Xilikon
12-11-2008, 09:56 AM
Since I will be getting mine very soon, ladderman is toying with one currently and few others already own one (either from a former group buy or ordered directly from Swissflow), I think it's time for us to have a official thread about the SF800 flowmeter, especially when I will send mine to Martinm210 for some pressure drop testing and possible review. I already feel that this will bring more interest on the SF800 :)
First of all, here is the specifications of the SF800 as taken from Swissflow (http://www.swissflow.com/) :
Technical Specifications (http://www.swissflow.com/en/SF800/Flow_Meter_Specifications)
Data based on water at 20°C (68°F)
Range
Flow velocity*: 0.5 – 20 litre per minute
Temperature: -20 – +90 °C
Operating pressure: 16 bar
Max. pressure: 40 bar
Technical information SF-800
Process connections: 3/8” hose barb; 3/8”BSP Male
Exitation: 5 to 24 VDC, 12 to 24 mA
Power consumption: 12 – 36 mA/s
Material: PVDF, Vectra (rotor), Viton or EPDM
Output frequency: 100 to 2000 Hz (depending on the flow velocity)
K-factor: +/- 6100 pulse/litre
Length cable: 15 cm standard (different length on request - Dirk confirmed that you can order with the needed wire length, just put a note)
Connector electronics: 3-wire flat cable sealed in housing (jack-plug or molex connector on request)
Reliability
Interchangeability**: +/- 2.25 %
Accuracy: +/- 1.00 %
Reproducibility: +/- 0.30 %
Medium
Medium type: clear or translucent liquids capable of transmitting infrared light
Viscosity: 1-1000 Cst
Examples: water, chemicals, oil, beer, syrup
How the SF800 work (Working Principle) ?
The geometry of the rotorhousing (causing a radial flow in) in combination with the light-weight Vectra rotor (0,04 grams) makes the rotor float in the medium. Because the rotor floats, the measurement process is nearly resistance-free, guaranteeing high accuracy, durability and linearity .
An integrated PCB emits an infrared signal, which is interrupted by the three blades of the rotor. SMD components interrupted transform the signal into a pulse. Because of the construction of the rotorhousing, the Swissflow flow sensors are practically insensible to high pressure.
The materials used (PVDF and Vectra) are to a great extent chemical-resistant and temperature-durable . Contrary to many other fluid flow measurement systems, the Swissflow sensors do not have to be calibrated .
There is also a pps presentation made by Swissflow to introduce the SF800 available here (http://pages.videotron.com/xilikon/LC/SF800.pps).
Here is the internal assembly diagrams :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1275.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1276.jpg
Why it's a great flowmeter ?
So far, it looks like it's one of the least restrictive flowmeter in the market, which is perfect for the current watercooling loops. ladderman did some rough testing and it looks like the same restriction as a EK FC8800 block (with 1/2" tubing, possibly almost nil with 3/8" tubing if further testing confirm this).
Is there any reviews about the SF800 ?
Here is a few we found so far :
effizienzgurus.de article on flowmeters (translated) (http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fm ain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dvie w_spec_article%26article_id%3D134&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8)
ladderman's crude review (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=169956)
How to connect the SF800 to the current loop tubing ?
First of all, you need to read the guidelines in the leaflet back for some precautions (it come with a 10 year warranty so it's wise to follow them) :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1273.jpg
The SF800 come with a male 3/8" BSPP on both ends so we need a coupler to be able to use with a G1/4" set of barbs. Here is some possible sources for those couplers :
UK : http://www.airlines-pneumatics.com/webcat/Detprod.asp?ProductCode=s010104 (order code 103031)
US : http://www.mcmaster.com/ (item code 4860K675, not to be confused with 4860K657 which is a G3/8" to G1/4" adapter for Thermochill radiators)
Canada : <Currently attempting to source a online store, possibly http://www.adaptall.com/ to be confirmed by a phone call>
Alternatively, we can also order a 3/8" to 3/8" coupler and use a pair of Thermochill barbs sold by NCIX.
