BEKA BR323AL User manual

Issue: 3
1st July 2008
BR323AL and BR323SS
Flameproof
Loop powered
field mounting
indicators
Issue 3

2
1. Description
2. Controls
3. Flameproof Certification
3.1 ATEX certificate
3.2 Flammable gases
3.3 Combustible dusts
3.4 Certification label information
4. System Design for use in Hazardous
Areas.
5. Installation
5.1 Location
5.2 Installation procedure
5.3 EMC
6. Programming and Calibration
6.1 Loading BEKA software onto a PC
6.2 Connecting BR323 to PC
6.3 Calibration screen
6.4 Linear calibration
6.5 Non-linear calibration
6.6 Square root extraction
7. Maintenance
7.1 Fault finding during commissioning
7.2 Fault finding after commissioning
7.3 Servicing
7.4 Routine maintenance
7.5 Guarantee
7.6 Customer comments
8. Accessories
8.1 Pipe mounting kit
8.2 Tag strip
8.3 Tag plate
Appendix 1
FM Approval for use in the USA
Appendix 2
CSA Approval for use in Canada
The BR323AL and BR323SS are CE marked to show compliance with the European Explosive
Atmospheres Directive 94/9/EC and the European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

3
1. DESCRIPTION
The BR323AL and BR323SS are flameproof,
field mounting, loop powered 5 digit indicators
which display the current flowing in a 4/20mA
loop in engineering units. The instruments only
introduce a 2.3V drop allowing them to be
installed into almost any 4/20mA loop.
The main application of these loop powered
indicators is to display a measured variable or
control signal in a hazardous process area. The
zero and span of the digital display are
configurable via a temporary serial data link
using the free Windows®compatible BEKA
software. This software also enables linear,
square root or custom linearisation to be
selected and the units of measurement legend,
which appears below the main display, to be
entered.
The two models are functionally identical. The
BR323AL is housed in an epoxy painted
flameproof aluminium enclosure and the
BR323SS is in a stainless steel flameproof
enclosure. Both enclosures provide IP66 &
NEMA Type 4X protection. In this instruction
manual BR323 refers to the removable
electronic assembly which is common to both
the BR323AL and the BR323SS.
Both instruments have been certified flameproof
and comply with the European ATEX Directive
94/9/EC. They also have Factory Mutual
explosion proof and dust ignition proof approval.
For use in Canada, the BR323SS which is
housed in a stainless steel enclosure, has CSA
explosion proof component approval.
Note: The BR323AL, which has an aluminium
enclosure, is not approved for use in Canada.
The BR323 removable electronic assembly,
which is common to both models may only be
installed in a hazardous area when mounted
within a flameproof BR323AL aluminium or
BR323SS stainless steel enclosure.
Fig 1 BR323AL or BR323SS without cover
2. CONTROLS
Both the BR323AL and BR323SS 4/20mA
indicators are configured and calibrated by
BEKA software running on a PC connected via a
temporary serial data link, the indicators
therefore do not have conventional calibration
controls. Calibration can be rapidly checked,
but not changed, using the ‘view’ push button
which is located on the right hand side of the
instrument terminals. Successive operation of
this button steps the instrument display through
the calibration parameters as shown in Fig 2.
Fig 2 View menu

