MBA MLA1000 User manual

Operating Manual
MLA1000
Conductivity meter
for light oils
Description
Installation
Operation

1 Operating Manual MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021· © MBA Instruments GmbH
Document information
Product described
Product name: MLA1000
Document identification
Title: Operating Manual MLA1000
Order No.: 8011707
Version: 1.0
Date: 19/05/2021
Publisher
MBA Instruments GmbH
Friedrich-List-Str. 3-7 · D-25451 Quickborn · Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Warranty notice
Product characteristics and technical data presented in this
document do not constitute warranty statements.
© MBA Instruments GmbH. All rights reserved.
Warning symbols
WARNING
Danger to humans with the possible consequence of serious
injury or death
CAUTION
Danger with the possible consequence of less severe or minor
injury and/or danger or property damage.
Notice symbols
Important technical information
for this product
Important information for potentially
explosive atmospheres

Operating Manual ·MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021 © MBA Instruments GmbH 2
Contents
1Safety instructions 3
1.1 Safety instructions for use in potentially explosive atmospheres 3
2Product description 3
2.1 Use 3
2.2 Designation of the meter types according to their application 4
2.2.1 Meter types MZ and LZ for continuous inline measurement (stationary) 4
2.2.2 Meter types TX and TZ for temporary measurement 4
2.2.3 MLA1000-A display unit 5
2.2.4 Display elements 5
2.2.5 MLA1000-K probe cable 5
2.2.6 MLA1000-S probes 5
3Installation of the probes of meter types MZ and LZ 6
3.1 Notes on explosion protection for installation of the probes 6
3.2 Demands on the measurement liquid at the installation site 6
3.3 Positioning the measuring probe 6
3.4 Installation of probe tube in the sliding sleeve, meter type MZ 7
3.5 Installation of probe tube with collar and loose flange, meter type LZ 8
4Installation of the display unit, meter types MZ, LZ and TZ 8
4.1 Notes for the installation location within an Ex zone 8
4.2 The MLA1000 meter type TZ –additional requirements 8
4.3 Secure display unit with mounting plate 9
5Electrical connection of meter type TX and TZ 10
5.1 Cable installation, meter type TX and TZ 10
5.2 Probe cable for MLA1000 TX 10
5.3 Probe cable for MLA1000 TZ 10
6Electrical connection of meter types LZ, MZ and TZ 11
6.1 Notes on explosion protection for electrical connection 11
6.2 Cable installation 11
6.2.1 Terminal assignment 11
6.3 Connecting the probe cable 11
6.4 Connecting the measured value outputs 12
6.5 Supply voltage 12
6.6 Closing cable glands and housing 12
6.7 Connecting the equipotential bond 12
7Operation 13
7.1 Signs of a safe operating condition 13
7.2 Displays 13
7.3 Operating display 13
8Changing the measurement location with meter types TX and TZ 14
8.1 Notes on explosion protection for meter type TZ 14
8.2 Measuring process 14
9Maintenance 15
9.1 Notes on explosion protection for maintenance 15
9.2 Manual self-test 15
9.3 Calibration 15
9.4 Cleaning the measuring probe 16
9.5 Installing the probe again 16
10 Troubleshooting 17
10.1 Signs of an unsafe operating condition 17
10.2 Sensor error –Indication of an error on the MLA1000 display 17
10.3 Fatal error –Indication of an error on the MLA1000 display 17
10.4 Remedying faults 18
11 Technical data 19
11.1 MLA1000-S measuring probe 19
11.2 MLA1000-A display unit 19
11.3 MLA1000-K probe cable 19
11.4 Approval/suitability test (meter types: LZ, MZ, TZ) 19
12 Information on disposal 20

