Teledyne Hastings Instruments Blog

Time for another blog in our “Employee Spotlight Series.” This time we will meet Rob Milversted. Rob has worked for Teledyne for over 20 years, and he is the Director of Sales for Process Instruments and Systems (Teledyne Hastings Instruments and Teledyne Analytical Instruments).

Let’s ask Rob some questions and get to know him better.

Tell us a little about your background.

I’m a SoCal boy. I’ve lived most of my life in Chino. I attended Cal Poly Pomona and studied Electrical Engineering as an undergrad. I was always shocking myself with things around the house a as kid, so Electrical Engineering just seemed right.

Tell us about your start at Teledyne.

I got a job as an Electrical Engineering Intern at Teledyne Analytical Instruments (TAI) while still in college. In 2002, I was able to join Teledyne full time as an Electrical Engineer. Teledyne allowed me to complete my MBA (also at Cal Poly) while working. I shifted to sales and held multiple sales and sales management positions. In 2021, I was promoted to Director of Worldwide Sales for Teledyne Analytical Instruments and Teledyne Monitor Labs. In 2023, I became Director of Sales for Process Instruments and Systems (Teledyne Hastings Instruments and Teledyne Analytical Instruments).

What is your current role at Teledyne?

As Director of Sales, I have global product sales responsibility for TAI and THI products. I oversee Regional Sales Managers in North America, and I share sales responsibility with our Directors of Sales in APAC and EMEA.

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

I spend lots of time getting my three kids to extracurricular activities. There’s not much free time. My family is heavily involved in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. We do a lot of camping. I also enjoy catching NFL games when I can.

What is your favorite thing about working at Teledyne?

The best thing about Teledyne are the people that work here. Everyone I know works extremely hard and wants to help customers. Everyone is like family. I now meet coworkers from other parts of Teledyne, and I wish I’d met them sooner.

Check out more from our blog and read more about our vacuum gauges and mass flow meters and mass flow controllers (and be on the look out for future postings about Teledyne Hastings' employees.) 

The HVG-2020B wide range, dual sensor vacuum gauge takes measurement to the next level. With a Piezo based sensor and a thermal based Pirani sensor, it accurately and confidently measures pressures across seven decades. The Piezo sensor is media isolated, gas composition independent, and periodically zeroed by the Pirani sensor. An ambient thermal sensor enables the instrument to adjust for temperature and therefore better accuracy.

The HVG-2020B offers multiple linear and logarithmic analog output signal options.

Why do you think we offer so many logarithmic output options?

The linear output may not always be useful. Remember: the HVG-2020B is a wide range gauge that covers seven (7) decades of vacuum. That’s a huge range to cover with a linear output signal!

For example, if you are using 0 – 10 VDC Linear Output:

• At 1000 Torr, the output will be 10 VDC
• At 760 Torr, output will be 7.60 VDC
• But at 1 mTorr, voltage output will only be: 0.00001 VDC

We offer the logarithmic output options to provide better resolution throughout the curve.

Our default output option (recommended option) is the Logarithmic Option (08): 2 – 9 VDC (1 VDC / decade)

If you read Voltage (V), you can quickly calculate Pressure (P):

P = 10^{(V_out - 6)}

Complete linear and logarithmic output options for the HVG-2020B include:

There are analog output signal options to match most common pirani vacuum gauge outputs as well as a non-linear curve based on convection style vacuum gauges. It is also possible to generate a custom user-defined logarithmic output (see section 5.2.8 of the manual).

In addition, the HVG-2020B offers an optional color touchscreen display, free Windows data acquisition software, and a variety of digital communication paths that make the HVG-2020B flexible and user friendly. Whether you need USB, RS 232, RS 485, linear or log outputs, graphical displays for data acquisition logging, this wide range gauge can perform.

You can request the software from our website. Please find the link here: https://www.teledyne-hi.com/resource-center/software

In addition to the windows software, we also have a certified LabVIEW driver.

HVG-2020B Vacuum Gauge LabVIEW Driver – Click Here

As always, we are here to help. If you have any questions about any of our vacuum or flow products, you can reach out to us by phone (800-950-2468/757-723-6531), email (hastings_instruments@teledyne.com), or via LiveChat on our website (www.teledyne-hi.com).

