FlowLine Commander LI90 Series User manual

Flowline, Inc. | 10500 Humbolt Street, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 p 562.598.3015 f 562.431.8507 w flowline.com QS301036 Rev A1
Model: LI90
Commander Controller
Quick Start
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©2016 Flowline, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Made in USA
Model:
LU
Commander™
Multi-Tank Level Controller
LI90 Series Quick Start

|2 QS301036 Rev A1
WELCOME TO THE LI90 QUICK START
The LI90 Quick Start is meant to show some of the more common setup solutions to getting the LI90 up and running quickly. If you run
into an issue that is not addressed here or wish to install or set up with a non-standard configuration, please address the LI90 Manual
or refer to the Flowline website at www.flowline.com.
WE DO YOUR LEVEL BEST
Thank you for purchasing the Commander Controller (LI90). The LI90 Series is a general purpose level
controller displaying engineering units for up to four 4-20 mA continuous level sensor receivers and 6
programmable relays.
UNPACKING THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
When unpacking the Loop-Powered Meter, thoroughly inspect the unit for
any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Be sure to report any
damage, as well as any missing parts or malfunctions to your supplier or
Flowline.
ABOUT THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
Before using the Commander Controller, here is some general information
to help keep the unit at peak performance.
Temperature / Ventilation
The Commander Controller’s layout design allows for adequate ventilation
when used properly and maintained within an ambient temperature range
of between 0°C and +50°C. Consider ventilation and temperature
limitations when operating at the extreme ends of the ambient temperature
range. Should a cooling device be required, for example, allow adequate
clearance for ventilation.
Front View
Side View
Orientation
When panel-mounted, there are no orientation restrictions on the Commander Controller.
Noise
Consider the impact on ventilation, temperatures and performance if noise suppression devices are needed.
Be sure to maintain an adequate distance between the controller and noisy devices such as relays, motor
starters, etc.
Shock and Vibration
The Commander Controller has been designed to operate in typical industrial
environments that may inflict some shock and vibration on the unit. For
applications that may inflict excessive shock and vibration, please use proper
dampening techniques or relocate the Commander to a location that minimizes
shock and/or vibration.
Configuration
The Commander Controller is configured through the Human Machine Interface
(HMI) located on the front cover.
Front Cover

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MOUNTING THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
The Commander Controller can be mounted through a panel or on a DIN rail.
Panel Mounting
Panel design should be completed with the Commander
Controller’s requirements in mind. Use the standard cutout for a
¼ DIN: 3.622” (92 mm) x 3.622” (92 mm). Use the four mounting
clips to secure the display to the panel. A mounting clip will
attach to all four sides of the display. With this in mind, panel
mount accordingly:
1) Remove all connectors from the Commander Controller;
2) Press the DIN rail clip up for passing the Commander
Controller through the cutout;
3) Verify that the Commander Controller’s gasket is
installed, is free from dust and debris, and has all corners
secure;
4) Pass the Commander Controller through the cutout; Panel Mounting Cut Out
5) Insert each of the four mounting clips into the Commander Controller’s case. One clip should be
installed at each corner. Tighten each screw so that the clip is held in place;
6) Tighten the screws on the clips so that the gasket is pressed against the panel; and
7) Mounting is now complete.
DIN rail mounting
The Commander Controller is designed to clip onto a standard 35
millimeter DIN rail. If your installation requires liquid or dust
protection, make sure the controller is placed in an appropriate
sealed panel when mounting on the DIN rail. Use the following
steps to mount on the DIN rail.
1) Move the DIN rail clip to the lower position;
2) Clip the “Top Clips” on the top of the DIN rail;
3) Press the Commander Controller into place; and
4) Press the DIN rail clip up. A small flat-head screwdriver
can be used in the slot of the DIN rail clip if clearance is an
issue. Din Rail Mounting
The DIN rail connection does NOT provide an earth ground.
Only qualified personnel familiar with the construction and operation of this equipment and the hazards involved
should install, adjust, operate, or service this equipment. Read and understand all applicable manuals in their
entirety before proceeding. Failure to observe this precaution could result in severe bodily injury or loss of life. All
applicable codes and standards need to be followed in the installation of this product.

