FlowLine Symprobe LP75 User manual

Warranty, Service & Repair
WARRANTY
Flowline warrants to the original purchaser of its products that such
products will be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service for a period which is equal to the shorter of
one year from the date of purchase of such products or two years from
the date of manufacture of such products.
This warranty covers only those components of the products which
are non-moving and not subject to normal wear. Moreover, products
which are modified or altered, and electrical cables which are cut to
length during installation are not covered by this warranty.
Flowline’s obligation under this warranty is solely and exclusively
limited to the repair or replacement, at Flowline’s option, of the prod-
ucts (or components thereof) which Flowline’s examination proves to
its satisfaction to be defective. FLOWLINE SHALL HAVE NO
OBLIGATION FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO PERSON-
AL OR REAL PROPERTY, OR FOR INJURY TO ANY PERSON.
This warranty does not apply to products which have been subject to
electrical or chemical damage due to improper use, accident, negli-
gence, abuse or misuse. Abuse shall be assumed when indicated by
electrical damage to relays, reed switches or other components. The
warranty does not apply to products which are damaged during ship-
ment back to Flowline’s factory or designated service center or are
returned without the original casing on the products. Moreover, this
warranty becomes immediately null and void if anyone other than ser-
vice personnel authorized by Flowline attempts to repair the defective
products.
Products which are thought to be defective must be shipped prepaid
and insured to Flowline’s factory or a designated service center (the
identity and address of which will be provided upon request) within
30 days of the discovery of the defect. Such defective products must
be accompanied by proof of the date of purchase.
Flowline further reserves the right to unilaterally wave this warranty
and to dispose of any product returned to Flowline where:
a. There is evidence of a potentially hazardous material present
with product.
b. The product has remained unclaimed at Flowline for longer than
30 days after dutifully requesting disposition of the product.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND
THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE OF THIS WARRANTY. This
warranty and the obligations and liabilities of Flowline under it are
exclusive and instead of, and the original purchaser hereby waives, all
other remedies, warranties, guarantees or liabilities, express or
implied. EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY IS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS OF THE PRODUCTS FOR A PARTIC-
ULAR PURPOSE OR USE AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANT ABILITY OF THE PRODUCTS.
This warranty may not be extended, altered or varied except by a writ-
ten instrument signed by a duly-authorized officer of Flowline, Inc.
To register your product with the manufacturer, fill out the enclosed
warranty card and return it immediately to:
Flowline Inc.
10500 Humbolt Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
If for some reason your product must be returned for factory ser-
vice, contact Flowline Inc. to receive a Material Return
Authorization number (MRA) first, providing the following infor-
mation:
1. Part Number, Serial Number
2. Name and telephone number of someone who can answer
technical questions related to the product and its application.
3. Return Shipping Address
4. Brief Description of the Symptom
5. Brief Description of the Application
Once you have received a Material Return Authorization number,
ship the product prepaid in its original packing to:
Flowline Factory Service
MRA _____
10500 Humbolt Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
To avoid delays in processing your repair, write the MRA on the
shipping label. Please include the information about the malfunc-
tion with your product. This information enables our service tech-
nicians to process your repair order as quickly as possible.
®
Version 4.1A
© 2005 FLOWLINE Inc.
All rights reserved.
Manual # LC900006 05/05
Symprobe™ RF Capacitance
Level Transmitter
Model LP75
Owner’s
Manual
Spec Tech Industrial 203 Vest Ave. Valley Park, MO 63088 Phone: 888 SPECTECH
E-mail: [email protected] www.spectechind.com

Step One
SPECIFICATIONS
Range: 1 to 10' (30 cm to 3 m)
Accuracy: ± 1% of full span
Resolution: ± 0.125” (3 mm)
Conductivity range: > 100 micro-mhos
Dielectric range: > 20 constants
Probe pF range: 100 to 1000 pF
LED indication: Power status
Supply voltage: 14-36 VDC
Loop resistance: 600 ohms @ 36 VDC
Signal output: 4-20 mA, two-wire
Signal invert: 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA
Adjustments: Potentiometer
Temperature rating: F: -40º to 158º
C: -40º to 70º
Electronics temp.: F: -40º to 140º
C: -40º to 60º
Pressure rating: 75 psi (5 bar) @ 25 °C., derated @ 1.667
psi (.113 bar) per °C. above 25 °C.
