers on your computer. Follow the steps below to try and resolve the problem.
1. Go to Control Panel Device Manager and verify that the Bluetooth Radios drivers match those in Figure
8. If other Bluetooth drivers exist, disable them here.
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2. Go to Control Panel Add/Remove Programs. Uninstall any WIDCOMM drivers as they will conflict
with the Microsoft Bluetooth drivers.
A valid MISTRAS license key is required to enable leak rate calculations in the VPAC II software. The License
tab displays the current state of your license key and provides information on how to activate or renew licenses.
Active License Detected A valid license key was detected. Leak rate calculations are enabled.
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License Expired. Please Renew A license key was found but is expired.
No License Detected A license key was not found. Leak rate calculations are disabled.
License Error There was error reading the license key. It may be corrupt. Contact customer service.
Leak rate calculations are disabled.
The Transfer tab is automatically selected when the VPACwin is run, assuming a valid license is detected. This tab
controls all Bluetooth operations for passing data back and forth between the VPAC II and your PC.
Description of Features:
Discover: Clicking this button returns a list of available VPAC II devices in the area.
Connect: Attempts to establish a virtual serial connection to the selected VPAC II device.
Disconnect: Closes the virtual serial connection to the VPAC II device.
New Leak Rate Sheet: Opens an empty leak rate calculation spreadsheet.
Load Past Results: Opens a dialog box enabling the user to select a previously saved spreadsheet to display.
Upgrade Firmware: Opens new window instructing the user on how to begin the upgrade process.
Get Results: Initiates a transfer of valve readings from the VPAC II to the PC. Results will be displayed in a
spreadsheet. This button is enabled when a Bluetooth connection to the VPAC II main program is established.
40 CFR 98 checkbox: If this box is checked when the Get Results button is clicked, results will be transferred
from the VPAC II into a spreadsheet that supports leak rate calculations for standard cubic feet per hour. If 40
CFR 98 compliance is not needed, this box can remain unchecked.
Transmit Route: Opens a dialog box enabling the user to select a previously saved route to transfer to the
VPAC II for valve testing. This button is enabled when a Bluetooth connection to the VPAC II main program
is established.
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If this is the first time running the VPAC II software, the device box should be empty. Click the Discover button to
search for available VPAC II devices in the area. Make sure the Bluetooth interface has been enabled on the VPAC
II or it will not be found (see section 2.4.4.16). Once a VPAC II device is discovered, it will be remembered and
appear in the device box automatically when the program is started.
Once discovery has completed, the VPAC II should be displayed in the device box. Highlight the name of the
VPAC II you wish to connect to and click the Connect button.
After a few moments, Connection Established! should display and the Get Results and Transmit Route buttons
should become enabled. This signifies a successful connection has been made to the VPAC II and data can now be
transferred.
4.3.1.1 Troubleshooting
If the connection attempt fails, an error message box will display. If this occurs, make sure the following criteria
have been met and try the connection again:
1. A Bluetooth interface exists and is activated on the PC youre working with.
2. The Bluetooth interface is enabled on the VPAC II.
If the conditions above are met and the connection still fails try:
1. Disabling and re-enabling the Bluetooth interface on the VPAC II. (Press UP; BT OFF will display
Press DOWN to scroll back to BLUETOOTH press ENTER to re-enable.)
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OR
2. Restart the VPAC II and enable the Bluetooth interface again. You may also removing and reinserting the
USB Bluetooth dongle and restarting VPACwin.
After a successful connection to a VPAC II has been made, two buttons will be enabled to allow information to be
passed to and from the device.
Clicking this button will prompt the VPAC II to send all the valve information it has in its stored memory to the PC.
Once the download is complete, DONE will appear on the computer graphic, and a spreadsheet will automatically
open and display the valve information (see section 4.5). The PC will then disconnect from the VPAC II.
If a route (an ordered list of valve IDs) had previously been transferred to the VPAC II, these valves will be the ones
transferred to the PC, along with their respective readings taken in the field. If no valve IDs existed on the VPAC II,
all 55 test points will be transmitted along with the readings taken in the field.
If you are testing valves in accordance with the EPA mandatory greenhouse gas reporting guideline, check this box
before clicking the Get Results button. This will display the transferred valve information in a spreadsheet with
additional fields for calculating the leak rate in standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH).
Click this button to transfer a route, assembled in the Database tab (see section 4.4), to the VPAC II. A file dialog
box will open. Select the desired route file and click Open. The PC will begin sending the valve information to the
VPAC II. It will also automatically transfer the date and time. Once the download is complete, DONE will appear
on the VPAC II graphic, and the PC will disconnect from the VPAC II.