Microsoft, Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and Microsoft Excel are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

When selecting a flow meter or flow controller for gases, it is important to understand the difference between the mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate. Unlike liquids, gases do not have a constant volume. The volume of a gas changes as the temperature and pressure change.

Referencing the Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT

• When the temperature of a gas increases, the volume increases.
• When the temperature of a gas decreases, the volume decreases.
• When the pressure of a gas increases, the volume decreases.
• When the pressure of a gas decreases, the volume increases.

When you only know the volume or volumetric flow rate of a gas, you may not actually know how much gas you have. In this blog, we compare mass flow rate vs volumetric flow rate, how each are measured, and the advantages of each.

What is Mass Flow?

Hastings’ first thermal mass flow meter was introduced in the 1960s, and the phrase “mass flow” has been commonly used. However, the phrase “mass flow” is a bit of a misnomer. Thermal mass flow meters actually measure the flow rate of gas molecules or the molecular flow rate. Since the mass flow meter or controller measures the molecular flow rate, it is independent of temperature and pressure changes. It is not necessary to separately measure temperature and pressure, and temperature and pressure corrections are not required.

Teledyne Hastings Instruments mass flow meters and mass flow controllers use a thermal flow sensor to measure the molecular flow rate. The flow sensor is heated, and the flowing gas molecules transfer or “carry” the heat downstream. The rate of heat transfer is proportional to the mass / number of gas molecules flowing through the sensor which is used to determine the flow measurements.

Mass flow rates can be expressed in true mass flow units such as LB/hr, Kg/hr, and g/sec. However, they can also be expressed in standard volumetric flow rates such as SCCM, SLM, and SCFM. Standard volumetric flow units look like volumetric flow units, but they are mass flow units. Standard units are referenced to Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP). STP must always be defined. Teledyne Hastings Instruments typically uses STP: 0° C & 760 Torr; however, other STPs can be specified.

What Should Mass Flow Rate be Used For?

Mass flow rate measurement is ideal for any application where gas measurement is critical. As stated earlier, there is no need to simultaneously measure gas temperature and gas pressure which can introduce errors to your calculations. It’s ideal for applications requiring fast, reliable, repeatable, and accurate measurements.

Some common applications include instrument calibration, air sampling, non-destructive leak testing, gas blending (mixing), thermal spraying, thin film deposition, analytical instrumentation, and many more.

What is Volumetric Flow?

Volumetric flow rate is mathematically defined as the cross-sectional area of a tube multiplied by the velocity of the fluid. It simply measures volume per unit of time. Volumetric flow is ideal for liquids since their volume mostly cannot change. When using volumetric flow meters for gas measurement, the only way to determine how much gas is flowing is to calculate it. That requires either maintaining constant temperature and pressure or simultaneously measuring them. Examples of volumetric flow methods include rotameters, turbine meters, and critical orifices.

One of the most common volumetric flow meters is a rotameter or variable-area flow meter. It consists of a tapered tube and a float. The tapered tube is typically constructed of glass to allow the user to visually see the float. As the flow rate increases, the float travels up the tapered tube. The tube has graduated lines to indicate the volumetric flow rate.

Some common volumetric flow units are GPM, L/s, and CFM. Mass flow can be calculated from volumetric flow only if the density (ρ) is known. Q_mass = Q_vol*ρ.

What Should Volumetric Flow Rate be Used For?

Volumetric flow rates are fine in applications where the volume is constant such as incompressible liquids. They can also be found in gas applications where the temperature and pressure are fixed. In addition, volumetric flow meters typically have a lower initial cost than a mass flow meter. They are often found in low-cost gas measurement applications where molecular flow rate accuracy is not critical. When molecular flow rate accuracy is required, the user typically measures temperature and pressure separately and calculates it.

Summary

Both mass flow meters and volumetric flow meters are commonly used to measure gas and liquid flow measurements. For gas flow measurement, mass flow is more trusted as it measures the gas molecular flow rate. Mass flow meters and controllers function independently of gas temperature and gas pressure changes. This makes mass flow meters and controllers ideal for applications requiring fast, reliable, repeatable, and accurate measurements. Volumetric flow meters such as rotameters or critical orifice devices cannot routinely achieve these high accuracy levels on gases due to inherent inaccuracies and variations that occur as a result of pressure and temperature changes.