How can I monitor the SF800 signal ?
Currently, there is 3 possible ways to obtain the signal feed from the SF800 :
-Plugged on the motherboard fan header.
-Plugged on the T-Balancer Sensorhub.
-Plugged on the Aqua Computer PowerAdjust (radiical_53 commented about this possibility, to be confirmed).
When do I use the resistors as asked in the schematics sheet included with the SF800 ?
If we want to connect the SF800 on the motherboard fan header, you need to solder 2 resistors to make it work and the diagram is found on the SF800 installation guide included with each bag. The 50ohms/V mean you need to calculate 50 ohms for each volt you want to drop and the difference between the fan header and the 5V feed of the SF800 is 7 volts so you need a 350 ohms resistor.
Here's the picture of the schematics included in the package :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1271.jpg
With a M-Cubed Sensorhub, the resistors is not needed but you need to make sure the sensor plug wires is ordered like that : GND - 5V - SENSOR when viewed from above (In other words, the ground wire should be on your left and the sensor on your right). If you are unsure, just look at a fan lead and you will notice the black (GND) is on the left, red (power) on the middle and yellow (RPM) on the right.
For others, I'll add more informations as more people confirm the workings.
How can I get the proper LPM/GPM reading ?
<To be filled>
Is there any worklogs of users with a SF800 in use ?
Yes, there is at least one with a CryztalFontz LCD : http://www.crystalfontz.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4452
Custom mod for readingthe flowrate on a custom monitor (electronic soldering skills required) : http://www.turbokeu.com/myprojects/flowmeter.htm
<more to be added - post or PM me if you want to add yours>
Be noted this FAQ is a work in progress and will be expanded with more informations coming from me and other SF800 users. If you have extra informations, comments or useful links about the SF800, please post and I'll add in the thread :)
Here (http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fm ain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dvie w_spec_article%26article_id%3D134&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8) is a translation of the german efficiencyguru's article on flowmeters, including the SF800.
Working Principle
The geometry of the rotorhousing (causing a radial flow in) in combination with the light-weight Vectra rotor (0,04 grams) makes the rotor float in the medium. Because the rotor floats, the measurement process is nearly resistance-free, guaranteeing high accuracy, durability and linearity .
An integrated PCB emits an infrared signal, which is interrupted by the three blades of the rotor. SMD components interrupted transform the signal into a pulse. Because of the construction of the rotorhousing, the Swissflow flow sensors are practically insensible to high pressure.
The materials used (PVDF and Vectra) are to a great extent chemical-resistant and temperature-durable . Contrary to many other fluid flow measurement systems, the Swissflow sensors do not have to be calibrated .
A bit of impulse info translated from german in the M-cube SDK -
How can I interprete the values from the T-Balancer?
- FanMaxSpeed: add the low- and high byte to a 16bit value (256*HB+LB), multiply it with 10.5 to receive the value for turns per minute.
- Fan RPM and Volt are only interpolated values. RPM is linear interpolated from maximum, and voltage is quadratic interpolated (results from root mean square from ideal rectangular signals)
- The flowmeters are a little more complicated. You receive a simple impulse count value. But this value is dependent from the measuring windows (1 to 4 seconds) – 235 TWI_SHWerte[10]. The 232 and 233 then means the measured pulses per second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds or 4 seconds. Divided through the window width you get the pulses per second, multiplied to 60 seconds you get the pulses per minute. To get the liter per minute or hour you have to respect the adjusted flowmeter dependent pulses/liter value. Our standard flowmeter have 509pulses/liter. This value can be found in the TBAN database on the table “Einstellungen” with the keys “Durchfluss1” and “Durchfluss2”.
-Getting the pulses is similar to pumps and fans, but not exactly. It is only usable without damaging something, if the impulse function works with an open drain circuit. Standard fans uses the 12V for reference, the flowmeters are not powered their self and receive only 5V from the sensor hub. The signal input on the sensor hub is only build for 5V input. You only have to connect ground and pulse with a pushbutton to get an impulse.