At this point, the VPAC II is now ready to perform leak rate calculations out in the field.
The PC will automatically disconnect from the VPAC II after a data transmission (e.g. clicking the Get Results or
Transmit Route buttons). However, you may also disconnect by clicking the Disconnect button. If the Disconnect
button is not enabled, the PC is not connected to the VPAC II.
Updates are available for the VPAC II through Mistras Customer Service. Load the newest update file onto your PC
and follow the steps below to upgrade your device:
1. Select the VPAC II you wish to upgrade in the VPAC II Devices box.
2. Click the Upgrade Firmware button in VPACwin.
3. Enable the VPAC II to accept upgrade files by selecting SETUPUPGRADE (see section 2.4.4.13). The
VPAC II screen should display WAITING.
4. Connect to the VPAC II by clicking the Connect button in the Upgrade Firmware window.
5. Once connected, click the Browse button. A file dialog box will open.
6. Browse to find the saved update file. Highlight the file and click Open.
7. The update process will begin. DOWNLOADING will appear on the VPAC II and the bar graph will
display the update progress.
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8. Once completed, the VPAC II will reset and begin running the new firmware version. To confirm a
successful upgrade, check that the version number of the update file matches the version number found in
the SETUP menu of the VPAC II.
The firmware upgrade must complete entirely or the VPAC II unit will not function correctly. If the upgrade is
interrupted, due to power loss or Bluetooth communication loss, the upgrade process will need to be restarted. To
do this:
1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Disconnect and then reconnect the battery case.
3. WAITING will appear on the VPAC II LCD screen.
4. Connect to the VPAC II and run the upgrade again.
If you saved any previous spreadsheet results in *.xls format, you can revisit them by clicking the Load Past Results
button. This will open a file dialog box where you can browse to find the desired results file. Selecting a saved
results file and clicking Open will open the results in the spreadsheet display (see section 4.5).
When opening a past spreadsheet, formulas will be repopulated into the spreadsheet so any changes made to the
valve parameters will be reflected in the leak rate. Exception: spreadsheets saved using VPACwin versions older
than E1.30 will not repopulate formulas.
NOTE: While it is best to use VPACwin, past results spreadsheets can be opened in any program that supports .xls
format. Microsoft Excel, for example, may display a warning saying that the spreadsheet is opening in Protected
View or contains a macro. It is OK to enable the macro or run in unprotected view, if desired.
NOTE: We strongly recommend not modifying the spreadsheet outside of VPACwin. Doing so can cause
unexpected behavior when loading the spreadsheet in VPACwin.
The Database tab is used to assemble the information that will be transferred to the VPAC II. A valve database can
be created, opened, modified, and saved using this tab. Use this to create and maintain a comprehensive collection
of all the valves at your plant or refinery.
Selecting the Route radio button enables the routing functions. Valves that a user wishes to test can be selected
and added to a route list. Route lists will include the valve names listed in the order that they should be tested along
with all valve characteristic information needed to perform leak rate calculations in the field. This list will be
uploaded to a VPAC II.
Selecting the Trend radio button enables the trending features. As valve measurements are accumulated, it can be
helpful to graph these results to visualize any trends over time. VPACwin can automatically extract data per valve
from its own saved leak rate spreadsheets and display this information graphically.
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Description of Features:
Database -
New: Creates a new valve database
Load: Opens a dialog box allowing the user to load a previously saved database.
Save: Opens a dialog box allowing the user to save the current database.
Edit: Allows the user to edit the parameters of an existing valve. Only visible when a valve is selected.
Locations (+/-): Adds or removes a location to the valve database. Locations may only be added to existing
locations. Removing a location will remove all the valves associated with that location.
Valves (+/-): Adds or removes a valve to the database. Valves may only be added to existing locations.
(arrow button): Adds the selected valve or group of valves to the route list.
Route radio button: Enables the routing functions.
Trend radio button: Enables the trending functions.
Route -
Up arrow button: Moves a selected valve or group of valves in the route list up one place.
Down arrow button: Moves a selected valve or group of valves in the route list down one place.
X button: Removes a selected valve or group of valves from the route list.
Clear All button: Removes all valves from the route list.
Load Route: Loads a saved route list.
Save Route: Opens a dialog box allowing the user to save the created route.
Trend -
Load Trend button: This button (with the folder on it in the top right) will load a previously saved trend graph.
Valve text box: Displays the currently selected valve from the database. The remaining features will not be
enabled until a valve is selected.
Manual Entries: Opens a new window allowing the user to input the valves past results into a VPACwin
spreadsheet to use for trending.
