Hycontrol MICROFLEX-D Series User manual

Issue 1 March 2017
MICROFLEX –D
ULTRASONIC LEVEL TRANSMITTER
USER MANUAL
Hycontrol Ltd, Larchwood House, Orchard Street,
Redditch, Worcestershire, UK. B98 7DP
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected] Web: www.hycontrol.com
Company registered in England No: 1755684

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2. MODEL TYPES .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
3. DIMENSIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
3.1. FLANGE...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
4. WIRING..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
5. INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.1. MOUNTING ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
5.2. POWERING THE UNIT ................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
5.3. INTERFACE...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
6. COMMISSIONING - SOFTWARE .................................................................................................................................................................................................6
6.1. MAIN MENU ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
6.2. SETUP .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
5.3. AUTOSET .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
5.4. ADVANCED SETTINGS ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................7
7. HART UNIVERSAL /COMMON PRACTICE COMMAND LIST....................................................................................................................................................7
8. TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
8.1. UNIT IS DISPLAYING INCORRECT DISTANCE..................................................................................................................................................................................8
8.2. ANALOGUE TREND IS ERRATIC/UNSTABLE...................................................................................................................................................................................8
8.3. UNIT IS LOCKED UP OR FLAT LINE MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
8.4. PLC INDICATION DOES NOT MATCH MEASUREMENT ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
8.5. AUTOSET FAILS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
9. ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
10.SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

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Thank you for choosing a HYCONTROL instrument.
We are sure that you will be satisfied throughout its use!
1. INTRODUCTION
Application
The Microflex-D from Hycontrol is a compact, loop-powered ultrasonic level transmitter for continuous measurement of liquids. Despite the unit being
positioned at a budget price-point it does not compromise on quality and provides effortless and intuitive operation. Easy and flexible mounting, combined
with high chemical compatibility and a measuring range of 8 metres (or 12 metres in the case of the ER model), makes the Microflex-D suitable for multiple
applications in a wide range of industries.
Operation principle
The Microflex-D emits an ultrasonic pulse which is reflected from the surface of the liquid being measured. The reflected signal is processed using specially
developed software to enhance the correct signal and reject false echoes. The principle of operation is often referred to as ‘time-of-flight’. The time it takes
the ultrasonic pulse to travel from and back to the transducer is directly proportional to the distance travelled.
An automatic sensitivity control allows the unit to dynamically adjust and improve the received echoes for the best possible measurement outcome.
2. MODEL TYPES
MICROFLEX-DB –Microflex-D with 2” BSPT thread, 8m (26’) range
MICROFLEX-DN –Microflex-D with 2” NPT thread, 8m (26’) range
MICROFLEX-DBER –Microflex-D with 2” BSPT thread, extended 12m (40’) range
MICROFLEX-DNER –Microflex-D with 2” NPT thread, extended 12m (40’) range
A
B
C
D
E
A - Removable lid with viewing window
B - Electronics housing
C - M20 cable gland
D –2” NPT or BSPT thread
E - Transducer face

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3. DIMENSIONS
FLANGE3.1.
2” ANSI Polypropylene Flange for NPT threaded units or 2” ANSI Polypropylene Flange for BSPT threaded units
4. WIRING

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5. INSTALLATION
MOUNTING5.1.
Sensor should be mounted 1/3 the diameter of the vessel from the vessel wall
Unit should never be closer than 250mm (10") to the liquid surface
Do not mount over or near objects which can interfere with the unit measurement
Do not mount in the centre of a curved roof to avoid the potential of parabolic echoes
Avoid mounting in direct sunlight
The following are examples of common INCORRECT mountings which can prevent the unit from operating correctly:
Do NOT mount near infeed
Do NOT mount cone or transducer face above roofline
Do NOT mount over or adjacent to any obstacles
Do NOT mount at an angle in liquid applications

