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Fisher Controls International, Inc. 1/97;All Rights Reserved

FlowScanner, FlowStor, RatRace, Fisher, Fisher-Rosemount, andManaging The Process Better are marks owned by Fisher ControlsInternational, Inc. or Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. All other marksare the property of their respective owners.

RatRaceDesktop Analysis SoftwareUser Guide

Preliminary Manual

User GuideType

January 1997

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While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, Fisher Controls does not guarantee satisfactory results from re-liance upon such information. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a warranty or guarantee, e pressed or implied, regarding theperformance, merchantability, fitness or any other matter with respect to the products, nor as a recommendation to use any product or process inconflict with any patent. Fisher Controls reserves the right, without notice, to alter or improve the designs or specifications of the products de-scribed herein.

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Contents

Section Title Page

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope of Manual 6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 RatRace Software Description 6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3 Hardware Specifications 6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 The Main Menu 2.1 Setting Defaults 9.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2 Defining Nametags 10.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.1 Filling in a New Nametag 11.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.2 Saving and Printing Nametags 15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.3 Retrieving a Nametag File 15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.4 Using Drive G for Nametag Storage 15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.4.1 Storing Nametags on Drive G 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.4.2 Recalling Nametags from Drive G 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.2.5 Erasing Valve Nametag from the Screen 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2.6 Exiting the Nametag Screen 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3 Setting Test Parameters 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.1 Dynamic Scan Test 17.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.2 Static Point Test 19.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.3 Step Change Test 19.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.4 Stepped Ramp Test 19.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.5 Step Study Test 20.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.6 Pressure Channel Assignments 20.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.7 Auxiliary Inputs 21.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3.8 Storing a RUNTEST File 21.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Using a Mouse with RatRace 3.1 Mouse Support 22.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1.1 System Requirements 22.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1.1.1 Possible Mouse Driver Problems 22.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2 Mouse Commands 23.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.1 Display Menus 23.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.2 Selecting Data Files with the Mouse 23.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.3 Adding or Changing a Test Comment 23.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.4 Displaying a Graph with the Mouse 24.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.5 Graph Controls 24.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.2.6 Normal Mode Hot Buttons 24.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3 Zooming and Cursor Control 25.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.3.3.1 Fast Zoom Windowall four cursors 25.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3.2 Moving One Cursor 26.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3.3 Moving Two Cursors 26.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3.4 Cursor Blanking 26.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4 FlowMouser Tools 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.1 Analyze Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.4.2 PointMarks Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.3 SetZoom Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.4 RePlot Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.5 Reset Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.6 Inverse Button 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.7 Menus Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.8 DrawLine Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.9 DrawCircle Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.10 AddText Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.11 Print Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4.12 HideTools Button 28.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 Displaying and Analyzing Test Results 4.1 Quick Reference 29.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.2 Display Program Overview 29.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.3 Starting the Program 30.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.4 Choosing Test Data 30.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5 Overlaying Test Data on Graphs 31.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.6 Returning to the MENU Screen 33.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7 Printing Graphs 33.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7.1 Capturing Graphs 33.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7.2 Graph Cursor 33.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7.3 Zooming a Graph View 34.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7.4 Marking Data Points 35.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.8 Graph Analysis 35.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8.1 Possible Data Problems 37.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8.2 Limiting Analysis Range 37.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.9 Dynamic Scan Tests 38.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10 Measurement vs. Time 40.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10.1 Miscellaneous Graphs 42.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.11 Static Point Test 43.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.12 Step Change Test 43.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.13 Stepped Ramp Test 44.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.14 Step Study Test 45.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.15 Transferring Data to the Report Module 45.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.16 Copying and Displaying from the Display Program 46.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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4.16.1 Saving Data to a New Disk 46.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.16.2 Saving Data as an ASCII File 46.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.16.3 Compressing Files 47.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Quick Reports 5.1 Overview 49.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.2 Procedures 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.2.1 Retrieving Data 49.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.2.2 Saving Reports 50.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.2.3 Printing Reports 50.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Appendices 6.1 Appendix A: Software Installation 51.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.2 Appendix B: Trouble Shooting 52.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.3 Appendix C: Technical Support 55.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.4 Appendix D: Related Products 56.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Glossary

8 Index

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1 Introduction

1.1 Scope of ManualThis manual describes: how to use the RatRace Desktop Analysis

Software to analyze test data collected using the FlowScanner ValveDiagnostic System.

1.2 RatRace Software DescriptionThe RatRace Desktop Analysis Software for use with the FisherFlowScanner Valve Diagnostic System is designed to allow some ofthe FlowScanner support operations to be done on a PC compatibledesktop (or laptop) system. It allows preparation of data disks withvalve Nametag descriptions and test setups, and permits the displayand analysis of data taken with the FlowScanner and allows prepara-tion of reports.

It goes beyond the standard software capabilities and allows up tonine different tests to be overlaid on all graphs, and allows display ofdata collected on the auxiliary input channels.

The Display portion of the program now supports mouse commands.See the Displaysection for details

1.3 Hardware SpecificationsXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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NoteThe software package contains two programs: a slidingstem application and a rotary valve application.Although these programs vary in appearance, they aresimilar in function, and the differences merely reflectthe operational differences between the two valvestyles. Because the two programs function so similarly,this manual will try to cover both versions and onlymention one or the other programs when specificdifferences are applicable to the discussion.

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2 The Main MenuA main menu starts when either the SLIDAUX.BAT or ROTAUX.BATfiles are run. These files are placed in the 1APP directory of theFlowScanner. The other portions of the FlowScanner programs areselected from the main menu by moving a highlight bar with the key-

pad arrow keys.

FlowAuxMain menu

The main menu screen selects the various FlowScanner programs:

StartLook ator Change a Valve NametagIdentify the valve, actuator, accessories and plant site

SelectViewor Change a Test SetupSelect the test type and enter testing parameters

Display and Analyze Test DataReview test results and manipulate the data as necessary

Prepare a Test ReportDisplay test data in report format

Format a Data DiskFormat a floppy diskette for data storage

Record Data Drive and Operating DefaultsSet default preferences for operation and data storage

The up and down arrow (cursor) keys will move the highlight bar tothe different choices, and pressing Enter will select the highlightedchoice. AltV will toggle video between color and monochrome, andAltS will check space on a data disk. Notice that every menu itemand selection choice has one letter that is highlighted. Type that let-ter either by itself, or in combination with the Alt key, to make thatselection.

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2.1 Setting DefaultsWhen first using FlowScanner, the Operating Defaultsmust be set.The Operating Defaults choice from the Main Menu lets you set thedefault data drive, nametag file type (by Serial number or Tag num-ber), whether or not to use a data RAM disk, whether or not to auto-

matically save the test data upon test completion, whether or not toautomatically analyze and print the graphs, and what type of graph-ics printer to expect, and what engineering units to display. The Op-erating Defaultsscreen looks like this:

OperatingDefaults Screen

The program drive is set automatically when the program is started.

Set the data drive to the letter for the 3-1/2 inch Floppy drive. (Typi-cally A on FlowScanners)

Data is normally saved by TAG numberinstead of a Serial number,but either can be used. If saved as a serial number only numericdigits can be entered. (The actual disk file will be named by an en-coded number, but the popup menus will show the serial number as

entered.) The F2 key will popup the menu to select either TAG orSERIAL defaults. This determines where all programs will look forthe nametag files.

The Temporary Storage drive on a FlowScanner should be set to Fbut on a desktop it is used only if a RAM disk has been created forthat purpose. This allows the programs to run slightly faster. To dis-able temporary storage set the RAM disk to X.

Does Not Apply to RatRaceThe Auto Save Data and Auto Print Graphs are normally set to No.If set to Yes, the data will be automatically saved after it is takenand graphs will automatically be printed on analysis.

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Press the F2 key and pick the type of printer normally used to printgraphs. (This setting has no effect on text printing for reports.) Thissetting can be overridden from the Printer menu in the Display andAnalyze program.