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3. FLAMEPROOF CERTIFICATION
CAUTION
The BR323 removable electronic
assembly, which is common to both
models, may only be installed in a
hazardous area when mounted within
a flameproof BR323AL aluminium or
BR323SS stainless steel enclosure.
CSA Approval only applies to the
BR323SS stainless steel enclosure.
3.1 ATEX certificate
Notified Body ISSeP has issued the instruments
with an EC-Type Examination Certificate
ISSeP08ATEX035X that confirms compliance
with the European ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for
Group II surface industries, Category 2GD
flammable gas and combustible dust
atmospheres, Ex d IIC T6. Copies of the
certificate may be downloaded from
www.beka.co.uk. The instruments bear the
Community Ex Mark and, subject to local codes
of practice, may be installed in any of the
European Economic Area (EEA) member
countries. ATEX certificates are also
acceptable for installations in Switzerland.
3.2 Flammable Gases
Zones, gas groups and T rating
Group II, Category 2G, Ex d IIC T6 certification
allows the BR323AL and BR323SS indicators to
be installed in:
Zone 1 explosive gas air mixture likely
to occur in normal operation.
Zone 2 explosive gas air mixture not
likely to occur, and if it does
will only exist for a short time.
Be used with gases in groups:
Group A propane
Group B ethylene
Group C hydrogen
Having a temperature classification of:
T1 450oC
T2 300oC
T3 200oC
T4 135oC
T5 100oC
T6 85oC
At ambient temperatures between –20 and
+60oC.
This allows both models to be installed in most
hazardous areas and to be used with most
common industrial gases.
This manual describes installations in flammable
gas atmospheres which conform with
EN60079:Part14 Electrical Installation in
Hazardous Areas. When designing systems for
installation outside the UK, the local Code of
Practice should be consulted.
3.3 Combustible Dusts
Both the BR323AL and BR323SS enclosures
have been ATEX certified as Group II, Category
2D apparatus with a Maximum Surface
Temperature of 85oC. When installed as
specified by EN 61241-14 ‘Selection and
installation of electrical apparatus for use in the
presence of combustible dust’, the indicator may
be installed in:
Zone 21 where explosive atmosphere in
the form of a cloud of
combustible dust in air is likely
to occur occasionally in normal
operation.
Zone 22 where explosive atmosphere in
the form of a cloud of
combustible dust in air is not
likely to occur in normal
operation, but if it does occur,
will only persist for a short
period.
Be used with dusts having a Minimum Ignition
Temperature of:
Dust cloud 127oC
Dust layer on BR323AL 160oC
or BR323SS up to
5mm thick.
Dust layer on BR323AL Refer to
or BR323SS over EN 61241-
5mm thick. 14
At an ambient temperature between -20 and
+60oC
NOTE
Special Conditions for Safe Use
The ATEX certificate specifies that any
accumulation of dust on the enclosure
shall be avoided.

5
3.4 Certification label information
The certification information label is fitted in a
recess on the top outer surface of the
flameproof enclosure. It shows details of the
ATEX certification, BEKA associates name and
location, plus the year of manufacture.
The certification label also shows details of the
FM Approval and the enclosure entry thread
which can be M20 x 1.5 (M suffix on product
number) or ½ inch NPT (N suffix on product
number).
BR323AL which has an aluminium enclosure
BR323SS which has a stainless steel enclosure
Fig 3 Certification Information Labels
4. SYSTEM DESIGN FOR USE IN
HAZARDOUS AREAS
BR323AL and BR323SS indicators may be
connected in series with any 4/20mA current
loop having a maximum supply voltage of 30V dc
and a maximum current of less than 110mA. It
is only necessary to ensure that the loop can
support the additional 2.3V drop introduced by
the indicator.
Fig 4 illustrates a typical application in which a
BR323AL or BR323SS indicator is connected in
series with a 2-wire transmitter and calibrated to
display the measured variable or control signal
in engineering units.
Fig 4 Typical transmitter loop

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5. INSTALLATION
5.1 Location
The appropriate model BR323AL or BR323SS
should be chosen depending on the severity of
the environment. The BR323AL is housed in an
epoxy painted aluminium enclosure and the
BR323SS in a stainless steel enclosure suitable
for marine applications. Both provide IP66 and
NEMA Type 4X protection.
Fig 5 BR323AL & BR323SS dimensions
5.2 Installation procedure
WARNING
Installation of a BR323AL or BR323SS
loop powered indicator should only be
performed in a potentially hazardous
area when an explosive atmosphere is
NOT present.
Ensure that glands, blanking plugs or
conduit connected to the indicator
have the same thread as the indicator
enclosure, which is shown on the
instrument certification label.
Recommended installation procedure:
a. Remove the flameproof enclosure cover
that contains the viewing window by
rotating anticlockwise.
b. Remove the BR323 electronic assembly
from the enclosure by gently squeezing the
retaining clip and pulling – see Fig 1. If
necessary remove the screw securing the
earthing wire connecting the electronic
assmebly to the enclosure.
c. Install the flameproof enclosure in the
required position and secure using the two
M10 mounting slots. The flameproof
enclosure should be earthed as specified
by the local code of practice.
d. Fit the required flameproof certified glands
or blanking plugs with the correct thread
into the two entries in the enclosure.
Instruments can have M20 x 1.5 threads
(M suffix on producr number) or ½ inch
NPT entries (N suffix on product number).
The instrument enclosure thread is shown
on the instrument certification label. The
installation must be as specified by the
manufacturer of the certified gland or
blanking plug and comply with the local
code of practice. Alternatively, correctly
threaded metal conduit may be used with
a flameproof certified compound filled
stopping box at each of the two entries.
Installation must be as specified by the
manufacturer of the stopping box and
comply with the local code of practice.
e. Position the electronic assembly in the
flameproof enclosure and connect the two
input terminals as shown in Figs 1 and 4.
If removed, the earthing cable should be
reconnected between the electronic
assembly and the flameproof enclosure.
f. Replace the flameproof enclosure cover
by rotating clockwise and tighten until the
sealing gasket is compressed.
5.3 EMC
The BR323AL and BR323SS comply with the
requirements of the European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC. For specified immunity all wiring
should be in screened twisted pairs, with the
screens earthed at one point in the safe area.

