Mud Flow Sensor Instruction Manual
Mud Flow Sensor Instruction Manual
PAGE ISSUE
NO. DATE
A
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
Proper service and repair is important to the safe, reliable operation of all M/D TOTCO equipment.
The service procedures recommended by M/D TOTCO and described in the technical manuals are
recommended methods of performing service operations. When these service operations require
the use of tools specially designed for the purpose, those special tools should be used as recom-
mended. Warnings against the use of specific service methods that can damage equipment or
render it unsafe are stated in the manuals. These warnings are not exclusive, as M/D TOTCO
could not possibly know, evaluate and advise service people of all conceivable ways in which ser-
vice might be done or of all possible associated hazardous consequences. Accordingly, anyone
who uses service procedures or tools which are not recommended by M/D TOTCO must first sat-
isfy themselves thoroughly that neither personnel safety nor equipment safety will be jeopardized
by the method selected.
THE FOLLOWING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT BY WAY OF LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
A. Any product which has been repaired or altered in such a way, in the Company's judgement, as to affect
the product adversely, including any repairs, rebuilding, welding or heat treating outside of Company
authorized facility.
B. Any product which has, in the Company's judgement, been subject to negligence, accident, or improper
storage.
C. Any product which has not been installed, operated and maintained in accordance with normal practice
and within the recommendations of the Company.
D. For all items of special order by Buyer which are not manufactured by Company, Buyer should submit
warranty claims directly to the manufacturer thereof.
The Company's obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing, or at its option, replacing any products
which in its judgement proved not to be as warranted within the applicable warranty period. All costs of
transportation of products claimed not to be as warranted to authorized Company service facility shall be
borne by Buyer. Costs of return transportation to Buyer of products accepted for repair or replacement by
Company under the warranty provisions of the Sales Agreement shall be borne by the Company. Company
may, at its sole option elect to refund the purchase price of the products, and Company shall have no further
obligation under the Sales Agreement.
The cost of labor for installing a repaired or replacement part shall be borne by Buyer. Replacement parts
provided under the terms of this warranty are warranted for the remainder of the warranty period of the
product upon which installed to the same extent as if such parts were original components thereof.
A. Hydraulic, Mechanical, Electronic Equipment: one (1) year from date of installation or fifteen (15) months
from date of shipment from Company, whichever occurs first.
B. All Elastomer Diaphragms: six (6) months from date of shipment from Company.
No deviations from the Company's standard warranty terms or period as stated herein will be honored unless
agreed to in writing by an authorized Company representative prior to acceptance of the order.
EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS
WARRANTY SHALL CONSTITUTE THE SOLE RECOURSE OF BUYER AGAINST COMPANY FOR
BREACH OF ANY OF COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SALES AGREEMENT WITH BUYER,
WHETHER THE CLAIM IS MADE IN TORT OR IN CONTRACT, INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON
WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHERWISE.
iv April 1981
M/D TOTCO
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
v
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SI UNIT CONVERSION EACTORS
KILOPASCALS (kPa)
x 0.001 = Pascals (Pa)
x 0.001 = Newtons per square metre (N/m2)
INCHES (in.)
x 2.540 = Centimetres (cm)
vi
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page
iii
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-4!5A
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (Cont’d)
Figure Page
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Publication
Number Title
Part Number
iv
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SECTION I
PURPOSE, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
l-l INTRODUCTION
l-3 PURPOSE
l-4 The sensor, designed for installation on a drilling rig mud return pipe
between the well head and mud pits, signals the percentage of mud flow in
the existing system. Continuous monitoring and recording of mud flow conditions
are available to the driller through either an electrical or pneumatic mechanism
that functions with a variety of TOTCO mud monitoring systems. Gas kicks, in-
vasion of fluid from formation, or loss of mud circulation is detected immediately.
The sensor then provides signals to a warning system or as a control for a pump
stroke counter.
l-5 DESCRIPTION
l-6 The mud flow sensor comprises a base which is welded to the return flow
pipe, a housing with cover plate, a paddle which is interconnected through
a pivot and linkage mechanism with a pneumatic position transmitter or electrical
element transmitter, and two shaft-mounted adjustable counterweights (See Figure l-l).
