FlowLine LP10 Series User manual

Intrusive RF Capacitance Level Switch
LP10 Series Owner’s Manual
Provided by:
www.KTHSales.com
Version 3.0A
1998 Flowline Inc.
All rights reserved.
Part # LP900001 8/98
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 service,
contact your Flowline distributor to receive a material return autho-
rization number first, and provide them with the following informa-
tion:
1.Part number, serial number
2.Name and telephone number of someone who can answer
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 return authorization number, ship the
product prepaid in its original packing to:
Flowline Factory Service
10500 Humbolt Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Pleaseincludeanyrelatedsymptomandapplicationinformationwith
your product. This information enables our service technicians to
process your repair order as quickly as possible.
Warranty Service and Repair ®
NRTL/C
WARRANTY
Flowlinewarrantstotheoriginalpurchaserofitsproductsthatsuchprod-
ucts will be free from defects in material and workmanship under nor-
mal 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 lim-
ited to the repair or replacement, at Flowline’s option, of the products
(or components thereof) which Flowline’s examination proves to its sat-
isfaction to be defective. FLOWLINE SHALLHAVE NO OBLIGA-
TION FOR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES TO PERSONALOR
REALPROPERTY, OR FOR INJURYTOANYPERSON.
This warranty does not apply to products which have been subject to
electrical or chemical damage due to improper use, accident, negligence,
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 shipment 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 service personnel autho-
rized 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 accompa-
nied by proof of the date of purchase.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ONTHE FACE OF THISWARRANTY. 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 FIT-
NESSOF THEPRODUCTS FORAPARTICULARPURPOSE ORUSE
AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTYOF MERCHANTABILITYOF
THE PRODUCTS.
This warranty may not be extended, altered or varied except by a written
instrument signed by a duly-authorized officer of Flowline, Inc.
If FLOWLINE level transmitters or switches are used for process control
where failure of the transmitter or switch could result in personal injury
or property damage, an independent means such as a redundant FLOW-
LINE point level switch should be used. Where FLOWLINE level trans-
mitters or switches are used as a part of a pressure vessel or pipe, care
should be taken to independently protect against personal injury or prop-
erty damage should the FLOWLINE sensor fail or be mishandled. Con-
tact FLOWLINE or your local distributor for additional information.
®

Step One
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Accuracy: ±1 mm in water
Repeatability: ±.5 mm in water
Dielectric range: > 20 constants
Conductive range: > 100 micromhos
Supply voltage: 12 - 36 VDC
Consumption: Relay: 25 mA
FET: 5mA, ±1mA (dry)
19 mA, ±1mA (wet)
Relay rating: 60 VDC/VAC @ 1A
FET rating: 36 VDC max. @ 100 mA max.
Switch output: Selectable NO or NC
Temperature range: F: -40°to 194°
C: -40°to 90°
Pressure range: 150 psi (10 bar) @ 25 °C., derated @ 1.667
psi (0.113 bar) per °C. above 25 °C.
Sensor material:
Polypropylene(PP)orPerfluoroalkoxy(PFA)
Sensor rating: NEMA 6 (IP68)
Mounting threads: Short: 3/4" NPT (3/4" BSP)
Long: 3/4" NPT (3/4" G)
Mounting gasket: Viton (3/4"), metric only
Cable type: 8ft.(2.5m),4-wire(relay)or3-wire(FET),
22 gauge with shield & PP or PFA jacket
CSA approval: Class I, Groups A, B, C & D;
Class II, Groups E, F & F; Class III
CSA entity parameters: Vmax = 32 VDC
Imax = 0.5 A
Ci= 0 µF
Li= 0 mH
Certificate number: LR 79326-4
CE compliance: EN 50082-2 immunity
EN 55011 emission
*All dimensions
are nominal
Red Wire
Black Wire
Shield
HAZARDOUS LOCATION
Class I, Groups A,B, C, and D
Class II, Groups E, F, and G
Class III, (see note 1)
NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATION
LP50 series sensor suitable for Class I, Groups A, B, C, and
D locations only.
CSA certified associated equipment with entity parameters.