Select the units to use for pressures, linear travel, and force from thethree pop-up menus. (F2 recalls all menus when the cursor is on thefield location.) For pressures the possible choices are: psi, kPa,kg/cm2and bar

Displayed Travel Units can be set to inches or mm , and DisplayedForce Units can be set to pounds (LBS), Newtons (N), orDecaNewtons (DN).

The video mode can be toggled between Color and Monochrome bypressing AltV. The mode set when exiting the defaults screen willbe used by all programs.

After setting the defaults, Alt-X will save the default file and return tothe main menu.

2.2 Defining NametagsThe software needs to know details about the valve in order to ana-lyze results. This information is entered as a valve nametag. Theinformation from the nametag file is read each time the testdata is selected, so corrections may be made to the nametagafter testing, and they will be used in subsequent analysis.However, a nametag file must be saved for reference before atest can be run on a valve.

SlidingStem Valve Nametag Screen

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The nametag screen appearance and fields will differ slightly be-tween the Rotary and Sliding Stem programs to reflect the operation-al differences between the two valve styles

RotaryValve Nametag Screen

The units shown on the various fields will match the units selected in

the operating defaultsscreen. The file is always saved in US units,but the display and printouts will match the default units.

The cursor should be flashing on the first character of the PlantSite field.

Items marked on screen with an asterisk (*) are used in analy-sis, and must be filled in for the program to calculate results.

2.2.1 Filling in a New Nametag The nametag is filled in three sections: The valve data, the actuatordata, and the accessory data. First fill in the Valve data. Move be-tween sections by pressing the PgDn and PgUp keys.

NoteIf there is a question as to what is required for a field,pressing the F1 key will bring up a help screendescribing what is needed.

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F1Help Screen for Body Style Field

The Plant site is a reference field (not required) for later identificationof the data.

Pressing Enter after an entry will move to the next field, or move be-tween fields with the up and down cursor keys.

An identifying description can be entered in the Description field.

The TAG number is also used as the filename to store the nametagdata on the disk. The first 8 characters only are used for the file-name, and illegal characters (spaces, periods, etc.) are replaced byunderscores in the file name. If possible, be consistent by using onlyletters and numbers in the TAG # field. This is the only field requiredto take test data

Enter the Serial Number in its field (the serial number field will onlyaccept numerical characters, no alphabetic characters allowed) Ifthe accessories also have serial numbers they can be reference inthe Comments fields (accessed by pressing AltC).

The Body Type field will pop up a menu list of Fisher body types.

SlidingStem Body Type Pop-Up Menu

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Move through the list with the Up & Down arrow keys. Press Enterwhen the desired choice is highlighted to enter it into the field. FornonFisher types press the Esc key to exit the menu and type in anentry.

Once an entry has been made the menu will not pop up automatical-

ly when returning to the field. It can be recalled by pressing the F2key when the cursor is on the field. (This is true for all fields whichhave popup menus.)

Next fill in the body size and class from the popup menus in thenext fields.

The trim fields can be filled with any text string, as this field is notused for later calculations. They are typically used to describe thethe materials of construction, characteristics or special designs.

Select the flow direction, and indicate if flow tends to open or closethe valve.

On the Sliding Stem program, the field for BALANCED or UN-

BALANCED construction may be selected automatically if the bodytype and size so indicate. If the software cant decide the construc-tion a menu will be offered, otherwise the field is filled in andskipped.

Select the port diameter, stem diameter, and packing type from thenext menus.

The Friction fields will normally be filled in by the software. (For theEHD, the added friction for the piston rings is filled in after the linepressure entries.)

Select the leak class and seat type from the menus. If the valve ison Boiler Feedwater service, select the Feedwater leak class. Thiswill use the Feedwater tables from Fisher Catalog 14 to specify theseat load.

Pressing F1 with the leak class menu visible will bring up a table ofstandard leak classes for Fisher valves.

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SlidingStem Leak Class Help Screen

Enter the specified inlet pressure and outlet pressure in the units se-lected.

The required seat load will then be calculated and filled in, based onthe previously entered data. See Section 3.1.

Enter the specified travel. Fractions entered will be converted todecimal.

The stroking time fields are for reference if there is a customer re-quirement.

When the Valve section is complete, press PgDn to move to the Ac-tuator section, and select the actuator type and size from the me-nus. Also select whether actuator air pressure opens or closes thevalve. These entries are used in determining seat load and friction.

Enter the specified benchset from the nameplate. This will becompared to the measured bench set later.

The software will fill in the effective area for Fisher actuators on themenu, if the Type and Size were selected from the pop-up menus.For other types the effective area must be manually entered beforethe valve is tested, as it is used in calculations.

Press PgDn again to move to the accessories fields and select theI/P type and fill in the output range.

Select the I/P input type (use psig if no I/P is used).

Fill in the I/P resistance if the control current will be monitoredthrough the I/P voltage.

Select the positioner model (reference only).

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Specify whether the valve is in the Open or Closed position whenzero control signal is applied. This field overrides all other choices tolabel the graphs.

Note any other accessories in the Other fields.

Enter longer comments (i.e., 2 lines or >50 characters) by pressing

AltC for a comment window.

2.2.2 Saving and Printing Nametags Pressing F10 will save the completed nametag to the data disk un-der the TAG # as a filename (unless the operating default is set toSerial Number). The tag can also be saved by accessing the Filemenu (AltF); where existing nametag information can also be readoff the disk and displayed or changed. From here it can be saved aseither a nametag or serial number.

The nametag can be printed by pressing F6 or AltP. You will thenchoose to print to the screen (for preview) or to the printer. Be sure

the printer is properly connected and turned on before trying to print.

2.2.3 Retrieving a Nametag File Nametag files already stored on the data disk can be read back infrom the File menu, selected by (AltF). Select either Tag Numberor Serial Number from the menu (Field data is normally saved as aTag Number), and a list of nametags found on the disk under that filetype will appear. The Sliding Stem program will not show Rotary na-metags and viceversa, and if you selected Tag Number files anysaved as Serial Numbers will not show on the list. Use the cursorkeys to select the file you want and press Enter to read the file anddisplay it on screen. You can make changes and save the file again,

and the changes will be reflected when you analyze data or print re-ports. If you want to set up another test for a valve already testedyou must read in the nametag before setting up the test.

2.2.4 Using the Drive G for Nametag Storage If a data area of a hard drive or network drive has been defined asdrive G, it can be used to store a large group of Nametag files sothey can be retrieved for any valve whenever they are needed. Thesoftware can currently access up to 500 sliding stem plus 500 rotaryvalve nametags. There are some special procedures to make thisstorage easier.

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2.2.4.1 Storing Nametags on Drive G

To store the tags only on drive G first set the Operating Defaultsoffthe Main Menu screen) to use drive G as the data drive while com-pleting and saving the nametags. Once all the nametags are stored,set the operating defaults back to the floppy drive as the data drive.

To fillin and store nametags on both a floppy disk and the harddrive, leave the Data Drive set to the floppy drive and fill in the na-metag. Pressing F10 saves it to the Floppy disk (as either a TagNumber file or Serial Number file as set in the Defaults), and press-ing F8 saves to G.

If there is a group of nametags on a floppy disk, use DOS to copyfiles with the extension T@G, SER, RRG and SRR from the floppyto drive G.

2.2.4.2 Recalling Nametags from Drive G

Nametags can be recalled from Drive G even when using the floppydrive to store data. Start with a blank nametag and type either in thetag number or serial numberunder which the tag is stored, leave thecursor on that field and press F9 and the tag will be read in. (Press-ing F9 causes the program to look for either the tag number or serialnumber depending on which field has the cursor.) The File menualso has a choice which will list the tags on the hard drive by eitherTag number or Serial number. If saving data to floppy disks, savethe nametag to the floppy after calling it up from drive G.

2.2.5 Erasing Valve Nametag from Screen If a mistake is made in entering the nametag data, erase the datafrom the screen and start again from scratch by pressing Alt-F

2.2.6 Exiting the Nametag Screen Exit the nametag program by pressing AltX. From the exit menuyou can go directly to the Setup Test screen, go back to the mainmenu or resume filling out the nametag..

2.3 Setting Up Test ParametersThe FlowScanner has been made flexible enough to run a variety oftests, but normally only a few standard tests will be used. However,before running a test the nameplate must be loaded into memory

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and the Setup screen completed, which passes the data to the Testprogram.

