IFM LMT0 A Series User manual

Operating instructions
Binary level sensor
LMT0xA
80301827 / 0003 / 2021
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LMT0xA Binary level sensor
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Contents
1 Preliminary note.............................................................. 3
1.1 Symbols used........................................................... 3
1.2 Warnings used.......................................................... 3
2 Safety instructions............................................................ 4
3 Intended use ................................................................ 5
3.1 Application area......................................................... 5
3.2 Restriction of the application area ........................................... 5
4 Function.................................................................... 6
4.1 Measuring principle ...................................................... 6
4.2 Other features of the unit.................................................. 6
5 Installation .................................................................. 7
5.1 Installation location / environment ........................................... 7
5.2 Application examples..................................................... 8
5.2.1 Unit types with short probe ............................................. 8
5.2.2 Unit types with long probe.............................................. 8
5.3 Notes on the use according to EHEDG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.4 Notes on the regulation (EC) 1935/2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.5 Installation procedure..................................................... 9
5.5.1 Installation LMT01A (hygiene-compliant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.5.2 Installation LMT03A and LMT04A........................................ 10
6 Electrical connection .......................................................... 12
7 Parameter setting............................................................. 13
7.1 IO-Link communication interface............................................ 13
7.2 Parameter setting using PC and USB IO-Link master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7.3 Parameter setting via memory plug.......................................... 13
7.4 Parameter setting during operation .......................................... 14
7.5 Parameters............................................................. 14
7.6 System commands....................................................... 14
7.7 Unit locking / data storage................................................. 15
7.8 Full adjustment via IO-Link................................................. 15
7.9 Parameter setting via the teach input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.9.1 Full adjustment via the teach input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.9.2 Changing the output function............................................ 15
7.9.3 Fault during the teach operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8 Operation................................................................... 17
8.1 Switching states and LED indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8.2 System events IO-Link.................................................... 17
9 Maintenance, repair and disposal ................................................ 18
10 Factory setting............................................................... 19

Binary level sensor LMT0xA
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1 Preliminary note
You will find instructions, technical data, approvals and further information using the QR code on the
unit / packaging or at www.ifm.com.
1.1 Symbols used
Requirement
Instructions
Reaction, result
[...] Designation of keys, buttons or indications
Cross-reference
Important note
Non-compliance may result in malfunction or interference.
Information
Supplementary note
1.2 Warnings used
CAUTION
Warning of personal injury
wSlight reversible injuries may result.
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2 Safety instructions
• The unit described is a subcomponent for integration into a system.
– The system architect is responsible for the safety of the system.
– The system architect undertakes to perform a risk assessment and to create documentation in
accordance with legal and normative requirements to be provided to the operator and user of
the system. This documentation must contain all necessary information and safety instructions
for the operator, the user and, if applicable, for any service personnel authorised by the
architect of the system.
• Please adhere to the notes on safe use in hazardous areas: Operating instructions (Ex protection
related part) for level sensors according to the EU directive 94/9/EC annex VIII (ATEX) group II,
equipment category 3D/3G.
• If no operating instructions (Ex protection related part) or EC declaration of conformity are supplied
with this product in the language of the EU user country, these can be requested from your dealer
(see delivery note) or manufacturer (see cover sheet / back).
• Only use the product for its intended purpose (Ò Intended use).
• Only use the product for permissible media (Ò Technical data).
• If the operating instructions or the technical data are not adhered to, personal injury and/or damage
to property may occur.
• The manufacturer assumes no liability or warranty for any consequences caused by tampering with
the product or incorrect use by the operator.
• Installation, electrical connection, set-up, operation and maintenance of the product must be
carried out by qualified personnel authorised by the machine operator.
• Protect units and cables against damage.

