Kirchner und Tochter RA 65 User manual

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
Installation and Operating Instructions
Variable area flow meter
RA 65 / FA 65

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
2
Contents
1. Foreword................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Safety ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Symbol and meaning...................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. General safety directions and exemption from liability .................................................. 3
2.3. Intended use....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4. Special safety instructions concerning glass devices ....................................................4
2.5. Operator and operating personnel ......................................................................................... 4
2.6. Regulations and guidelines.......................................................................................................... 4
2.7. Notice as required by the hazardous materials directive ............................................ 4
3. Transport and storage.................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Installation ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.1. Work preparatory to installation..............................................................................................5
4.2. Preparation of the measuring device:.................................................................................... 5
4.3. Installation RA 65............................................................................................................................ 7
4.4. Installation FA 65............................................................................................................................. 7
5. Start-up................................................................................................................................................................... 7
6. Readings in operation...................................................................................................................................... 7
7. Limit contacts MSK1, MSK12, MSKW .................................................................................................. 8
7.1. Connection of limit contacts....................................................................................................... 9
7.2. Setting the limit contacts............................................................................................................. 9
7.3. Right angle plug.............................................................................................................................10
8. Linear displacement sensor 4-20mA / 0-10V................................................................................11
8.1. Connection of the linear displacement sensor...............................................................11
8.2. Setting the sensor........................................................................................................................12
8.3. Technical data................................................................................................................................13
9. Maintenance and cleaning of the flow meter....................................................................................14
9.1. Dismantling and installation.....................................................................................................14
9.2. Replacement of measuring glass .........................................................................................14
10. Service .................................................................................................................................................................15
10.1. Disposal.............................................................................................................................................15
11. Technical data ..................................................................................................................................................16
11.1. Materials...........................................................................................................................................16
11.2. Measuring ranges........................................................................................................................17
11.3. Dimensions......................................................................................................................................18
11.4. Technical data of limit contacts.............................................................................................20
11.5. Low-Voltage Directive .................................................................................................................20

