AKCP UFLS User manual

www.AKCP.com
Ultrasonic Fuel Level
Sensor
User Manual
Help Version updated till firmware 405p & 1.0.3816
Copyright © 2018, AKCP

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
Updated until firmware 405p & 1.0.3816 - 2 -
1) Introduction
1. What is the AKCP Fuel Sensor?
2. How to use this manual
3. Package Contents
4. The Fuel Sensor unit types
2) Hardware Installation
1. Dimensions
2. Mounting and Installation
3) Sensor Setup
1. Sensor Settings
2. Advanced and further Settings
3. Time Settings
4) Technical Specifications

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
Updated until firmware 405p & 1.0.3816 - 3 -
1) Introduction
1. What is the AKCP Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor?
The AKCP Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor has been designed to integrate with the AKCP
securityProbe and sensorProbe+ base units. The UFLS and UFLS-NI sensors are not
compatible with the sensorProbe base units (SP2, SP4 or SP8). The Fuel Level Sensor is
designed for measuring the percentage of liquid in linear and non-linear tanks not more
than 2000mm in depth, such as backup generator fuel tanks.
The Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensors must be connected directly to the AKCP securityProbe
or sensorProbe+ units in order to function. The sensor is easily configured in the base
units web user interface which will be covered later in this manual.
The Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensors are available in two versions:
1) Invasive (UFLS) this is mounted on the top of the tank and requires the cutting of a
hole and threading in order to bolt the sensor into place.
2) Non-Invasive (UFLS-NI) this mounts on the bottom of the tank and is held in place by
Epoxy. It requires no cutting of the tank, making it easier to install.
UFLS UFLS-NI

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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2. How to use this manual
This manual is meant to provide the user with a step by step guide on how to configure
and set up their sensor. It utilizes screen shots in an effort to make things simpler for the
user to follow. It is split up into sections that form “mini tutorials”. These cover the basic
set up and common configurations of the sensor, and give an introduction to its most
useful features.
If you need any further information or help with using your unit then please contact us on
[e-mail] and one of our technical support staff will be pleased to help you with
any information you require.
3. Package Contents
Your AKCP Ultrasonic Fuel Level sensor package contains the following items:-
1x AKCP Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor UFLS or UFLS-NI type (sender unit, leader
cable & electronics module).
12VDC power adapter & cord; connects to the electronics module (only for
UFLS sensor; UFLS-NI is powered by the base unit).
15Ft straight CAT5/6 extension cable (connects from the electronics
module to the AKCP base units RJ-45 sensor port).

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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4. The Fuel Sensor Unit types
A) The Invasive Fuel Sensor Unit UFLS
Fig 1. AKCP Invasive Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor (UFLS)
The front of the unit has one LED which indicates status. The red LED will blink when in sensor
error. The red LED will be solid when correctly connected. One end of the unit has the green
phoenix connector for connecting the sensor or sender unit, while the other side has an RJ45
connection for connecting to the RJ-45 sensor port on your AKCP base unit via CAT5/6 cable
which can be extended up to 100 feet.
The picture above shows the leader cable that connects from the electronics module to the
ultrasonic sender unit. This cable should not be extended more than 12 feet.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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Technical drawing
Application diagram

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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B) The Non-Invasive Fuel Sensor Unit UFLS-NI
Fig 2. AKCP Non-Invasive Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor (UFLS-NI)
The front of the unit has one LED which indicates status. Blinking blue LED indicates the sensor
is sensing liquid. Solid blue LED indicates sensor is not sensing liquid. One end of the unit has
the green phoenix connector for connecting the sensor or sender unit, while the other side has an
RJ45 connection for connecting to the RJ-45 sensor port on your AKCP base unit via CAT5/6
cable which can be extended up to 100 feet.
Technical drawing

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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Application diagram

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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2) Tank Sensor & Hardware Installation
1. Unit Dimensions
A) Invasive UFLS

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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B) Non-Invasive UFLS-NI

