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Daniel 3400 Ultrasonic Flow Meter Manual: Multi-Beam Array Programming Guide
Quick Answer: The Daniel 3400 multi-beam array works best when you set the correct active chord count, verify each path angle from the meter body tag, and run a zero flow calibration after any transducer change. Silver Instruments supplies multi-beam ultrasonic flow meters and field support for similar gas and liquid metering jobs. Send us your pipe size (DN), fluid type, pressure (bar), temperature (°C), and flow range for a quote.
This guide covers the multi-beam array programming section from the Daniel 3400 ultrasonic flow meter manual. The focus is practical setup and fault fixing. Most field issues come from chord mapping errors, wrong weighting factors, and bad signal quality thresholds.
What the Multi-Beam Array Setup Controls
The Daniel 3400 ultrasonic flow meter uses multiple acoustic paths to sample the velocity profile across the pipe. The multi-beam array programming menu controls the active chord count, chord position, weighting factor for each path, and the integration method. In gas service you often work with four paths. In liquid hydrocarbon service you may work with four or five paths depending on pipe size and Reynolds number range.
Most engineers skip the chord position check. In practice that causes a 1 to 2 percent bias at low flow. You need to compare the installed path positions against the transducer layout drawing before you accept the default values.
Step by Step Programming Sequence from the Manual
Here is the thing. The Daniel 3400 manual does not ask you to program the multi-beam array in one screen. You need to move through several menus. Follow this sequence to avoid alarms and bad flow totals.
Step 1: Confirm the meter body data. Set the inner diameter, path length, and path angle for each chord. Use the values stamped on the meter body tag. Do not copy a similar meter file from another station. We have seen a gas plant in Malaysia use a meter file from a different DN300 body and the flow error was above 3 percent.
Step 2: Set the active chord count. The Daniel 3400 allows you to disable a chord if a transducer cable or signal board fails. That helps keep the meter running in the field. But you must update the weighting factors after you disable any chord. If you do not, the flow computer will use wrong integration weights.
Step 3: Check the signal quality threshold. The manual lists a minimum signal quality value for each chord. Acceptable values are usually above 70 percent for gas service and above 80 percent for liquid service. If one chord reads low, check the transducer coupling, cable shield, and signal board gain. Do not increase the gain to hide a noise problem.
Step 4: Set the cross flow limit and swirl detection. This is important for custody transfer and allocation metering. The data from the Daniel 3400 multi-beam array can show cross flow and asymmetry in the velocity profile. Set the alarm limit based on your contract or local metering regulation. In Indonesia and Vietnam we see PTB and API standards used for gas allocation.
Step 5: Run a zero flow calibration. Close the inlet and outlet isolation valves. Let the pressure and temperature stabilize. Wait until the meter body temperature is stable. Then run the zero flow routine from the multi-beam array menu. The Daniel 3400 stores the zero offset for each path. Record the values in your logbook. If the offset is more than 0.05 percent of the maximum flow, inspect the meter body for debris or liquid buildup.
Key Parameters to Check in Multi-Beam Setup
Weighting factors are the top priority. For a four path meter the standard weights are often Gauss Jacobi or Gauss Legendre depending on the chord locations. The wrong integration method can create a 0.5 to 1.0 percent error even when the flow profile is fully developed.
Then check the speed of sound comparison. The Daniel 3400 compares the measured speed of sound from each path with a reference value calculated from gas composition or process conditions. A difference above 0.3 percent in gas service usually points to a path angle error, a pressure transmitter drift, or a gas compositi
Reynolds correction matters for liquid hydrocarbon and some gas services. The meter applies a profile correction factor based on Reynolds number. You need the correct viscosity value in cP or cSt. A wrong viscosity input affects low flow accuracy. We have seen this on a diesel line in Australia where the operator left the default water viscosity value. The totalizer error was around 1.8 percent at low flow.
Common Field Faults and How to Fix Them
One common fault is chord A disabled due to signal failure. The meter will run in reduced path mode. If you leave the original weighting factors, the flow output is not valid for custody transfer. Update the weights and add a note in the station log. Some end users in the Middle East run a reduced path configuration for months during pipeline shutdowns. That is acceptable only if the meter firmware supports it and the configuration is sealed.
Another common fault is negative velocity on one chord while the other chords show positive flow. This indicates probe misalignment or a twisted transducer cable. Check the cable wiring first. On a Daniel 3400 four path gas meter, crossed cables between chord B and chord C will show this exact symptom.
Sometimes the signal gain is too high. The Daniel 3400 manual gives a typical gain range for each path. If gain is at the upper limit and signal quality is low, the problem is acoustic noise. Look for a control valve downstream that is cavitating or a pressure regulator that is vibrating. Move the valve or install a noise reduction trim. Do not just accept a noisy signal because the flow reading looks stable.
Silver Instruments Multi-Beam Meter Option
Silver Instruments supplies the SUL-4A multi-beam ultrasonic flow meter for gas custody transfer and allocation. The SUL-4A supports four active chords, line sizes from DN50 to DN600, pressure up to 100 bar, and temperature from -40 °C to 150 °C. Accuracy is ±0.5 percent of reading. Outputs include 4-20 mA HART, Modbus RTU, and pulse. The meter suits natural gas, biogas, and process gas lines in Southeast Asia, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
If you need a Daniel 3400 programming review, a spare ultrasonic meter, or a new multi-beam meter, send the meter body tag photo, fluid composition, pipe size (DN), pressure (bar), temperature (°C), and flow range. We will return a quote with lead time and documentation.
Contact Silver Instruments: Tel +86 25 68650347, Whatsapp +86 25 52155837, WeChat +86 13512131526. You can also reach us through flow-meter.com.au.
FAQ on Daniel 3400 Multi-Beam Array Programming
Q: How many active chords should I program on a Daniel 3400 gas meter?
A: Most gas custody transfer applications use four active chords. Check the meter tag and the local metering regulation before you change the active chord count.
Q: What signal quality value is acceptable in the multi-beam array menu?
A: In gas service aim for signal quality above 70 percent per chord. In liquid service aim for above 80 percent. Values below this often point to coupling or cable issues.
Q: Can I disable one chord and keep the meter running for allocation?
A: Yes in many cases. But you must update the weighting factors and check that the local standard allows reduced path operation. Record the change in the station logbook.
Q: Why does the speed of sound comparison show a large error?
A: The usual causes are wrong path angle data, a drifting pressure transmitter, gas composition change, or liquid accumulation. Check the inputs in that order.
Q: Does Silver Instruments sell an equivalent multi-beam ultrasonic flow meter?
A: Yes. We supply the SUL-4A multi-beam ultrasonic flow meter for gas and liquid service. Send your pipe size (DN), pressure (bar), temperature (°C), and flow range to get a quote with the correct model.
For a fast quote on a Daniel 3400 compatible multi-beam ultrasonic meter or a programming support package, contact Silver Instruments today by Tel +86 25 68650347 or Whatsapp +86 25 52155837. Our team answers pricing and configuration questions within one business day.
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