First of all, here is the specifications of the SF800 as taken from Swissflow (http://www.swissflow.com/) :
Technical Specifications (http://www.swissflow.com/en/SF800/Flow_Meter_Specifications)
Data based on water at 20°C (68°F)
Range
Flow velocity*: 0.5 – 20 litre per minute
Temperature: -20 – +90 °C
Operating pressure: 16 bar
Max. pressure: 40 bar
Technical information SF-800
Process connections: 3/8” hose barb; 3/8”BSP Male
Exitation: 5 to 24 VDC, 12 to 24 mA
Power consumption: 12 – 36 mA/s
Material: PVDF, Vectra (rotor), Viton or EPDM
Output frequency: 100 to 2000 Hz (depending on the flow velocity)
K-factor: +/- 6100 pulse/litre
Length cable: 15 cm standard (different length on request - Dirk confirmed that you can order with the needed wire length, just put a note)
Connector electronics: 3-wire flat cable sealed in housing (jack-plug or molex connector on request)
Reliability
Interchangeability**: +/- 2.25 %
Accuracy: +/- 1.00 %
Reproducibility: +/- 0.30 %
Medium
Medium type: clear or translucent liquids capable of transmitting infrared light
Viscosity: 1-1000 Cst
Examples: water, chemicals, oil, beer, syrup
How the SF800 work (Working Principle) ?
The geometry of the rotorhousing (causing a radial flow in) in combination with the light-weight Vectra rotor (0,04 grams) makes the rotor float in the medium. Because the rotor floats, the measurement process is nearly resistance-free, guaranteeing high accuracy, durability and linearity .
An integrated PCB emits an infrared signal, which is interrupted by the three blades of the rotor. SMD components interrupted transform the signal into a pulse. Because of the construction of the rotorhousing, the Swissflow flow sensors are practically insensible to high pressure.
The materials used (PVDF and Vectra) are to a great extent chemical-resistant and temperature-durable . Contrary to many other fluid flow measurement systems, the Swissflow sensors do not have to be calibrated .
There is also a pps presentation made by Swissflow to introduce the SF800 available here (http://pages.videotron.com/xilikon/LC/SF800.pps).
Here is the internal assembly diagrams :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1275.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1276.jpg
Why it's a great flowmeter ?
So far, it looks like it's one of the least restrictive flowmeter in the market, which is perfect for the current watercooling loops. ladderman did some rough testing and it looks like the same restriction as a EK FC8800 block (with 1/2" tubing, possibly almost nil with 3/8" tubing if further testing confirm this).
Is there any reviews about the SF800 ?
Here is a few we found so far :
effizienzgurus.de article on flowmeters (translated) (http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fm ain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dvie w_spec_article%26article_id%3D134&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8)
ladderman's crude review (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=169956)
How to connect the SF800 to the current loop tubing ?
First of all, you need to read the guidelines in the leaflet back for some precautions (it come with a 10 year warranty so it's wise to follow them) :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1273.jpg
The SF800 come with a male 3/8" BSPP on both ends so we need a coupler to be able to use with a G1/4" set of barbs. Here is some possible sources for those couplers :
UK : http://www.airlines-pneumatics.com/webcat/Detprod.asp?ProductCode=s010104 (order code 103031)
US : http://www.mcmaster.com/ (item code 4860K675, not to be confused with 4860K657 which is a G3/8" to G1/4" adapter for Thermochill radiators)
Canada : <Currently attempting to source a online store, possibly http://www.adaptall.com/ to be confirmed by a phone call>
Alternatively, we can also order a 3/8" to 3/8" coupler and use a pair of Thermochill barbs sold by NCIX.
How can I monitor the SF800 signal ?
Currently, there is 3 possible ways to obtain the signal feed from the SF800 :
-Plugged on the motherboard fan header.
