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red-y compact series

Battery Powered Digital Mass Flow Meters for Gases

The red-y compact series mass flow meters and regulators provide portability, flexibility, and convenience

The advanced compact unit can be equipped with various modules, including battery, power, alarm, or analog/pulse options. It is available in stainless steel or aluminum and features an intuitive backlit touch screen display, USB connectivity, and precise, reliable operation.

Key Features

Battery-operated digital flow meter for gases with touch display

Touch Technology

The touch display offers intuitive navigation. All device parameters can be adjusted through the integrated menu. Automatic display orientation adjustment via position sensor.

High accuracy & dynamic performance

The flow meters offer high accuracy and dynamic range:
Accuracy ±1% of full scale
(dependent on application/range)
Dynamic range 1 : 100

 

Precise and independent digital flow meters for gases
Digital Mass Flow Meter with alarm function module

Advanced Alarm Functions

The new red-y compact features 3 configurable alarms. The following alarm modes are available: Max Alarm, Min Alarm, Range Alarm, and Totalizer Alarm

The alarms can be configured with different parameters: Normally open (NO), normally closed (NC), hysteresis, reset (automatic/manual or via input contact), alarm delay, and alarm duration

High-precision Valve

In the red-y compact regulator / all-in version with manual valves, high-precision needle valves are used. These valves allow fine adjustment of the flow rate.

Massemesser für Gase mit
Independent Operation

The red-y compact flow meters are powered by a standard AA battery. Optionally, 24 VDC and Micro-USB power supplies are available

Modular Extensions

4 expansion modules: Battery, Power Supply, Alarm, Analog/pulse out

USB Enabled

The red-y compact units can be powered with any common Micro-USB power supply (DIN62684) Device updates can be performed using the USB interface

MEMS Sensor

The MEMS semiconductor chip is the centerpiece of the thermal mass flow meter. Analog-digital conversion takes place in the sensor

Totalizer

In addition to the actual flow, the total consumption is displayed. Ideal for gas consumption measurements

1 Device – Multiple Gases

One red-y compact measuring device can be used for up to 3 different gases or gas mixtures

Wide Choice of Flow Units

Choose between a large number of standardized and normalized flow units of the Imperial, US customary and SI measuring systems (with user adjustable reference conditions). The units are selectable from the integrated menu both for the actual flow and the totalized flow

Password Protection

To avoid unauthorised change of settings, the menu of the new red-y compact can be locked with a password

Pressure & Temperature compensated

In contrast to variable area flow meters, the digital mass flow devices are insensitive to pressure and temperature changes

3-Year Warranty

High-quality components ensure long and trouble-free operation (does not apply to calibration, options and accessories)

Versions & Modules

red y compact flowmeter alu G 1 4 500x300

red-y compact meter GCM

Digital Mass Flow Meter
Measurement ranges up to 450 ln/min (480 SLPM)
Anodized aluminium or electropolished stainless steel

red y compact flowmeter alu G 1 4 with valve

red-y compact regulator GCR

Digital Mass Flow Meter with manual valve
Measurement ranges up to 450 ln/min (480 SLPM)
Anodized aluminium or electropolished stainless steel

Digital mass flow meter in electropolished stainless steel

Versions in electropolished stainless steel

All mass flow meters are available in both anodized aluminium and electropolished stainless steel.

The red-y compact is modular in design, allowing you to choose from various modules that can be added to the base model. The modules are interchangeable and can be added later, but only one module can be used at a time.

Battery module

The battery module is the default for the compact. With this module the compact can run on a single standard AA battery.

The unit also have a micro-USB connector that can be used as power supply and can also be used to update the firmware (See tab “Firmware”)

Power supply module

With the power supply module the compact can be powered from an external 15…30 VDC power source. The module comes with a 2 or 5 meter cable with fly leads

Power supply module with AC socket power supply

This power module comes with a wall plug socket power supply by which the unit runs of 100…250 VAC power. The module comes with a 1.5 meter cable and you can select a plug for EU, US, GB, AU or CN.