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
3
1. Foreword
These Installation and Operating Instructions are applicable to devices of Series RA 65 and
FA 65. Please follow all instructions and information given for installation, operation,
inspection and maintenance. The Instructions form a component part of the device, and
should be kept in an appropriate place accessible to the personnel in the vicinity of the
location. Where various plant components are operated together, the operating instructions
pertaining to the other devices should also be observed.
2. Safety
2.1. Symbol and meaning
Safety notice
This symbol is placed against all directions/information relating to occupational health and
safety in these Installation and Operating Instructions, and draws attention to danger to life
and limb. Such notices should be strictly observed.
2.2. General safety directions and exemption from liability
This document contains basic instructions for the installation, operation, inspection and
maintenance of the variable-area flow meter. Failure to comply with these instructions can
lead to hazardous situations for Man and Beast and also to damage to property, for which
Kirchner und Tochter disclaims all liability.
The Operator is required to rule out potentially hazardous situations through voltage and
released media energy.
2.3. Intended use
The RA 65/FA 65 Series device is a variable-area flow meter for liquids and gases. It is
designed for installation in vertical pipe runs. Installation in the pipeline should be carried out
solely in accordance with these Instructions. The required version of the variable-area
flowmeter should be selected on the basis of the pipe diameter at the installation location of
the device. The limit values pertaining to the device are specified in Section 10 and must be
complied with. Any modifications or other alterations to the measuring device may be
carried out solely by Kirchner und Tochter. Installation in horizontal pipe runs is possible
using appropriate pipe bends. The direction of flow must always be from bottom to top.
Details of the process product together with the operating conditions are marked on the
measuring glass.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
4
2.4. Special safety instructions concerning glass devices
For safety reasons, we recommend fitting a protective shield in front of the
measuring tube when starting up flow meters fitted with glass measuring tubes.
The devices should not be operated where there is a risk of pressure surges (water
hammer)!
To avoid glass breakage, all fitting work between measuring glass and heads inside the glass
should be carried out by twisting and simultaneously pressing after having wetted the
packing rings/gaskets.
2.5. Operator and operating personnel
Authorized installation, operating, inspection and maintenance personnel should be suitably
qualified for the jobs assigned to them and should receive appropriate training and
instruction.
2.6. Regulations and guidelines
In addition to the directions given in these Installation and Operating Instructions, observe
t
he regulations, guidelines and standards, such as DIN EN, and, for specific applications,
t
he codes of practice issued by DVGW (gas and water) and VdS (underwriters), or the
equivalent national codes and applicable national accident prevention regulations.
2.7. Notice as required by the hazardous materials directive
In accordance with the law concerning handling of waste (critical waste) and the hazardous
materials directive (general duty to protect), we would point out that all flow meters returned
to Kirchner und Tochter for repair are required to be free from any and all hazardous
substances (alkaline solutions, acids, solvents, etc.).
Make sure that devices are thoroughly rinsed out to neutralize hazardous
substances.
3. Transport and storage
Always use the original packing for transport, handling and storage. Protect the device
against rough handling, impact, jolts, etc.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
5
4. Installation
4.1. Work preparatory to installation
Preparation of the installation point:
Check the pipe run at the point of installation. Variable area flow meters are only
suitable for vertical installation and an upward flow direction (from bottom to top). For all
other installation situations, appropriate pipe bends need to be fitted in the existing
pipeline to ensure upward vertical flow through the device.
The region of steady flow should be 4 to 6 x DN upstream and downstream of the
location. Control equipment for gaseous media in particular should be installed
downstream of the flow meter.
If necessary, support the pipeline on both sides of the flow meter to prevent vibration
from being transferred to the device.
Before connecting, clean the pipelines leading to the device by blowing out or flushing.
Prepare the installation point for the measuring device with appropriate pipe threads
(RA 65) or flanges (FA 65) before beginning installation work. Pay attention to the
correct spacing of the sealing faces and to exact alignment.
Under no circumstances should the variable area flow meter be used to draw the pipe
ends together (install free of stresses!). Do not over-tighten the union nuts.
4.2. Preparation of the measuring device:
1. Remove the device from the transport packing.
2. Remove the transport protection stoppers from the ends of the device.
3. Pull the float securing rod out of the device (PVC red or grey).
4. Check that the float can move freely in the device.
5. Have ready: flat gaskets (FA 65) or packing material such as hemp (RA 65). These are
not included with the supply.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
6
Insert with internal
thread
RA 65 FA 65
Union nu
t
Gaske
t
Device head with
flanged connection
Gaske
t
Device head with
external thread
O-ring
O-ring