Enclosure rating: NEMA 4X (IP65)
Installed height: 4.8” (12.2 cm) above tank process mount
Enclosure material: Polypropylene, U.L. 94VO
Probe material: FEP
Process mount.: 3/4” NPT (3/4" G)
Mounting gasket: Viton (3/4") metric only
Conduit entrance: 1/2” NPT
Classification: General purpose
CE Compliance: EN 61326 EMC
3.5"(89mm)
4.8"(122mm)
0.6" (16mm)
Standard Probe Lengths
2.8"
(71mm)
3/4" NPT (3/4" G)
LP75 - 20_1 - _ _ _
Mounting
Thread
0 - 3/4 NPT
6 - 3/4 G
Sensor Length
012 - 12 Inches
018 - 18 Inches
024 - 24 Inches
036 - 36 Inches
048 - 48 Inches
060 - 60 Inches
072 - 72 Inches
084 - 84 Inches
096 - 96 Inches
108 - 108 Inches
120 - 120 Inches
050 - 50 Centimeters
100 - 100 Centimeters
150 - 150 Centimeters
200 - 200 Centimeters
250 - 250 Centimeters
300 - 300 Centimeters
CapacitanceTransmitter
POWER OFFSET SPAN
ON OFF
INVERT Symprobe™
CAPACITANCE
TRANSMITTER
(-) (+)
100
80
60
40
20
012 16 20 24 28 32 36
Acceptable
Range
Unacceptable
Range
MaximumTemperature/Voltage
Derating @ Continuous 20 mA
Ambient SensorTemperature (¡C)
Operating Voltage (VDC)
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
00012 18 24 30 36
Acceptable
Range
Unacceptable
Range
Flowline Electrical Loading Limits
Max. Series Resistance (Ohms)
Supply Voltage (VDC)

Step Two Step Three
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS INTRODUCTION
About this Manual:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO
INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual
includes information on all versions of the Symprobe™ RF capac-
itance level transmitter from FLOWLINE: LP75-20_1. Please refer
to the part number located on the sensor label to verify the exact
model which you have purchased.
User’s Responsibility for Safety:
FLOWLINE manufactures a wide range of liquid level sensors and
technologies. While each of these sensors are designed to operate
in a wide variety of applications, it is the user’s responsibility to
select a model that is appropriate for the application, install it prop-
erly, perform tests of the installed system and maintain all compo-
nents. The failure to do so could result in property damage or seri-
ous injury.
Proper Installation and Handling:
Because this is an electrically operated device, only properly-
trained staff should install and/or repair this product. Use a proper
sealant with all installations. Note: Always install the 3/4” Viton
gasket with the LP75-2061. The G threaded version of the
Symprobe will not seal unless the gasket is installed properly.
Never overtighten the transmitter within the fitting. Always check
for leaks prior to system start-up.
Material Compatibility:
The Symprobe™ enclosure is made of Polypropylene (PP). The
probe is coated with Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP). Make
sure that the model which you have selected is chemically compat-
ible with the application liquids it will contact. To determine the
chemical compatibility between the sensor and its application liq-
uids, refer to the Compass Corrosion Guide, available from
Compass Publications [phone]).
Wiring and Electrical:
Asupply voltage of 14-36 VDC is used to power the LP75 trans-
mitter. The system should never exceed a maximum of 36 volts
DC. Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in accor-
dance with all applicable national, state, and local codes.
Enclosure:
While the transmitter housing is liquid-resistant when installed
properly, it is not designed to be immersed. It should be mounted
in such a way that the enclosure does not come into contact with
fluid.
Flammable, Explosive and Hazardous Applications:
The LP75 transmitter systems should not be used within flamma-
ble or explosive applications.
Make a Fail-Safe System:
Design a fail-safe system that accommodates the possibility of trans-
mitter or power failure. In critical applications, FLOWLINE recom-
mends the use of redundant backup systems and alarms in addition to
the primary system.
About RF capacitance technology:
An revolutionary self grounding probe features two electrode plates
and a guard wire which are completely encapsulated in FEP. The
Symprobe generates a 1 MHz pulse-wave radio frequency signal from
the continuous capacitance probe. When liquid comes into contact
along the length of the probe, the capacitance as measured by the sys-
tem electronics changes. These changes in capacitance are based on
the length of the probe which is in the liquid, and the dielectric con-
stant of the liquid. FLOWLINE's sophisticated electronics convert the
capacitance value into a simple two-wire, 4-20 mAoutput which indi-
cates the level of the liquid in the tank.