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3 Intended use
The unit monitors the level of liquid, viscous and powdery media in tanks and pipes. It can be used for
limit detection and run-dry protection. The separate setting of two switching thresholds enables the
detection of two different media (can be used, for example, for phase separation or differentiation of
media).
3.1 Application area
• Detection of almost all media.
• Food and hygienic areas.
• Available process connections: G1/2.
• Different probe lengths for various mounting positions and for temperature decoupling.
Type Factory setting1) Sensitivity1) Probe length2) Process connection
LMT01A Oils, greases, powders High 11 mm G1/2
LMT03A Oils, greases, powders High 153 mm G1/2
LMT04A Oils, greases, powders High 253 mm G1/2
1) Sensitivity adjustable (Ò Parameter setting)
2) Probe length measured from conical sealing edge (Ò Technical data)
3.2 Restriction of the application area
• Not suitable for abrasive media (e.g. quartz sand) and heavy bulk material.
• Not suitable for ozonised water.
• For use in aggressive media (acids and alkali):
uCheck the compatibility of the product materials beforehand (→ Technical data sheet).
• When used in media which are inhomogeneous, separate from each other thus forming separation
layers (e.g. oil layer on water):
uCheck the function by an application test.
• A large amount of air or gas bubbles may lead to changed switching characteristics. This effect can
be used to implement, for example, run-dry protection or pump protection (key word: cavitation).
uCheck the function by an application test. If required, adapt the sensitivity or set switching delays
(Ò Parameter setting).
• Do not expose the probe tip to intensive sun radiation (UV radiation).
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4 Function
4.1 Measuring principle
Fig.1: Measuring principle
The unit operates on the impedance spectroscopy method. It analyses
the electrical behaviour of the media to be monitored in the frequency
range between 50 and 200 MHz. The probe tip generates an electrical
field that is influenced by the level. The nature of the medium as well as
build-up or foam have different electrical properties that are used for the
evaluation.
4.2 Other features of the unit
• Streamlined sensor geometry, no blockage of the pipe when unit types with short probe are used,
no pressure loss.
• Orientation-independent installation possible.
• Defined position of the cable entry for angled sockets when ifm welding adapters are used.

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5 Installation
CAUTION
If the medium temperature is above 50 °C (122 °F) parts of the housing can increase in
temperature to over 65 °C (149 °F).
wRisk of burns
uDo not touch the unit.
uProtect the housing against contact with flammable substances and unintentional
contact.
uAllow the unit and process adapter to cool down before maintenance.
Before installing and removing the unit:
uMake sure that no pressure is applied to the system and there is no medium in the pipe or
tank. Also always take into account the potential dangers related to extreme machine and
medium temperatures.
The sensor is supplied without installation / connection accessories.
Only use accessories from ifm electronic gmbh! The optimum function is not ensured when
using components from other manufacturers.
Available accessories: www.ifm.com.
5.1 Installation location / environment
• Installation preferably in closed metal tanks or pipes.
• The sensor must be in electrical contact with the metal process connection.
When installed in plastic tanks, there may be deterioration caused by electromagnetic
interference.
uCheck the function by an application test.
uIf disturbances occur, appropriate measures must be taken (shielding, grounding, etc )
A correct fit and function of the unit and ingress resistance of the connection are only ensured
using ifm adapters.
When process connections from other manufacturers are used:
uEnsure mechanical compatibility.
wAs a rule, ifm does not assume any responsibility for ingress resistance, hygiene and
function, in particular with non-existing compatibility and incorrect installation.
15 mm
15 mm
Fig.2: Sensor tip distances
When installed in restricted spaces (e.g. pipes, tank corners, structures)
or in agitators and other moving objects:
uTo avoid malfunction and damage on sensor and plant, adhere to a
distance of min. 15 mm to neighbouring objects (e.g. pipe/tank walls,
structures, other sensors), see fig. sensor tip distances.
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5.2 Application examples
5.2.1 Unit types with short probe
1
Fig.3: Installation on a tank
1
1
Fig.4: Installation on a pipe
1: Installation position only suited to some extent
• Fig. installation on a tank: Possible installation positions in a tank (e.g. for point level detection or
as run-dry protection).
• Fig. installation on a pipe: Fill level monitoring in pipes.
With highly adhesive and viscous media and media prone to sedimentation or build-up the
installation positions (1) are only suitable to some extent. Residues might be detected as level.
5.2.2 Unit types with long probe
Installation from the top:
A
Fig.5: Installation from the top
A: Maximum level
Fig. installation from the top: For monitoring the maximum level (A) or as
overflow prevention. Different probe lengths enable different response
levels.
Lateral installation:
Fig.6: Lateral installation
Fig. lateral installation: Since the probe tip is installed further into the
tank, very adhesive and viscous residues can be suppressed.