The counterweights, which are accessible outside the unit, provide a force on the
paddle against mud flow and ensure that the paddle returns to zero position when
there is no flow in the pipe. The sensor is easily removed as a unit from the base
without disassembly; the cover plate covers the base after the sensor is removed
from an installation. The sensor may be ordered with one of four different size
paddles to fit several pipe diameters.
l-7 OPERATION
l-8 Mud flowing through the return line from the annulus to the shale shaker
deflects the flow sensor paddle. The degree of deflection is determined
by the speed of the mud flow and quantity of mud flow as well as pipe angle and
diameter. The position of the counterweights also affects the amount of deflection.
Consequently, the paddle angle of each flow sensor will change in proportion to
these variables. Movement of the paddle links directly to the transmitter shaft.
Rotation of the transmitter shaft determines the amount of output signal from the
transmitter.
NOTE
l-l
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
l-10 The pneumatic transmitter operates from a 20 psig (1.4 kg/cm2) instrument
quality air supply and delivers an output with a range of 3 to 15 psig
(0.21 to 1.1 kg/ cm2) to the monitoring system. When the flow paddle has no flow
pressure against it, the output signal from the transmitter is 3 psig (0.2 kg/cm2)
of air. The transmitter has a variable setting to produce a maximum output signal
of 15 psig (1.1 kg/cm2) indicating 100% flow. Actual mud flow may not cause a full
90° deflection of the paddle, therefore calibration of the transmitter is required.
Paddle counterweights are adjustable to normal mud flow to control the signal from
the transmitter.
1-12 The electric transmitter operates from a 5.OV dc input and delivers an out-
put from 0.47 to 3.OV dc. When the paddle has no flow pressure against it,
the output signal is 0.47 volts. When the paddle is at full deflection (900), the
output signal is 3.0 volts. Calibration requires an adjustment of the linkage
between the transmitter shaft and the pivot shaft which operate on a 1:l ratio.
Paddle counterweights also require adjustment for proper operation of the sensor.
l-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
l-14 Some early production mud flow sensors were identified as Part Number
270700 without a dash number to indicate system range. Later production
identified these units as 270700-101, -102, -103, -104, -105, and -106. Informa-
tion for these units is included in Instruction Manual 27-11. Any of the above
units may be reworked into the latest production units at TOTCO Distribution Center.
Pneumatic units identified as Part Numbers 270700-107, -108, and -109 and electric
units identified in production as Part Numbers 270700-110, -111, and -112 capable
of withstanding a maximum of 150 psig (10.5 kg/cm2) are the subject of this in-
struction manual.
l-311-4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SECTION II
INSTALLATION, CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENT
2-l INSTALLATION
2-3 Survey the mud flow return line to ensure that sufficient space is available
for proper installation and operation of the flow sensor (See Figure 2-l).
Then install the flow sensor as follows:
b. Remove nuts (8, Figure 2-2), washers (9,10), and bolts (11)
securing the sensor box assembly (15) to base (13); remove
base carefully to avoid damage to the gasket (14).
C. Position the base (13) centrally on the mud return pipe and
weld in place. Using a cutting torch, cut a hole through the
mud return pipe along the inside edges of the base.
NOTE
e. With gasket (14) in place and bonded to the sensor box (15)
assemble the sensor box to the base (13); secure with bolts (ll),
washers (9,10), and nuts (8). Make certain that bearings (12) are
installed in base (13).
2-5 The pneumatic transmitter is connected to the flow recorder and alarm
system and the air supply with l/4 inch nylon tubing. Before making
connections, blow out all tubing with clean, dry, instrument-quality air. Complete
the following steps:
2-l
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
6.03 (1
m MUD FLOW
Lr
r-l 0.25
MIN.