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POWERING THE UNIT5.2.
When power is applied, the unit will start up automatically. The LCD will scroll through the boot diagnostics and display the serial numbers, software version and
model types for the amplifier and transducer.
The selected Display Mode will be visible with a measurement.
The top right hand corner diagnostic indicates either the operating mode or the current output.
The Microflex-D unit will re-scan for the level whenever it is powered up. The image below shows the elements of the standard display:
INTERFACE5.3.
BUTTON
ACTION
NAVIGATION /FUNCTION
CAL
Press and release
Press and hold for 3 seconds
Access Main Menu
Select / Proceed
Access AutoSet Menu
RUN
Press and release
Cancel / Return
Re-activate unit
↑
↓
Press and Release
Scroll between live diagnostics
Scroll between menu options
Adjust parameters
6. COMMISSIONING –SOFTWARE
Start up the unit. The Microflex-D uses automatic sensitivity control to detect and maintain the level. After applying power to the unit allow 20-30 seconds for the
unit to adjust to the application.
For best results ensure there is a liquid level present in the application, or a flat surface below the transducer.
MAIN MENU6.1.
To access the Main menu press CAL
To access AutoSet menu press CAL and hold for 3 seconds
SETUP6.2.
PARAMETER
DESCRIPTION
OPTIONS
Display Mode
Set LCD measurement display mode
Level
% Level
Distance
Volume*
Display Unit
Adjust displayed measurement unit
CM
Metres
Feet
Inches
Low-Level
Set Low-Level measurement point
(4mA)
Adjustable
High-Level
Set High-Level measurement point
(20mA)
Adjustable
Damping
Adjust output response time &
smoothness
Adjustable in seconds
Failsafe
Set failsafe output
3.50mA
4mA
3.80mA
20mA
20.20mA
LastKnown
* Volume mode requires PC with Vision System II software. Consult Vision System II Manual
Display Mode
Diagnostic

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AUTOSET6.3.
Use the AutoSet function to scan and program the unit High- or Low-Level to the distance detected. After the scan you will be prompted to accept the distance
measured. The High and Low level can also be manually adjusted in 'Setup'.
ADVANCED SETTINGS6.4.
PARAMETER
DESCRIPTION
OPTIONS
Comms
Comms Adjust HART protocol settings
Device ID
Default 1
BaudRate
1200
Blanking
Blanking is a dead-band / non measured range. The unit cannot
measure within this range
Adjustable - recommended default
250mm (10")
Tracking
Adjust tracking response time for application. The faster the tracking, the
more responsive the measurement is, but the less smooth the output
signal
InstaTrack provides pulse by pulse live measurement
Slow
Medium
Fast
InstaTrack
Mapping
Mapping creates a digital 'map' of false echoes caused by problem
mounting and structures. Select 'ExecuteMap' to set a mapped distance,
conduct or delete Mapping. Select 'MappedDist' to view a previously
mapped distance
MappedDist
ExecuteMap
Set Map Dist
EchoSize
The unit will target this echo size (measured in signal voltage) during
operation. High values can increase stability but make the unit more
susceptible to false echoes. Lower values can make the unit less
sensitive and less likely to see false echoes
0.4 - 2.49V
Default 0.59V
Analog
Adjust Analog output. Switch from 4-20mA to 20-4mA and fine tune both
4mA current and 20mA current
4-20mA
20-4mA
Tune 4mA
Tune 20mA
Sensitivity
Increase or decrease the unit Automatic Sensitivity Control range. 20 is
maximum / highest sensitivity
0: Lowest
10: Default
20: Highest
WaveBoost
WaveBoost adds additional echo amplification on top of the Automatic
Sensitivity Control. WaveBoost should only be used if maximum
Sensitivity is not sufficient
0: Lowest (default)
20: Maximum
Factry Reset
Reset Restore all parameters to factory default
Yes / No
Device Info
Displays product type, serial number & software revision
Lock Code
Enable / Disable lock code
If enabled, select lock code number
Enable / Disable
Default Disabled
1-200
7. HART UNIVERSAL / COMMON PRACTICE COMMAND LIST
The Microflex-D supports the following HART Universal and Common commands:
COMMAND NO.
FUNCTION
0
Read unique identifier
1
Read Primary Variable
2
Read current and percent of range
3
Read current and four predefined dynamic variables
6
Write polling address
7
Read loop configuration
8
Read Dynamic Variable Classifications
11
Read unique ident. associated with tag
12
Read message
13
Read Tag, Description, Date
14
Read PV sensor information
15
Read output information
16
Read final assembly number
17
Write message
18
Write Tag, Description, Date
19
Write final assembly number
20
Read Long Tag
34
Write damping value
35
Write range values
44
Write PV units
57
Read unit tag, descriptor, date
58
Write unit tag, descriptor, date
59
Write number of response preambles
109
Burst mode control
Autoset
► Set Lo Level
Set Hi Level
Set Lo Level
SCANNING
Set Lo Level
► No
Yes
2.597m