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The variable clamp fitting (accessory) allows variable installation of the unit types LMT03A and
LMT04A in height/installation depth. This enables, for example, a high-precision adjustment of
the response level. Moreover, these types can be uncoupled thermally from the process by
means of the variable clamp fitting (recessed installation of the sensor electronics). This also
allows applications with higher process temperature and/or with the risk of heat accumulation
(e.g. tank insulation).
5.3 Notes on the use according to EHEDG
The unit is suited for CIP (cleaning in process) when installed correctly.
uObserve the application limits (temperature and material resistance) according to the data
sheet.
uEnsure that the installation of the unit in the system complies with EHEDG guidelines.
uUse self-draining installation.
uOnly use process adapters permitted according to EHEDG with special seals required by the
EHEDG position paper.
The gasket of the system interface must not be in contact with the sealing point of the sensor.
uIn case of structures in a tank, the installation must be flush mount. If not possible then direct water
jet cleaning and cleaning of dead spaces must be possible.
uLeakage ports must be clearly visible and must be installed facing downwards for vertical pipes.
L
d
D
1
1: Leakage port
uTo avoid dead space adhere to the dimensions:
L<(D - d).
5.4 Notes on the regulation (EC) 1935/2004
The following components of the product are designed for permanent contact with food according to
the regulation (EC) 1935/2004:
– Sensor tip made of PEEK
– Sealing ring made of PEEK
– Sealing ring made of FKM (LMT03A / LMT04A)
5.5 Installation procedure
The unit is installed by means of an adapter:
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uEnsure cleanliness of the sealing areas. Remove protective packaging only just before mounting.
In case of damaged sealing areas replace the unit or the adapter.
5.5.1 Installation LMT01A (hygiene-compliant)
The seal is formed by the flush front of the PEEK sealing cone (2).
uIf required: Slide the supplied seal (black O-ring), (1) over the thread onto the sensor and/or check
for correct position. It seals the gap on the back between the sensor and the adapter to protect
against the ingress of contamination in the thread area.
2
1
The seal between the housing and the process connection (1)
can compensate for variable insertion depths but not for the
system pressure.
1: Seal on the back (O-ring, black)
2: Sealing cone / sealing PEEK on metal
uIf required: Lightly grease the thread using a suitable lubricating paste which has been approved
for this application.
uScrew the sensor into the respective process connection and tighten it.
Maximum tightening torque: 20...25 Nm
uAfter installation check the tank / pipe for ingress resistance.
5.5.2 Installation LMT03A and LMT04A
The unit can be adapted for hygienic zero-leak via two sealing versions: Flush mount zero-leak using
metal-to-metal sealing (fig. LMT seal, metal-to-metal), or via insertion of an additional PEEK gasket
(fig. LMT seal, PEEK).
The PEEK sealing ring is not supplied with the unit. It can be ordered separately (E43323).
The PEEK sealing ring has been rated for ifm adapters with end stop towards the medium.
If the sealing between the housing and the process connection ((1) in fig. LMT seal, metal-to-
metal) is to withstand the system pressure, no end stop for the flush mount sealing area exists.
uIn this case, the PEEK sealing ring must not be used.
Flush mount hygienic zero-leak using metal-to-metal sealing (2):