The Setup Test screen looks much like the Nametag Screen:

SetupTest Screen for Sliding Stem

The current valve ID (TAG or SERIAL #) will be shown at the top leftwindow if a valve is in memory.

The Setup Number is used to save and recall standard setups. Usea descriptive name like SCAN50 or SCAN100 for 50 and 100 seconddynamic scan setups.

Recall a standard setup from the program drive from the file menu(AltF). Setups are stored on the hard drive so they will be availablefor other data disks. If there are setup files on the disk the nameswill be displayed across the top of the screen. Use the cursor (ar-row) keys to highlight the desired setup and press Enter. That setupwill then be loaded into the setup screen.

Use the Description field to explain what the setup is for.

The Test Type field has a menu with 5 choices. It defaults to Dy-namic scan. To select another press the F2 key while the cursor ison the field. However, first we will cover how to set up a dynamicscan test.

2.3.1 Dynamic Scan Test The Dynamic Scan test ramps the current at a controlled rate be-tween two defined output levels. Data is recorded during both up-stroke and down stroke, and may be analyzed for a good indicationof valve condition. It is the normal FlowScanner test for valves.

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The Output type field defaults to milliampere. The Volts choice is for010 volt E/P loops. (The software now also supports 10 to +10E/P for control only, if the FlowScanner has a wiring modification tosupport the negative voltage output.) If 1050 mA loops are usedselect milliampere. Switching to the 50 mA range is automatic if out-put levels above 25 mA are selected.

The output function defaults to Control I/P instead of Monitor I/P.(For controlling the valve from the control room while the systemmonitors the I/P voltage.)

The command mode is the typical means of operation with theFlowScanner. It allows the FlowScanner to command the currentsignal to the valve and control the test that is being conducted. Thepower for the instrument is provided by the FlowScanner.

Monitor mode allows the FlowScanner to sense the signal being sentto the valve, but the movement of the valve is being done by thecontrol system. When the monitor mode is used, the resistance ofthe I/P must be known in order for the current to be properly calcu-

lated. The system monitors the current signal and the valve ismoved by the operator of the control system. See section 8 for com-plete details.

Select the proper travel transducer from the menu (press F2). (Thiscan be changed in the Test program if required.)

The normal first test is to linearly ramp current from 4 to 20 mA to besure you test for seat load and travel under control room range. Ifthe control range is other than 420 use the actual controller limits.Limits may now be set in 0.1 mA increments.

The appropriate scan time should be selected based on the actuatorsize. Pressing F1 (Help) accesses a table giving the recommendedscan times for various actuator sizes. The pause time is equal toapproximately 50% of the selected scan rate. Thus, a 50 sec testrequires approximately 150 seconds to complete.

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The calibrated times may vary somewhat; but the analysis softwarewill display the actual elapsed time on the graphs.

2.3.2 Static Point Test AStatic Point Test duplicates a traditiona l lab deviation cycle testfor hysteresis p lus dead band , pausing at several levels on the up

and down stroke to a llow the valve to reach static conditions . Perthe SAMA requirements the tes t limits should be selected to avoidhitting travel stops on the ends of travel. For example, a wellcali-brated 420 range valve wouldnormallybe tested a t 4.2 , 8, 12, 16and 19.8 mA s teps, w ith a ramp rate o f 1 mA/sec and a pause t imeof from 20 to 60 seconds. Large valves w ith graphitepackingmayrequire longer pause t imes because a static condition must be re-peated a fter each step change. If the pause time is too short, theresults will continue to improve as the pause time is increased.

2.3.3 Step Change Test The Step Change test is used to check stroking speed and valve dy-

namic response. This test makes an instantaneous change in out-put between two levels while recording data on valve response.Minimum pause time is about 20 seconds.

2.3.4 Stepped Ramp Tests The Stepped Ramp performs a ramp up and down test as a series ofsmall steps. This may be used with steps down to 0.01 mA to testfor valve response and resolution. Normally select a starting outputlevel within the valves normal operating range (e.g., 12 mA), a num-ber of steps to make up ((e.g., 20), a step size (e.g., 0.08), a pausetime at each step (e.g., 5 seconds), and the number of times to per-

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form the ramp (e.g., 2). No automatic analysis is done on the datasimply view the elapsed time graphs and compare input steps to out-put step response. This test is often used with the process variablerecorded on an auxiliary channel.

2.3.5 Step Study Test The step study is used to check valve resolution and response quick-ly. A series of increasing small step sizes is defined (e.g., .08, .16,.32, and .8 define 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 5% steps for a 420 mA loop)to be run at different nominal loop output levels (e.g., 12 mA or50%). A pause time is specified for each step (e.g., 10 seconds),and the normal procedure is to mirror the steps; that is to step up,back, and then down and back from the nominal output level. Thistype of test can quickly show an approximate deadband for valves,especially with the process variable recorded on an auxiliary chan-nel.

2.3.6 Pressure Channel Assignments

Press PgDn to access the pressure channel assignment window.For each pressure to be measured on the test assign a pressurechannel. Normally the Supply Pressure, Instrument (I/P), and Posi-tioner Output pressures are assigned. (The Positioner Output pres-sure is used in analysis for the Actuator Pressure if another channelisnt assigned to it.) Up to 6 channels can be assigned. Addingchannels slows the tests and increases the size of the data files, sodont assign unneeded channels. For pressure return piston actua-tors assign the return pressure as well. The sixth pressure has ablank name if another pressure is measured, describe it in this fieldand assign a channel.

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2.3.7 Auxiliary Inputs

If the FlowScanner is running FlowAux to collect data, the Auxiliaryinputs can also be used to collect data simultaneously with the con-trol signal, valve travel, and valve pressure channels. Filling in a de-scription for one or more auxiliary inputs causes the Test program to

display and record information on the channels with a description.These can be displayed by the FlowAux display program. This mightbe used for recording line pressure, flow rate, or other variables.

If more than one auxiliary channel is measured the control signal andtravel data can be displayed simultaneously with either the valvepressures or the auxiliary channel data. You select which to displaywhen reading the data for display; so you can alternately look at bothdata sets.

If only one auxiliary channel is measured, and the 6th (user defined)pressure channel is not used by the pressure scanner, the auxiliarychannel data is stored in its place and can be displayed with all the

rest of the valve data.Enter other comments with AltC, print the setup information (AltP),and save the setup file (F10 or AltF) as in the Nametag Menu.Save the Setup file if it is needed for other tests the RUNTEST filewill pass the setup screen data to the Test program.

2.3.8 Storing a RUNTEST File

Exit the Setup Screen by pressing AltX. The exit menu will allowyou to exit to the Nametag program or go to the main menu. If thesetup file has been modified and not saved, a popup window will

ask if it should be saved. When exiting to the main menu a popup window will ask if this setup and nametag data should beused for the next test. If the answer is Yes the informationwill be ADDED to the RUNTEST file. All saved Setup and Name-tag combinations will still be available from the TEST program, soseveral different setups can be saved for later testing. If this windowdoes not pop up, it probably means there is no Nametag in memory,and the test will not be setup to run.

Pressing Alt-F gives four menu options: 1) Retrieve Test Setup fromFile, 2) Save Test Setup to File, 3) Erase Test Setup from Disk or 4)Erase Test Setup from Screen.

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3 Using a Mouse with RatRace

3.1 Mouse SupportThe RatRace Desktop Analysis program now supports a mouse foreasier user interface. When used on a VGA (640x480) monitor it is

also possible to switch to a FlowMouser Tools display which givespushbuttons for commands at the bottom of the screen, and addscommands to draw lines (such as arrows), circles (to highlight inter-esting data), and add text notes anywhere on screen. These lastfunctions are much easier using a mouse for control, and thus arenot supported with keyboard equivalent commands. The normalkeyboard operation of the program is otherwise not affected by themouse support. If the system does not have a mouse installed it willoperate from the keyboard just as before.

The mouse is not supported in the Nametag, Report, and Main Menuportions of the program for this release.