Vmax ≥Voc, Imax ≥Isc, Ci+ Ccable ≤Ca, Li+ Lcable ≤La.
Installation should be in accordance with CEC Part I, or
NFPA 70.
Associated equipment must be installed per manufacturers
instructions Sensor Drawing: LSD1
Rev. A 7-21-95
Sensor Models
LP10
LP50
LU10
LO10
Entity Parameters
Vmax = 32V
Imax = 0.5A
Ci≈0
Li≈0
Associated
Equipement
(see notes 2 and 5)
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(+)
(-)
FET
shld 8' Cable (2.5 m)
0.7"
(19 mm)
2.1" (54 mm)
2.8" (70 mm)
4.5" (114 mm)
Red
Black
White
8' Cable (2.5 m)
0.7"
(19 mm)
0.7"
(19 mm)
1.3" (32 mm)
3.0" (76 mm)
(+)
(-)
NO/NC
COM
shld
Red
Black
White
Green
LP10 - _ _ _ _
Sensor Material
1 - PP
2 - PFA
Sensor Length
3 - Short
4 - Long
MountingThread
0 - 3/4" NPT
2 - 3/4" G
Switch Output
0 - Intrinsically Safe
2 - FET, N-Channel
3 - FET, P-Channel
5 - Relay
Capacitance Switch
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
012 24 36
Acceptable
Range
Unacceptable
Range
4-20 mA Sensor
Electrical Loading Limits
Max. Series Resistance (Ohms)
Supply Voltage (VDC)
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
00
-40 -20 00 20 40 60 80 100
Acceptable
Range
Unacceptable
Range
Temperature / Pressure Derating
Operating Pressure (psi)
Temperature (°C)
PP PFA
100
80
60
40
20
00
-20
-4012 16 20 24 28 32 36
Acceptable
Range
Unacceptable
Range
Maximum Temperature / Voltage Derating
Continuous 20 mA Sinking Curve
Ambient Sensor Temperature (°C)
Operating Voltage (VDC)
FET
Wiring
Relay
Wiring
Intrinsically Safe Control Drawing

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Step Two
About this Manual:
PLEASEREADTHEENTIREMANUALPRIORTOINSTALL-
INGORUSINGTHISPRODUCT.Thismanualincludesinforma-
tionon all modelsof Intrusive RFCapacitance level switchesfrom
Flowline, LP10 series. Please refer to the part number located on
the switch label to verify the exact model which you have pur-
chased.
User’s Responsibility for Safety:
Flowline manufactures a wide range of liquid level sensors and
technologies. While each of these sensors is designed to operate in
awidevarietyofapplications,itistheuser’sresponsibilitytoselect
a sensor model that is appropriate for the application, install it
properly, perform tests of the installed system, and maintain all
components. The failure to do so could result in property damage
or serious injury.
Proper Installation and Handling:
Use a proper sealant with all installations. Never overtighten the
sensor within the fitting, beyond a maximum of 80 inch-pounds
torque. Always check for leaks prior to system start-up. Do not
install the LP10 series sensor within 6" of any metal.
Material Compatibility:
The LP10 series sensor is available in two different wetted materi-
als. Models LP10-1___ are made of Polypropylene (PP). Models
LP10-2___ are made of Perfluoroalkoxy, also known by the trade
name Teflon, (PFA). Make sure that the model you have selected
is compatible with the application liquid. To determine the chemi-
cal compatibility between the sensor and its application liquids,
refertoanindustryreferencesuchastheCompassCorrosionGuide
(available from Compass Publications, phone [phone]).
Wiring and Electrical:
The supply voltage used to power the LP10 series sensor should
never exceed a maximum of 36 volts DC. Electrical wiring of the
sensor should be performed in accordance with all applicable
national, state, and local codes.
Flammable,ExplosiveandHazardousApplications:
Only the LP10-___0 series switch is rated for use in hazardous
locations. Refer to the certificate of Compliance for all applicable
intrinsically safe ratings and entity parameters for the LP10-___0.