Alarm module

The alarm module option provides:

  • 3 alarm contacts (relays up to 1 amp, 30 VDC)
  • 2 optical isolated input channels (reset alarm)
  • Every alarm contact separately settable as
    • High flow alarm
    • Low flow alarm
    • Window flow alarm
    • Totalizer alarm
  • Hysteresis, delay and alarm duration time adjustable
  • Built-in 15…30 VDC power supply, polyfuse protected
  • 2 or 5 meter fly lead cable included
  • All variables adjustable locally through touch screen

Analog/pulse module

The analog/pulse module provides:

One active 4-20 mA output (adjustable 0-22 mA)

  • Load 1000 ohm @ 24 VDC power
  • Full customer configurable and certifiable

Open collector pulse output

  • Frequency up to 25 Hz
  • Voltage pulse:1…30 VDC
  • Built-in 15…30 VDC power supply, polyfuse protected

You already have a red-y compact and would like to upgrade it with a module. Then you can buy a module: Each module can be purchased and exchanged individually. Please note that you will need to update the firmware of your compact for some modules. You can find more information under the FIRMWARE tab.

Part number Description
328-2189 Modification kit: AA battery supply module
328-2181 Modification kit: External power supply module 24 VDC 2m cable with fly leads
328-2186 Modification kit: External power supply module 24 VDC 5m cable with fly leads
328-2190 Modification kit: Alarm module (3xcontact, 2xinput and power supply 24 VDC). 2m cable with fly leads
328-2192 Modification kit: Alarm module(3xcontact, 2xinput and power supply 24 VDC). 5m cable with fly leads
328-2201 Modification kit: Analog/pulse module (4-20 mA out + Pulse output). 2m cable with fly leads
328-2202 Modification kit: Analog/pulse module (4-20 mA out + Pulse output. 5m cable with fly leads

Tech Specs

Measuring Ranges
Air / Full scale freely selectable GCX-A from 0 … 5 mln/min* to 0 … 600 mln/min G¼”
GCX-B from 0 … 600 mln/min to 0 … 6000 mln/min G¼”
GCX-C from 0 … 6 ln/min to 0 … 60 ln/min G¼”
GCX-D from 0 … 60 ln/min to 0 … 450 ln/min G½”
*regulator 0 to 25 mln/min
Performance Data
Media (real gas calibration) Air, O2*, N2*, He, Ar, CO2, H2, CH4, C3H8 (other gases and gas mixtures on request)
*O2 & N2 are calibrated with air
Accuracy (air & equivalents) Eco: ± 2.0% of full scale; ranges > 200 ln/min (200 SLPM) ± 3.0% of full scale
Eco plus: ± 2.0% of full scale; ranges > 200 ln/min ± 3.0% of full scale
Special: ± 1.0% of full scale up to 50 ln/min (50 SLPM)
Turndown ratio Eco: 1 : 50
Eco plus and special: 1 : 100 (not available below 0-10 mln/min)
Response time Max. 300 msec (depending on filter settings)
Flow update by sensor 40 msec (battery mode 500 msec)
Display update 240 msec (battery mode 500 msec)
Repeatability ± 0.5% of full scale
Longterm stability 0.1 % of full scale per year, if clean gas is used
Power supply Meter GCM & Regulator GCR Standard AA battery (lifetime depending on operation) or
Micro-USB power supply (DIN 62684)
Option: External power 15…30 VDC
Operation pressure 0.2 – 11 bara (3 – 160 psia)
Temperature (environment/gas) 0 – 50°C (32 – 122°F)
Body Materials Anodized aluminium, optional stainless steel electropolished
Seals FKM, optional EPDM (FDA)
Pressure sensitivity < 0.2% / bar (<0.014% / psi) of reading (typical N2)
Temperature sensitivity < 0.025% FS measuring range type per 1°C (<0.012% FS per 1°F)
Warm-up time < 1 sec. for full accuracy
Integration & Installation
Display Touch display (128×64 px) with automatic position adjustment (position sensor)
Backlighted only with external power supply (Micro-USB or 24 Vdc)
Process connection G¼” (BSPP* female) up to 60 ln/min (64 SLPM)
G½” (BSPP* female) up to 450 ln/min (480 SLPM)
*British Standard Pipe Parallel
Inlet section None required
Mounting orientation Any position (consult manufacturer above 5 bar or vertical mounting)
Safety
Test pressure 16 bara (240 psia)
Leak rate < 1 x 10-6 mbar l/s He
Ingress protection class IP50  (conforms to NEMA 1)
EMC EN 61326-1