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GROUNDING THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
Ideally, a ground resistance measurement from equipment to earth is 0 ohms. This may actually turn out to be
a bit higher. While the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) states the resistance to ground shall not exceed 25
ohms, resistance to ground when using the Commander Controller should not exceed 15 ohms from
Commander Controller to ground. Resistance greater than 25 ohms can impede performance and possibly
damage the Commander Controller.
Testing for a Good Ground
In order to test ground resistance, a Ground Resistance Tester must be used. A typical Ground Resistance
Meter Kit contains a meter, two or three wire leads, and two ground rods. Instructions are supplied for either a
two-point or three-point ground test. The diagram below shows a two-point ground connection test.
Ground Connection Test Diagram
To avoid the risk of electric shock or burns, always connect the
safety (or earth) ground before making any other connections.

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CONNECTIONS TO THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
Power Connections
The Commander Controller has one grounding connection and power connections for 10-30 VDC. The
configuration of the LI90 series is retained if there is a power loss or power is turned off.
Receiving Connections (Transmitter/Sensor Inputs)
The Commander Controller can receive signals from up to four 4-20 mA sensors. The 24VDC power supply
may be shared with the Power terminal as well as the other transmitters.
Power Connections Receiving Connections (Transmitter/Sensor Inputs)
Transmitting Connections (Relay Outputs)
The Commander Controller can control up to six relays, depending on the application selection. These relays
can switch voltages up to 275 VAC, 30 VDC with a maximum output current of 3 A at 250 VAC, resistive. All
relays are Normally Open (NO) relays and may share the same power source.
Relay wiring example Relay Output Connections

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Observe all safety regulations. Electrical wiring should be performed in accordance with all agency
requirements and applicable national, state, and local codes to prevent damage to the meter and ensure
personnel safety.
Be sure to fuse the voltage measurement wires, locating them as close to the source as possible, to reduce
the risk of fire, electrical shock, or physical injury.
Fuses should be replaced with the same type and rating to protect against fire and shock hazards. Repeated
fuse failure, indicates a defective condition that will not clear by replacing the fuse.
SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SAFETY:
When connecting electric circuits or pulse-initiating equipment, open their related breakers. Do not
make connections to live power lines.
Make connections to the module first; then connect the circuit to be monitored.
Route power wires in a safe manner in accordance with good practice and local codes.
Wear proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses and insulated gloves when making
connections to power circuits.
Ensure hands, shoes, and floors are dry before making any connection to a power line.
Make sure the unit is turned OFF before making connection to terminals. Make sure all circuits are de-
energized before making connections.
Before each use, inspect all cables for breaks or cracks in the insulation. Replace immediately if
defective.
STARTING THE COMMANDER CONTROLLER
Basic Startup
When the Commander Controller is powered for the first time, the
user can select the application to be used. Follow the instructions on
the screen to choose the application. See below for a description of
the three applications within the LI90 series. Press either F2 for
Multi-Tank Application, F3 for Differential Level or F4 for Pump
Controller. Commander Controller Startup
Screen

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MULTI-TANK OPERATION (APPLICATION #1)
Overview
This application is typically used to
eliminate the need of using one display for
each transmitter. This application can
accept up to four 4-20 mA input
transmitters and will provide a 3A SPST
relay for each transmitter.
Overview Specs
Power: This application operates with12
to 24 VDC power.
Incoming Data: The Commander
Controller accepts up to four 4-20 mA
channels, powered by 12 to 24 VDC power
source.
Outgoing Data: Each channel is
assigned a transmitting relay (4 relays
total).
DIFFERENTIAL LEVEL CONTROLLER (APPLICATION #2)
Overview
This application is used to monitor the levels above
and below a rake and control a relay based upon
the defined differential between the two levels. In
addition, a differential alarm can be programmed as
well as individual alarms for each input.
Overview Specs
Power: This application operates with12 to 24
VDC power.
Incoming Data: The Commander Controller
accepts up to two 4-20 mA channels, powered by
12 to 24 VDC power source.
Outgoing Data: Two alarm relays (one for each
channel) and two relays that activate based on
differing values from each channel.