Refer to the National Electric Code (NEC) for all applicable
installation requirements in hazardous locations. DO NOT USE
THE LP10-___2, LP10-___3 or LP10-___5 GENERAL PUR-
POSE SWITCH IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS.
WARNING
DonotinstalltheLP10levelswitchonametallictank,
or within 6" of any metallic object. Metal will ad-
verselyaffect thedielectric sensitivityof thesensor.
ThemaximumcurrentdrawontheFETswitchis100mA.
Flowline’sLP10seriessensorsarenotrecommended
forusewithelectrically charged applicationliquids.
For the most reliable operation, the liquid being
measured will need to be electrically grounded.
INTRODUCTION
Step Three
About Intrusive RF Capacitance Technology:
Flowline’sLP10seriesgeneratesa300kHzpulse-waveradiofrequency
signal from the capacitance electrode located in the sensing tip of each
sensor. When liquid comes into contact with the sensing tip, the
capacitance as measured by the sensor changes based on the dielectric
constant of the liquid. Flowline’s sophisticated electronics convert the
capacitance value into a simple two-wire, 4 or 20 mA, a three-wire FET
switchoutputwhichindicateswhetherthesensoriswetordryora4-wire
NO or NC 1A relay output. In the dry state, the sensor delivers a two
wire,5mAsignal output.Inthe wetstate,the sensordeliversa twowire,
19 mA signal output.
The sensor’s operation may vary based on the dielectric properties of
variousapplicationliquids. TheLP10series sensorisfactory-calibrated
to be used with liquids with a dielectric value between 20 and 80. For
example, if the application liquid is acetal (with a dielectric constant of
about 3.6), the sensor (as factory calibrated) will not detect its presence
when it is wet. However, if the application liquid is glycol (with a
dielectric constant of about 35) the sensor will reliably detect its
presence when wet.
Warning: Do not install the LP10 series sensor within 6 inches of any
metallic object. Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of
the sensor.
Flowline’s LP10 series sensors are not recommended for use with
electricallycharged application liquids.Formost reliable 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 tetrachloride 2.2
Cyan 2.6
Cyclohexane methanol3.7
D.I. Water 20
Ethyl toluene 2.2
Ethyl alcohol 23
Ethylene glycol 37
Ethylene oxide 14
N-butyl formate 2.4
Nitrobenzene 26 to 35
Nitrotoluene 25
Naphthalene 2.3 to 2.5
Oils, vegetable 2.5 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 nitrate5.0 to 5.9
Potassium chloride 5.0
Stearic acid 2.3
Toluene 2.4
Trichloroethylene 3.4
Trichloroacetic acid 4.5
Terephthalic acid1.5 to 1.7
Thinner 3.7
Urea 3.5
Vinyl chloride 2.8 to 6
Vinyl alcohol 1.8 to 2.0
Water, 20°C80
Water, 100°C48
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 alcohol 33 to 38
Margarine, liquid2.8 to 3.2
Methyl acetate 7.3
Table of Common Dielectric Constants
NOTE: Liquids with a dielectric constant less than 20 will not be
detected by an LP10 series sensor, as factory calibrated.

INSTALLATION
Step Four ELECTRICAL
Step Five
Supply Voltage: The supply voltage to the LP10 series sensor
should never exceed a maximum of 36 VDC. Flowline controllers have
a built-in 13.5 VDC power supply which provides power to all of
Flowline’s electrically powered sensors. Alternative controllers and
power supplies, with a minimum output of 12 VDC up to a maximum
output of 36 VDC, may also be used with the LP10 series sensor.
Required Cable Length:Determine the length of cable required
between the LP10 series sensor and its point of termination. Allow
enough slack to ensure the easy installation, removal and/or mainte-
nanceofthesensor.Thecablelengthmaybeextendeduptoamaximum
of 1000 feet, using a well-insulated, 20 gauge shielded wire.
Wire Stripping: Using a 10 gauge wire stripper, carefully remove
the outer layer of insulation from the last 1-1/4" of the sensor's cable.