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110
Read all dynamic variables
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
Unit is displaying incorrect distance
Confirm display mode is suitable. Distance is measured from sensor face to measured level. Material is measured from Low-Level to measured
level.
If unit is measuring too deep increase Sensitivity. If the unit continues to measure too deep, increase WaveBoost.
If unit is measuring too high, reduce Sensitivity and ensure WaveBoost is set to 0.
Check if material is present to be measured. Unit will output and display FailSafe reading if it cannot detect a level within range.
Analogue trend is erratic/unstable
Increase Damping value for smoother trends.
Choose a slower Tracking speed.
Check there are no objects interfering with the transit pulse in the application (such as ladders and cross beams).
Unit is locked up or flat line measurement
Confirm there is material within the measurement range, the unit may go to failsafe if there is no flat level available.
If the unit is locked to a high level perform Mapping for distance beyond false echoes.
If the unit is locked higher than the real level check for objects interfering with the transit pulse in the application (such as ladders and cross beams).
Lower the Sensitivity/WaveBoost. Re-locate the installation to avoid the interfering object.
If the unit is locked lower than the real level confirm the application is not within Blanking distance. Increase Sensitivity/WaveBoost until the unit
measures correct level.
Tracking speed may be too slow for the application. Increase the Tracking speed.
PLC indication does not match measurement
Connect a Multimeter in series with the powered loop. Compare the 'mA' diagnostic on the display with the mA reading on the loop. If these values do
not match, disconnect the loop wires and measure the resistance across the loop. This should not exceed specification.
Confirm High-Level and Low-Level are set to the same values in MiniWave and control system.
AutoSet fails
Increase the Sensitivity to a higher value.
Allow the unit to run for a longer time (one minute). Re-attempt the AutoSet.
Increase WaveBoost and re-attempt the AutoSet.
Set High- and Low-Level manually in the Setup menu.
If problems persist, install a replacement Microflex-D in the application, and bench test the problem unit in a controlled environment. Difficult applications may
require the use of different level measurement technology; consult a Hycontrol engineer in order to find the most appropriate solution for your requirements.
9. ACCESSORIES
2” ANSI Polypropylene Flange for NPT threaded units
2” ANSI Polypropylene Flange for BSPT threaded units
Please consult Hycontrol for flange order codes.

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10. SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency
50 kHz
Operating Voltage
7 - 28VDC at the terminal (residual ripple no greater than
100mV)
Power Consumption
500mW @ 24VDC
Analog Output
4 -20mA modulating output module with HART (Recommended
250 Ohm @ 24VDC)
Analog Resolution
14 bits
Communications
4 -20mA with HART
Blanking Distance
250 mm (10")
Maximum Range
8 metres (26’) or 12 metres (40’)
Resolution
1 mm (0.04”)
Electronic Accuracy
+/- 0.25% of maximum range
Operating Temperature
-40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
Maximum Operating Pressure
-0.5 to 3 bar (0 - 44 PSI)
Automatic Temperature Compensation
Yes
Beam Angle
7°
Materials
Transducer: PVDF
Housing: Powder coated aluminium
Display
4-line graphic display (128 x 64)
Keypad
4 keys = CAL, RUN, UP, DOWN
Memory
>10 years data retention
Enclosure Sealing
IP67
Cable Entries
M20 cable glands
Mounting
2” BSPT Thread or 2” NPT Thread
Typical Weight
1kg (2.2 pounds)
Volume
Pre-set common vessel shapes
Requires PC connection with Vision System II software
32-point programmable linearization table

HYCONTROL reserves the right to change
technical data without notice!