Accessories

red y compact flowmeter alu G 1 4 frontpanel mounting

Panel Mounting Kit

Panel Mounting Kit for the Digital Mass Flow Meters and Regulators of the red-y compact series

red y compact flowmeter alu G 1 4 with vacuum fittings

Vacuum Fittings & Various Inlet and Outlet Fittings

We offer a range of different inlet/outlet fittings and vacuum fittings

voegtlin massflow fittings compression with filter

Compression fittings with 50μ filter/ Stainless steel 1.4404 / 316L

Type/Connection Seals in FKM Seals in EPDM
G1/4″ to 6mm Part-N° 328-1011 Part-N° 328-1031
G1/4″ to 1/4″ Part-N° 328-1012 Part-N° 328-1032
G1/4″ to 12mm Part-N° 328-1013 Part-N° 328-1033
G1/4″ to 1/2″ Part-N° 328-1014 Part-N° 328-1034
G1/2″ to 12mm Part-N° 328-1006 Part-N° 328-1026
G1/2″ to 1/2″ Part-N° 328-1007 Part-N° 328-1027
voegtlin massflow fittings vcr

Vacuum fitting (identical to VCR®)

Type/Connection Seals in FKM
G1/4″ / 1/4″ VCR Part-N° 328-1190
G1/2″ / 1/2″ VCR Part-N° 328-1191

VCO® & VCR® are registered Trademarks of Swagelok

Vakuum-Verschraubung angeflanscht

Vacuum fitting flange-mounted (identical to VCR®)

Type/Connection Seals in FKM Seals in EPDM
G1/4″ / 1/4″ VCR Part-N° 328-1192 Part-N° 328-1193

VCO® & VCR® are registered Trademarks of Swagelok

voegtlin massflow fittings legris

Male stud fittings Legris / Brass

Type/Connection Seals in NBR
G1/4″ to 6mm Part-N° 328-1211
G1/4″ to 8mm Part-N° 328-1212
G1/4″ to 10mm Part-N° 328-1213
G1/2″ to 8mm Part-N° 328-1216
G1/2″ to 12mm Part-N° 328-1214
G1/2″ to 14mm Part-N° 328-1215

Firmware

Firmware Update 3.0.7 for red-y compact series

The digital gas mass flow meter series compact latest firmware version is 3.0.7. This version is free of charge for all compact users, is easy to install, make your compact suitable for the new analog/pulse module and enhances the performance of you unit.

New Features & Approvals

  • Compatibility with the latest analog/pulse module
  • User adjustability of the reference conditions
  • Improved menu structure
  • Improved performance
  • Longer battery life

Important Note: After the firmware update, it is recommended to recalibrate the touch screen See operating instructions chapter 4.12.9

To update your compact you need:

Micro-USB cable to your windows PC*
Service tool (see below)

For detailed information on updated features check the release note provided with the firmware update.
With the new firmware we also release updated operating instructions version A3-1. Hereby all technical details from previous manuals are no longer valid.

Previous versions of the firmware are available here.