3 Operating Manual MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021· © MBA Instruments GmbH
1Safety instructions
Observe the following points for your own safety and for the safe operation of the meter:
Use the product only as described in this operating manual. The manufacturer assumes no responsible for any other
use.
Have repairs carried out only by the manufacturer or by trained and authorised specialists.
Do not remove, add or modify any components on the product unless described in official information from the
manufacturer. Any warranty of the manufacturer will otherwise be voided and the product may become dangerous.
Carry out the maintenance measures described.
Do not carry out any work or repairs on the product that are not described in this operating manual.
All local laws, engineering rules and operating instructions applicable at the place of use of the product must be
observed in addition to this operating manual.
Keep this operating manual and all other documents supplied in a safe place for future reference.
Pass on the documents to new owners.
1.1 Safety instructions for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
The MLA1000-A display unit and the MLA1000-S probe of meter types MZ, LZ and TZ operated in a potentially explosive
atmosphere must bear the following markings:
ATEX
MLA1000-A
II 2(1)G Ex de [ia Ga] IIB T4 Gb
BVS 14 ATEX E 047 X
ATEX
MLA1000-S
II 1G Ex ia IIB T4 Ga
BVS 14 ATEX E 026 X
IECEx
MLA1000-A
Ex db eb [ia Ga] IIB T4 Gb
IECEx BVS 21.0041X
IECEx
MLA1000-S
Ex ia IIB T4 Ga
IECEx BVS 21.0014 X
Use the MLA1000 in a potentially explosive atmospheres only if permitted by the specifications for zone, explosion
group and temperature class (see rating plates on display unit and measuring probe).
Observe and comply with the "special conditions" on the type examination certificate.
Have installation, commissioning, maintenance and testing carried out only by specialist staff who have the necessary
knowledge of the rules and regulations for potentially explosive atmospheres.
If individual information was supplied with the product: Give priority to the individual information.
Put the MLA1000 into operation only when all housings and all cable glands are correctly closed.
Have the MLA1000 installed and operated only by specialist staff who, through their specialist training and know-how
and their knowledge of the applicable regulations, are able to assess the work assigned to them and to recognise
hazards.
2Product description
2.1 Use
Measuring function
The MLA1000 measures the electrical conductivity and temperature of suitable measurement liquids. Suitable liquids
are liquids with an electrical conductivity of up to max. 15000 pS/m. The viscosity must also be taken into
consideration. Examples of suitable liquids are kerosene, light mineral oils, lubricants, hydraulic oils, rolling oils,
transformer oils, coolants and various chemical liquids. The conductivity is given in the physical unit “pS/m”
(picoSiemens per metre). The unit “c.u.” (conductivity unit) still widely used in the mineral oil industry is equivalent: 1
pS ⁄ m = 1 c.u.
Electrical conductivity and temperature
The electrical conductivity of liquids is heavily dependent on their temperature. The influence of the temperature on
the conductivity is not linear and is also substance-specific. It is therefore necessary to measure the temperature and
the electrical conductivity at the same time.

Operating Manual ·MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021 © MBA Instruments GmbH 4
2.2 Designation of the meter types according to their application
2.2.1 Meter types MZ and LZ for continuous inline measurement (stationary)
Figure 1
Meter types for measurement in a pipeline with flowing liquid
Type designation
M: Installation with a sleeve
L: Installation with a loose-flange collar
Z: For use in potentially explosive atmospheres
Option B: Display unit attached to the probe tube
2.2.2 Meter types TX and TZ for temporary measurement
The types TX and TZ can be easily installed to use this device for temporary measurements.
If the location for the measurement changes, the MLA1000 TX and TZ must be completely installed before it is put into
operation.
Figure 2
Type designation
T: Temporary measurement
X: Not for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
Z: For use in potentially explosive atmospheres

5 Operating Manual MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021· © MBA Instruments GmbH
2.2.3 MLA1000-A display unit
The housing of the display unit (Figure 3) consists of two
parts:
A: Upper housing: Display section - contains the electronic
components. The upper part of the housing must not be
opened.
B: Lower housing: Terminal box - contains the connection
terminals.
Upper and lower housings are firmly connected to one
another and bolted to a mounting plate (meter types MZ
and LZ) or to a tripod (meter types TX and TZ). These parts
must not be separated from one another.
Figure 3
2.2.4 Display elements
During measurement, the conductivity, temperature, software version and measuring range are shown on the
display.
Display of the measured electrical conductivity (1089 pS/m)
Display of the measured temperature (20.1°C)
Software version (V0.95)
Measuring range (5-2000 means: measuring range from 5 pS/m to 2000 pS/m)
1089 pS/m
20.1°C
V0.95 5-2000
2.2.5 MLA1000-K probe cable
The probe cable supplied is specially designed to meet the requirements of the MLA1000 meter.
Only the probe cable supplied may be used.
Maximum cable length is 24m.
It is not permitted to lead the cable through ex zone 0.
2.2.6 MLA1000-S probes
MLA1000-S Type: MZ
Probe with probe tube for
installation in a sliding sleeve
MLA1000-S Type: LZ
Probe with probe tube for
installation with collared flange
MLA1000-S Type: TX and TZ
Probe without probe tube
for changing measurement
location