(6.4mm)
CLEARANCE
ELECTRIC
-22.50~
(571.5mm)
nm)
1
(173180mm)
1.510.33mm)
&EuWDELDED
ld
RETURN LINE
-1.5
(0.33mm)
-10.5 l
(2.67mm)
0.438 k5.254 *
(ll.lSmm) (133.6mm)
I
I
I T 2.12$(54.lmm)
BASE
27L46,-3A
n6.9 (175.3 mm) FOR OVERSIZE PADDLE
z-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
25,
2-3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
b. Place ferrule over the end of the tubing from the filter/
regulator and attach the tubing to the male connector marked
20 PSI SUPPLY on the transmitter (17). Tighten the connector
securely to the tubing.
d. Place ferrule over the flow sensor end of the tubing and
attach the tubing to the male connector marked SIGNAL on
the transmitter (17).
2-7 The electric transmitter (19, Figure 2-2) is connected directly to the
console or junction box of the electronic control system with the flow
sensor cable (20). If the cable has been cut away from the electric element and
is too short to splice, complete the following steps:
a. Strip protective shield back from the cable two inches and
strip the black, white, and green leads back l/4 inch. En-
sure that exposed leads are clean. Firmly crimp terminal spades
to the leads.
b. Guide the cable through the cable grip and connect the leads
to terminal strip (See schematic, Figure 2-4).
2-8 CALIBRATION
2-9 The flow sensor may be calibrated after installation or securely supported
on a bench in the shop. Ensure that connections are properly completed
(Refer to Paragraphs 2-4 through 2-7).
a. Remove nuts (25, Figure 2-2), washers (26,27), and bolts (28)
securing cover plate (6). Remove cover plate and gasket (16)
taking care not to damage gasket.
2-4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
/
/
/
27-451-4
d. Replace cover plate (6, Figure 2-2) and gasket (16). Secure
with nuts (25), washers (26,27), and bolts (28).
2-5
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
h. Slowly rotate paddle 90° to upper limit and verify that test
gauge reading follows paddle movement; when paddle reaches
maximum travel, test gauge shall indicate 15 + 0.1 psig (1.1 kg/cm2)
which is 100% mud flow.
k. Remove the test gauge and replace tubing. The mud flow sensor
is ready for operation.
b. Verify that the drive clamp (7, Figure 2-4) and counter-
weight support (10) are 45 O from base (14) with paddle in
the A position (See Figure 2-4). Correct for misalignment by
loosening the nuts on the bolts of the drive clamp (7) and of the
counterweight support (10). When the drive clamp and the support
are in position, tighten nuts.
2-6
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SJO 1813
--------SIGNAL CABLE------
I A POSITION
9-
,, B ,, POSITION
7
14
“A” POSITION
.
FLOW
2-7
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
_ .~ .~ ”
2-14 ADJUSTMENT
2-15 Sensitivity of the mud flow sensor is affected by the position of the
counterweights (21, Figure 2-2). Greater sensitivity exists when the
counterweights are closest to the shaft (22) than when further away because it
takes less flow against the paddle to show a change in mud flow. Counterweights
should be positioned so that the paddle always returns to the A position (See
Figure 2-4) when there is no mud flow in the mud return pipe. Both counterweights
should be located in approximately the same relative position. Counterweight
retainer bolts (23, Figure 2-2) secure the position of the counterweights.
. CAUTION
The following steps should be completed for final adjustments of the flow sensor:
a. Start and run mud pumps and circulate normal mud flow through
system.
2-8
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SECTION I I I
PERIODIC INSPECTION AND MAWTENANCE
3-1 GENERAL
3-2 The mud flow sensor assembly is constructed to provide long service with
a minimum of maintenance. To keep equipment functional and in best of
condition, an inspection should be carried out periodically. Maintenance personnel
should establish an inspection cycle based on length of operating time, level of
performance, and operating environment of equipment. The procedure primarily
consists of cleaning and checking parts for obvious damage and wear as well as
missing or loose items.
3-4 GENERAL
3-5 Carry out a visual inspection of the mud flow sensor and installation
connections for damage, wear, and loose parts; replace all defective
parts or components.
---3-7 Ensure that clean, dry, instrument-quality air is used for operation of
equipment. If TOTCO rig air filter and instrument air filter-regulator
are installed, perform inspection and maintenance in accordance with the appropriate
manual (Refer to Related Publications).