The transmitters operation may vary based on the dielectric properties
of different application liquids. The LP75 series transmitter is
designed for use with liquids having a dielectric value between 20 and
80 and factory calibrated in tap water. For example, if the application
liquid is acetal (with a dielectric constant of about 3.6), the transmit-
ter will not measure its presence when it is wet. However, if the appli-
cation liquid is glycol (with a dielectric constant of about 35) the
transmitter will reliably measure its presence when wet.
FLOWLINE's LP75 is not recommended for use with
electrically charged application liquids. For most reli-
able operation, the liquid being measured may need to
be electrically grounded.
Acetone 21
Acetoaldehyde 22.2
Acetyl methyl hexyl
ketone 28
Alcohol 16 to 31
Ammonia 15 to 25
Acetic acid 4.1 to 6.2
Butyl chloride 9.6
Barium chloride 9 to 11
Benzene 2.3
Benzine 2.3
Barium nitrate 5.6
Bromine 3.1
Chlorobenzene 4.7 to 6
Chlorotoluene 4.7
Chloroform 4.5 to 5.0
Chlorine, liquid 2.0
Carbon tetrachloride2.2
Cyan 2.6
Cyclohexane methanol
3.7
D.I. Water 20
Ethyl toluene 2.2
Ethyl alcohol 23
Ethylene glycol 37
Ethylene oxide 14
Ethylene dichloride
11 to 17
Ethylene chloride 10.5
Ethyl acetate 6.4
Ethyl salicylate 8.6
Ethyl stearate 2.9
Ethyl silicote 4.1
Formic acid 59
Ferric oleate 2.6
Freon 2.2
Glycerine 47
Glycol 30
Glycol nitrite 27
Gasoline 2 to 2.2
Hydrochloric acid 4.6
Isobutyric acid 2.7
Isobutyl methyl ketone 13
Jet fuel 1.7
Lead carbonate 18
Lead nitrate 38
Methyl salicylate 9.0
Methanol 33
Methyl alcohol33 to 38
Margarine, liquid
2.8 to 3.2
Methyl acetate 7.3
N-butyl formate 2.4
Nitrobenzene 26 to 35
Nitrotoluene 25
Naphthalene 2.3 to 2.5
Oils, vegetable2.5 to 3.5
Oils, mineral 2.3 to 2.4
Oils, petroleum
1.8 to 2.2
Oleic acid 2.5
Propane, liquid
1.8 to 1.9
Potassium nitrate
5.0 to 5.9
Potassium chloride 5.0
Stearic acid 2.3
Toluene 2.4
Trichloroethylene 3.4
Trichloroacetic acid 4.5
Terephthalic acid
1.5 to 1.7
Thinner 3.7
Urea 3.5
Vinyl chloride 2.8 to 6
Vinyl alcohol 1.8 to 2.0
Water, 20°C 80
Water, 100°C 48
WARNING
The Symprobe™ is shipped factory calibrated with 4 mA set at
the end of probe. To reverse setting with 20 mA at the end, set
invert to On and re-calibrate transmitter.
Avoid installing the Symprobe™ within 6" of any metallic object.
Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of the trans-
mitter.
The FEP coating for the Symprobe™ is a thin sheath. Extreme
caution is recommended at installation. Breaking the seal would
damage the probe.
Always install the 3/4” Viton gasket with the LP75-2061. The G
threaded version of the Symprobe will not seal unless the gasket
is installed properly.
Table of Common Dielectric Constants:
NOTE: The Symprobe is best applied with conductive liquids
greater than 100 micro-mhos and/or nonconductive liquids with
dielectric constant greater than 20.

Step Four Step Five
INSTALLATION WIRING
FLOWLINE’s LP75 transmitter may be installed through the tank
top, through a stand pipe top or to the side of a tank. Tank top and
stand pipe installations require a 3/4" NPT (3/4" G) fitting or blind
flange. Side wall installations require a side mount bracket from
FLOWLINE, model LM50-1001, and a 2" to 3/4" NPT reducer bush-
ing or equivalent.
1. Install the appropriate 3/4" fitting in the top wall of the tank or
stand pipe. Prior to installation, make sure that the fitting has been
installed properly and checked for leaks. Use a proper sealant at
the time of installation to ensure a liquid-tight seal. Secondly,
make sure that the fitting’s threads are not damaged or worn.