New Features & Approvals

The installation software and firmware are included in the Vögtlin Service Tool package, which is easy and reliable to use (no software installation required). Updates are performed via the USB cable provided with the device*. Please refer to the user manual included with the Service Tool package. A detailed update guide can be found in the new user manual for the red-y compact series. *or most generic smartphone charging cables with USB Micro-B can be used

Downloads

329-2016_de_infocompact.pdfred-y compact series Product InformationProduct DatasheetsEN, DEFREN, DE
329-2051_de_frontkitcompact.pdfred-y compact series Panel Mounting KitsAccessories DatasheetsEN, DEEN, DE
329-2099_de_compactalarm.pdfred-y compact series Alarm ModuleAccessories DatasheetsEN, DE, FRFREN, DE, FR
329-3055_de_manualcompact300.pdfred-y compact series Operating Instructions SN>300000Operating InstructionsEN, DEEN, DE
399-3032_ml-compact-conformity-ce.pdfred-y compact series Declaration of Conformity CECertificates/StatementsEN, DEEN, DE
399-3033_ml-compact-conformity-ukca.pdfred-y compact series Declaration of Conformity UKCACertificates/StatementsEN, DEEN, DE
811-1216_ml_compact_QSG.pdfred-y compact series Quick Start GuideOperating InstructionsMLML
811-1236_ml_compact_modules_QSG.pdfred-y compact series Modules Quick Start GuideOperating InstructionsMLML
vi-service-tool-windows-x86.exered-y compact series Service Tool with Firmware Update 3.0.7 / WINSoftwareMLML

Tutorials & FAQs

What is the impact of a different reference temperature?

The reference pressure in all units is designed for 1013.25 mbar. If you want to calculate the difference between 0 °C and 20 °C, e.g., the formula is as follows:

(flow at 0°C /273.15)*293.15

(Law of Boyle/Gay-Lussac)

Example: 100 ln/273.15*293.15 = 107,32 ls (=7.3%) This corresponds to a correction of 0.366 % per degree Celsius

How significant is the impact if the operating conditions change (pressure and temperature)?

The thermal mass flow meters and controllers directly measure the number of gas molecules (=mass), which flows past the sensor. The thermal flow measurement principle is therefore insensitive to changes in pressure and temperature. Vögtlin calibrates each unit on two temperatures and a temperature sensor in the gas stream compensates any minor temperature error due to temperature effects in the electronics. Due to this compensation there are almost no measurable temperature effects in the range of between 0…50 °C.

What reference conditions (pressure and temperature) are the devices specified for?

Unlike liquids, gases can be compressed. The volume changes when the temperature and/or the pressure change. When specifying a gas volume, the reference temperature and the reference pressure must thus also always be specified. The flow unit is than referred to as normalized (f.i. ln/min) or standardized flow (f.i. ls/min)

When we refer to “Normal” flow we in general use:
Temperature Tn = 273,15 K, corresponds to 0 °C
Pressure Pn = 1013,25 mbar abs

When we refer to “Standard” flow we in general use:
Temperature Tn = 293,15 K, corresponds to 20 °C
Pressure Pn = 1013,25 mbar abs
See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/standard conditions

Please note: Not everyone understands standard conditions in the same way. In the case of reference pressure, everyone agrees, but in the case of reference temperature, there are differences:

  • Gas suppliers in Europe do not use 0 °C, but 15 °C as their “Normal condition”

To avoid misunderstandings, the reference conditions are specified clearly in our correspondence.
On request, we also deliver the devices with another reference temperature.

Can the devices also be used in low pressure?

On principle, it is possible to utilize our thermal mass flow meters and controllers in the low pressure range. The sensor allows for an accurate flow measurement down to 100 mbar abs (we never verified lower pressures).

In the case of the flow regulators, a the low pressure is most of the time downstream of the control valve. The valves are vacuum-tight. The following must nonetheless be taken into consideration:

  • The devices have a larger pressure loss in vacuum operation. The tubing should thus be designed to be as large as possible.
  • In vacuum systems there is a higher risk for the forming of condensation which is a problem for the measurement. (The gas must be clean and dry)

What information are required for selecting & sizing the mass flow meters & controllers?