Data Location: Sets the directory where VPACwin will search for the selected valves past test results. If the
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Include spreadsheets from subfolders box is checked, all subfolders in the chosen directory will be searched
for spreadsheets containing the selected valve as well.
View Trend: Constructs and displays a trend graph according to user settings.
Every valve that needs to be tested at a particular site should be entered into a valve database. The database will
store all the valve information necessary for the VPAC II to perform leak rate calculations. A database consists of a
plant/refinery name, locations within the plant, and valves within those locations.
Open a valve database by either clicking New to create a new database, or Load to open a previously saved
database.
Locations can be added to the database by highlighting where the location should be placed and clicking the plus
button in the Locations box. A location can only be added under an existing location. Clicking the minus button
will delete the selected location and any valves it contains.
Valves can be added following the procedure in section 4.4.2 below. If a location is selected and a new valve is
created, the new valve will appear as the last valve for that location. If a valve is selected when a new valve is
created, the new valve will appear directly after the selected node. Clicking the minus button in the Valves box will
delete the last selected valve.
Click Save after modifications have been made to save the database to a file. Use a descriptive name when saving
so youll know which plant or refinery the database applies to. The database will then be available for creating
routes to send to the VPAC II for testing purposes.
A new valve dialog box (Figure 12) will open and await user input if:
1. The plus sign in the Valves box is clicked.
2. The Edit button is clicked (only visible if an existing valve is selected).
Enter the parameters for the valve into the appropriate fields. Be as accurate as possible. These values, in
conjunction with the readings taken in the field, are used to calculate leak rate.
Terminology:
Valve Name/ID: The name of the valve to add (10 characters max).
Serial Number: The serial number of the valve to add (16 characters max). This field is optional.
Pressure Difference: The differential pressure of the valve. Accepts four numeric characters, one of which
may be a decimal point. Units can be set as either PSI or BAR.
Inlet Size: The inlet size of the valve. Accepts two numeric characters. Units can be set as either inches or
centimeters.
Type: Indicates the type of valve Ball, Gate, Globe, Butterfly, RV, Plug, or Other.
Large Ball Cutoff: this determines the inlet size at which ball valves should begin using the large ball
equations (GAS/LIQUID LB). When set to 8, the software will prompt the user to select the large ball
equation for ball valves 8 - 36. When set to 18, the range will be 18 - 36. This option only appears
when the valve type is set to Ball.
Seat: Indicates whether the valve has a hard or soft seat. This field is only used in gas large ball
equations.
Equation: Specifies which valve leak equation to use. This should be based on the previous valve
parameters and the physical state of the material enclosed in the valve.
o GAS: The general gas equation is the best fit to test of gas valves in a variety of types and sizes in
the range of 1- 18. Calculation outside this range is possible, but the results are extrapolated.
The software will alert the user when a valve is created outside these bounds.
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o LIQUID: The general liquid equation is the best fit to test of liquid valves in a variety of types and
sizes in the range of 1- 18. Calculation outside this range is possible, but the results are
extrapolated. The software will alert the user when a valve is created outside these bounds.
o GAS LB (Large Ball): Also known as the ESDV or Emergency Shut Down Valve equation, this
is the best fit to test high integrity gas ball valves in the size range of 8 - 36. Calculation outside
this range is possible but the results are extrapolated. The software will alert the user when a valve
is created outside these bounds.
o LIQUID LB (Large Ball): Also known as the ESDV or Emergency Shut Down Valve equation,
this is the best fit to test high integrity liquid ball valves in the size range of 8 - 36. Calculation
outside this range is possible but the results are extrapolated. The software will alert the user when
a valve is created outside these bounds.
Before valves can be downloaded to the VPAC II a route list will need to be created to define which valves will be
downloaded and in what order.
With the desired valve database opened and the Route radio button checked, select a valve or group of valves you
wish to include in the route list. Valves can be selected in many ways:
1. Click on a single valve.
2. Use the SHIFT or CTRL keys to select multiple valves.
3. Click a single location to select all the valves it contains.
4. Select multiple locations by using the CTRL key.
With the desired valves selected, click the button to transfer the valves to the route list. Valves in the database
that are contained in a route are indicated by a gray background color. Selecting a valve with a gray background
will cause its location in the route list to be highlighted in blue. This allows to you see which valves have been
added to the route as well as each valves location within the route.
Valves may be reordered in the route list by clicking the UP/DOWN buttons or removed by clicking the X button.
As before, you can select multiple valves at a time. Clear All will delete all valves from the route list.
Once you have assembled the route list to your liking, click the Save Route button to save it to the hard drive. Use a
descriptive name when saving so youll know exactly which route is which. Once saved, it will be available for
transmitting to the VPAC II.