3-9 Ensure that the flow sensor cable deterioration is not sufficient to cause
a malfunction of the signal to the control system. Inspect the strain
relief provided by the cable grip to ensure that connections are not stressed.
Check connections on terminals for corrosion build up.
3-10 MAINTENANCE
3-11 GENERAL
3-12 Loose or worn parts require disassembly. Index numbers assigned to the
illustrations will aid in the sequence of disassembly. Observe the
following:
a. Do not remove bearings (7, Figure 3-l; 15, Figure 3-2), gaskets
(2 and 53, Figure 3-l; 10 and 47, Figure 3-2), gasket assemblies
(47, Figure 3-1; 39, Figure 3-2), or decals (23 and 24, Figure 3-l)
unless inspection reveals the need for replacement.
3-l
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
3-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
3-3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45-4
I
I
18 I
I
I
20
'26
16
\il
Ei-4
21
4,
I'\,
b
/'
22
3-4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
3-5
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
3-16 Visually inspect all parts for wear or damage that may affect the operation
of the flow sensor. Disassemble only to the extent required to replace
defective parts.
3-18 ELECTRIC FLOW SENSOR. The following steps give the requirements for
critical areas of maintenance of the electric flow sensor. Disassembly
of components is accomplished by following the order of index numbers assigned
to the exploded view (See Figure 3-2) observing the following:
3-6
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
e. Inspect bearings (12, Figure 2-2 and 6, 15, Figure 3-2) in position
for wear and evidence of the bolt touching the box, cover, or base.
Remove defective bearings and clean bearing mating surface of the cover
plate (91, sensor box (46) and base (13, Figure 2-2).
3-19 ELECTRICAL ELEMENT. The following steps give the requirements for critical
areas of maintenance of the electrical element. Disassembly of components
is accomplished by following the order of index numbers assigned to the exploded
view (See Figure 3-3) observing the following:
3-21 Assemble the flow sensor in reverse order of disassembly and by following
the index numbers related to the pneumatic or electric flow sensor.
3-22 PNEUMATIC FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLY. Complete the following steps using the
index numbers of Figure 3-1 unless otherwise noted:
d. Bond gasket (2) to cover plate (1) and gasket (53) to bottom
of sensor box (52) with light amber adhesive.
e. Shim each side of bell crank (42) with nylon washers (43) so
that shaft (41) shall have between 0.031 and 0.005 inch (0.79 mm
and 0.12 mm) end play. A minimum of one nylon washer (43) shall be
placed between the bell crank and the inside of the sensor box (52).
3-7
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
18'
1A
I
14-
3-8
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-4511
3-23 ELECTRICAL ELEMENT. Complete the following steps for assembling the
electrical element using the index numbers of Figure 3-3 unless other-
wise noted:
3-9
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
3-24 ELECTRIC FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLY. Complete the following steps for assembling
the electric flow sensor using the index numbers of Figure 3-2 unless
otherwise noted:
b. If bearings (6 and 15, Figure 3-2 and 12, Figure 2-2) were
removed from the cover plate (9, Figure 3-2), sensor box
(461, or base (13, Figure 2-2), install new bearings. Bond
bearings in place with light amber adhesive.
d. Bond gasket (10) to cover plate (9) and gasket (47) to bottom
of sensor box (46) with light amber adhesive.
e. Shim each side of bell crank (34) with nylon washers (35)
so that shaft (33) shall have between 0.031 and 0.005 inch
(0.79 mm and 0.13 mm) end play. A minimum of one nylon washer
shall be placed between the bell crank and the inside of the
sensor box (46).
3-10
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
SECTION IV
TROUBLESHOOTING
4-l GENERAL
4-2 This section contains instructions for correction of troubles which may
be encountered during adjustment or operation of the mud flow sensor assembly.
Where trouble is experienced, locate the probable cause and rectify the trouble
using the troubleshooting tables. This data assumes that all readout equipment is
operating correctly. After corrective action has been taken, appropriate calibra-
tion and adjustment of units must be performed before placing them back into
service.
4-4 Use Table 4-l for pneumatic flow sensor troubleshooting. Parenthetical
numbers refer to Figure 3-l unless otherwise indicated.