FAQS

• Q: Can Teledyne Hastings’ flow meters be used with liquids or any fluid?  
  A: No. Teledyne Hastings’ flow meters cannot be used with liquids. A fluid is defined as “a substance without a shape and can be either a gas or liquid”. Fluids used in our flow meters must be in the gas phase (gases only).

• Q: What is STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure)?
  A: In standardized volumetric flow units (SCCM, SLM, SCFM), the reference conditions, or “STP” temperature and pressure, define the amount of gas by determining the number of molecules using the Ideal Gas Law. In most cases, the selected reference conditions are 0°C & 760 Torr. Other reference conditions are also used, such as 20°C & 760 Torr, or 70°F & 760 Torr.

• Q: What does SCCM stand for?
  A: SCCM stands for Standard Cubic Centimeters per Minute. This is a unit of measure for volumetric flow. In standardized volumetric flow units, the reference conditions, or “STP" temperature and pressure, define the amount of gas by determining the number of gas molecules using the Ideal Gas Law.

Calibration is the cornerstone of measurement accuracy, ensuring that instruments deliver reliable and precise data. Thermal mass flow meters play a pivotal role in providing a dependable solution for various industries. The calibration of these instruments is a critical factor that demands meticulous attention. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of thermal mass flow calibration, unraveling the science behind it and its significance in achieving accurate measurements.

The Basics: What is Thermal Mass Flow Meter Calibration?

Teledyne Hastings’s flow meters and flow controllers use thermal mass flow sensors. The Teledyne Hastings Instruments 200 Series thermal mass flow meters operate on the principle of heat transfer using thermocouple technology. The flow sensor consists of a capillary tube that is heated at the midpoint. Thermocouples are used to measure the temperature on both the inlet and outlet ends of the tube. As gas molecules travel through the flow sensor, heat is transferred downstream. The temperature differential between inlet and outlet correlates to the molecular flow rate of the gases. The molecular flow rate is directly proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid. This relationship forms the basis for the calibration process, as accurate calibration ensures that the meter provides reliable measurements across a range of flow rates and conditions.

Calibration is indispensable for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of thermal mass flow meters. Over time, factors such as contamination, sensor degradation, environmental changes, or wear and tear can impact the meter's performance. Calibration allows for the correction of these deviations, ensuring that the meter consistently produces accurate readings. Moreover, many industries are subject to regulatory standards that mandate regular calibration to guarantee the reliability of the data collected.

How To Calibrate Your Mass Flow Meter

1. The first step in thermal mass flow calibration is establishing a reference standard. This is typically a device with a known and traceable accuracy. The reference standard is used to compare and verify the accuracy of the mass flow meter being calibrated. This can be a reference standard or another flow meter. A high accuracy 300 Vue thermal mass flow meter or mass flow controller with local touchscreen display would create a standard that the unit under calibration will match to.
   
   
2. Calibration involves subjecting the flow meter to controlled flow rates covering its entire operating range. The meter's response to these different flow conditions is carefully observed and compared to the reference standard. The best calibration would be used with actual gas to get the most accurate data points. Since the actual gas (e.g. Helium) could be expensive or rare, then a more accessible gas such as N2 or Air is used with a conversion factor to calculate the actual flow rate in the desired gas.
   
   
3. As the flow meter undergoes calibration, data on its performance at various flow rates is collected. This data is then analyzed to identify any deviations from the reference standard. The reference temperature and pressure may differ from the actual process temperature and pressure. Calibration software may be employed to streamline this process.
   
   
4.  If discrepancies are detected, adjustments are made to the thermal mass flow meter to correct its readings. This may involve recalibrating sensor elements or updating compensation factors. The goal is to align the meter's measurements with the reference standard. It is important to note how large these discrepancies are as it may require repair instead of calibration.

In the world of fluid dynamics and process control, selecting the appropriate flow measurement parameter is crucial for accurate and reliable data. Teledyne Hastings’s uses heat transfer technology to indirectly measure the molecular flow rate of dry gases. Our instruments can be used with volumetric flow units as they are converted to find the mass flow rate.

What is the Thermal Mass Flow Meter Working Principle?