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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2. Mounting and installation
A) Invasive UFLS
Before we go any further it is important to read the following information in regards to
installation.
1. The sender must not be mounted closer than 150mm from the center of the sender
to sides of the tank, baffles or other intrusions.
2. Only use on tanks greater than 200mm in depth but no greater than 2000mm deep.
3. Sender must be mounted parallel to the surface of the liquid.
4. Do not install on flexible tanks that may bulge/distort as fluid levels change.
5. Check the unit to insure it is calibrated to suit tank shape, depth and fluid type.
6. Make sure that sender protrusion is NOT in contact with any object including
sealants when mounted.
7. Use gasket and fittings as provided.
8. Mount above deepest point of the tank.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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The acoustic protrusion should be positioned in the tank aperture in the center of
the hole. The protrusion should ideally be protruding into the tank and not be
recessed in the hole. See drawing above.
For tightening screws ensure base and washers are sitting flat. Tighten screw
until screw head makes contact with the washer, and then tighten another 2 full
turns. Maximum torque for the mounting screws is 0.5 Newton meter.
Note: Drawing is not to scale. Please use the tank gasket as a template and make
sure the tank hole is 42mm.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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Case 1
The AKCP Invasive Fuel Sensor must be mounted at the deepest tank point! It is recommended
the sender is mounted in the middle of the tank, this is particularly important on low or no baffled
tanks that are mounted in moving vehicles or vessels. This allows the sensor to average waves of
fluid to the correct level when the depth is varying due to wave slop.
Case 2
AKCP Invasive Fuel Sensor must be mounted at least 150mm from a vertical tank baffle, tank
walls and piping.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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Case 3
Correct AKCP Gasket must be used! Use 5 washers provided, washers must be placed under
screw heads to prevent rubber lid damage.
Additional Notes:- There is no minimal distance from the sensor (sender unit) to the surface of
the fuel according the manufacturer information. However, we would recommend a distance of
more than 10cm in order to avoid liquids to be in contact with the sensor or sender unit.
The UFLS must be mounted at least 150mm from a vertical tank baffle, tank walls and piping.
If the fluid splashes on the protrusion head of the UFLS, the UFLS will not be able to measure
correctly the height of fluid in the tank.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
Updated until firmware 405p & 1.0.3816 - 15 -
Installation Pictures for Invasive UFLS
The two images above show the top of the generator fuel tank and drilling the hole for the fuel
sensor.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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The picture above shows the gasket positioning before drilling the holes to mount the fuel sensor onto the
generator fuel tank.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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The picture above shows the placement of the template before drilling the mounting holes into the fuel tank.
And finally installing the gasket and the sending unit (Ultrasonic Sensor) onto the tank and tightening down
the mounting bolts.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
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B) Non-Invasive UFLS-NI
This sensor type mounts on the bottom of the tank instead of the top, and it doesn’t
require cutting of any holes. Please note the following:
1. The sender must not be mounted closer than 150mm from the center of the sender
to sides of the tank, baffles or other intrusions.
2. Only use on tanks greater than 50mm in depth but no greater than 2000mm deep.
3. Sender must be mounted parallel to the surface of the liquid.
4. You must first clean and clear the mounting surface with sand paper.
5. You must use a coupling agent or gel between the sensor and the surface for
ultrasound conductivity. The coupling agent could be Epoxy glue - make sure to
avoid bubbles or impurity in the gel.
6. The sensor is powered by the base unit’s sensor port, no external power required.
7. The container thickness should be less than 8mm for best performance.
8. Maximum distance between module and sensor : 450mm
9. Mount below the deepest point of the tank.

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
Updated until firmware 405p & 1.0.3816 - 19 -
Installation Pictures for Non-Invasive UFLS-NI

Ultrasonic Fuel Level Sensor Manual
Updated until firmware 405p & 1.0.3816 - 20 -
The 4 images above show the bottom of the fuel tank and preparing the surface for the fuel
sensor installation. See installation steps below.