-Plugged on the T-Balancer Sensorhub.
-Plugged on the Aqua Computer PowerAdjust (radiical_53 commented about this possibility, to be confirmed).
When do I use the resistors as asked in the schematics sheet included with the SF800 ?
If we want to connect the SF800 on the motherboard fan header, you need to solder 2 resistors to make it work and the diagram is found on the SF800 installation guide included with each bag. The 50ohms/V mean you need to calculate 50 ohms for each volt you want to drop and the difference between the fan header and the 5V feed of the SF800 is 7 volts so you need a 350 ohms resistor.
Here's the picture of the schematics included in the package :
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/Xilikon/LC/DSCF1271.jpg
With a M-Cubed Sensorhub, the resistors is not needed but you need to make sure the sensor plug wires is ordered like that : GND - 5V - SENSOR when viewed from above (In other words, the ground wire should be on your left and the sensor on your right). If you are unsure, just look at a fan lead and you will notice the black (GND) is on the left, red (power) on the middle and yellow (RPM) on the right.
For others, I'll add more informations as more people confirm the workings.
How can I get the proper LPM/GPM reading ?
<To be filled>
Is there any worklogs of users with a SF800 in use ?
Yes, there is at least one with a CryztalFontz LCD : http://www.crystalfontz.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4452
Custom mod for readingthe flowrate on a custom monitor (electronic soldering skills required) : http://www.turbokeu.com/myprojects/flowmeter.htm
<more to be added - post or PM me if you want to add yours>
Be noted this FAQ is a work in progress and will be expanded with more informations coming from me and other SF800 users. If you have extra informations, comments or useful links about the SF800, please post and I'll add in the thread :)
Here (http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fm ain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dvie w_spec_article%26article_id%3D134&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8) is a translation of the german efficiencyguru's article on flowmeters, including the SF800.
Working Principle
The geometry of the rotorhousing (causing a radial flow in) in combination with the light-weight Vectra rotor (0,04 grams) makes the rotor float in the medium. Because the rotor floats, the measurement process is nearly resistance-free, guaranteeing high accuracy, durability and linearity .
An integrated PCB emits an infrared signal, which is interrupted by the three blades of the rotor. SMD components interrupted transform the signal into a pulse. Because of the construction of the rotorhousing, the Swissflow flow sensors are practically insensible to high pressure.
The materials used (PVDF and Vectra) are to a great extent chemical-resistant and temperature-durable . Contrary to many other fluid flow measurement systems, the Swissflow sensors do not have to be calibrated .
A bit of impulse info translated from german in the M-cube SDK -
How can I interprete the values from the T-Balancer?
- FanMaxSpeed: add the low- and high byte to a 16bit value (256*HB+LB), multiply it with 10.5 to receive the value for turns per minute.
- Fan RPM and Volt are only interpolated values. RPM is linear interpolated from maximum, and voltage is quadratic interpolated (results from root mean square from ideal rectangular signals)
- The flowmeters are a little more complicated. You receive a simple impulse count value. But this value is dependent from the measuring windows (1 to 4 seconds) – 235 TWI_SHWerte[10]. The 232 and 233 then means the measured pulses per second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds or 4 seconds. Divided through the window width you get the pulses per second, multiplied to 60 seconds you get the pulses per minute. To get the liter per minute or hour you have to respect the adjusted flowmeter dependent pulses/liter value. Our standard flowmeter have 509pulses/liter. This value can be found in the TBAN database on the table “Einstellungen” with the keys “Durchfluss1” and “Durchfluss2”.
-Getting the pulses is similar to pumps and fans, but not exactly. It is only usable without damaging something, if the impulse function works with an open drain circuit. Standard fans uses the 12V for reference, the flowmeters are not powered their self and receive only 5V from the sensor hub. The signal input on the sensor hub is only build for 5V input. You only have to connect ground and pulse with a pushbutton to get an impulse.