3.1.1 System Requirements In addition to the normal system requirements for the software, themouse interface requires a Microsoftcompatible mouse and DOSmouse driver program. The mouse driver program (commonly calledMOUSE.COM or MOUSE.SYS) must be loaded before running theFlowAux software or the mouse will not be recognized. If FlowAuxdoes not find the mouse driver in memory when it starts, the mousecommands will not be offered.

3.1.1.1 Possible Mouse Driver Problems

Note that not all systems running Microsoft Windows with a mousewill necessarily have the DOS mouse driver program loaded, be-

cause Windows uses its own driver module for the mouse. Thus, ifthe mouse works with Windows but is not found by FlowAux, it iseither not Microsoft compatible or the DOS mouse driver has notbeen loaded. The mouse driver program is commonly calledMOUSE.COM and should be run before starting the FlowAux soft-ware. It is usually most convenient to have the mouse driver runfrom the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on system startup.

Not all generic mouse driver programs handle the VGA screen modeswitching well. The Display program can run in 3 different screenmodes: Text mode, 640x350 graphics mode, and with the Flow-Mouser Tools screen in 640x480 mode. The mouse driver program

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places the mouse cursor on screen and thus interacts with the videodriver. If the mouse driver conflicts with the video mode there maybe colored squares appearing as the mouse is moved, or a scram-bling of small regions of colors. The driver for some mice also limitsthe cursor movement to the values it detects on screen, and if theFlowMouser tools mode is activated, it may not let the cursor move

into the tools area without first exiting to the menus and then replot-ing the graph.

No problems have been found when using Microsoft MOUSE.COMmouse drivers.

3.2 Mouse Commands

3.2.1 Display Menus When entering the Display program, the software checks to see if amouse is active. If the mouse driver is found, a rectangular mousepointer block appears on the screen which is moved with the mouse.All the Display menus can be operated by moving the mouse and

clicking the buttons.To access a menu from the top of the screen, first move the mouseso the mouse pointer is on the name of the menu desired, then brief-ly click the left mouse button. The menu will open as if you hadpressed the Altkey commands.

To select an action from a menu move the mouse pointer over themenu choices. The choice under the mouse pointer will be automati-cally highlighted. To choose the highlighted selection under the cur-sor simply click the left mouse button while the pointer is on the de-sired choice. For users familiar with Microsoft Windows, this actionshould be familiar. To cancel a menu without selecting from it, movethe mouse pointer off the menu and click.

3.2.2 Selecting Data Files With the Mouse After selecting the choice from the File menu, the list of files will beshown on screen. If more than one page of choices exist, move be-tween pages by clicking either directly under or over the list. Whenthe test desired is shown on the list, point to it with the mouse point-er and click the left mouse button to highlight it, then click again toload it.

3.2.3 Adding or Changing a Test Comment While a test is highlighted on the data selection window, its commentshows up on the last line of the window. To add or change a com-

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ment on the highlighted test, click on the comment line and edit thecomment. If the highlight is moved to another test before reading inand saving this test, the changes are lost.

3.2.4 Displaying a Graph With the Mouse When the list of graphs appears on the screen moving the mouse

pointer over the list and clicking the left mouse button will move thehighlight bar to match the choice under the mouse pointer. To see agraph just click the left mouse button again while it is on the high-lighted choice.

To see page two or three of the graph choices click on the headingsabove the list to turn pages. Unlike moving the cursor keys to pagetwo, when page two is first seen no channels are automatically se-lected for display. It is faster to select the channels desired with themouse than to turn off all the channels not wanted (as was done withthe cursors). To select a channel to graph on the Y axis, move themouse pointer to the far right of the highlight bar (where the Y indi-cators appear) and click the left mouse button. Do this to turn on all

the Y channel choices wanted, then point to the name of the channeldesired for the Y axis scale and click on the channel name.

For Page three of the graph choices select the Y channels in thesame way, and select an X channel by clicking just left of the Y col-umn in the column where the X indicator appears.

3.2.5 Graph Controls After the graph is plotted, the mouse pointer appears on screen.(With some mouse drivers it wont show up until you start to movethe mouse.) On the graphics screens, it appears as a diagonal ar-row.

The mouse is used both for clicking on hot areas of the graph toactivate commands, and for moving cursors and zooming in the plot-ting area on the screen. In the normal full graph view or 640x350graph mode the hot areas are around the plotting area on titleboxes and axis legends. The commands are not shown on thisscreen to keep the screen clean looking. The hot areas are easy tolearn, but with a VGA monitor (640x480 graphics) you can alsoswitch to the FlowMouser Tools screen and have button controls forthe same actions appear at the bottom of the screen.

3.2.6 Normal Mode Hot Buttons The most common actions done on a graph are the analysis, zoom-ing, moving cursors, marking data points, resetting from a zoom,

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printing to a printer, and escaping back to the graph menus. Allthese actions can be done quickly with the mouse with the normalfull graph screen mode.

Zooming and cursor control (dragging the cursors) are done withinthe plotting area. The other commands can be done by clicking theleft mouse button while pointing at special areas on the screen.

To analyze a graph point outside the Y axis at the corner where theanalysis should appear, click the left mouse button. Clicking thereagain will erase the analysis, or clicking on another corner will movethe analysis to the new corner.

Returning to the menu page is done by clicking in the test name boxin the upper left corner of the screen.

To Print a graph click on the time display box in the upper right cor-ner of the screen.

To circle the data points, click on the Y axis title near the center ofthe Y axis. Clicking there again turns off the point circles.

To reset a graph back to the initial view click past the center of theright Y axis near the edge of the screen.

Finally, with a VGA screen with 640x480 capability, clicking on the Xaxis title near the center will switch to the high resolution mode andshow the FlowMouser tools at the bottom of the screen.

3.3 Zooming and Cursor Control

3.3.1 Fast Zoom Windowall four cursors If the mouse pointer is aimed at a point on the graph away from anycursor when the left mouse button is pressed, it sets both the TOPand LEFT cursors to that location so it becomes the top left corner ofthe zoom window. If the mouse is dragged down and to the rightwhile holding the left button down it drags the BOTTOM and RIGHTcursors as it is moved to stretch the zoom window from small tolarge. When the left mouse button is released, all cursors lock,ready to replot the zoom window. The same operation can be per-formed by briefly clicking the left button to anchor the topleft corner,then move the mouse down and to the right and click again to set thelower right corner. (This is easier with trackballs and the portapoint pressuresensitive mouse.) To cancel, press the right mousebutton.

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To zoom in on the box on screen point the mouse pointer into theoutlined box and click the left mouse button. To cancel the zoom justpoint outside the zoom outline box and click the left mouse button.

To reset to full view click to the rightcenter edge of the screen out-side the right border as mentioned in the section above.

3.3.2 Moving One Cursor If the mouse pointer is on a cursor when the left mouse button ispressed and held, the mouse grabs that cursor and can move itaround the graph window. It cannot move it quite up to the oppositecursor, since there must remain some window for zooming. Whenthe left mouse button is released it drops the cursor and the cursorlocks in position as if the INS key were pressed. Grab and move thesame or other cursors with the mouse. Like the zoom box, click on acursor to grab it, then move it to the desired location and click againto lock it.

3.3.3 Moving Two Cursors If the mouse pointer is on the intersection of two cursors when theleft mouse button is pressed both cursors can be moved at once,moving that corner of the zoom window.

3.3.4 Cursor Blanking When buttons are held down for dragging, the mouse pointer disap-pears and the cursors show the mouse position. When graphs areprinted the mouse pointer disappears so it doesnt show up on print-outs.

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3.4 FlowMouser ToolsWhen using a VGA 640x480 video system, pressing the F1 key orclicking at the bottom center of the X axis title switches views toshow the FlowMouser Tools along with the graph. By default theSetZoom button is turned on at first so cursors can be moved tozoom in on the graph without changing settings.

3.4.1 Analyze Button To analyze a graph, click on the analyze button. The corner of thebutton clicked on determines where the analysis will appear. Movethe analysis to another corner simply by clicking on that corner of thebutton. (Unlike the previous versions of the Display program it is notnecessary to first erase the analysis text from the first location, andreplotting the graph without resetting it will cause analysis to showup again.)

