Foxboro E83FA Vortex Flow Meter Calibration Guide

Introduction to Foxboro Flow Meters

Foxboro is a leading manufacturer of industrial flow meters used in various process control and measurement applications. The company offers a variety of flow meter technologies including Coriolis, vortex, magnetic, ultrasonic, and differential pressure flow meters.

One of Foxboro's most popular vortex flow meter models is the E83FA. This rugged and reliable flow meter uses vortex shedding technology to measure flow rate of liquids, gases, and steam. The E83FA is designed for inline installation and is suitable for a wide range of flow measurement applications.

How Vortex Flow Meters Work

Vortex flow meters like the E83FA work by measuring disturbances in a flow stream. The meter contains an obstacle called a bluff body that is placed directly in the flow stream. As fluid passes this bluff body, vortices are created downstream from the bluff body. The meter contains sensors that detect the frequency of these vortices.

The vortex frequency is directly proportional to the fluid velocity. By measuring the vortex frequency, the meter can calculate the flow rate. The lack of moving parts makes vortex flow meters well-suited for measuring flow of dirty fluids or those with particulates.

Foxboro E83FA Flow Meter Features

The Foxboro E83FA has a variety of features that make it an ideal choice for flow measurement in industrial environments:

• Accuracy up to ±0.75% of rate for liquid, gas, and steam flow measurement
• No moving parts and obstructionless flow design for reliable measurement
• Wafer and flanged process connections available
• Integral transmitter with advanced diagnostics and control capabilities
• Suitable for wide range of pipe diameters from 0.5 to 80 inches

Foxboro E83FA Vortex Flow Meter Calibration

While the E83FA flow meter is extremely stable and accurate, periodic calibration checks help ensure ongoing measurement reliability. Foxboro recommends checking calibration every 1-2 years or if the meter experiences physical damage or shock.

Why Calibrate Vortex Flow Meters?

There are several key reasons why regular vortex flow meter calibration is advised:

• Validates that meter accuracy is within expected tolerance levels
• Catches any measurement drift over time due to component wear or buildup
• Essential to meet calibration requirements for ISO 9001 quality systems
• Verifies all electronics and signal processing functions properly

How to Calibrate a Foxboro E83FA

Foxboro provides detailed instructions on calibrating the E83FA vortex flow meter. The main ways technicians can calibrate E83FA meters are:

• In-Situ Calibration - Uses a handheld calibrator connected to meter electronics without removing meter body. Easy method but represents total loop
• Bench Calibration - The meter body is removed and mounted to a flow calibration bench for full scale flow tests
• Factory Calibration - Foxboro factory has advanced NIST traceable flow stands to recalibrate entire meter

For in-situ methods, common parameters verified are zero flow cutoff, amplitude/gain settings, analog I/O calibration, and pulse output timing. Advanced HART or Fieldbus transmitters allow full-scale calibration factors to be adjusted digitally.

Choosing a Flow Meter Calibration Service

While end users can perform periodic vortex flow meter validation checks internally, many utilize outside flow calibration services to meet ISO 9001 and other quality standards. There are many reputable third party calibration labs that specialize in Foxboro flow meters including:

• Flow Systems Inc
• Flow Technology Inc
• Raque Flow Systems
• Swagelok Company

• Certified ISO 17025 scope of accreditation
• NIST traceability on all flow calibration stands
• Trained and experienced technicians
• Range of calibration options from in-situ to full flow bench testing
• Comprehensive test reports documenting as-found/as-left data
• Fast turnaround times to minimize process disruption

Maintaining Foxboro Vortex Flow Meters

In addition to periodic calibration checks, following good maintenance practices with Foxboro vortex flow meters ensures reliable accuracy:

• Inspect meter periodically for external dirt/grime and clearance obstructions
• Verify adequate pipe straight runs before/after meter meet requirements
• Check wiring connections tight and conduit seals are sound
• Review diagnostic warnings related to empty pipe alarms or electronics faults
• Confirm meter meets site hazardous area rating requirements if in explosive environments

By following Foxboro's vortex flow meter instructions and calibration procedures, industries can keep their E83FA and other Foxboro meters performing optimally for years. Proper installation, operation, calibration and maintenance translates into long vortex flow meter lifetimes providing accurate process measurement.

FAQs

How often should I calibrate my Foxboro vortex flow meter?

Foxboro recommends checking the calibration on models like the E83FA every 1-2 years. You should also calibrate after any physical damage to the meter.

Can I calibrate a Foxboro vortex flow meter in-situ?

Yes, Foxboro provides detailed procedures for in-situ calibration of meters like the E83FA using a handheld calibrator without removing the meter body. This allows easy periodic validation of the measurement loop.

What parameters are verified during vortex meter calibration?

Typical vortex flow meter calibration checks include the zero flow cutoff, amplitude and gain settings, analog I/O ranges, pulse timing, and adjustment of full-scale calibration factors. Advanced meters also allow digital calibration via Fieldbus and HART.

Where can I get my Foxboro flow meter calibrated?

Many third party calibration labs and services provide Foxboro vortex flow meter calibration including Flow Systems Inc, Flow Technology Inc, Raque Flow Systems and Swagelok Company. They offer NIST traceable calibration with ISO 17025 accreditation.