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You can edit a route list by clicking the Load Route button and adding, removing, or reordering valves as necessary.
If you edit a valve in the database that also happens to be in the route list, the changes will be reflected in both
locations. Make sure to save any changes.
Trending is useful in examining the valves behavior over time and VPACwin has the capability to automatically
create trend graphs based on saved test results.
With the desired valve database opened and the Trend radio button checked, click on the valve you wish to trend.
It should appear in the text box on the right in the Trend area and enable the rest of the trending functions.
If you have test results for this valve that were acquired prior to receiving your VPAC II you may enter them using
the Manual Entries button (see 4.4.4.1).
In the Data Location box, click Browse and navigate to the folder where your past test results for this valve have
been saved.
Click View Trend. Your data will be compiled into a graph for trend analysis.
If you have tests results from a valve that are not saved in a VPACwin leak rate spreadsheet, this feature will help
you import them so they can be used for trend analysis.
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Description of Features:
Signal Level: enter the signal level of the valve for this particular entry.
Upstream: if an upstream measurement was taken, enter it here.
Downstream: if a downstream measurement was taken, enter it here.
Test Date: set the date these measurements were taken.
Previous: goes back to the previous entry in the list.
Next: advances to the next entry in the list.
Delete (X): deletes the current entry and displays the next entry in the list.
Import to Spreadsheet: takes all entries and imports them into a VPACwin leak rate spreadsheet.
Create as many entries as you need. Clicking the Next button at the end of the list will create a new blank entry.
Upon clicking the Import to Spreadsheet button, a spreadsheet will be displayed as in Figure 16, the only difference
being the valve names will all be the same; the name selected by the user. Once saved, this spreadsheet can be used
in trend graphs.
Valve measurements saved into VPACwin leak rate spreadsheets can be used to create trend graphs. Figure 15 is an
example of what is shown when a trend graph is created.
Description of Features:
X-axis menu: Allows the user to change the units along the x-axis.
o Test Points: graphs each test point equidistant from the next. Useful in determining how much a
valve has changed between tests. Test points will be labeled with the date the test was performed
and will be ordered from earliest to most recent.
o Time Scale: graphs each test point based on where it lies in the overall date range. Useful in
viewing how the valve trends over time. The labels will not be actual test dates, but rather evenly
spaced time intervals between the earliest and most recent dates.
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o Set Range: lets the user control the date range in the trend graph. The range can be set to include
every test result (All Dates) or a specific window of time (Date Range).
Y-axis menu: Allows the user to change the units along the y-axis.
o Signal Level
At Valve: graphs only the signal level of the valve in dB.
Upstream: graphs only the upstream measurement of the valve in dB.
Downstream: graphs only the downstream measurement of the valve in dB.
All: graphs the signal level of the valve as well as the upstream and downstream
measurements in dB. Upstream and downstream will be represented as lines where the
valve signal will be an area graph.
o Leak Rate
Liters per minute: graphs the leak rate in liters per minute.
Cubic feet per hour: graphs the leak rate in cubic feet per hour.
Gallons per hour: graphs the leak rate in gallons per hour.
Standard cubic feet per hour: graphs the leak rate in standard cubic feet per hour. This
will only show values if the 40 CFR 98 compliant spreadsheet was used to save valve
data.
Custom: lets the user pick any of the four units of volume above and any of the following
time units per minute, per hour, per day, per month (31 days), per year
o Set Range: the user can allow the graph to autoscale the y-axis units based on the values in the
series, or a fixed scale can be imposed.
Save: Saves the current trend graph. Options are .xls or .xps formats.
Print: Prints the graph.
PDF: Converts the graph to a PDF document, if Adobe Acrobat is installed.
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When results from a VPAC II are transmitted to the PC, the data will be populated into a spreadsheet to ultimately
calculate the leak rate of the valve as well as the total monetary loss per year of the valve.
An empty spreadsheet is also available for manual entries by clicking the New Leak Rate Sheet button on the
Transfer tab.
When opening a past spreadsheet, formulas will be repopulated into the spreadsheet so any changes made to the
valve parameters will be reflected in the leak rate. Exception: spreadsheets saved using VPACwin versions older
than E1.30 will not repopulate formulas.
Description of Features:
Column Headings: Click a column heading to display information about the contents of the column.
Save As: Opens a dialog box that allows the user to save the spreadsheet as an XLS or XPS file.
Print: Prints the current worksheet. Formatting and sizing is handled automatically.