Unwrapanddiscardtheexposedfoilshieldfromaroundthesignalwires,
leavingthedrainwireattachedifdesired.Witha20gaugewirestripper,
remove the last 1/4" of the colored insulation from the signal wires.
SignalOutputs(Currentsensing):Thestandardmethodusedby
Flowline controllers; this technology uses only two wires (Red and
Black).Thesensordraws5mAwhenitisdry,and19mAwhenwet.NC/
NO status must be set by the controller. The White wire is not used.
Signal Outputs (FET switching): Allows the sensor to switch a
small load on or off directly, using all three wires. Model LP10-___2 is
a NPN type switch, which toggles the negative side of the load; model
LP10-___3isaPNPtypeswitchforapplicationswheretheswitchmust
beonthepositivesideoftheload.InbothFETmodels,theNO/NCstatus
isset by thepolarity of thevoltage feeding theRed and Blackwires, and
the White wire connects to the load.
LP10-___3 Shown
Through Wall Installation:
Flowline’s LP10 series sensors may be installed through the top, side
or bottom of a tank wall. The sensor has male 3/4" NPT threads on
either side of a 15/16" wrench flat. This enables the user to select the
sensor’smountingorientation,installedoutsideofthetankin,orinside
of the tank out.
Smart Trak™ Installation:
Flowline’s Smart Trak LM10 series mounting system is an in-tank
fitting which enables users to install up to four FLOWLINE sensors of
any technology, to any depth, along the entire length of track. Smart
Trakmay be installedthroughthe top wallofany tank usingastandard
2" NPT tank adapter. If no tank top installation is available, Flowline's
side mount bracket, LM50-1001, enables Smart Trak to be installed
directly to the side wall of a tank.
Switch Pak™ Installation:
Flowline’s Switch Pak LM45 series mounting system is an in-tank
fitting which enables users to install one FLOWLINE sensor, of any
technology, to a specific depth. The Flowline sensor may be installed
ontothe3/4"NPTadapterattheendoftheSwitchPak.SwitchPakmay
be installed through the top wall of any tank using a standard 2" NPT
tank adapter. Flowline's side mount bracket, model LM50-1001, may
also be used if top wall installation is not available.
High Level Sensor
Model LP10
Switch Pak
LC06
Junction
Box
Low Level Sensor
Model LP10
1/2
Coupling
Smart Trak
Signal Output (Relay switching): Allows the sensor to switch a
small load on or off directly, using an internal 1A relay (60 VAC/60
VDC). Only model LP10-___5 uses the relay and features 4 wires (red,
black,whiteandgreen)andashieldwire.TheNO/NCstatusissetbythe
polarity of the voltage feeding the red and black wires. The green wire
is the common for the relay and the white wire is the NO or NC,
depending on the polarity of red and black.
Red
Black
Shield
Ground
24 VDC
Power Supply
+
-
Multimeter
(mA)
-
+
Red
Black
Shield
Ground
24 VDC
Power Supply
+
-
Multimeter
(Volts)
-
+
White
Red
Black
Shield
Ground
24 VDC
Power Supply
+
-
Multimeter
(Continuity)
-
+
White
Green

Models LP10-___2 & LP10-___3 Only
Wiring direct to a load, NC operation (FET signal output)
Wiring direct to load, Normally Open operation:
LP10-___2 and LP10-___3 (FET outputs only):
Thisisthe sameasthe wiringfor NormallyClosedoperation, exceptthe
polarity of the Red and Black connections to the sensor is reversed. The
other connections remain the same; the sensor and device power
suppliesremaintiedinthesamepolarityasbefore.Thismethodwillturn
the load on when the sensor is wet.