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
7
4.3. Installation RA 65
1. Dismantle the inserts and the union nuts from the device.
2. Slip the union nuts over the ends of the pipeline at the installation point.
3. Screw the inserts on to the pipe ends together with packing material.
4. Slide the device with the gaskets at both ends into the installation point.
5. Screw the union nuts back on to the device heads and tighten them down such that
the device is seated in the pipeline without stresses.
4.4. Installation FA 65
1. Slide the device together with the gaskets (not included with flow meter) at both ends
into the installation point.
2. Check that the gaskets are in alignment and make sure they do not project into the
pipeline.
3. Attach bolts and nuts loosely to the flanged connection.
4. Tighten bolts on the flanged connection in diagonally opposed sequence so that the
device is fastened in the pipeline without stresses.
5. Start-up
The flow meter must have been properly installed before it is started up.
1. Test all device connections.
2. To set the flow: pressurize the pipelines by slowing opening the shut-off valves. On
liquid service: carefully evacuate the pipeline.
3. Check that all components are leak-tight and, if necessary, tighten down threaded
joints and screw connections.
6. Readings in operation
The flow value is read off from the scale on the glass cone at the top edge of the float. The
measured-value readings are only correct when the operating condition at the measuring
point (flowing medium, operating pressure and temperature) corresponds to the values
marked on the measuring glass. If operating conditions should differ, the measured value
must be corrected with the aid of the general float equation, which you will find in our
technical documents.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
8
7. Limit contacts MSK1, MSK12, MSKW
The flow meter can be equipped with limit contacts to provide local indication with
monitoring function:
The limit contacts consist of a limit contact (reed switch) that is switched over by the
magnet integrated in the float.
The limit contact is guided in a guide slot in the protective case and can be adjusted over the
full measuring range. The reed contacts have a bistable characteristic.
Uncontrolled current and voltage peaks can occur in the case of inductive or capacitive
loads, e.g. from contactors or solenoid valves. Such peaks will also occur, depending on cable
geometry, where cables exceed a certain length.
We therefore recommend using an MSR contact protection relay, which is additionally
available. This will increase the contact rating and prevent occurrence of inductive and
capacitive peaks, thus ensuring long service life of the contacts.
Electrical data and limit values are specified in Section 10.2.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
9
7.1. Connection of limit contacts
Electrical connection of the device must be carried out in conformity with the
relevant VDE regulations (or equivalent national standards) and in accordance with
the regulations issued by the local power supply utility.
1. Disconnect the plant from supply before connecting the limit contact.
2. Provide a protective circuit for the contacts in keeping with their capacity.
3. Connect line-side fuse elements matched to consumption.
4. Connect the cable using the supplied right-angle plug. The circuit diagram for limit
contacts is shown in the Technical Data, Section 10.4.
7.2. Setting the limit contacts
1. Loosen the lock nut M8 on the neck of the contact.
2. Slide the contact to the flow value required to be monitored.
3. Please make sure the contact never touches the measuring glass and the clearance
between contact and glass is always approx. 1mm. This clearance can be obtained
by turning the contact in the sliding block.
4. Test the switching characteristic by moving the float over and beyond the switching
position.
5. Retighten the lock nut. Maximum fastening torque is 2 Nm.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
10
7.3. Right angle plug
Connector field-wireable female connector, M12 x 1, angled
Number of poles 4-pole
Contacts metal, CuZn, optalloy-plated
Contact carriers plastic, PA, black
Grip plastic, PBT, black
Seal plastic, FPM
Degree of protection IP67, only tightened with screws
External diameter
of the cable 4…6mm
Core cross-section
/Clamping ability max. 0.75 mm2
Screw-in thread PG 7
Connection mode screw clamp
Mechanical lifespan min. 50 contact durability
Pollution degree 3
Rated voltage max. 250 V
Insulation resistance ≥108 Ω
Ampacity 4 A
Forward resistance ≤8 mΩ
Ambient temperature Connector -25… +85°C
pin configurationdimensions

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
11
8. Linear displacement sensor 4-20mA / 0-10V
Operating principle:
The linear displacement sensor based on the Hall principle delivers an output signal
proportional to the height setting of the flow meter.
The can be displayed in 4-20mA or 0-10V.
The sensor is connected via the enclosed M12 x 1mm connector.
Please notice that the sensor has a blind zone in the range of 3.7mA to around
4 mA and performs stable operation only after approx. 4mA.
8.1. Connection of the linear displacement sensor
The electrical connection of the device must be performed according to the
pertinent VDE regulations, as well as the regulations of the local power company.
1. Disconnect electric power from the system before connecting the sensor.
2. Provide a protective circuit of the sensor corresponding to its output.
3. Connect the protective elements suitable for use upstream.
4. The cable connection is done on the enclosed angle connector. The circuit diagram for
the sensor is in the following illustration:
circuit diagram:
pin assignment:

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
12
8.2. Setting the sensor
Normally the linear displacement sensor is delivered set on the lowest measurement range
point. This corresponds in this condition to 4mA.
The other measurement range or mA values can be found in the enclosed protocol.
If you want to set the 4 mA value to another measurement range point, slide the sensor or
the 4mA value to the desired point.
To do this, loosen the two outer nuts with their toothed washers. Next loosen the two
setscrews by approx. one revolution. Now you can put the sensor in the desired position, and
retighten the setscrews and the nuts.
Next move to each following scale mark to determine the mA value belonging to it.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
13
8.3. Technical data
Measurement range [A...B]
Repeatability
Linearity deviation
Temperature drift
Ambient temperature
160 mm
< 0.1 % from measurement range IA-BI
< dependent upon position sensor
<1 % v. E.
<±0.006%/K
-25...+ 70 °C
Operating voltage
Residual ripple
Idle current l0
Rated insulation voltage
Short circuit protection
Fail-safe circuit / reverse polarity protection
Output function
Voltage output
Current output
Load resistor voltage output
Load resistor current output
Recovery time at output
Sampling rate
15 – 30 VDC
< 10 % Uss
< 15 mA
< 0.5 kV
yes
yes/ complete
four-wire, analogue output
0... 10V
4 – 20 mA
>4.7 k
<0.4 k
< 15 ms
200 Hz
Type
Dimensions
Housing material
Material of active surface
Connection
Vibration resistance
Shock resistance
Protection class
Quader, Q25L
201 x 35 x 25 mm
Aluminium
Plastic, PC-GF20
Plug connector, M12x1
55 Hz(1 mm)
30g (11 ms)
IP67
Operating voltage display
Measurement range display
LED green
LED, yellow, position sensor in detection range

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
14
9. Maintenance and cleaning of the flow meter
The device is maintenance-free. Should the glass cone become fouled, the device can be
removed from the pipeline as follows.
9.1. Dismantling and installation
Remove the flow meter out of the system by detaching the union nuts or, as the case may
be, the screw connections and/or pipe unions. After dismantling the upper head (detach the
radial retaining screw), remove the measuring glass from the device and clean the individual
parts. Reassemble in reverse order. Pay special attention to correct installation of the
appropriate gaskets and the float stops. Before installing, inspect all gaskets (see Figure on
page 6) for signs of damage, and replace if necessary.
9.2. Replacement of measuring glass
Refer to Figure on page 6.
1. Remove the device from the installation point. Detach the lateral retaining screws and
remove the device heads by simultaneously twisting and pulling them out of the glass.
On devices with a guide rod, leave the rod mounted on the upper head!
2. On devices with non-guided floats, remove the float stops and the float from the old
glass and insert them into the new glass. Carefully screw the float stops (helical
springs made of VA steel) using pliers into the ends of the glass (risk of glass
breakage!).
3. Fit the device heads with new O-rings and gaskets.
4. Wet the O-ring before assembling glass and head.
5. Carefully slide the lower device head into the bottom opening of the measuring glass,
twisting and pushing simultaneously (risk of glass breakage!).
6. Insert the glass with head into the case, making sure not to knock the glass against
the case.
7. Fasten the device head with the retaining screws to the case.
8. Align the glass cone so that the inscriptions can be read through the viewing window
on the case.
9. Slide the second head with wetted O-ring by twisting and pushing it simultaneously into
the upper opening of the measuring glass, or steel case, as the case may be. Also lock
the head in place on the case.
10. On devices with guide rod, check float mobility. If necessary, correct the position by
turning the guide rod (to do this, hold the plain end of the guide rod at the lower head
with a pair of engineer’s pliers, or similar, and slightly loosen the M5 screw at the
opposite end).
11. Reinstall the device in the installation point.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
15
10. Service
All devices with defects or deficiencies should be sent direct to our repair department.
To enable our customer service facility to deal with complaints and repairs as quickly
as possible, you are kindly requested to coordinate the return of devices with our sales
department, Tel. [phone].
10.1. Disposal
Please help to protect our environment, and dispose of workpieces in conformity with
current regulations or use them for some other purpose.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
16
11. Technical data
Nominal pressure rating FA 65: PN 10 at 20 °C
RA 65: PN 10 at 20 °C
Max. operating pressure See table measuring ranges
Thermal endurance 80°C, optionally: 100°C
Ambient temperature 90°C
Turn-down ratio 1:10
Accuracy class 1.6 to VDI/VDE 3513
Connection RA 65 two-part pipe union: insert with cylindrical internal thread to ISO 7-
Connection FA 65 Flanges PN 10 to DIN 2501, others (ANSI, JIS, ...) on request
1) Diameter H according to Dimension Tables for FA65 and RA65
11.1. Materials
Heads RA 65 steel S355
Threaded joint Malleable cast iron, galvanized
Flanges FA 65 Grey cast iron, size 9.5 steel
Measuring glass Borosilicate glass
splinter shield Plexiglas XT
Gaskets Standard: NBR; optionally: Viton, EPDM, silicone
Floats for liquids 1) Standard: 1.4571 (stainless steel); optionally: PVC, PP,
PVDF or PTFE with lead core
Floats for gases 1) Standard: aluminium; optionally: PVC, PP, PTFE, PVDF
or 1.4571 (stainless steel)
Limit contacts 1) 1.4571 (stainless steel) with magnetic core (liquids)
PVC with magnetic core (gases)
1) Floats up to size 19 are nonguided; size 30 and larger: with guided float. Optionally,
sizes 9.5 (but only without limit switches) and 19 also available as guided floats.