3.4.2 PointMarks Button

When this button is clicked, it turns on and replots the current screenwith each data point circled. This is most useful when zoomed in toa small area of a graph. Click on the button again to turn it off, orpress the Reset button to reset the entire graph.

3.4.3 SetZoom Button When this button is ON, the mouse can be used for zooming anddragging cursors on the graph. It is ON unless one of the drawingtools (Lines, Circles, AddText) is turned on instead.

3.4.4 RePlot Button Clicking on this button redraws the graph without changing the set-

tings.

3.4.5 Reset Button Clicking on this button clears all zooms, analysis, lines, circles, andtext from the graph and shows it as it was first plotted.

3.4.6 Inverse Button Clicking on this button Inverses the graph on screen. This is useful-when capturing graphs to the Microsoft Windows clipboard. It doesnot affect printing directly from the graph program.

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3.4.7 Menus Button Clicking on this button switches back to the Menus screen.

3.4.8 DrawLine Button Clicking on this button turns off the SetZoom button and allows the

user to draw lines on the graph using the mouse. One use might beto draw direction arrows for the plot. Drawing is done like zooming.Point to where the line is to start, click the left mouse button; thenmove the mouse to the ending point of the line (the line will stretchon screen as the ending point is moved) and click again to anchorthat end. By joining lines, arrows can be made.

3.4.9 DrawCircle Button This button works like the DrawLine button, but allows the drawing ofcircles and ellipses to highlight areas on the graph. While draggingthe ending point of the circle, a dotted rectangle stretches on screento show the circle size and location.

3.4.10 AddText Button This button works like the DrawLine button to locate text notes onthe screen. After clicking on this button point to where the textshould start and click the mouse button. Then type in the text (oneline at a time) and press Return. Pressing Esc instead of Returncancels and erases the text.

3.4.11 Print Button Clicking on the Print button sends the graph to the printer. TheFlowMouser Tools do not show up in the printout, so the graphs print

the same whether the tools are visible or not. While sending thegraph, the Print button stays highlighted, and it turns off after theprint is complete.

3.4.12 HideTools Button Clicking on this button switches back to the normal fullgraph screenwithout the tools, so the graph is larger. Lines, circles, text, andanalysis done with the tools will stay on the graph.

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4 Displaying and Analyzing Test Results

4.1 Quick ReferenceThe following is a list of keyboard shortcuts for performing commandsusing the RatRace software.

AltF opens File menu

AltS opens FileSave menu

AltP opens Printer menu to select printer driver

AltO opens Other menu

AltX exits Display screen

F1 hides/unhides RatRace tool buttons

F2 exits graph; returns to Display menu

F3 automatic analysis with analysis area shaded

F4 automatic analysis with best fit line

F5 print graph half size (portrait layout)

F6 print graph full size (landscape layout)

F7 no usage

F8 no usage

F9 redraw graph and reset to original scale (removes anyadded graphics)

F10 saves analysis data

4.2 Display Program OverviewThe Display program reads the test data files and graphically dis-plays the test results. These graphs can be analyzed and printeddirectly to the printer. The program will analyze the graphs to numer-ically summarize the performance of the overall valve assembly, theI/P transducer, the positioner, and the Actuator and Valve combina-tion. These calculated results can be printed as part of the printedgraphs or can be saved to a Report file on the disk where the reportprogram can print a summary report with comments about the re-sults included.

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4.3 Starting the ProgramSelect Display and Analyze Test Data from the main menu. ThenPress Alt-F and select the appropriate menu item to retrieve test re-sults. When FlowAux finds test data it will present a list of testnames for selection, and the following screen will be seen with themost current data highlighted.

TestData Screen

Older versions of the FlowScanner software looked for the list oftests in a file named FSTEST.DAT (or RSTEST.DAT for Rotary)where all test files were listed. With this release the list comes fromlooking for a DTA file for each test. If there is older data which didnot create DTA files those tests may not appear. The FileRetrievemenu in the Display program has a choice for Select Test fromFSTEST file which will allow the reading of older data.

4.4 Choosing Test Data

Select the data to display with the Up and Down arrow keys. If thedata disk has more than 10 tests saved, page through the test list ingroups of 10 tests before selecting data. The most recent page oftests is shown first. The Test comment for the highlighted test isshown at the bottom of the test list window. Press Enter when thecorrect test is highlighted.

If the test recorded data on the auxiliary inputs (A E) as additionaldata files the screen will then prompt for whether to view the pres-sure scanner data or the auxiliary channel data with the control sig-nal and travel: At this time, select which to view on graphs. Reloadthe test data and view the other channels.

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The status blocks at the bottom of the screen will show that it isreading data. When looking at standard valve test (not the auxiliarychannels) when the data is in memory the screen will change to looklike this:

The Setup summary on the left can be replaced with the keystroke

help screen by repeatedly pressing the PageUp key.If the test data is for a Dynamic Scan, page one of the graphs menuwill be automatically shown. This page contains the graphs normallyanalyzed for this test.

If the test data is for a Static Point, Step Change, Step Ramp, orStep Study test the second page of available graphs will be pres-ented with the overall valve plot selected.

If the auxiliary channel data was selected, the names given to theauxiliary channels on the test setup will instead be shown on thegraph menu.

4.5 Overlaying Test Data on GraphsA useful feature of the RatRace Desktop Analysis Software is theability to show graphs of valve data with additional data overlaid onthe same graph. Up to 10 tests can be shown on the same graph.This feature allows easy comparison of performance before and afterrepair, or to show performance changes with time and use, or tocompare a test valve with data from a similar valve. Overlayingmany similar valves can show the spread of response, and any valvewith significant variation will be obvious.

When overlaying data, one test is first selected normally, and it be-comes the baseline test. All graph scales are set to this baseline

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data, so overlaid tests will plot to the same scale. (If valves are dif-ferent sizes or actuator types, the overlaid data could extend off thescale.)

After selecting the base data, the tests to overlay are selected.Since all data being displayed is temporarily duplicated on the harddisk, you can select tests from any number of data disks for simulta-

neous display.

Place the data disk containing the data to overlay in the floppy driveand open the FileRetrieve menu (Alt-F). Since the first menu choice(Select Tests to Display) will replace the data in memory instead ofoverlaying, a new choice is shown at the bottom of the menu to over-lay test data.

Highlight the Overlay choice and press . When the testsfound on the disk are shown, select the data to overlay. Only thesame test types can be overlaid (i.e., step change data cannot beoverlaid on dynamic scan data). However, it is possible to overlaydynamic scans of different speeds, which can demonstrate how dif-ferent valves respond to signal speed changes.

Once the test data to overlay loads, the Help window will show asummary of what baseline data and overlay data are loaded

Each test in the list is shown in the same color as the data will plot,in the order the tests will be drawn on the graphs. When a key ispressed, this screen will revert to the normal help screen, but it isre-displayed each time you exit a graphics screen and can also beaccessed by pressing through all the help screens.

Continue to add tests to the overlay list, or display graphs and thenchoose to add more overlay tests. However, if new baseline data isadded, the overlay data is removed and will have to be reloaded.

If the Display program is exited with overlay data loaded, the base

and overlay data will be reloaded for display automatically when re-starting the Display program. Since the Sliding-Stem and Rotarydata is stored in different temporary directories, both will keep theirlast data when switching back and forth between programs.

The same graph choices are available for overlaid data as for stan-dard data. Select the graph to display and press . Then thedata for the baseline test is read from the temporary file, the graphwindow is shown and the baseline data is plotted. Then, the firstoverlay data is read and scaled to the same window and is plotted inthe color for the first overlay. If additional overlays have been se-lected, they are read and graphed in different colors in sequence.

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Because each data set is read off the hard drive and scaled to thewindow, there may be noticeable pauses on all but the fastest com-puters. The scaling uses floating point math, so the pauses will belonger if no math coprocessor is installed in the system.

When the software is run as a DOS program under Windows, it isuseful to capture the overlaid graphs to the Windows clipboard by

pressing and then toggling to Windows with Alt-Tab.The graph can then be pasted into documents. To capture the graphblack-on-white instead of white-on-black, press Alt-I to inverse thegraph before capturing it.