7
6. PROGRAMMING & CALIBRATION
The BR323AL and BR323SS 4/20mA indicators
are configured and calibrated using BEKA
configuration software running on a personal
computer connected via a temporary serial data
link.
WARNING
The temporary serial data link must
NOT be connected to a BR323AL or
BR323SS indicator when an explosive
atmosphere is present.
The BR323 electronic assembly may be
removed from its enclosure for conditioning and
calibration, or calibration may be performed in
situ providing that an explosive atmosphere is
not present.
6.1 Loading BEKA software onto a PC
The free BEKA configuration software may be
downloaded from the BEKA associates web site
at www.beka.co.uk/indicateflameproof.html or is
available on a CD. If required, please request
a copy when ordering the instrument or contact
the BEKA associates sales office.
A lead to connect a BR323 indicator to a serial
communications port on a personal computer is
included with each order.
The personal computer should have a Microsoft
Windows 98, NT, 2000 or XP operating system
and the following hardware:
Pentium processor or equivalent
CD drive
8Mb of RAM minimum
20Mb hard disc space minimum
RS232 serial communications port
The BEKA configuration software should be
downloaded from the BEKA web site or loaded
from a CD onto the hard disc of a personal
computer. To install the software, access the
BEKAsetup.exe file and follow the screen
prompts.
6.2 Connecting the BR323 indicator to a PC
Connect the supplied interconnecting cable
between the programming plug on the front of
the BR323 indicator and the COM port on the
personal computer as shown in Fig 6. The
BR323AL or BR323SS indicator must be
connected to an adjustable 4/20mA signal during
conditioning and calibration, this may be a
4/20mA calibrator or the indicator may remain in
the measurement loop.
The supplied serial connection cable does not
provide isolation, we therefore recommend that
either the 4/20mA loop or the personal computer
is unearthed. Using a battery powered
4/20mA calibrator or a battery powered laptop
computer will avoid earth loop problems.
Fig 6 Connections for conditioning & calibrating
a BR323
6.3 Calibration screen
To run the configuration software click Program
in the PC Start menu and select BEKA
Associates; BR323 Configuration Program
followed by BR323 Configuration Program. The
BEKA configuration software has an easy to use
calibration screen that shows the status of the
BR323 indicator and enables the required
calibration parameters to be entered, as
shown in Fig 7.
The left hand side of the screen shows the
indicator serial number and its current
conditioning and calibration. The right hand
side of the screen is for entering new
conditioning and calibration information and has
two alternative tabs; Input/Output for linear
calibration and Custom Curve for non-linear
calibration such as a square root extracting
curve. With the BR323 indicator connected as
shown in Fig 6 the Connection panel at the
lower left hand side of the screen will show
when the PC has established communication
with the BR323 indicator.

8
6.4 Linear calibration
With the indicator connected to the PC as
shown in Fig 6 and communication established,
proceed as follows:
(1) Right hand side tab
Click the Input / Output tab which will
produce the screen shown in Fig 7.
(2) Linearisation Mode
Set to Normal for linear calibration
(3) Filter
Select frequency of local mains supply to
obtain the maximum interference rejection.
(4) Tag
Up to 16 upper and lower case alphanumeric
characters may be entered to identify the
instrument. This identification only appears
on the Configuration Programme screen not
on the instrument display.
(5) Display Resolution
Defines the number of digits displayed by the
indicator after the decimal point. None,
One, Two or Three digits may be selected,
alternatively selecting Auto instructs the
indicator to display the maximum number of
digits possible after the decimal point which
will vary as the indicator display changes.
Note: Display Resolution does not affect the
Configuration Programme Screen that
always shows a fixed number of digits after
the decimal point.
(6) Input Settings panel
Defines the input current at which the zero
value display and the full value display are
defined which is normally 4 and 20mA.
These figures may be typed into the relevant
boxes or clicking the Capture Zero or
Capture Full buttons will automatically enter
the current actually flowing into the indicator
input terminals. This feature is useful when a
complete loop is being calibrated.
Fig 7 BEKA Configuration Programme Screen