Always provide a description of your application, why and how you want to use the units in your process.
At the very minimum we need the following information:

  • Gas (Specify all components if it is a gas mixture with their %)
  • Maximum and minimum flow and they units (f.i. ln/min or Gr/hr)
  • Pressure at the installation point (Inlet of the flow meter)
  • In case of a Mass flow controller the pressure behind the Mass flow controller (Your process pressure)
  • Minimum and maximum gas and ambient temperature
  • How is the device to be read out/controlled: visually on site / by means of analog signal (please define, e.g. 4-20 mA) / digitally via standard software get-red-y / SPS / client’s own system
  • Position (vertical/Horizontal) and any specific mounting and location information (f.i. required IP rating or Ex certification)

Does the mounting position need to be considered?

Basically, the red-y for gasflow mass flow meters and mass flow controllers can be installed in any position. At higher pressures and with dense gases such as krypton, a slight zero-point drift may occur. We therefore recommend using the devices horizontally wherever possible.
For the red-y smart pressure controllers with a small measuring range, the mounting position must be known. The dead weight of the pressure measuring cell can cause a zero point drift.

Does a massflow unit need a warm up time?

No, all  red-y for gasflow devices are ready for immediate operation.

What is the impact of the moisture of the gas?

Moist gas of up to approx. 80 % rh has only a slight impact on the measuring accuracy. However, make sure that no condensation can take place in the measuring device. The condensation could settle on the sensor which could lead to inaccurate measurements. In the event that a measuring device has come into contact with condensation, it can for the most part be rinsed with a dry gas, such as N2. See also the remarks in the operating instructions.

Do I have to place a filter in the gas line to the flow meter/controller?

If you use gas from a bottle which is clean and dry, there is, in general no need for a filter.

However, there is a risk during start-up of the devices, because dirt particles could be present in the line. It is recommended to install a bypass system, so that the line can be rinsed or can be exposed in response to possible repairs.

In the event that ambient or compressed air is used, the installation of a moisture and dust filter is strongly recommended.

Troubleshooting: Is there a checklist?

Within the troubleshooting pages in the operating instructions, we have summarised error patterns, possible causes and possible measures. If you do not recognise your error pattern or the suggested action is unsuccessful, please contact your Sales Ppartner. If you return the appliance, please refer to the ‘Returns’ section in the operating instructions.

How can the devices be cleaned?

Depending on the type of contamination, the devices can be cleaned on site. You can find more information on this topic in the operating instructions.

Is there a possibility for a remote maintenance in the event of malfunction?

Yes. In some cases it is convenient when we can access the client’s PC directly and solve issues online. Please contact us!
You can download the free software TeamViewer for remote support here.

Periodic calibration: How often do the devices need to be calibrated?

In principle, the user himself determines the calibrating interval. People often use one per year or in case of very clean gas, one per 2 years. The following questions/points can be helpful:

  • How important is it to maintain the accuracy of the measuring device?
  • What is the maximum allowable deviation?
  • Can the user determine the deviation of the measuring devices himself by means of a reference?
    Prior to installation into the system, the actual state is detected by means of a reference device. The customer determines the periodic inspection himself. It is important to make sure thereby that the measuring setup is always the same.
  • Internal or external specifications determine the interval:
    Is a periodic calibration from an accredited body required (e.g. Dakks (previously DKD) or SCS)?
  • Is the actual state determined prior to a recalibration?
    Yes, provided that the measuring device works, the current deviation is determined. A report is generated thereby. If it lies outside of the device specification, the measuring device is readjusted (adapted to a reference).

We suggest the following calibration interval:

1. First inspection after one year
2. After several calibrations have been made in succession, the deviation of calibration to calibration must be evaluated. Based on these data, a decision can be made to adapt the calibrating intervals.

The following influences can lead to an increased deviation:

1. No stable flow, caused by pulsating pumps, e.g.
2. The gas condenses or carries along liquid or dusty particles (applications with ambient air are particularly susceptible to contaminations. A filter needs to be provided here).
3. The effective pressure deviates considerably from the calibrated pressure (+/- 0,2%/bar).
4. The gas/gas mixture is not consistent with the calibrated gas.
5. The aging of electronic components can cause changes, sometimes even improvements. Electrical changes appear as a result of aging or gradual burning of components, which impact the quality of the output signal.