AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM BASED ON LABVIEW TO CONTROL THE TEST OF MECHANICAL FLOW METERS

摘要

We present a computational system, based on a PC and LabVIEW to test andcharacterize the response of mechanical flow meters of conical cup type withvertical axis. A mechanical flow meter is a device used mainly to measure andcalculate velocity of water flow on rivers and open channels.These devices, suffer mechanical imperfections, over time, that is why it isimportant to calibrate them, normally twice a year, depending on its time of use.At the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA in Spanish) was designedand developed a circular water tank for the purpose of testing these meters.This paper shows the automation systems designed to control the tests tocalibrate these mechanical meters. The system is based on LabVIEW. LabVIEWis a general purpose programming tool with extensive libraries for data acquisitioninstrument control, data analysis, and data presentation. With this tool and aspecial hardware interface, it was possible to automate the process to test thesemechanical meters.The system is called SCM (System for characterization of mechanical meters).SCM controls the test of two mechanical meters simultaneously, and has someuser control features that permit the Operator a easy to use human machineinterface.