2. Insert the Transmitter into the fitting by hand and rotate by the
wrench flat until the body is hand tight. Be careful not to scratch
or cut the FEP coating on the probe during installation. Using a
15/16" wrench, tighten the transmitter a 1/2 turn or up to a maxi-
mum 80 inch-pounds torque. Be careful not to over tighten trans-
mitter into fitting.
3. Always check for leaks prior to system start-up. To ensure proper
installation, a complete leak test and simulation of actual process
conditions should be preformed.
LM50 Tank Top Stand Pipe
Side Mount Mounting Mounting
Bracket
Remove the cap of the LP75 transmitter enclosure. The terminals of
the transmitter are visible from the top of the enclosure.
1. Wiring to a FLOWLINE Continuous Controller (LC52):
Connect the (+) terminal to the positive 24 VDC, 4-20 mA termi-
nal on the LC52 controller. Connect the (-) terminal to the GND
terminal on the LC52 continuous controller (See illustration
below). Check LC52 instruction manual for additional informa-
tion.
2. Wiring to a Two-Wire Loop Indicator:
The LP75 requires a loop indicator that receives a 4-20 mAcurrent
input. A 14-36 VDC power supply is required for the system.
Connect the (+) terminal of the LP75 transmitter to the positive
VDC terminal on the power supply. Connect the (-) terminal on the
LP75 to the (+) terminal on the loop indicator. Connect the (-) of
the loop indicator to the (-) of the power supply (See illustration
below).
3. Wiring to a PLC:
The LP75 requires a PLC which provides a 14-36 VDC excitation
and receives a 4-20 mA current input. Connect the (+) terminal of
the LP75 transmitter to the (+) VDC power terminal. Connect the
(-) terminal on the LP75 to the (+) channel on the PLC. Connect
the (-) of the PLC to the (-) of the power terminal (See illustration
below).
WARNING
Do not install the LP75 transmitter within 6 inches of any metal-
lic object. Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of
the capacitance transmitter.
Before installation, remove the 3/4" PVC pipe used for shipping.
The LP75 transmitter is not recommended for use with electri-
cally charged application liquids. In extreme applications, the
liquid being measured may need to be electrically grounded.
Always tighten Symprobe from the wrench flat.
Always install the 3/4” Viton gasket with the LP75-2061. The G
threaded version of the Symprobe will not seal unless the gasket
is installed properly.
+ - - +
DC Power
Supply
14-36 VDC
POWER OFFSET SPAN
ON OFF
INVERT Symprobe™
CAPACITANCE
TRANSMITTER
(-) (+)
POWER OFFSET SPAN
ON OFF
INVERT Symprobe™
CAPACITANCE
TRANSMITTER
(-) (+)
LATCH
ON OFF
P W R
REL AY 1
INVERT DELAY
REL AY 2
INVERT DELA
Y
4 20 OP
EAS Y CAL
UP DOWN SET
INPUT
0% 100%
OFF SET SPAN RLY1 RLY2A RLY2B
- +
DC Power
Supply
14-36 VDC
Typical PLC
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
A
POWER OFFSET SPAN
ON OFF
INVERT Symprobe™
CAPACITANCE
TRANSMITTER
(-) (+)

Step Six Step Seven
CALIBRATION CALIBRATION
1. Power LED: This Green LED lights when DC power is On.
2. Input terminal: Connect the output device to this terminal. Note
the polarity of the terminal. If polarity is not reversed, the trans-
mitter will not operate.
3. Invert: This switch reverses the logic of the 4-20 mA output.
With the Invert Off, the 4 mA setting will be at the bottom of the
probe and the 20 mA setting will be at the top of the probe. With
the Invert On, the 20 mAsetting will be at the bottom of the probe
and the 4 mA setting will be at the top of the probe.
4. Offset potentiometer: This potentiometer controls the offset
(typically 4 mA) setting for the probe.
5. Span potentiometer: This potentiometer controls the span
(typically 20 mA) setting for the probe.
6. Conduit Connection: 1/2" NPT for direct electrical connec-
tion.
7. NEMA 4X Enclosure: Housing containing the electronics for
the transmitter. The housing is rated NEMA 4X (IP 65) with a
material of construction of Polypropylene (PP), U.L. 94 VO.
8. Mounting Threads: Provides 3/4" NPT (3/4" G) threads for
mounting the Symprobe. Material of construction for the threads
is FEP.
9. Probe: Measuring portion of the Symprobe. Material of con-
struction for the probe is FEP.
