Aim Owners Manual
Aim Owners Manual
Aim Owners Manual
AIM B lock
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BLOCK
Models: AIM004, AIM006, AIM008
Note:
Please read these operating instructions before unpacking and putting the unit into operation. Follow the instructions
precisely as described herein.
The devices are only to be used, maintained and serviced by persons familiar with these operating instructions and in
accordance with local regulations applying to Health & Safety and prevention of accidents.
When used in machines, the measuring unit should be used only when the machines fulfill the EWG-machine
guidelines.
In acc. with Article 3 Paragraph (3), "Sound Engineering Practice", of the PED 97/23/EC no CE mark.
Diagram 8, Pipe, Group 1 dangerous fluids
1 Index / contents
1.1 Overview 2
1.2 Flowmeter operating principal 2
1.3 Model number information 3
1.4 Specifications 4
2.0 Installation
3.0 Commissioning 9
1.1 Overview
The AIM block is a compact all stainless steel manifold assembly with isolating, flow regulating & check valves, a fine
mesh strainer, solenoid valve & a precision oval gear flow meter. Inlet & outlet elbows can be arranged in three
orientations providing installation flexibility. All assemblies shown are modular to the manifold & may be quickly
changed in-situ.
The AIM block will work with any controller or TAS system, serving as a composite slave assembly for the accurate
blending of fuel additives to fuels at loading facilities, stationary & mobile transfer units within the petroleum industry
worldwide.
Central to the AIM block is a precision oval gear positive displacement flowmeter having a solid state style NPN Hall
Effect pulse output, with the option of an Exd explosion proof terminal housing.
The second most crucial element is the solenoid valve, having a fast direct acting valve with an FFKM (Kalrez) seat,
which allows for high velocity flows through a small 3mm or 5mm orifice providing minute proportion control even at
high injection pressures.
AIM accurately injects small amounts of modifying additives to base product. Additives include lead replacements,
Dyes & Markers, Denaturants, Detergents, Odorizing, Antifreeze, Anti-corrosion, Anti-detonating, Anti-static,
Anti-icing, Anti-foaming, Emulsifiers and performance enhancing agents.
The Oval Gear meters are positive displacement flowmeters where the passage of liquid causes two oval geared
rotors to rotate within a precision measuring chamber and with each rotation a fixed volume of liquid is displaced
passing through the meter. Magnets embedded within the rotors initiate a high resolution pulse train output. The pulse
output can be wired directly to process control and monitoring equipment or can be used as an input to instruments
supplied with or fitted directly to the meter.
The benefits of this technology allow precise flow measurement and dispensing of most clean liquids irrespective of
their conductivity, with other liquid characteristics having nil or minimal effect on meter performance. This metering
technology does not require flow profile conditioning as required with alternative flow technologies making the
installation relatively compact and low cost.
OPERATION:
Liquid travels around the crescent Liquid in transit
shaped chambers created by the
rotational movement of the rotors
flow
The AIM block is a compact all stainless steel manifold assembly with isolating, flow regulating & check valves, a fine
mesh strainer, solenoid valve & a precision oval gear flow meter. Inlet & outlet elbows can be arranged in three
orientations providing installation flexibility. All assemblies shown are modular to the manifold & may be quickly
changed in-situ.
Specifications 4
Technical details:
Flow Range: 0.01 ... 0.6 L/min ... 0.25 ... 9.16 L/min
Operating temperature: -20 ... +100 °C (standard); -20…+65°C (Exd approved model)
Viscosity Range: low to medium viscosity fluids (It will vary according to fluid type, flow rate and orifice size)
Solenoid Coil: 8 W (108 – 132 VAC/ 220 - 240 VAC) or 9 W (12VDC/24 VDC) coil (see ordering information for supply
voltage)
Flow Direction: In direction of arrow; inlet Port is marked on AIM block manifold, and Outlet Port has Flow arrow
marked on the manifold.
Materials:
Inlet and Outlet flow valves, strainer and hex plugs: stainless steel 1.4401 (SS316)
Bearing: ceramic
Cover: glass reinforced nylon (standard), stainless steel 1.4301 (SS304) (Optional / Exd. Meters)
5 Installation
2.0 Installation
Orientation
Flow conditioning: The flowmeter does not require any flow conditioning, therefore straight pipe runs before or after
the block are not required. If required, the pipe size about the block can be altered to suit the installation.
Fluid state: To protect the meter, fluid entering the block must remain a liquid at all times; avoid gassing, solidification
or gelling of the metered medium. If meters are to be trace heated or jacketed in any way the maximum temperature
rating of the meter must not be exceeded. Size the meter to avoid gasification of volatiles (flashing) within the liquid
due to the pressure drop experienced within the system or within the meter.