4-l
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
4-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
4-6 Use Table 4-2 for electric flow sensor troubleshooting. Parenthetical
numbers refer to Figure 3-2 unless otherwise indicated.
4-3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-458
4-4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 27-45A
APPENDICES
VENDOR DATA
Title Page
Ai/Aii
14-132
Feb. ‘
Page 1
OUTPUT
SUPPLY I.tI,
RELAY
”
Fig. B3082 mmd
TOTCO Reprint
The Foxboro Company hx
Fo.bomMa,,aC!l ” s A 02035
A-l
14-132 ‘
SUP
OUT
BALL TIP
MOTION W E TO
COUNTERCLOCKWISE CLOCKWISE ROTATION OF
ROTATION OF L ROTATION OF
ACTUATING LEVER 2t ACTUATlNG LEVER
ACTUATING LEVER
Fig. B3588
Transmitter Operating Adjustments the slot in the instruction plate. Use MAX po-
There are three operating adjustments on the sition on the orange scale if the orange
Type CP Position Transmitter: Two of them sector is employed; MAX position on the blue
align the ball tip (2) over the center of the con- scale if the blue sector is employed.
trol disc to produce 9 psi output pressure at mid- 3. Adjust the threaded bearing (5) with a =!
stroke of the actuating lever; and the third ad- wrench until the output pressure is 9 psi.
justs the transmitter output pressures to the pro- 4. Rotate the control disc (3) beyond the MIN
cess stroke. Standard adjustments will produce 3 position until the wrench (1) hits the end of the
to 15 psi output as the actuating lever revolves slot in the instruction plate.
throughout its stroke. 5. Adjust the micrometer screw (6) until the
When the transmitter is furnished on a valve output pressure is 9 psi.
motor, these adjustments are properly set at the 6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 until 9 psi output
Factory and should require no further attention. pressure is maintained in any position of the
Otherwise, these adjustments must be made at disc within the sector chosen.
the time of installation.
To check these adjustments, connect a 20-psi
air supply to the “ (supply) connection.
Connect a O-20 psi mercury manometer (or test NOTE : If during adjustment it is necessary to
gauge) to the “ connection, turn the threaded bearing until the stop screw
(7) hits the casting, loosen stop screw (71, slide
out the collar on the shaft, and retighten screw
(7). Similarly, if excessive travel of-the micro-
Centering Adjustments
meter screw (6) is reauired. turn the micrometer
1. Rotate the actuating lever to its midstroke screw to midtravel, lo&en t stop screw ( and
position. the actuating lever clamp screw (9), and rotate
2. Select the correctly-colored quadrant as dis- the shaft as follows: With the flexure spring (8)
cussed under Transmitter Action, and rotate the vertical, stop screw (7) should be at midtravel
control disc (3) beyond the MAX position using and the actuating lever should be at Its mid-
the wrench (1) until the wrench hits the end of stroke position.
A-2
14-132
Fig. B3088
A-3/A-4
MI 11-490
Page 2
Calibration Procedure
Calibration of the relay is required if the diaphragm or spring is replaced, or if
the setting of the tension adjustment screw is changed.
This procedure requires a calibrating fixture, Part C013OLB (English) or CO13OlX (SI),
obtainable from The Foxboro Company.
NOZZLE
(INPUT)
PRESSURE
OUTPUT
PRESSURE
1. Position relay as shown (with re-
cessed rectangle on cover toward
left) and mount relay on fixture.
”
Seal opening in nozzle valve with
Not used in finger until nozzle pressure (on
left gauge) is 15 psi or 100 kPa,
then release finger. Repeat.
CAUTION: Do not exceed this pres-
sure or gauge may be damaged.
Adjust nozzle valve (use l/4 inch
open-end wrench) so that nozzle
pressure is 2.2 psi or 14.7 kPa.
Note output pressure (on right
gauge). If reading is 2.5-3.0
psi or 17-20 kPa, relay is in
Connect 17 psi (120 kPa) calibration. If not proceed
air supply. Use l/8 NPT to Step 5.
fitting.
TOTCO Reprint
B-2