Adobe PDF: Saves the spreadsheet as a PDF file. This option is only available if the Adobe Acrobat PDF print
driver is installed in the users machine.
Report Low Readings as Zero: Toggles between reporting zero leak rate and possible leak rate for signal levels
at or below the sensitivity of the VPAC II.
The following sections describe the features and user interface of the VPAC II Leak Calculation spreadsheet.
If a route list existed on the VPAC II during transfer, all of the columns of the spreadsheet will hold useful data.
The first column will display the entire list of valve IDs in the route. Each valves measurements, parameters, and
resulting formulas appear in its respective row. The leak rate of each valve is calculated and displayed in the leak
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rate column. Fluid density and cost per ton need to be manually entered at this time to finish the calculation for
Total Loss Per Valve $/yr. These two fields pertain to the characteristics of the material inside the valve.
Note: Leak rates of 0.0 indicate that the valve is sealed or that the leak rate is lower than the device can detect.
If this checkbox was checked prior to transmitting the route from the VPAC II to the PC, three additional columns
will be added: Temperature, Pressure (atm), and SCFH. Leak rates in standard cubic feet per hour will be calculated
if the user manually enters the temperature and atmospheric pressure of the valves.
If no route list existed on the VPAC II, only the signal measurements and the timestamp columns will hold useful
data. This is because the necessary valve information for performing calculations was not present on the VPAC II.
Valve IDs will show up as numbered test points. See section 4.3.2.2 for information on transmitting a route to the
VPAC II.
All valve parameters can be edited in the spreadsheet. These include: Valve ID, Signal Level, Upstream,
Downstream, Pressure Difference, Inlet Size, Valve Type, Seat Type, and Valve Equation. Values changed in these
fields will cause formulas (e.g. leak rate, loss, etc.) to update according to the new values.
This is useful for quick valve parameter corrections or checking how changing the signal level affects the total loss.
However, if you wish to make permanent changes to a valves parameters, you must do so in the Database tab.
Warning: changing values in the valve fields will change the leak rate formula results. Make sure they are correct so
you dont invalidate your data.
There is also space for adding a Company name, Location, and Contact information, if desired. Simply double click
the cell and edit as needed.
If upstream and downstream measurements were taken on a valve, the spreadsheet will automatically apply noise
correction to the leak rate values. This will be indicated by a change in the cell color in the valves signal level
column and leak rate columns. Clicking the signal level cell will cause a check box to appear, enabling you to
toggle the noise-corrected leak rate on and off. The signal value cell and the leak rate cells will lose their color
when noise correction is disabled.
NOTE: The signal level of the valve must be no more than 3dB above the upstream and downstream measurements
for noise correction to take effect.
Leak rates that result from readings at or below the lower sensitivity of the VPAC II (12-14dB) are unable to be
clearly identified.
For most valves, especially smaller, higher pressure valves, readings this low will typically mean the valve is sealed.
However, it could be possible for the valve to be leaking up to the amount calculated. The valve may need
inspection if the number her is large. If you would like to treat these leak rates as negligible and exclude them from
the total loss summation, you may check the 'Report low readings as zero' checkbox on the spreadsheet.
One word of caution: leak rates can be significantly high for large, low pressure valves even at these low readings.
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When this checkbox is unchecked, leak rates will appear in bold italics if the signal level is at or below the level the
VPAC II can accurately detect.
Dont forget to save or print the spreadsheet if you want a record of the results. Formats supported are Excel
spreadsheet (*.xls), Microsoft XPS, or Adobe PDF (if available). Clicking the print button open a print dialog
allowing you to send the spreadsheet to your printer. It will be automatically formatted so all columns fit on a piece
of paper in landscape view, but feel free to change these default settings if desired. Closing the window takes you
back to the Transfer tab interface.
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5. SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 1 lb.
High Pass Filters: 3rd Order Passive Filters at 20 kHz or 100 kHz
Low Pass Filters: 3rd Order Passive Filters at 60 kHz or 600 kHz
Auto-Ranging Amplification 1 to 55 dB
Gain:
Total Gain: 21 to 75 dB
Certifications: CE
EN 1000-4-2 ESD, EN 1000-4-3 RFI, EN 1000-4-4 EFT
EN 55011 Emissions
EN 61010 Safety
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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VPAC II Valve Leak Monitor Users Manual with VPACwin Rev. 1
Copyright 2012, MISTRAS Group Inc., Products & Systems Division, Princeton Junction, NJ, USA
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Group Headquarters:
195 Clarksville Road
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Phone: (609) 716-4044 Fax: (609) 716-0706
1/5/10
PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS DIVISION
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Company:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
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www.mistrasgroup.com 609.716.4000