Red*
Black*
White Load *Reverse Red &
Black wires for NO
(NC shown)
Shield
Ground Controller Device
(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)
100 mA Maximum
12 - 36 VDC
Power Supply
(Sensor)
+
-
N-Channel
Models LP10-___2, LP10-___3 & LP10-___5 Only
Wiring to a Flowline Controller
WIRING II
Step Six
LP10-___2
LP10-___3
Step Seven
LC40 Series Controller (4 or 20 mA signal output)
+
RELAY 1 RELAY 2
POWER INVERT INVERT DELAY
--
+
--
DELAY
ONOFF
LATCH
INPUT1 INPUT2A INPUT2B
Shld
Not Used - White
Red
Black
Not Used - Green*
(+)
(-)
INVERT +/-
INPUT 1
DELAY
AC
AC
GND
NC
C
NO
R
P
115 VAC
220 VAC
Shld - Not Used Red Green* - Not Used White - Not Used Black
LC10 Series Controller (4 or 20 mA signal output)
WIRING
Red*
Black*
White Load *Reverse Red &
Black wires for NO
(NC shown)
Shield
Ground Controller Device
(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)
100 mA Maximum
12 - 36 VDC
Power Supply
(Sensor)
+
-
P-Channel
*Reverse Red & Black wires for NC (NO shown)
Controller Device
(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)
1A Maximum
12 - 36 VDC
Power Supply
(Sensor)
+
-
Red*
Black*
Green
Shield
Ground
LXXX-XXX5
Relay Output
LOAD
60 VAC/VDC
Maximum
Power Supply
+
-
White
Models LP10-___5 Only
Wiring direct to a load, NO operation (Relay signal output)
LP10-___5
Wiring direct to load, Normally Closed operation:
LP10-___5 (Relay outputs only):
This is the same as the wiring for Normally Open operation, except the
polarity of the Red and Black connections to the sensor is reversed. The
other connections remain the same; the sensor and device power
suppliesremaintiedinthesamepolarityasbefore.Thismethodwillturn
the load on when the sensor is wet.

Step Nine
WIRING - INTRINSIC SAFETY
Models LP10-___0 Only
The LP10-___0 level switch has been approved for use in Class I,
GroupsA, B, C&D; UNDER CERTIFICATENUMBERLR 79326-4.
DO NOT USE THE LP10-___2, LP10-___3 OR LP10-___5 IN IN-
TRINSICALLYSAFEAPPLICATIONS.TheEntityparameterforthe
LP10-___0 are:
Vmax = 32 VDC
Imax = 0.5 A
Ci= 0 µF
Li= 0 mH
Intrinsically Safe Control Drawing
Red Wire
Black Wire
Shield
HAZARDOUS LOCATION
Class I, Groups A,B, C, and D
Class II, Groups E, F, and G
Class III, (see note 1)
NON-HAZARDOUS LOCATION
LP50 series sensor suitable for Class I, Groups A, B, C, and
D locations only.
CSA certified associated equipment with entity parameters.
V max ≥V oc , I max ≥I sc , C i + C cable ≤C a , L i + L cable ≤L a .
Installation should be in accordance with CEC Part I, or
NFPA 70.
Associated equipment must be installed per manufacturers
instructions
Sensor Drawing: LSD1
Rev. A 7-21-95
Sensor Models
LP10
LP50
LU10
LO10
Entity Parameters
V
max = 32V
I
max = 0.5A
C i ≈0
L i ≈0
Associated
Equipement
(see notes 2 and 5)
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Wiring to a Flowline Controller
LC90 Series Controller
4 or 20 mA Signal Output
Step Eight
+
RELAY 1 RELAY 2
POWER INVERT INVERT DELAY
--
+
--
DELAY
ONOFF
LATCH
INPUT1 INPUT2A INPUT2B
Black
Red
Non-Hazardous Area Hazardous Area
General:
The LP10 series sensor itself requires no periodic maintenance except
cleaning as required. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the
appropriate maintenance schedule, based on 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. SensorRemoval:Inallthrough-wallinstallations,makesurethatthe
tank is drained well below the sensor prior to removal. Carefully,
remove the sensor from the installation.
3. Cleaning the Sensor: Use a soft bristle brush and mild detergent,
carefully wash the LP10 series sensor. Do not use harsh abrasives
such as steel wool or sandpaper, which might damage the surface
sensor. Do not use incompatible solvents which may damage the
sensor's Polypropylene or PFA plastic body.
4. Sensor Installation: Follow the appropriate steps of installation as
outlined in the installation section of this manual.
MAINTENANCE