9
(7) Display Settings panel
Defines the indicator display at zero value
and full value input current, which is normally
4 and 20mA.
Note: Irrespective of the selected Display
Resolution, this panel always shows two
digits after the decimal point.
(8) Damping Time
A damping time between 0 and 30 seconds
may be typed into this box. A long damping
time will help to provide a steady display
from a noisy input current.
(9) Units of measurement
The Units of Measurement panel enables a
five digit upper case alphanumeric legend to
be entered which appears below the main
indicator display. This may be used to show
the instrument’s units of measurement or
application.
(10) Downloading calibration to indicator
Ensure that the connection panel shows that
the BR323 indicator is connected to the
personal computer, then click the download
arrow on the toolbar.
After downloading is complete the left hand
side of the Configuration Programme screen
should show the new calibration information
and the BR323 should have the required
display. The calibration information may be
stored or printed from the PC in the normal
way.
6.5 Non-linear calibration
The BEKA configuration software enables non-
linear functions to be downloaded to a BR323
indicator. Any curve that continuously
increases or decreases with between 2 and 128
breakpoints may be used.
6.6 Square root extraction
Probably the most common non-linear function is
a square root curve that enables a BR323
indicator to display flow in linear engineering
units. A square root table is included with the
BEKA configuration software. To import the
square root table proceed as follows:
(1) Linearisation mode
Open the BEKA configuration programme
and set the Linearisation Mode to Custom
which will produce the screen shown in Fig
8.
(2) Import file
Click File on the toolbar followed by Import
Custom Curve. In the C\My BEKA
Associates Data\Custom Curves folder
select SquareRoot 0-100PCT.csv Click the
Open button and the BEKA configuration
software will import the square root file. The
table of 128 x and y values will be displayed
and the graph will show the square root
curve.
Fig 8 Non-linear BEKA Configuration Programme display screen

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(3) Enter the required indicator display
Type the required BR323 indicator Zero and
Full scale displays into the appropriate
panels. Clicking the Upload button will
enter these figures and they will appear on
the graph.
(4) Entering other parameters
Clicking the Input / Output tab will enable the
Filter, Tag, Display Resolution, Damping
Time and Units of Measurement to be
entered – see 6.4 steps 3, 4, 5, 6 & 9 and
Fig 7.
(5) Downloading calibration to indicator
Ensure that the Connection panel shows that
the BR323 indicator is connected to the
personal computer then click the download
arrow on the toolbar.
After downloading is complete the left hand
side of the Configuration Programme Screen
should show the new calibration information
and the BR323 should have the required
display. The calibration information may be
stored or printed from the PC in the normal
way.
6.7 Other non-linear curves
Other non-linear curves may be generated by
entering the number of breakpoints required and
manually keying the required x and y values into
the table. Alternatively, a comma delimited csv
file containing the custom curve data may be
imported using the procedure described in
section 6.6.

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7. MAINTENANCE
7.1 Fault finding during commissioning
If a BR323AL or BR323SS fails to function
during commissioning the following procedure
should be followed:
Symptom Cause Solution
No display Incorrect There should be 2.3V
wiring between the +ve &
-ve terminals.
No display Incorrect Check that a current
and no volts wiring or is flowing in the
between no power loop.
+ve & -ve supply.
terminals. Insufficient Check supply
loop voltage voltage and voltage
to operate drops caused by all
indicator components in the
loop
Indicator Positive The input current
displays Hi over-range is greater than
21.4mA.
Indicator Negative The input current
displays Lo under-range is less than 3.8mA.
Unstable 4/20mA Ensure loop supply
display input has a voltage is sufficient.
large ripple to operate the
content. Indicator.
Ensure that Filter
is set to frequency
of local mains
supply.
Increase indicator
damping time.
7.2 Fault finding after commissioning
ENSURE PLANT SAFETY BEFORE
STARTING MAINTENANCE
Live maintenance is NOT permitted on
flameproof equipment. BR323AL and
BR323SS indicator maintenance
should only be performed in a
potentially hazardous area when an
explosive atmosphere is not present.
If a BR323AL or BR323SS fails after it has been
functioning correctly, the following procedure
should be followed:
Symptom Cause Solution
No display No power Check that a
and no volts supply current is flowing in
between +ve the loop.
& -ve terminals.
Unstable 4/20mA input Check loop supply
display has a large voltage.
ripple. Ensure that Filter
is set to frequency
of local mains
supply.
Increase indicator
damping.
If this procedure does not reveal the cause of
the fault, it is recommended that the BR323
electronic assembly is replaced.
Note: while the BR323 electronic assembly is
disconnected the 4/20mA loop will be open
circuit.
7.3 Servicing
All standard BR323 electronic assemblies are
interchangeable, and a single spare may be
used to replace any instrument that fails.
We recommend that faulty BR323 electronic
assemblies are returned to BEKA associates or
to our local agent for repair.
7.4 Routine maintenance
The mechanical condition of the instrument and
the electrical calibration should be regularly
checked. The interval between inspections
depends upon environmental conditions. We
recommend that initially instrument calibration
should be checked annually.

