Badger Meter Dynasonics TFX-500w

Questions and Answers

S
schultzjaredAug 12, 2025
Why is my Badger Meter Dynasonics TFX-500w Measuring Instruments system showing no communication?
- M
  michaelhillAug 12, 2025
  If your Badger Meter Measuring Instruments system isn't communicating, there might be a few reasons: * The transmit and receive wires could be incorrectly wired: Inspect the network wiring from the meter. * The baud rate might not match the master: Ensure the meter's baud rate matches the master's. * Parity and stop bits may not match the master: Verify the settings are compatible with the master. * The slave address might not be unique: Check the addresses of other devices on the network. * The cable might not be terminated properly: For Modbus RTU on EIA-485 network, devices can be daisy chained together. * The cable or chain exceeds 4000 feet: For Modbus RTU on EIA-485 network, the network's full length cannot exceed 4000 feet.
B
Brian MossAug 19, 2025
What to do if Badger Meter Dynasonics TFX-500w have intermittent communication?
- K
  Kathy MunozAug 19, 2025
  If you're experiencing intermittent communication issues with your Badger Meter Measuring Instruments, here are a few potential causes and solutions: * The cable may not be properly shielded: Ensure the cable has a shield. * The cable might be routed near power cables, such as variable frequency drives: Route signal cables away from power cables. * The cable may not be terminated properly: For Modbus RTU on EIA-485 network, devices can be daisy chained together. * The cable or chain is longer than 4000 feet: For Modbus RTU on EIA-485 network, the full length of the network cannot exceed 4000 feet.
L
Lawrence KnoxAug 27, 2025
How to fix the issue when unable to write specific parameters in Badger Meter Measuring Instruments?
- D
  Debra CarrAug 27, 2025
  If you're unable to write specific parameters on your Badger Meter Measuring Instruments, consider the following: * The transmitter may be set up for read-only or read and write only to resets: Check the Access setting in the Modbus RTU menu. * There might be an issue with the word order (endian) or data type/format: Check the data type and endian of the master and verify that the register in the meter matches.
J
Jesse PattersonSep 3, 2025
What causes Badger Meter Dynasonics TFX-500w to be unable to read specific parameters correctly?
- C
  Chad MillerSep 3, 2025
  If you're unable to correctly read specific parameters on your Badger Meter Measuring Instruments, the issue might be related to the word order (endian) or data type/format. Check the data type and endian of the master and verify that the register in the meter matches.

The Dynasonics Small Pipe, Fixed Size Transit Time Ultrasonic Transducers are designed for accurate flow measurement in small pipe applications. These transducers are part of an ultrasonic flow meter system and are specifically engineered for ease of installation and reliable performance.

Function Description

The primary function of these transducers is to measure the flow rate of liquids within small pipes using the transit time ultrasonic principle. They operate by sending and receiving ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the pipe. The time difference between the upstream and downstream signals is then used to calculate the fluid velocity and, consequently, the flow rate. A key feature of these transducers is their integrated transmitter and receiver elements, which eliminate the need for separate spacing measurements and alignment during installation, simplifying the setup process. They are designed for use with a flow meter that processes the transducer signals to provide operational data. The system requires the user to program the meter with optimum transmission mode, site information, and fluid/pipe properties before it becomes operational.

Usage Features

Installation Flexibility: The transducers can be installed both vertically and horizontally on pipe sections. For horizontal pipes, the cable should exit at ±45 degrees from the side of the pipe, avoiding top or bottom exits. For vertical pipes, the orientation of the cable exit does not matter. The mounting system is designed to be installed in an area where it will not be inadvertently bumped or disturbed.

Pipe Size Compatibility: These transducers are fixed to specific pipe sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. It is crucial not to attempt mounting them on pipes that are too large or too small for the transducer to ensure proper function and accurate readings.

Piping Configuration Requirements: For optimal accuracy, the transducers should be installed on a straight section of pipe with at least 10 pipe diameters upstream and 5 pipe diameters downstream. For example, a 2-inch pipe requires a minimum of 20 inches upstream and 10 inches downstream. While shorter pipe runs may be used, they can lead to reduced accuracy, which can only be determined through in-field testing. In situations where the 10/5 pipe diameter rule cannot be met, the total available straight pipe should be divided into thirds, with the rail mounted such that 2/3 of the pipe is upstream and 1/3 is downstream.

Full Pipe Requirement: A full pipe is absolutely essential for accurate flow measurements. The flow meter cannot detect if the pipe is partially full. If the pipe is not completely filled with liquid, the meter will over-report the flow by the percentage of the pipe that is not filled or may not detect any flow at all. Installations on downward-flowing pipes should be avoided unless sufficient downstream head pressure is present to prevent partial filling or cavitation within the pipe.

Mounting Configuration: The transducers utilize a V-Mount configuration, where the ultrasonic sound traverses the pipe twice. This configuration is a balance between travel time and signal strength, contributing to reliable measurements. The system offers both remote and integral mounting options. Remote systems use U-bolt connections for ANSI and copper pipes, while integral systems can be mounted directly or with U-bolts.

Frequency Settings: The frequency setting of the transducers depends on the pipe material and size, ensuring optimal signal transmission and reception for different pipe types (e.g., ANSI, Copper, Stainless Steel).

Maintenance Features

Surface Preparation: Before installation, the pipe surface at the mounting location must be clean and smooth. Any external corrosion or dirt should be removed using a wire brush, sander, or grinder. Paint and other coatings do not need to be removed unless they are flaked or bubbled. Plastic pipes typically only require soap and water cleaning for surface preparation.

Acoustic Coupling: A thin coating of acoustic coupling grease must be applied to the half of the transducer housing that will contact the pipe. This grease ensures efficient transmission of ultrasonic signals. A silicone-based grease is generally used, but any good quality grease-like substance that does not flow at the pipe's operating temperature is acceptable. For pipe surface temperatures exceeding 130°F (55°C), high-temperature paste or non-silicone paste should be used.

Tightening Procedure: When securing the transducers, wing nuts or U-bolts should be tightened just enough to hold the transducers in place. Over-tightening can squeeze out all the couplant from the gap between the transducer faces and the pipe, or from between the transducer halves, which can impair performance.

Cable Routing: For remote transducer systems, the cables should be routed back to the flow meter location, taking care to avoid high voltage cable trays and conduits to prevent electrical interference.

These features collectively ensure that the Dynasonics Small Pipe, Fixed Size Transit Time Ultrasonic Transducers provide a user-friendly, reliable, and accurate solution for flow measurement in various small pipe applications.

Badger Meter Dynasonics TFX-500w Specifications

General

Type	Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Enclosure	NEMA 4X (IP66)
Display	LCD
Liquid Types	Clean liquids
Pipe Sizes	0.5 inch to 48 inches (12.7 mm to 1219.2 mm)
Fluid Temperature Range	-40° to 250°F (-40° to 121°C)
Operating Temperature	-4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)
Pressure Rating	150 psi
Outputs	4-20 mA
Communication Protocols	Modbus
Power Supply	24 VDC
Measurement Principle	Transit Time
Accuracy	±0.5% of reading from 1 to 40 ft/s (0.3 to 12.2 m/s); ±0.01 ft/s (±0.003 m/s) below 1 ft/s (0.3 m/s)