Basic Design:

A mass flow meter consists of four basic components:

1. Electronic Circuit Board
2. Flow Sensor
3. Bypass Shunt
4. Base

*See Figure on right

In the world of fluid dynamics and process control, selecting the appropriate flow measurement parameter is crucial for accurate and reliable data. Teledyne Hastings’s uses heat transfer technology to indirectly measure the molecular flow rate of dry gases. Our instruments can be used with volumetric flow units as they are converted to find the mass flow rate.

There are numerous thermal mass flow sensor designs.  The Teledyne Hastings’ 200 Series sensor is shown in image on left.  This thermal mass flow sensor consists of a small 316SS capillary tube with a heater winding located in the center.  A thermocouple (TC-1) is located on the inlet side and another thermocouple (TC-2) is located on the outlet side.  At zero flow (no gas flow), the heat is transferred through the capillary tube in both directions towards the two thermocouples, each of which has the same temperature (see image on right, ZERO FLOW condition).  As gas flow moves through the capillary tube (inlet to outlet), heat is then transferred downstream by the gas molecules.  The temperature of TC-2 will increase, while the temperature of TC-1 will decrease.  This temperature differential correlates to the molecular flow rate of the gases (mass flow). 

Output:

A majority of thermal mass flow meters provide an analog output signal (0-5vdc, 4-20mA, etc.) that is directly proportional to the gas flow rate.  System integrators can directly acquire this signal for process control.  

If the installation is not configured for data acquisition, Teledyne Hastings offers convenient power supplies with integrated displays (see models THCD-101 and THCD-401 in image on right) and ready-to-use connector cables for quick start-up.

Some mass flow meters offer digital communication to convey the flow rate, while other models have a built-in color touchscreen display (See model HFC-D-302B Vue in image on left).​

Thermal Mass Flow Meter Advantages

Thermal mass flow meters have gained widespread popularity in various industries due to their numerous advantages in measuring the flow of gases. Let's explore some of the key advantages of thermal mass flow meters:

One of the primary advantages of thermal mass flow meters is their ability to directly measure mass flow rate. Unlike other flow measurement methods that may require additional measurements or assumptions about fluid properties, thermal mass flow meters provide a direct and accurate measurement of gas flow.

Thermal mass flow meters are less affected by variations in pressure and temperature compared to some other flow measurement technologies. This robustness allows for accurate measurements even in environments where these conditions may fluctuate, reducing the need for extensive compensation or correction factors.

Thermal mass flow meters can be used across a broad range of gas flow applications. They are suitable for measuring the flow of various gases, including compressed air, natural gas, and specialty gases. This versatility makes them valuable in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, automotive, aerospace, and more.

Thermal mass flow meters typically have a low-pressure drop across the sensor, minimizing the impact on the system being measured.

As technology continues to advance, these instruments are likely to play an increasingly integral role in optimizing processes and improving overall efficiency.

Time for another blog in our “Employee Spotlight Series”. This time we will meet Lawrence Ferbee. “Ferbee” is part of our awesome stockroom crew. He is primarily responsible for receiving products. But you can often find him at the stockroom window helping an employee with inventory. He also will, on occasion, help with our marketing projects. He has done live drawings for product videos as well as create cartoon characters for HR.

Let’s get to know him better.

Tell us about your start at Teledyne

I have been here since 2015. Prior to Teledyne Hastings, I worked in a similar role at Jefferson Lab (Department of Energy) in nearby Newport News Virginia. I knew a couple of managers that worked at Teledyne and when they told me about the position here, I jumped at the chance to get started.

Many folks here at the plant know you for your drawings.  How did you get involved in art and design?

I started drawing when I was six years old or so. I was an only child and doing art was a way for me to occupy my time. My art projects sort of kept me company. I am self-taught and I always enjoy seeing other things that artists are creating and sometimes, they inspire me.

We have always enjoyed the Holiday Cards you’ve helped to create as well as the giant chalk drawings. Is there a particular art piece that you are most proud of?

After thinking about it, I’m proud of all my works because people were happy with them. But I am working on something new that I’m very proud of because it involves that community that I grew up in.

Here are some examples of the work he has done for Hastings.

What will he draw for us this year?  Put your ideas / suggestions in the comment box below

Whose artwork has had the biggest influence on you?