4.6 Returning to the MENU ScreenWhile in the graphics screen pressing the ESC key, the F2 (MENU)key, or AltX will return the graph menu and reset the graph parame-ters.

4.7 Printing Graphs

Graph printing to Epson, IBM, HP, or Diconix printers is provided. Ifusing a different printer than selected in the Main Menu Defaults itcan be changed from the Printer menu (AltP) from the DisplayMenu screen. Then display the graph. Pressing F5 will print a 1/3 to1/2 page graph on most of the printers; and pressing F6 will print afull page graph on most of the printers. When printing, pressing ESCwill abort the printout, and other keys will be ignored.

4.7.1 Capturing Graphs If the FlowScanner programs were started from Windows, simplypressing the Print Screen key will copy the graph to the Windowsclipboard. However it would normally have a black background and

would not print well. So before capturing the graph inverse thescreen by pressing AltI. The graph will then capture with a whitebackground. After the graph is captured, switch to Windows bypressing AltTAB, and run Windows Word Processing or Paint pro-gram. Insert the graph by pressing ShiftIns. Then switch back tothe FlowScanner graph and keep both applications running to addmultiple graphs to a report.

4.7.2 Graph Cursors The graph cursors are moved with the keypad arrow keys. Pressingan arrow key will grab the cursor which will move into the graph in

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the direction pressed. So pressing the left arrow key will move therightside cursor into the frame. The value showing the location ofthe cursor will appear at the bottom right of the screen. (Bottom leftfor the left border cursor.) The left and right keys will both be at-tached to the first cursor moved so it can be positioned back andforth. Pressing the Insert key will freeze that cursor in position and

allow the opposite cursor to be selected. The Top and Bottom cur-sors are likewise moved by the up and down arrow keys, and display

their value just above the left and right cursor values. The Insert keyfreezes all cursors in their positions, and will allow the display tozoom into the frame enclosed by all four cursors. Pressing Ctrl-rt.arrow or Ctrl-lft. arrow moves the cursors quickly to the right and left.PageUp and PageDn move the cursors quickly from the top and bot-tom.

4.7.3 Zooming a Graph View Zooming and resetting the display is done by pressing Enter or F9 toreplot the graph to the frozen cursor positions; so first locate all fourcursors, pressing Ins for each one; and then press Enter. The graphborders will rescale to the zoomed limits; and all data points will bereviewed, plotting only the portion that is within the border limits.

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AltF9 will reset the view to the original scale, as will returning to themenu screen.

4.7.4 Marking Data Points When zoomed in to a high magnification it is useful to check the datapoint density, to see how many readings are being represented.Pressing AltP will cause the data points to be circled when thegraph is replotted by pressing F9 or . AltP again willtoggle the marks off the next time the view is re-plotted.

4.8 Graph Analysis

NoteAlways start the analysis from the Full Graph View

Press Alt-F9 if the graph has been zoomed in. If the cursors havebeen moved, many of the graphs will attempt to analyze the areabetween the cursors, which will give incorrect results if not usedcarefully.

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The Total Valve; I/P; Positioner; and Valve graphs have analy-sis routines defined. Between 10% and 90% of Travel for DEB,Friction, Spring Rate and Bench Set and 2% of Travel for SeatLoad.Start the analysis by pressing F3 or F4. The program will tryto set the cursor limits appropriately, and will analyze between the

cursors. The numerical results of the analysis are shown on the topright section of the graphics screen. This is the Total valve analysis:The Total Travel number shows the distance the valve stroked duringthe test. The Zero Travel and Full Travel numbers show the pointswhere the valve reached the limits of movement under the strokingspeed conditions. Because the valve may not have caught up withthe changing control signal, these limits may not match actual staticcalibration results.

The Dynamic Error Band numbers indicate the combined Hysteresis,Dead Band, and Slewing (Dynamic) Error for the valve under thestroking speed conditions. Because the Slewing Error increases asstroking speed increases the numbers will be higher than a static

deviation cycle test, and will increase as stroking speed increases.Always use the same stroking speed when comparing like valves.The Average value is given as most representative of the perfor-mance, and the Minimum and Maximum show the consistency overthe stroke.

The Linearity number is Independent Dynamic Linearity based onbest fit to the data.

Sometimes the graph covers numerical results. To avoid this, theshift, Alt, and Ctrl keys pressed with the F4 key will locate the nu-merical printout in the other corners of the graph.

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4.8.1 Possible Data Errors Analysis Errors

The analysis can give misleading results in some cases. The actua-tor is normally checked between 10% and 90% of the travel, to avoiddiscrepancies often encountered in the pressure as the stem motion

starts. These effects show up as a bulge in the curve near the endsof travel. If this bulge extends into the analyzed area the bench setand friction calculations may be off. Judgment must be used todecide if the bulge is really due to friction (possibly from gal-ling) or to a restricted line between the positioner and actuator,causing a high pressure reading that doesnt reflect the actua-tor pressure.

The analysis limits can be changed to avoid such effects by first tog-gling the analysis off (press F4 again), and then moving the cursor atthat end of the graph in past the curve discrepancy area. Then ana-lyze again.

The bench set is determined by extending the nominal curve to the

travel limits based on the least squares data fit of the analysis area.If one end point is offset due to a data problem the slope of the linewill be slightly wrong.

4.8.2 Limiting the Analysis Range The software attempts to locate the correct range of the graph toanalyze, but strange data may be better analyzed by limiting theanalysis to a different range. If the left and right cursors are movedin to the limits desired before analyzing, the results will be based onthe range between those limits:

The next three graphs listed on the first page of the graph menushow additional information about the performance of the com-

ponents of a valve assembly,

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4.9 Dynamic Scan Tests

I/P Plot

The I/P plot of a dynamic scan shows the calibration and perfor-mance of the I/P and may help isolate performance problems related

to the I/P or the Positioner. Since I/P performance depends on thevolume of air it must deliver, the performance generally looks worseif no positioner is used (typically showing a wider separation betweenthe I/O and Down stroke). This is because the I/P must supply thetotal volume needed by the actuator.

This graph plots the output pressure of the I/P as a function of thecontrol signal. This plot is typical of an I/P when used with a posi-tioner.

Positioner Plot

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This plot is labeled Positioner to agree with a complete valve as-sembly, but actually shows the response of the valve to its pressuresignal whether or not a positioner is used. It plots valve travel as afunction of the pressure out of the I/P transducer. Because I/Pperformance is usually quite good, this plot looks very similar to theTotal Valve plot, with slightly better numbers in the analysis:

Net Pressure Plot

One very useful plot from the Dynamic Scan test is the plot of NetActuator Pressure as a function of Travel. It may seem like the axesare backwards on this graph, but it is used to solve for forces on thevalve, which are determined from the actuator pressures, so they areplotted on the Y axis. For a spring and diaphragm valve the plotanalyzes like this: From this graph can be determined the average,minimum, and maximum friction over the analyzed stroke. The

range indicates how consistent the friction is and wide variationsusually indicate valve problems. The spring rate is calculated andcan be compared to that specified for the actuator. The total travel isrepeated for reference. The bench set for the actuator does not in-clude valve friction, so the analysis removes the friction to determinethe true bench set. As friction changes the bench set does notchange, although the friction does change the stroking range of thevalve. The seat load is found under the test conditions, and if theservice conditions are entered in the nametag the seat load underservice conditions is also calculated. This can be compared to therequired seat load from the nametag.

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Seat Load Calculation : Automatic and Manual

The net pressure vs. travel graph will automatically calculate the seatload based on the pressure change between the end of the closingstroke (which could be either end of the graph depending on whetherzero signal is open or closed) and the pressure at a point near wherethe plug contacts the seat. It draws a small circle around the two

pressure points it uses. This works well for most valves and tests,but sometimes test data is such that the user may feel the points itautomatically picks could be improved. The user can override theautomatic selection of pressures by moving the top and bottom cur-sors to the pressures that should have been selected before analyz-ing the graph. If either the top or bottom cursor is moved in from theedge of the graph before analyzing, the seat load calculation will bebased on the pressure difference between the two cursors. Some-times the ending pressure is directly at the bottom of the screen, andthe bottom cursor can be left in place, but it must be moved to thelowest actual pressure if that is not the bottom screen position. Thetop cursor will always have to be moved down.