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PUMP CONTROLLER (APPLICATION #3)
Overview
This application is used to provide multiple relay
contacts for a single 4-20 mA input. Relays 5 and
6 can be combined to be programmed as duplexing
/ alternating relays
Overview Specs
Power: This application operates with12 to 24
VDC power.
Incoming Data: The Commander Controller
accepts a single 4-20 mA channel, powered by 12
to 24 VDC power source.
Outgoing Data: Six relays are available to
program as alarms, pumps, or valves.
CHANGING APPLICATIONS:
If you need to change the application selection, press and hold the ESC button for
5 seconds. This will return you to the Selection Screen and allow for a new
application to be selected. The selection can be accessed at any time.

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BASIC CONFIGURATION DATA
There are several configuration aspects similar for all the Commander Controller’s applications.
ANALOG INPUT
The Commander accepts any 4-20 mA signal. This signal may be scaled to the size of the tank or vessel or
with a non-configured transmitter (in its original factory setup). If the transmitter has been scaled or configured
to the size of the tank, use the Scaled Input for configuration. If the transmitter is a fixed output or in its original
factory settings, then use the Non-Scaled Input for configuration. Analog data can be configured for scaled
and non-scaled output, as follows:
Scaled Inputs
When using a transmitter that has been configured with 4 mA set to
an empty tank/vessel and 20 mA set to a full tank/vessel, the data is
displayed as follows:
Sensor Max. Range – Displays the distance from the bottom of
the tank to the bottom of the installed sensor.
Sensor Dead Band – Displays the distance from the full level of
liquid to the bottom of the sensor.
Sensor Height – Displays the distance from the bottom of the
tank to the bottom of the installed sensor. This will be the same
setting as the Sensor Max. Range.
Sensor Fill-H – Displays the distance from the bottom of the
tank to the highest level of liquid. Adding the Fill-H value to the
Dead Band value will equal the Max. Range or Height values.
Empty Setting – Displays the display value when the tank is
empty.
Full Setting – Displays the display value when the tank is full.
Scaled Output Data
Non-Scaled Inputs
When using a transmitter that is either set with its original Factory
Settings or with a transmitter that has a fixed (non-configurable) 4-
20 mA output, the data is displayed as follows:
Sensor Max. Range – Displays the maximum range of the
sensor. This is typically the 4 mA set point for the sensor. Use
the sensor’s manual to obtain the sensors maximum range (4
mA output).
Sensor Dead Band – Displays the dead band for the level
sensor. Use the sensor’s manual to obtain the sensors dead
band (20 mA output).
Sensor Height – Displays the distance from the bottom of the
tank to the bottom of the installed sensor
Sensor Fill-H – Displays the distance from the bottom of the
tank to the highest level of liquid
Empty Setting – Displays the empty tank value.
Full Setting – Displays the full tank value.
Non-Scaled Data

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COMMON OPERATIONS
General (Secured Functions)
Sensor Inputs and Relay Output configurations are all set through
the Commander Controller’s secured section. To access this
section, press and hold the ENTER key for 5 seconds. This section
can then be exited pressing the Exit Soft Key (Lower Left Corner).
Inside this section you will be able to:
Configure the analog inputs (Configure Transmitter Inputs)
Configure the relays (Configure Outgoing Relays)
Simulate the operation of the transmitters (Simulation Mode)
CONFIGURE TRANSMITTER INPUTS
To configure sensor inputs, simply press the Config Inputs Soft Key from within the Secured Functions section.
Press the Next or Back soft keys to scroll to the area you would like to configure. The above illustration is for a
4 input configuration. Configurations with a different number of inputs will differ slightly.
After selecting an incoming channel, you can configure the following settings
oSensor Max. Range, Sensor Dead Band, Sensor Height, Sensor Fill-H, Empty Setting & Full
Setting.
The first four settings must use the same units of measure (i.e. inches, cm, feet, m, etc.).
The last two settings can be in any engineering units as long as they are both the same (i.e. inches,
cm, gallons, liters, etc.)
CONFIGURE OUTGOING RELAYS
To configure outgoing data, simply press the Config Outputs Soft Key from within the Secured Functions
section. Press the Next or Back soft keys to scroll to the area you would like to configure. The above
illustration is for a 4 output configuration. Configurations with a different number of relay outputs will differ
slightly.
After selecting an outgoing channel, or Relay, each relay will ask for a Relay ON and Relay OFF level.
These settings must be in the same units used for the Empty and Full incoming data settings (above).