I grew up watching Hanna-Barbera action cartoons like Johnny-Quest and Space Ghost. When I was a kid, I really hoped to get a job with them. As I got older, I became more into comic books. Jim Lee is still one of my favorites.

What is your favorite part of working here at Teledyne Hastings?

I like the fact that I know everybody here and we have a family environment. I enjoy supporting people and, in my role in the Stockroom, I put my hands on almost everything that comes into the building.

To learn more about Teledyne Hastings and the products we make, visit our website or click below. 

In the second blog of our “Employee Spotlight” series, we focus on one of our engineers, Josh Settle. Josh works to design, test, and implement the electronics for our new products. In addition, he is a valuable resource to our production teams. He is also a member of our Quality System’s Internal Audit Team.

 Let’s ask Joshua some questions to get to know him better.

Let’s start with a history of your time here at Teledyne
I started summer 2014 as an electrical engineering intern. I didn’t know if I would get the internship, so I picked up another part time job as a lifeguard. I landed the internship later and kept working both. I put in 40 hours at Hastings during the week and 10-16 hours at the Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA on the weekend.

At Hastings I really enjoyed the people I worked with (I still do), and I am thankful for the ways they have invested in me (they still do). I interned again summer 2015 and came back month after undergrad to work full-time. My full-time start date was June 6, 2016. I celebrate 7 years with Hastings this summer.

Tell us a little about your educational background
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (mathematics minor) Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech in May 2016. That autumn, I immediately began working on my Master of Engineering Degree (Electrical and Computer concentration) at Old Dominion University while working full time. I finished my second degree in the spring of 2022. 

As far as concentrations go, I have always enjoyed mathematics for its brutal objectivity, intense precision, and its numerous tools used to help people observe reality and make meaningful changes.

 I also enjoy transmission line theory, an arcane field where material properties, geometry, circuit analysis, and electromagnetics all converge. I’m particularly interested in microstrip line distributed element filters (see the Distributed-element filter Wikipedia page). This subject has interesting applications because of its similarity to traces on a circuit board. As part of my second degree, I developed a python program that calculates the dimensions of one of these filters based on user input frequency characteristics and compared my program to a professional software package.

What do you do here at Teledyne Hastings?
Short Answer: I solve as many problems as I can, learn from failure, and try to acquire useful skills along the way.

Long Answer: I help the engineering department meet long term goals especially with respect to new product development. I also help with production, repair, quality, tooling, and training needs.

I do everything from working on production benches, configuring tests, interpreting data, leading or supporting internal audits, assisting with technical documentation needs (drawings work instructions, procedures), or even being a liaison between multiple departments (production and sales, production and other engineers).

What are some of your outside interests?
I enjoy fitness, videogames, pizza, and red wine (dark, full-bodied, and dry).

Quote that we might use from you?
“Think things through. Consider the extremes. Speak carefully. Challenge your assumptions. Relax, and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” or ask for help.

To learn more about Teledyne Hastings and the products we make, visit our website or click below. 

Teledyne Hastings’ Mass Flow Controllers (MFC) are used in a very wide range of applications in numerous markets. In this blog, we are going to briefly explore the use of Teledyne MFCs to improve the surface properties of certain metals such as steel. Nitriding, in which a nitride layer is added, can also be used on aluminum and titanium.

There are three methods of nitriding: gas nitriding, salt bath nitriding, and plasma nitriding. (“Nitriding”, Wikimedia Foundation, 1/18/2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitriding ). We are going to focus solely on gas nitriding. In this process, ammonia gas flow can be controlled into a furnace at several hundred degrees Celsius. The furnace is hot, but not so hot as to risk damaging or structurally modifying the part. Now the incoming gas can be controlled using a high-capacity mass flow controller. After the gas is admitted, the ammonia molecules (NH₃) from the gas dissociates into nitrogen and hydrogen at the surface of the part being treated. The monatomic nitrogen can then diffuse into the surface of the part and form a nitride coating layer.

What are some of the benefits of nitriding? First, the treated part will generally have an increased hardness which in turn will give the part improved wear resistance. Also, many parts that have been treated with the nitride process will be less susceptible to corrosion.

There are many types of parts that are given nitride treatment.