Seat ConditionAlthough the Dynamic Scan test does not perform an actual leaktest, zooming in on the seating action shows how the plug wedgesinto the seat ring and gives an indication of the trim condition.

The stair-step appearance of the plug moving into the seat is actu-ally caused by the digital resolution of the travel sensor. If it had infi-nite resolution a smooth trace would be shown. New seats tend tohave a sharper break in the curve as the plug contacts the seat.This profile degrades into a more gradual curve with wear.

However different types and sizes of valves will have differentprofiles, and you should always compare any results to a simi-lar type and size for reference.

4.10 Measurement vs. TimePage down past the graph selections on the first page of the graphmenu, and the time graph choices will appear. This page of graphsdisplays the recorded variables on the Y axis vs. elapsed time on theX axis. Any combination of variables can be plotted, from 1 to allmeasured variables. By default all recorded channels will be se-lected for the Y axis when this page of graphs is selected. Whenmultiple variables are plotted the traces are identified by letter sym-bols such as (i) for current or (an) for Actuator Net.

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Measurementvs Time Graph Showing Multiple Variables

On Dynamic Scan tests this screen is most often used to check thecrossover pressures of piston actuators. Plot the Actuator Stroke,Actuator Return, and Net Pressure data at the same time: Check themanufacturers specs for the positioner used. If the crossover pres-sures are too low the valve may have control problems that are nototherwise obvious.

Toggling YAxis Selections

The variables selected to display on the Y axis can be changed bytoggling the Y selection on or off. Move the highlight bar to the vari-able you want to change and press the SPACE bar (or the letter Y).This will toggle the Y selection on or off.

It is possible to toggle off the pressures and display only the signal

and the travel on the Y axis, to examine overall response and strok-ing time.

Displayed Y-Axis Scale

If a combination of pressures and either signal or travel is selected toplot, the Y axis legend will call out the combination, and the scale willshow the pressure values.

If only pressures, or only nonpressure variables are plotted,the Yaxis legend and scale will match the location of the Highlightbar on the graph menu.

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Stroking Time or Elapsed Time display

If the F3 or F4 key is pressed with an elapsed time graph on thescreen, the elapsed time between the cursor positions (left and right)will be displayed on the screen. For stroking time evaluation run astep change test, and plot the signal and travel vs. time. Zoom in on

the closing step as needed, and set the left cursor on the start of thesignal change, and the right cursor on the end of the travel change.Then press the F4 key and the graph will show the stroking time.Press F6 to print the graph.

Recording Stroking Time in a Text File

It is possible to record the analyzed stroking times in a text file foruse by other programs. After analyzing a signal & travel vs. timegraph for stroking time on both directions, return to the Graph menuscreen and press F10 to save.

The time difference on the left portion of the graph is recorded asFirst Time = X.XXX Sec. and the time difference on the right side of

the plot is Second Time = X.XXX Sec.

4.10.1 Miscellaneous Graphs

Moving the selection cursor past the bottom of the elapsed timegraph choices brings up the third page of graph choicesthe miscel-laneous graphs.

On this page of graphs any variable can be selected as the X axisvariable, and any combination of 1 or more variables can be selectedas the Y axis variables.

Select the X axis variable by moving the highlight bar to your choice

and pressing the letter X.Select the Y axis variables by moving the highlight bar and pressingY (or SPACE).

As with the elapsed time graphs the highlight bar position determinesthe Y axis legend and scale for plots, so leave the highlight bar onthe variable desired for the label.

With multiple plots only the horizontal axis can be zoomed.

Unless the graph plotted matches one defined on the first graphpage, no analysis is defined for these graphs.

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4.11 Static Point Test

When Static Point Test details are first read into memory, the ControlSignal and Travel choices on the elapsed time menu will be selectedautomatically. Just press Enter to display the overall valve graph,and analyze it by pressing F4:

This gives the static test results that compare to published specifica-tions for valves. By toggling off the Travel selection and picking theI/P output pressure the I/P performance can similarly be analyzed.

Then the positioner/valve performance can be analyzed by togglingoff the Control Signal plot, and toggling on the Travel plot to go withthe I/P output pressure.

4.12 Step Change Test

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The Step Change test is performed to determine the Stroking Speedor Response Time of the valve assembly. The Display Program de-faults to page 2 (Elapsed Time Display) in which both signal andtravel will be plotted for the analysis of this test. For precise results,it is recommended that the area of interest (increasing or decreasingsignal) be zoomed-in on by moving the left and right cursors near

this region and then pressing the Enter key. The next step is tomove and lock the left cursor at the exact location in which you candetect a signal change and the right cursor at the point of completedtravel. By pressing the analysis key (F3 or F4), the time between thecursors is displayed. This is the elapsed time (stroking speed) ittakes the valve to respond to an abrupt signal change. Pressing F5or F6 will provide a printed copy of the results.

4.13 Stepped Ramp Test

The Stepped Ramp test is performed to measure the response orcontrollability of the process variable (i.e., pressure, flow, level, tem-

perature, etc.) to the valves signal change and is expressed in per-centage. The Display Program defaults to page 2 (Elapsed TimeDisplay) on which you plot the control signal and the process vari-able (normally measured on an auxiliary channel) are plotted. Be-cause the input signal is stepped systematically in steps of equalvalue and that the stepping direction is changed a minimum of threetimes, the valves hysteresis and deadband can be captured. Tomanually analyze this data (there is no auto analysis) simply countthe number of signal changes required to obtain an output (processvariable) change. Multiplying this number times the percent ofchange per step equals the percent of response of the valve assem-

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bly. For example, if the test was performed at 0.5% step increments(0.08 mA for a 4-20 mA signal range) and it took four of these stepsto achieve a change in process, you would call this 2% control.Hence the process tolerance, in this example, could not be held anycloser than 2%.

4.14 Step Study Test

The Step Study test is performed to measure the response or con-trollability of the process variable (i.e., pressure flow, level tempera-ture, etc.) to the valves signal change and is expressed in percent-age. The Display Program defaults to page 2 (Elapsed TimeDisplay) on which you would plot the control signal and the processvariable (normally measured on an auxiliary channel). Because thistest systematically steps an input signal up and down at changingincrements, the total hysteresis and deadband of the assembly canbe captured. In this display, you look for what degree of signalchange is required for the output (process) to follow.

For example, if there is minimal to no change in output with a 1%signal change, but the output mirrors the input with a 2% signal step,classify this assembly would be classified as being between a 1%and 2% device. There is no auto analysis of this test.

4.15 Transferring Data to the Report ModuleThe Quick Report is only defined for Dynamic Scan tests. ForStatic Point, Step Change, Stepped Ramp and Step Study tests,

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the printed graph is the report. As each Dynamic Scan graph isanalyzed the calculated results are saved in memory from the mostrecent analysis of that graph. This data can be written to a file fortransfer to the report program for summary printout with your addedcomments.

Pressing F10 once from the graph menu will display a screen show-

ing which graphs have been analyzed and which have not. Check tosee that the appropriate graphs have all been analyzed for theconstruction of the test valve.

Pressing F10 again will store the results on the data disk where thereport program can read them later. The results are stored under aTESTNAME.QRP file.

Exit the Display program back to the main menu.

4.16 Copying and Displaying from the Display ProgramThe Display program is also used as the way to copy test data from

one disk to another, to save data in ASCII format for use by otheranalysis methods, and to store data files in compressed ZIP filesfor archiving and uploading to the BBS system. The Display pro-gram FileSave menu lists these options to save data:

4.16.1 Saving Data to New Disk This choice simply saves the test data in memory (ready to display)to the data drive. It is used if the data was not saved in the Test pro-gram and it is desired to save it to a data disk, or to copy data fromone disk to another. To copy data, first read in the test to copy fromthe original disk. Then insert the disk on which to put the test dataand select this choice. Read the help screen to verify this is what is

wanted and press F10 to save the data to the new disk.