10.End Cap: Dead band for the Symprobe. Length of end cap is
9/16". Material of construction for the end cap is FEP.
The Symprobe™ is factory calibrated over the entire range of the
probe. Use steps 1 - 8 for the standard calibration (4 mAat bottom, 20
mA at top). Only continue on to steps 9-15 for reverse operation (20
mA at bottom, 4 mA at top).
Standard Calibration
1. Connect a multimeter in series to read current.
2. Keep the Invert switch set to OFF.
3. Set level to lowest point.Asmall container of liquid or a dry probe
may be used as a substitution for a low level setting.
4. Turn Offset until current reads above 5 mA. Note: Turning pot
counterclockwise will decrease the current and turning the pot
clockwise will increase the current.
5. Turn Offset until current reads 4.0 mA. Do not pass 4.0 mA. If
you do, increase current to 5.0 and start again.
6. Set level to highest point. A 6" nonmetallic pipe filled with liquid
may be used as a substitution for a high level setting.
7. Turn Span until current reads 20.0 mA. Note: Turning pot coun-
terclockwise will decrease the current and turning the pot clock-
wise will increase the current.
8. Symprobe is now calibrated with 4 mA at bottom of probe and 20
mA at to of probe. Please test unit by increasing and decreasing
level. If any adjustments are required, go back to step 3. To
reverse current, continue on to step 9.
Reverse Operation (20-4 mA operation ONLY)
9. Set Invert switch to ON.
10. Set level to highest point. A 6" nonmetallic pipe filled with liquid
may be used as a substitution for a high level setting.
11. Turn Offset until current reads above 5 mA. Note: Turning pot
counterclockwise will increase the current and turning the pot
clockwise will decrease the current.
12. Turn Offset until current reads 4.0 mA. Do not pass 4.0 mA. If
you do, increase current to 5.0 and start again.
13. Set level to lowest point.Asmall container of liquid or a dry probe
may be used as a substitution for a low level setting.
14. Turn Span until current reads 20.0 mA. Note: Turning pot coun-
terclockwise will decrease the current and turning the pot clock-
wise will increase the current.
15. Symprobe is now calibrated with 20 mA at the bottom of the
probe and 4 mAat the top of the probe. Please test unit by increas-
ing and decreasing level. If any adjustments are required, go back
to step 10.
POWER OFFSET SPAN
ON OFF
INVERT Symprobe™
CAPACITANCE
TRANSMITTER
(-) (+)
5
4
3
1
2
8
6
7
20 mA
Invert Off
10
4 mA
9
com
mA
(+)
456
Power
Supply
com
mA
(+)
18 19 20
Power
Supply

Step Eight Step Nine
CALIBRATION MAINTENANCE
Dielectric Shift
The LP75 transmitter is factory calibrated in normal city water. When
the transmitter is applied in a highly conductive medium, such as salt
water, the percentage of error realized is minimal. When the trans-
mitter is applied in a medium with a low conductivity such as distilled
water, the percentage of error realized can be significant across the
entire span of measurement. The potential for error becomes even
greater in a medium with both a low conductivity and low dielectric
value such as alcohol.
General:
It is the responsibility of the of the user to determine the appropriate
maintenance schedule, based upon the specific characteristics of the
application liquids.
Cleaning Procedure:
1. Power: Make sure that all power to the sensor, controller and/or
power supply is completely disconnected.
2. Cleaning the sensor: Using a soft bristled brush and mild
detergent, carefully wash the LP75. Do not use harsh abrasives
such as steel wool or sandpaper, which might damage the surface
of the transmitter. Do not use incompatible solvents which may
damage the FEP probe or the PP housing.
3. Sensor installation: Follow the appropriate steps of installa-
tion as outlined in the installation section of this manual.
FLOWLINE recommends re-calibrating the LP75 transmitter when:
1) the application medium has a low conductivity or dielectric value;
2) the product will be applied in several different mediums with
widely differing conductivity and/or dielectric values.
In either situation, the transmitter/probe should be re-calibrated to the
medium with the lowest conductivity and/or dielectric value.
10
00
- 10
- 20
- 30
- 40
- 50
- 60
- 70
100 75 50 25 00
% Error
% of Span
Distilled Water
Water
Salt Water
Alcohol
10
5
0
- 5
- 10
100 75 50 25 00
% Error
% of Span
Salt Water Alcohol
Distilled Water Tap Water