Operating Manual ·MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021 © MBA Instruments GmbH 6
3Installation of the probes of meter types MZ and LZ
3.1 Notes on explosion protection for installation of the probes
Installation may only be carried out by persons who are familiar with the explosion protection regulations at the
installation site.
The equipment protection level (EPL) of the MLA1000-S and MLA1000-A must match the Ex zones of the installation
site.
The meter must be disconnected from the power supply during all assembly and installation work.
3.2 Demands on the measurement liquid at the installation site
The flow velocity must lie in the range from 0.2 to 7 m/s.
The flow must be laminar and without turbulence.
The additive mixture and the temperature must be homogeneous.
3.3 Positioning the measuring probe
The measuring probe must be installed in the pipeline in such a way that:
The lower inlet hole of the probe is facing towards the flow and the upper outlet hole is facing in the flow
direction. The red arrow (Figure 4) points in the flow direction and helps with the positioning of the probe.
The probe should be installed in the pipeline deep enough that the centreline of the pipeline passes between
the inlet and outlet holes.
During the measurement, the probe must be completely immersed in the liquid. Reliable measurement results
cannot be obtained if there are air pockets at the measuring point in the pipeline or in the socket.
Marking arrow for flow direction
Figure 4
1
Direction arrow
2
Outlet opening
3
Flow direction
2
1

7 Operating Manual MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021· © MBA Instruments GmbH
3.4 Installation of probe tube in the sliding sleeve, meter type MZ
1. Direction arrow
2. Chain
3. Probe tube
4. Clamping screws
5. Clamping block
6. Ball valve
7. Flange
8. Probe outlet opening
9. Probe inlet opening
Figure 5
Before installation, probe tube (3) and the probe must be cleaned. The probe tube must not be damaged.
Loosen the 2 clamping blocks (5) by loosening the 4 clamping screws (4). Then carefully push probe tube (3) into
the sleeve until the end of the probe is just above the ball valve.
Hook in chain (2) so that the chain is as taut as possible.
Open ball valve (6).
Push probe tube (3) approx. 20 cm into the sleeve.
Tighten clamping screws (4) uniformly (torque 35 Nm).
Hook in the chain tautly again.
Loosen clamping screws (4) and push probe tube (3) a further 20 cm into the sleeve. Then tighten clamping
screws (4) again.
Repeat steps 7 and 8 until the probe has reached the correct position in the pipeline.
Before finally tightening the clamping screws, align the direction of the inlet and outlet holes on the probe with
the flow direction (see section 3.3).
Tighten the clamping screws to 35 Nm using a torque wrench.
Carry out the electrical installation.
Flow
direction

Operating Manual ·MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021 © MBA Instruments GmbH 8
3.5 Installation of probe tube with collar and loose flange, meter type LZ
1. Plug contact for the probe cable
2. Direction arrow, points in flow
direction
3. Probe tube
4. Loose flange
5. Collared flange
6. Socket with flange and gasket
7. Probe
8. Outlet opening
9. Inlet opening
Figure 6
A through-hole of at least 50 mm in socket (6) is required for installation.
A suitable gasket must be inserted between flange (6) and collar (5).
The hole pattern (diameter, pitch circle) of flange (6) and loose flange (4) must be identical.
ATTENTION Observe the flow direction:
The inlet opening of the probe must be pointing towards the flow direction. The direction arrow (Figure 4) helps in
aligning the probe. Check the position of the direction arrow before installation (see section: 3.3).
4Installation of the display unit, meter types MZ, LZ and TZ
4.1 Notes for the installation location within an Ex zone
The rating plate with the Ex marking must be clearly visible and legible.
The MLA1000 must correspond to the required Ex zone and the measurement medium.
The display unit may be installed in a zone 1 or 2 potentially explosive atmosphere. Installation in zone 0 is not
permitted.
The maximum distance between display unit and measuring probe is 24 m.
The display unit must be disconnected from the power supply before the terminal box is opened. The cable glands are
subject to approval for potentially explosive atmospheres.
Use only cable material with the appropriate outside diameter.
The cable glands must not be replaced with cable glands of a different type,
otherwise the approval for potentially explosive atmospheres will be voided and there is a risk of explosion in
potentially explosive atmospheres.
4.2 The MLA1000 meter type TZ –additional requirements
The display unit of the MLA1000-A type TZ is mounted on a tripod for transport the meter to the measuring site. At the
measuring site following is mandatory:
The MLA1000-A display unit must be fixed to a part of the facility.
The MLA1000-S probe must be fixed to the vessel.
The MLA1000-K probe cable may not be brought into the Ex-zone 0
Flow
direction

9 Operating Manual MLA1000 Date 19/05/2021· © MBA Instruments GmbH
4.3 Secure display unit with mounting plate
(Not for meter types MZ-B and LZ-B)
The display unit must be mounted on a wall or fastened to a stable bracket.
The display should be visible during operation (for checking the operating status).
4 through-holes are provided in the mounting plate for attachment (see Figure 7).
MLA1000-A display unit
A. Upper housing
B. Lower housing (terminal box)
Figure 7