Locations : The block is to be fitted downstream of the additive pump, there is a discharge check valve within the
block outlet which prevents reverse flow through the block and minimizes the risk of drainage and air entrapment
which can result in erroneous readings or damage the meter on start up.
If exposed to weather ensure a suitable watertight gland or plug is used to seal any open electrical entries. In humid
environments take precautions to avoid condensation build up within the electrical chambers. It is good wiring practice
for conduits to be connected from the bottom of an entry port, in this way any condensation will gravitate away from
any terminal housing.
2.2.1 Instrument Cable Twisted pair low capacitance shielded instrument cable 7 x 0.3mm (0.5mm²) should be
used for electrical connection between the flowmeter and remote instrumentation, use Belden® number 9363 or
similar. The cable drain or screen should be terminated on a DC COMMON or a specifically assigned shield
termination at the readout instrument end only in order to protect the transmitted signal from mutual inductive
interference. IMPORTANT, tape off & isolate the shield at the flowmeter end of the cable.
The cable should not be run in a common conduit or parallel with power and high inductive load carrying cables as
power surges may induce erroneous noise transients onto the transmitted pulse signal or cause damage to the
electronics. Run the cable in separate conduit or with other low energy instrument cables. The maximum transmission
distance is typically 1000m (3300 Ft)
The terminal housing on the meter has a conduit entry of either ½” NPT conical or M20x1.5mm cylindrical, the internal
volume is less than 45cc. The solenoid valve coil has an M20x1.5mm conduit entry, with internal volume of less than
10cc.
2.2.2 Hazardous Area Wiring When wiring to the Exd explosion proof option( Exd IIB T4/T6 ) appropriate wiring
techniques must be undertaken in accordance with the rules, regulations and requirements applying to the territory in
which the meter is being installed. The meters should only be connected by qualified staff; the qualified staff must
have knowledge of protection classes, regulations & provisions for the apparatus in hazardous areas. Only Exd
certified conduit and cable glands with appropriate temperature limits should be used.
Earthing lugs are located within the terminal housing cover, use a separate earth within the cable making sure that the
earth conductor does not come in contact with the cable shield / screen. Use only high temperature cable at the
flowmeter when the process temperature exceeds 85ºC.
7 Installation
2.3 Pulse Output selection for pulse meters: Type of output available is open collector from Hall Effect sensors.
Output type is linearly proportional to volumetric flow and each pulse is representative of an equal volume of liquid.
2.3.1 Hall Effect Sensor Pulse Output: The Hall Effect Sensor is a high resolution solid state 3 wire device
providing an un-sourced, open collector, NPN transistor output. The term “un-sourced” means that no voltage is
applied to the output from within the flowmeter, it must be pulled to a ‘high’ or ‘on’ state by between 5~24Vdc supplied
from an external source, typically the receiving instrument.
The pulse output between signal and -0V is a voltage square wave with the high level being the dc voltage
available at the open collector and the low level being -0V.
The receiving instrument must incorporate a pull up resistor (typically greater than 10K ohms in most instruments)
which ties the open collector to the available dc voltage level when the Hall sensor is not energized. When energized
the open collector output is pulled to ground through the emitter (-0V).
2.3.2 Quadrature (QUAD) Pulse Output The diagrams below apply when the meter is fitted with the Quadrature
pulse output option (two Hall Effect sensors arranged to give separate outputs out of phase with
one another).
The Quadrature output is typically suited to custody transfer applications where signal integrity verification is required;
it is also used for metering bi-directional flow.
2.3.3 Signal integrity verification Many fiscal transactions require the primary measuring device (flowmeter)
to have Quadrature outputs in order to detect any difference in the number of pulses from each input
( from 1 & 2 ) during delivery.
1
Quadrature NPN HALL EFFECT
Pulse Output
common - 0V
to
1&2 + VDC QUAD
3.0 Commissioning Once the block has been mechanically and electrically installed in accordance with this and
any other relevant instrument manual(s) the meter is ready for commissioning.
The block must NOT be run until the pipework is flushed of foreign matter, more often than not foreign matter is
present after pipework fabrication or modification, weld slag, grinding dust, sealing tape & compound &/or surface rust
are most common offenders and can lead to severe damage to precision components.
Flushing can be undertaken by utilizing a by-pass or removing the meter from the pipework.
After flushing or following long periods of shutdown the meter must be purged of air/vapour. This can be achieved by
allowing the liquid to flow through the meter at a slow rate until all air/vapour is displaced. Never run the meter above
its maximum flow or exceed 100kpa (1 bar, 15psi) pressure drop across the meter. Now the meter is ready for its
operation to be confirmed by ensuring correct indication or operation at the receiving instrument(s). Refer if necessary
to fault finding section of this manual.
