Integral Flow Computer Enhances Flowmeter Accuracy and Extends Linear Range

Nov. 3, 2008
COX Instruments Introduces The COX 4080 Extended Range Fluid Compensation Flowmeter Interface

COX Instruments introduces the COX 4080 extended range fluid compensation flowmeter interface. This integral flow computer provides total flow compensation to enhance flowmeter accuracy, while extending the linear flow range.

Designed as an electronic processor, the COX 4080 is a signal processing solution for turbine flowmeters used in aerospace, automotive and test and measurement applications. The unit provides improvements in flowmeter accuracy under extreme temperature conditions. It tracks all variables to compensate for viscosity and temperature variations while developing a 200 data-point curve representing the flowmeter output.

The COX 4080 utilizes enhanced DSP technology, enabling signal characterization and a fast (<3 ms) response to output dynamic data in engineering units. The flow computer allows users to employ a single device for multiple flow outputs, including frequency, analog and RS485; no external amplifiers or signal conditioners are necessary.

The COX FlowComp software graphical user interface is easy to configure, providing characterization of process signals, output signals and liquid properties. The software allows users to perform fluid selection, configuration of outputs and data logging.

Additional features of the COX 4080 include: turbine blade averaging to enhance low-flow resolution; integral temperature and pressure amplifier; Roshko-Strouhal correlation using 10-bit resolution; and conformance to SAE ARP 4990 calculations.

COX precision turbine meters provide a linear extended range from 15:1 on small meters, ranging up to 100:1 on two-inch meters, without the use of linearizing electronics. This performance is achieved through a precision helical rotor design, proper use of rotor supports, and minimal bearing friction. The COX 4080 extends the non-linear, but repeatable range even further. The COX 4080 also complements the inherently nonlinear, but repeatable COX Instruments LoFlo Series.

COX Instruments utilizes the services of Flow Dynamics, Inc. to perform all of its flowmeter calibrations.  Flow Dynamics was the first independent flow laboratory to receive NVLAP accreditation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in conformance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). COX's NVLAP-certified flowmeter calibrations are fully traceable to NIST guidelines and also comply with ISO 17025, ISO 9002, ISO Guide 25, ANSI/NCSL Z-540, and MIL-STD-45662A.