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7.5 Guarantee
Indicators which fail within the guarantee period
should be returned to BEKA associates or our
local agent. It is helpful if a brief description of
the fault symptoms is provided.
7.6 Customer comments
BEKA associates is always pleased to receive
comments from customers about our products
and services. All communications are
acknowledged and whenever possible,
suggestions are implemented.
8. ACCESSORIES
8.1 Pipe mounting kit
The pipe mounting kit comprises a stainless
steel ‘U’ bolt that enables the BR323AL and
BR323SS indicators to be mounted onto any
pipe with an outside diameter up to 50mm.
8.2 Tag strip
The BR323AL and BR323SS can be supplied
with tag or applicational information thermally
printed onto a polyester strip secured to the
instrument mounting bracket.
The following can be accommodated:
1 row of 36 alphanumeric characters
1.8mm high.
and
1 row of 18 alphanumeric characters
2.6mm high.
8.3 Tag plate
The BR323AL and BR323SS can be supplied
with tag or applicational information etched onto
a stainless steel plate secured to the instrument
mounting bracket.
The following can be accommodated:
1 row of 8 alphanumeric characters
7mm high.
or 1 row of 10 alphanumeric characters
5mm high.
or 2 rows of 21 alphanumeric characters
5mm high.

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APPENDIX 1
FM approval for use in the USA
A1.1 Factory Mutual Approval
For installations in the USA, the BR323AL and
BR323SS have explosion proof FM Approval.
Copies of the Certificate of Compliance are
available from BEKA associates, our US agent,
or may be downloaded from www.beka.co.uk
A1.2 Explosion proof approval
The BR323AL and BR323SS are approved to
the FM Class 3615 Explosion Proof Electrical
Equipment standard for use in hazardous
(classified) locations. Installations must comply
with ANSI/ISA, RP12.06.01 and with the
National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA70.
The BR323AL and BR323SS indicators may be
installed in the following Divisions and hazardous
atmospheres:
Explosionproof
T6 -40oC to +60oC
Divisions 1 or 2
Class I
Gas groups A, B, C & D
NEMA Type 4X, IP66
Dust Ignitionproof
T6 -40oC to +60oC
Divisions 1 or 2
Class II or III
Gas groups E, F & G
NEMA Type 4X, IP66
APPENDIX 2
CSA approval for use in Canada
CAUTION
The CSA Approval only applies to the
BR323SS stainless steel enclosure, the
BR323AL aluminium enclosure is not
CSA Approved.
A2.1 CSA Approval
For installations in the Canada, the BR323SS
enclosure has explosion proof CSA component
Approval. Copies of the Certificate of
Compliance are available from BEKA
associates, our US agent, or may be
downloaded from www.beka.co.uk
A2.2 Explosion proof approval
The BR323SS enclosure is component approved
to Canadian National Standards C22.2 No. 25-
1966 and C22.2 No. 30-M1986.
The BR323SS indicator may be installed in the
following Divisions and hazardous atmospheres:
Explosionproof
T6 -40oC to +60oC
Divisions 1 or 2
Class I
Gas groups A, B, C & D
NEMA Type 4X, IP66
Dust Ignitionproof
T6 -40oC to +60oC
Divisions 1 or 2
Class II or III
Gas groups E, F & G
NEMA Type 4X, IP66