3.1 Meter Calibration Factor (K or scale Factor) Each flowmeter is individually calibrated and supplied with a
calibration certificate showing the number of pulses per unit volume (eg pulses per litre or pulses per USgallon). Initial
calibration is done using Castrol diesel injector calibration fluid 4113, nominal calibration figures are shown in the
specification section of this manual.
Due to operational variations such as additive batch cycle rates and batch cycle values it may be necessary to
individually calibrate each block in situ using the actual additive of the process, this is commonly done as a matter of
course at time of commissioning and periodically as required by any traceability standards within the industry (see in-
situ calibration on following page).
Outlet
Flow regulation &
Isolation valves
Direct acting
solenoid valve
Oval PD flowmeter
In-situ calibration can be taken from either the 3/8” outlet port via an appropriate “T” off connection or the ¼” auxiliary
port in the AIM manifold. A precision calibrated flask or beaker is used to receive the calibration sample, this is then
compared with the readings displayed on the additive controller.
Calibration is generally initiated by a simulated pulse being directed to the input to the additive controller, this
simulated signal represent a flow input from the bulk fuel flowmeter, accordingly the controller will cause the AIM block
to deliver a proportionate volume of additive to the measuring flask for comparison.
ADDITIVE CONTROLLER
Solenoid valve control
Ltr
Gal
m3
lbs
kg
s
Bulk flowmeter
simulated Additive in
Additive out
pulse input
Calibrated
measuring flask
11 Maintenance
Check
valve
outlet
strainer
Auxiliary
inlet
Outlet
flow isolate & regulate
valves
Maintenance 12
Isolation & flow regulation: The block incorporates two slotted stem isolation valves to enable the strainer, solenoid
valve & meter to be isolated and serviced as required. The valves also serve as flow regulation valve as & when
needed, typically under operation the upstream (inlet) valve would be opened fully then backed off by ½ a turn and the
downstream (outlet) valve only would be used as a flow regulating valve. Once positioned both valve stems are to be
secured using the Nyloc nuts included.
Shown above, each of the inlet & outlet valve assemblies may be repositioned in one of three 90 degree incremental
positions by accessing the socket head screws on the underside of the manifold.
Strainer : The block has a 200mesh (75 micron) strainer immediately upstream of (prior to) the solenoid valve &
flowmeter, this should be inspected regularly for cleanliness particularly if the flow rate slows and the block fails to
keep pace with the mainline flow (master or wild stream).
In-situ calibration : A local calibration shunt can be taken off either the 3/8” NPT outlet port or the auxiliary ¼” NPT
“fixed” outlet port located adjacent the 3/8” NPT outlet port.
13 Maintenance
AIM BLOCK
Item Description
1 Manifold Part No.
stainless steel manifold 1301126
2 Solenoid base O-ring (BS010)
R viton - std. 13030101 R = recommended spare parts
R Chem-Kit option ( perfluoro ) 13030105
3 Process port O-rings (BS013)
R viton - std. 13030131
R Chem-Kit option ( teflon ) 13030133
4 Meter base O-ring (BS030)
R viton - std. 13030301
R Chem-Kit option ( teflon ) 13030303
5 Strainer cap O-ring (BS117)
R viton - std. 13031171 AIM CONNECTION ELBOW
R Chem-Kit option ( perfluoro ) 13031175 PARTS BREAKDOWN.
6 Strainer cap Item Description Part No.
stainless steel 1307011 1 Isolate O-ring (BS007)
7 Strainer element R viton - standard 13030071
R stainless steel, 75 µm (200 #) 1307012 R Chem-Kit option ( perfluoro ) 13030075
8 Solenoid base 2 Regulate O-ring (BS009)
with 3.0mm orifice 1422016 R viton - standard 13030091
with 5.0mm orifice 1422017 R Chem-Kit option ( perfluoro ) 13030095
9 Solenoid base screw 3 Static O-ring (BS014)
M4 x 20 130804106 R viton - standard 13030141
10 Process port screws R Chem-Kit option ( perfluoro ) 13030145
M4 x 25 130804112 4 Regulation valve screw
11 Meter base screw stainless steel 1307015
M5 x 40 130805124 5 Flow control housing
Hex plug stainless steel 1307016
12 stainless steel, 1/8" NPT 130810200 6 Process port housing
Meter assy. (see page 3) stainless steel - 3/8"NPT 1307018
13 Inlet flow valve assy. 7 Lock nut
14 with flow isolation valve 1407006 M6 130806115
Outlet flow valve assy. 8 Check valve
flow regulation, isolation & Check valve housing
15 check 1407007 assembly 1407009
Solenoid armature assy.
