Fuji Ultrasonic Concentration Meter FUD-1 Model-12

Overview

The Fuji Ultrasonic Concentration Meter FUD-1 Model-12 is a precision industrial process analyzer engineered for continuous, non-invasive determination of liquid concentration based on ultrasonic velocity measurement. It operates on the physical principle that the speed of sound in a homogeneous liquid medium varies predictably with solute concentration, temperature, and density—enabling real-time quantification without sampling, chemical reagents, or moving parts. Designed for integration into demanding production environments—including chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical batch processing, food & beverage formulation, and wastewater treatment—the FUD-1 Model-12 delivers stable, drift-free measurements across a wide operational temperature range (0–100 °C standard; optional –10 to +160 °C). Its pulse-echo transducer architecture complies with DIN mounting standards and supports panel-mount installation with optional environmental protection enclosures for IP65-rated operation.

Key Features

• Ultrasonic velocity-based concentration measurement with simultaneous temperature compensation
• LCD display showing real-time concentration (% w/w or % v/v), temperature (°C), sound velocity (m/s), and diagnostic status codes
• Analog output: isolated DC 4–20 mA (user-configurable concentration range or temperature output)
• Digital communication: RS-232C interface for bidirectional data exchange (concentration, temperature, sound velocity, error codes)
• Optional RS-485 output (mutually exclusive with RS-232C) supporting multi-device daisy-chaining in distributed control systems
• Configurable alarm outputs with programmable thresholds for high/low concentration or sensor fault conditions
• Signal processing functions including moving-average filtering, offset calibration, outlier rejection, and self-diagnostic routines
• Robust transducer construction using corrosion-resistant materials: SUS316L, SUS304L, PTFE/PFA coatings, Hastelloy®, titanium, tantalum, PVDF, and PVC—selected per chemical compatibility requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FUD-1 Model-12 is compatible with homogeneous aqueous and organic solutions where ultrasonic propagation remains stable and attenuation is within measurable limits—e.g., sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, ethanol-water mixtures, sugar syrups, and brine solutions. It is not suitable for suspensions, emulsions, or highly viscous fluids (>500 mPa·s) due to signal scattering and damping effects. The instrument meets IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards. For hazardous areas, the FUD-1 Model-22 variant (not covered here) provides explosion protection: transmitter rated Ex II BT4 (flameproof enclosure), sensor rated Ex II CT4 (intrinsically safe). The FUD-1 Model-12 itself is certified for general-purpose industrial use under ambient conditions of 0–50 °C and ≤85% RH (non-condensing).

Software & Data Management

While the FUD-1 Model-12 does not include embedded PC software, its RS-232C interface enables seamless integration with SCADA, DCS, or PLC platforms via standard ASCII protocol. All transmitted parameters—concentration value, temperature reading, sound velocity, and system error codes—are time-stamped at the host controller level. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., FDA-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing), the device supports audit-trail-capable data logging when paired with compliant supervisory software adhering to 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Configuration parameters—including output scaling, alarm setpoints, and filter constants—are retained in non-volatile memory and survive power cycling. Firmware updates are performed via serial command sequence; no proprietary utility is required.

Applications

• Real-time concentration monitoring in caustic soda (NaOH) production and dilution control
• In-line verification of acid strength (H₂SO₄, HCl) in metal pickling lines
• Batch consistency assurance for syrup preparation in confectionery and beverage facilities
• Concentration feedback control in crystallization and evaporation units
• Quality gate monitoring for cleaning-in-place (CIP) solution strength validation
• Process analytical technology (PAT) implementation per ICH Q8/Q9 guidelines

FAQ

What concentration ranges can the FUD-1 Model-12 measure?

The measurable concentration range is application-specific and must be calibrated against reference standards for each fluid system. Typical linear ranges span 0–50% w/w for many binary aqueous solutions, but full characterization requires empirical calibration curves.
Is temperature compensation automatic?

Yes—integrated Pt100 or thermistor-based temperature sensing ensures real-time compensation of sound velocity data to yield concentration values independent of thermal drift.
Can the instrument operate in pressurized pipelines?

The sensor is designed for insertion into standard pipe spools (DN15–DN100) with appropriate flange or threaded fittings. Maximum allowable process pressure depends on selected wetted materials and mechanical design; consult Fuji’s engineering datasheet for pressure rating by configuration.
How is calibration performed?

Calibration is conducted using at least three certified reference samples spanning the expected operating range. The instrument supports two-point or multi-point linear/nonlinear curve fitting via serial command interface.
Does the FUD-1 Model-12 support Modbus RTU protocol?

No—native communication is ASCII over RS-232C or RS-485. Modbus integration requires an external protocol converter or PLC-side mapping logic.