• Gears and splines
• Shafts and bearings
• Valve components
• Extrusion dies
• Rollers for continuous crimping

In large furnaces, high flows of ammonia gas are required, and Teledyne is able to supply mass flow controllers that are accurate, stable, and fast. We are ready to help. Contact us and we will help you size a flow controller for your nitride application.

In addition to our analog 200 Series mass flow controllers, we can also provide our Digital 300 Series (“A” and “B” Models) which feature excellent accuracy ± (0.2% full scale + 0.5% of reading) , fast response, and flexibility. “A” models can be built with IP-67 enclosure which offers protection against external dust and liquids. “B” models can be configured with an optional color touchscreen display. Both “A” and “B” models provide digital and analog (0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA) input and output. Both have internal totalizer feature so the user can track the total amount of ammonia gas used in a nitride heat treat cycle. Free user software is provided (but is not required) and, for LabVIEW^™ users, free certified drivers are available from ni.com.

If you have a nitride process or any other application that requires precision gas control, we would very much like to hear from you. You can contact us by phone (757-723-6531), email (hastings_instruments@teledyne.com) or via LiveChat at www.teledyne-hi.com  

We are starting a new blog series where we will introduce you to some of the key employees here at Teledyne Hastings. Our first blog in this series will focus on our domestic sales manager, Will Harrison.

In addition to being domestic sales manager, Will works as a sales application engineer ensuring that customers select the best flow or vacuum product for their application/system. Will also works with our USA channel partners and keeps them informed of the latest products and markets for Teledyne Hastings’ products and services. Will has been with Teledyne for over thirty-five years.

 Let’s ask Will some questions to get to know him better.

• How did you start working at Teledyne Hastings? 
  I had a close friend that worked here who mentioned the expanding sales team was looking to hire a new sales application engineer. It seemed to happen very fast … I applied, was interviewed, and was hired in less than two weeks.

• What is a typical day like for you?
  I am always available for customer phone calls. I enjoy hearing about new opportunities or helping customers improve an existing vacuum or flow application. When not on the phone, you might find me generating a quote for a customer or helping out one of our USA sales channel partners. I also travel with our distributors as we look for new opportunities for Teledyne Hastings.

• Let’s follow up on that, where is one of your favorite places where you have for traveled for work?
  The best place I ever traveled was Vancouver BC. Vancouver is a neat place to venture out, see the sites, and enjoy great food. Our distributor drove us up to see Whistler, which was awesome! At the time, that area had a few startup companies focused on the fuel cell industry and our mass flow meters and controllers were enjoying great success.

• Outside of work, what is it that you like to do?
  I like to run and bike when time permits. I like to do half marathons and full marathons. I’ve even completed a full “ironman” triathlon. I also enjoy Old Dominion University (ODU) sports where I got my degree. The Lady Monarchs won back-to-back national titles in women’s basketball (1979, 1980) before the NCAA became involved. The excitement from the crowds at the ODU sporting events is great.
  
  

• What is one part of the job that you find rewarding? 
  I enjoy working with our sales channel partners and customers to provide solutions for a wide variety of applications. I also enjoy working with my colleagues on the sales team and other members of the Teledyne Hastings Team.

In this series, we hope that every reader will be able to learn a little more about the employees they interact with here at Teledyne Hastings. If you call for support or sales, we all have a story and we would like to share that story with you.  Visit  https://info.teledyne-hi.com/blog to read more about our vacuum gauges and mass flow meters and mass flow controllers. (And look for future postings about Teledyne Hastings’ employees.)

Will Harrison (right) after finishing the 2022 Honolulu Marathon. Brother Glen is on the left.

To learn more about Teledyne Hastings and the products we make, visit our website or click below. 

Teledyne Hastings has a broad offering of thermal mass flow meters, mass flow controllers, and vacuum instruments. Within each of our digital product families, we offer both analog output (e.g. 0-5 VDC, 0-10 VDC, and 4-20 mA) and digital outputs (RS232, RS485, and USB). Typically, our customers will interface our instruments to their data acquisition systems. But, in some cases, our users want a fast and easy method to configure, control, and collect data with our instruments. In this blog, we will discuss our Windows-based programs. Specifically, we will answer three questions:

1. What do our Windows-based interface programs do?
2. How do you use the Windows software?
3. Where can I download the Teledyne Hastings free Windows user software?