4.16.2 Saving Data as an ASCII File The FlowScanner does not use ASCII format for test data because itis inefficient and takes up too much space. However data can beexported in ASCII format for use in spreadsheets and other analysisprograms. To export data in ASCII first read in the data from theoriginal data disk. Then insert a new disk with enough free space(each ASCII data file may be 500 kb) and select this choice from theFileSave menu.

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4.16.3 Compressing Files

FlowScanner data is normally saved in multiple files in typed binaryformat. Each test will take at least 5 data files, plus the nametagdata. As a result the files may take up to 100 kb disk space and sev-eral files must be transferred if you want to copy tests or send themby modem. The FlowScanner can make use of the PKWare utilities

to compress a set of test files into a single file for transfer. To do thisthe temporary storage drive (RAM DISK or TRAM directory) is usedto hold the test data while PKZIP does its work. Normally the datashould be stored in the FlowScanner format, but when it is neces-sary to transfer files, or archive groups of tests on a hard disk, youcan use these utilities to compress them.

To use these utilities the PC must have PKZIP.EXE and PKUN-ZIP.EXE stored on the disk in the DOS search path. (The DOS di-rectory works well.) PKZIP is installed on all FlowScanners and isalso available on the FlowScanner BBS.

Like the other file saving formats, the test data to ZIP must first be

loaded into memory. There are three ZIP saving options:

Save as ZIP File by Test

This is the only option which can be read directly back into the dis-play program. A single ZIP file with the extension, .ZPD (ZippedData) is created on the data drive holding all the test data in memory(and the Nametag) under the filename TESTNAME.ZPD whereTESTNAME is the same datetime name created when the test wasdone.

Save as ZIP file by TAG

This option first creates a ZPD file by TESTNAME, and then adds itto a file named by the valve nametag as TAGNAME.ZPT whereTAGNAME is the first 8 digits of the TAG number from the nametag.If you choose this option for several tests on the same valve, theywill all be added to the single TAGNAME.ZPT file. If there are testsfrom more than one Nametag with the same first 8 digits, they will begrouped in the same file. Once the tests are saved in this format,extract the TESTNAME.ZPD files manually with PKZIP before theDisplay program can read them back in.

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Save as ZIP file by Serial

This option first creates a ZPD file by TESTNAME, and then adds itto a file named by the valve nametag as SERIAL#.ZPS where SE-RIAL# is the HEX value of the Serial number from the nametag. Ifthis option is selected for several tests on the same valve, they willall be added to the single ZPS file. Once the tests are saved in this

format, extract the TESTNAME.ZPD files manually with PKZIP.

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5 Quick Reports

5.1 OverviewThe Quick Report should include both the summary printout of theanalyzed data with added comments, and any appropriate prints of

graphs that were printed from the display program. Also, attach aprintout of the Nametag information, printed from that program. Thesummary report reads in the analyzed data and the nametag dataand formats it in a table. Comments can be added next to any lineof the table explaining the significance of the numbers.

5.2 Procedures

5.2.1 Retrieving Data Select the Report program from the main menu, being sure the datadisk is in the drive. From the initial screen select the File menu

(AltF) and select Retrieve Test results.Then select the test name desired from the list at the top of thescreen, and press Enter to read in the data. The calculated datafrom the Display program will appear in the Specified and MeasuredColumns, with Comments section ready for input: If the Static EndPoints were manually recorded when the test was run, those valueswill appear in the Comments lines next to the Dynamic End Points:Add to these static calibration notes, or add additional comments inthe report Comment fields.

The screen isnt long enough to show the entire report, so it is dis-played in sections. The first part shown is the overall valve control.The cursor will be on the first comment field. Enter a comment and

move the next field. Move between comments with the Up andDown arrow keys. After filling in the comments on this first screen,press the PgDn key to move to the second section Valve and Actua-tor Data.

Fill in the Comments on the Valve and Actuator combination as onthe previous screen, and PgDn will show the last section, PositionerData and I/P Transducer Data.

After filling in this screen of comments the first screen will reappear.The PgUp and PgDn keys will allow paging through the completedreport for review.

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Pressing AltC will open a comment window where concluding com-ments can be added. They will print at the bottom of the report.

5.2.2 Saving Reports The completed report, with comments, should now be saved to thedata disk by pressing F10 (or from the file menu). This will save it as

a FlowScanner report, formatted for use with either this Quick Reportor the formal report package. If the report is not saved before exitingthe report program, comments will be lost.

Because the report is saved to a FlowScanner report file, retrievingthe test results will again bring up the data without the comments.To retrieve a report with comments, select the Get Saved FlowS-canner Report from the File Menu.

5.2.3 Printing Reports F6 or AltP will print the report; either to the screen for preview, or toa printer, if attached. While the report is printed as TEXT and not in

graphics mode, the lines on the report are printed in the IBM ex-tended character set. If the printer is not set up to use this characterset it will instead print whatever extended characters it has, whichmay produce very strange looking characters in the report. Mostprinters can be set to use the IBM or PCUS, or GRAPHICS(instead of italics) character set, which will produce the lines asshown on the screen.

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6 Appendices

6.1 Appendix A: Software InstallationThe distribution disk contains the programs in selfextracting com-pressed format with an installation program to install them on your

hard disk. This creates a FLOWAUX directory with SLIDSTEM andROTARY subdirectories for the programs, TRAMS and TRAMRdirectories for temporary storage of base data, and TEMPS andTEMPR directories for temporary storage of other data. It will alsoplace SLIDAUX.BAT and ROTAUX.BAT files in either the 1APP di-rectory (on FlowScanners) or the root directory (on Desktop PCs) tostart the programs.

FlowScanners copy the programs to a RAM disk to shut down thehard disk to save battery power.

To install, place the distribution disk in the floppy drive, and run theINSTALL.EXE program on the floppy disk. The install program willcheck the hardware to see if it is a FlowScanner, and will ask where

you want to install the programs.

Starting the Programs from DOS and Windows

Starting from DOS

The ROTAUX.BAT and SLIDAUX.BATfiles created on the hard drivewill start either the Rotary or Sliding Stem programs.

Starting from Windows

Use the Windows DOS prompt or use the Program Manager (or oth-er Windows shell, like Norton Desktop) to add a Rotary and Slidstemicon to a program group. For the Rotary program select the \FLO-

WAUX\ROTARY sub directory as the starting directory and MAIN-ROT.EXE as the program. For the Sliding Stem programs (SLIDS-TEM) select the \FLOWAUX\SLIDSTEM directory and theMAINFS.EXE as the program. The details of creating the programgroup vary with the Windows shell used, so follow normal proce-dures for your shell. Then just click on the icon to start the pro-grams. (Icon files are installed for the programs.)

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6.2 Appendix B: Trouble Shooting

Troubleshooting OverviewThe FlowScanner is a complex assembly of computer hardware,data acquisition and sensor hardware, computer operating software,data acquisition software and analysis software. If a problem occurs,it is first necessary to determine whether it is a hardware or softwareproblem, and which part of the hardware or software is involved.This section will help you isolate the problem to a specific area.

Available Technical SupportTechnical Support is available through the MRO Field Support Groupat the Fisher-Rosemount Technical Center, Marshalltown, IA 50158.If your FlowScanner does not respond to the field troubleshootingguide, please call one of the numbers below, for instructions on re-turning the unit.MRO Group secretary: (515) 754-2227

MRO Group Administrator: (214) 548-3145Fisher Main Office:(515) 754-3011

A Return of Material Authorization (RMA) number will be issued totrack the system. The return address is:

Fisher Controls Inc.310 E. University Dr.McKinney, TX 7506980004

Mark: Attn RMA #

The FlowScanner must be shipped in the original shipping case pro-vided with the unit.

Symptoms and Possible Areas to Check1. Will Not Access any files on Floppy Disk

Disk Defective or Not Formatted try disk in another PC.

Drive Type set wrong in SETUP should be 1.44 MB drive.

Loose cable to drive check both ends of ribbon and power cables.

Drive binding against top panel try loosening the 4 holddownscrews on the cover.

Defective D