16 armature with 3mm operator 121VS9305B Solenoid armature oarts breakdown.
armature (common outer
armature with 5mm operator 121VS9305C 16A assy.) 7491654
Solenoid coil 16B 3mm operator (inner plunger) 13030075
17 refer factory 16C 5mm operator (inner plunger) 7492601
Hex plug 16D 3mm operator spring 7491594
18 stainless steel, 1/4" NPT 130810200 16E 5mm operator spring 7491670
15 Maintenance
4.4 Disassembly of the meter (Refer Exploded View) First isolate any live electrical source and or liquid
source to the block. To gain access to the meter terminals and pulse output board, undo the 4 cap screws (9),
remove the cover (8) carefully to avoid putting strain on the terminal connections. The pulse output board (5) can
now be accessed and removed if necessary (screws 6).
If required to gain access to the oval geared rotors, undo the 4 meter base screws attaching the meter assembly
to the manifold, carefully separate the meter cap (4) from the meter body (1), avoiding misplacing or damaging the
O-ring (3) and rotors (2). Note items 1 & 4 are marked with a dimple and both dimples must align when
reassembling. In addition (models AIM004 & AIM006) the rotor shaft located closest to the dimple must take the
primary rotor, which is the rotor fitted with magnet(s).
4.5 Inspection Remove, inspect and clean the rotors. Check the measuring chamber for damage or scoring &
redress if necessary, the rotor shafts should NOT be loose or able to be rotated.
4.6 Re-assembly of meter When replacing the rotors be very sure to have the rounded tooth ends at the
bottom of the measuring chamber otherwise the rotors will be severely damaged as the meter cap (4) is fastened
into place.
Re-install rotors by locating the dimple mark on the meter section which contains the rotor shafts. The shaft
located closest to the dimple mark must be fitted with the primary rotor, which is the rotor fitted with magnets (this
applies to model AIM004, AIM006 only). REMEMBER the rounded edged rotor teeth MUST be at the bottom end
of the measuring chamber. If the second rotor also contains magnets (model AIM008 only) make sure all magnet
holes are NOT visible when installed. Both rotors will only engage correctly if fitted precisely at an orientation of 90
degrees to each other. Rotate the rotors slowly by hand to ensure they are correctly fitted at the same time check
the rotor shafts & rotor bearings for wear.
Fit the O-ring into the groove and assemble the two parts of the meter ensuring the dimples on each section (1 &
4) are aligned. Fit the body cap screws (11) and tighten using a 1,3,2,4 sequence then torque in the same
sequence to 3.5 Nm. This sequence and procedure ensures the meter bodies are assembled correctly and evenly.
Fit the pulse output board, terminal cover or instrument as appropriate.
5.0 Meter Fault Finding The flowmeter has two distinct sections: the mechanical wetted section housing the
rotors and the electrical section housing the pulse output board.
The aim of fault finding is to trace the source of the fault to one of these sections.
Below are basic fault finding steps. Also refer to Trouble Shooting Guide on following page.
1. Rotors fouled 1. Check that rounded teeth are tow ards base of chamber
2. Check for obstruction due to foreign particles
3. Clean, repair or replace rotors
Not 1. Faulty receiving 1. Check DIP sw itch settings & program data
reading on instrument 2. Check terminal connections & electrical continuity
readout 3. Repair / replace receiving instrument
instrument
Explosion proof Option 18
Products ordered with the optional Exd Explosion proof Certification are supplied with an Exd certified flowmeter,
and an Exd certified Solenoid Coil. Please refer to Hazardous Area Wiring instructions in section 2.2.2 of this
manual, as well as the notes below, when installing or operating this product.
Products ordered with the optional Exd Explosion proof terminal enclosure are fitted with an Exd label plate (see
image below) stating the relative apparatus grouping and temperature classification that applies to the flowmeter.
The Exd label plate should be examined before installation or operation of this product.
Exd IIB T4/T6 When applied as a temperature class T6 enclosure the temperature of the process fluid passing
through the flowmeter must be below 70ºC, and for temperature class T4 the temperature of the process fluid
passing through the flowmeter must be below 100ºC.
Apparatus marked IIB are suitable for applications requiring Group IIB, or Group IIA apparatus. Exd certified
apparatus should only be installed in hazardous areas according to the gas types to which they are certified.
Operational Notes:
ISOLATE EXD APPARATUS AWAY FROM EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES BEFORE REMOVING TERMINAL
COVERS
The maximum allowable diametric clearance of the cylindrical joint between the terminal cover and the Exd meter
cap must not exceed 0.15mm. If, through corrosion or wear, diametric clearance is increased to above 0.15mm,
corroded or worn parts must be replaced.
The product does not comply with EXd requirements unless terminal covers are fully engaged and
fastened. Do not use terminal cover screws of different size or grade to those originally fitted.
Notes:
Notes:
Each block has been calibrated on mineral oil
and will contain a small amount of oil residue.
IM-AIM-2212