Before we start, we want to tell you that all of our instrument software, including DisplayX for the THCD-101 and THCD-401 power supplies, is FREE. We don’t charge for these routines so there is a limit to how much technical support we provide for software. But, if you run into an issue, we will try to help. Typically, software issues are associated with the PC and not with the flow or vacuum instrument.

1. What do our Windows-based interface programs do?

CONFIGURATION: Our instruments are configured and shipped according to the selections given to us before order entry. Generally, our instruments are “plug and play”. But in some cases, the end-user may decide that they want to change the configuration. For example, it may be the case that a different set of units is more convenient. Or, in the case of a flow instrument, a different gas record needs to be selected. Our Windows-based code makes it very easy to make a selection and write it to the instrument’s memory. Our Digital 300 Series has many features including multiple gas record capability, totalizer, and control valve soft-start. All of these can be modified with our free Windows-based user software.

CONTROL: In some cases, the user may want to get up and running very quickly to test system parameters before they interface to a PLC. Our routines allow easy control and the user has the option to open a window to view live vacuum or flow data as a function of time. And the user can display a graphical window which shows performance over a stretch of time. In the case of a flow controller, the user can enter flow setpoint commands using a numeric input, or slider bar.

Data Logging: Perhaps the most popular use of our Windows-based programs is the ability to set up and record data to an Excel (csv) file with a user-defined interval over a long period of time. This allows the user to perform tests overnight or over several days. There is a limit to the number of data points that can be stored. So the user must take that into consideration when setting up the test.

For starters, you will need to connect a serial cable (RS232, RS485, or USB) from your laptop to either the 300 Vue mass flow instrument or our HVG-2020 vacuum gauge. In this example, I will connect to an HFC-D-302B digital mass flow controller. But, the initial steps are identical for the HVG-2020 Series vacuum gauges. A USB cable (micro-B) is very convenient to use because these cables can usually be found at “dollar” stores. (And yes, they only cost about a dollar.) The USB connector serves as a virtual COM port for serial communication, eliminating the need for a USB to Serial converter.

Once connected, you simply run the Windows executable program and the following window will popup:

At this point, you need to serially connect to the instrument. You do this by clicking on Operation

and then clicking on Connect

Now, in the case shown here, my cable is connected to COM Port #4 and when I select COM4 in the drop-down menu, the window shows the digital setpoint (in blue) and the actual flow rate (in red).

Once the unit is connected, there are several additional windows that can be opened. You can click on VIEW and see the choices.

If you are operating a flow controller, the next window you will likely want to open is SetPoint. This window allows you to control the MFC by typing a setpoint command in the entry field at the top, sliding the selector on the left, or clicking one of the boxes on the right.

The Operation menu has many useful features, especially for configuring the 300 Vue mass flow controller. And, if you want to log data over a long period of time, you will set that up using the Logging menu.

3. Where can I download the Teledyne Hastings free Windows user software?

You can request the software from our website. The link is given here: https://www.teledyne-hi.com/resource-center/software

Please note that we must comply with US export regulations, so we are required to know the names and addresses of all folks who request our software. Once you have completed the short form and we have reviewed, one of our application engineers will send the requested software to you via a secure file transfer site.

One other note we would like to make about digital communication with our vacuum and flow products. In addition to the Windows software, we also have certified LabVIEW drivers for all of our digital products. And for our flow power supplies (THCD-101 & THCD-401), we provide free software (DisplayX).

300 Vue Mass Flow LabVIEW Driver – Click Here HVG-2020A Vacuum Gauge LabVIEW Driver – Click Here HVG-2020B Vacuum Gauge LabVIEW Driver – Click Here DCVT Vacuum Gauge LabVIEW Driver – Click Here DAVC Vacuum Gauge LabVIEW Driver – Click Here THCD-101 Flow Power Supply LabVIEW Driver – Click Here THCD-401 Flow Power Supply LabVIEW Driver – Click Here

And as always, we are here to help. If you have any questions about any of our vacuum or flow products, you can reach out to us by phone (800-950-2468/757-723-6531), email (hastings_instruments@teledyne.com) , or via LiveChat on our website (www.teledyne-hi.com )

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