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
17
11.2. Measuring ranges
Size Measuring range
m3/h H2O
Measuring range
m3/h at STP 1)
max. operating
pressure
[bar] at 20 °C
0,5 – 5 l/h 0,006 – 0,06 9,5
20 – 200 l/h 0,3 – 3,3
10
0,012 – 0,12 0,15 – 1,519
0,12 – 1,2 1,6 – 16
10
0,1 – 1 1,3 – 1330
0,3 – 3 3,6 – 36
10
0,4 – 4 4 – 4036
0,8 – 8 8 – 80
8
0,9 – 9 5 – 5043
1,6 – 16 16 – 160
8
1) at STP: at standard conditions (0 °C and 1,013 bar abs.)

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
18
11.3. Dimensions
Size Pipe union S L d 1) H
9.5 Rp 1/4 28 308 12 25
Rp 3/8 32 310 16
Rp 1/2 39 312 20
19 Rp 1/2 39 413 20 45
Rp 3/4 48 420 25
Rp 1 55 424 32
30 Rp 1 55 424 32 60
Rp 1 1/4 67 428 40
Rp 1 1/2 74 430 50
36 Rp 1 1/4 67 428 40 70
Rp 1 1/2 74 430 50
Rp 2 90 445 63
43 Rp 1 1/2 74 430 50 90
Rp 2 90 445 63
Rp 2 1/2 111 446 75
Rp 3 131 450 90
RA 65
1) d for bonding and weldin
g

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
19
DN L H D d4 k
QtyThreadd2Size
10 260 25 90 40 60 4 M 12 14 9,5
15 95 45 65 4 M 12 14
10 360 45 90 40 60 4 M 12 M 12 19
15 95 45 65 4 M 12 14
20 105 58 75 4 M 12 14
25 115 68 85 4 M 12 14
20 360 60 105 58 75 4 M 12 M 12 30
25 115 68 85 4 M 12 14
40 150 88 110 4 M 16 18
25 360 70 115 68 85 4 M 12 M 12 36
40 150 88 110 4 M 16 18
50 165 102 125 4 M 16 18
50 360 90 165 102 125 4 M 16 18 43
65 185 122 145 4 M 16 18
FA 65
Bolts

VA Flow Meters
RA 65 / FA 65
20
11.4. Technical data of limit contacts
Design MSK1 MSK12
Voltage switched 50VAC/75VDC 50VAC/75VDC
Current switched 0,5A 0,5A
Contact rating 10W/VA 10W/VA
Dielectric strength 230VAC/400VDC 230VAC/400VDC
Temperature range -20 to +90°C -20 to +90°C
Switching function
Connection
normally closed contact normally open contact
Design MSKW
Voltage switched 50VAC/75VDC
Current switched 0,5A
Contact rating 5W/VA
Dielectric strength 110VAC/200VDC
Temperature range -20 to +90°C
Switching function
Connection
change over contact
1) The deciding factor is the thermal endurance of the flow meter!
Connection via right angle plug M12x1
11.5. Low-Voltage Directive
Above 50 V AC/75 V DC, contacts are subject to the EU Low-Voltage Directive.
The user is required to verify their use accordingly.