MBA MLA1000 User manual

Operating Instructions
MLA1000
Conductivity Meter for Flowing Light Oil
Description
Installation
Operation
EN

Document information
Described product
Product name: MLA1000
Document identification
Title: MLA1000 Operating Instructions
Order number: 8011607
Version: 1.0
Date: 2019-10
Publisher
MBA Instruments GmbH
Friedrich-List-Str. 3-725451 Quickborn · Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Warranty information
The stated product characteristics and technical data do
not constitute warranty declarations.
© MBA Instruments GmbH. All rights reserved.
Glossary
ATEX Atmosphères explosibles: Abbreviation for
European standards relating to safety in explosion-
endangered areas
DC Direct current
IP xy International protection (also: Ingress Protection);
protection class for a device pursuant to IEC/DIN
EN 60529.
PE Polyethylene
PUR Polyurethane
PVC Polyvinyl chloride
TPE Thermoplastic elastomer
Warning symbols
Hazard (general)
Hazard from electrical voltage
Hazard in explosion-endangered areas
Hazard from explosive substances/ substance
mixtures
Hazard from noxious substances
Warning levels/signal words
WARNING
Hazard situation for people that could result in serious
injuries or death.
CAUTION
Hazard that could result in less serious or minor injuries
and/or risk of damage to property.
IMPORTANT
Hazard possibly resulting in damage to property.
Information symbols
Important technical information for this product
Important information about explosion-
endangered areas
Tip
Additional information
Reference to information elsewhere

Content
1Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Important instructions for safe usage .......................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Principal installation instructions ..............................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Principal operating instructions ................................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Responsibilities of the user .......................................................................................................................................................6
1.4.1 Only allow installation and use by specialist technicians ..........................................................................................................6
1.4.2 Correct use ................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.4.3 Consideration of local conditions..............................................................................................................................................6
1.4.4 Safekeeping of the documentation ...........................................................................................................................................6
2Product Description .......................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Intended usage..........................................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.1 Intended scope of application...................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.2 Application restrictions .............................................................................................................................................................7
2.1.3 Certification for explosion-endangered areas...........................................................................................................................7
2.2 Operating principle....................................................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Product components.................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.1 MLA1000-S measuring probe ....................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.2 MLA1000-A display unit ............................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.3 MLA1000-K probe cable ............................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.4 Options......................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.4 Scope of delivery .....................................................................................................................................................................10
3Installation of the Measuring Probe ...........................................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Selecting the installation location for the measuring probe ...................................................................................................11
3.1.1 Requirements for the measuring liquid at the installation location........................................................................................11
3.1.2 Requirements for the installation location..............................................................................................................................11
3.2 Preparing the piping system....................................................................................................................................................12
3.3 Installation of the measuring probe with immersion pipe ......................................................................................................12
4Installation of the Display Unit....................................................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Mounting the display unit .......................................................................................................................................................14
4.1.1 Criteria for the mounting location...........................................................................................................................................14
4.1.2 Securing the display unit without a mounting bracket ...........................................................................................................14
4.1.3 Securing the display unit with a mounting bracket.................................................................................................................14
4.2 Connecting the potential equalisation ....................................................................................................................................15
4.3 Opening the housing ...............................................................................................................................................................15
4.4 Installing the cables.................................................................................................................................................................16
4.4.1 General information about installing the cables .....................................................................................................................16
4.4.2 Connecting the probe cable ....................................................................................................................................................16
4.4.3 Connecting the measurement reading outputs ......................................................................................................................16
4.4.4 Connecting the supply voltage ................................................................................................................................................17
4.4.5 Closing the cable glands and housing......................................................................................................................................17
5Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.1 Putting the MLA1000 into operation ......................................................................................................................................18
5.2 Checking the operating status.................................................................................................................................................18
5.2.1 Indications for a safe operating status ....................................................................................................................................18
5.2.2 Indications for an unsafe operating status..............................................................................................................................18
5.3 Display screens........................................................................................................................................................................18
5.3.1 Screen after switching on........................................................................................................................................................18
5.3.2 Operating screen.....................................................................................................................................................................18
5.3.3 Malfunction screens................................................................................................................................................................19
6Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................................................................21
6.1 Removing the immersion pipe (with measuring probe)..........................................................................................................21
6.2 Testing the measuring function...............................................................................................................................................21
6.3 Cleaning the measuring probe ................................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Reinstalling the measuring probe............................................................................................................................................22
7Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................................................................................23
7.1 If the MLA1000 does not function at all ... ..............................................................................................................................23
7.2 If the measurement readings are obviously incorrect... .........................................................................................................23
8Appendix .......................................................................................................................................................................................................24
8.1 Technical data .........................................................................................................................................................................24
8.1.1 MLA1000-S measuring probe ..................................................................................................................................................24
8.1.2 MLA1000-A display unit ..........................................................................................................................................................24
8.1.3 MLA1000-K probe cable ..........................................................................................................................................................24
8.2 Certification/suitability test.....................................................................................................................................................24
8.3 Disposal Information ...............................................................................................................................................................25

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
1Safety Instructions
1.1 Important instructions for safe usage
Only use the MLA1000 in explosion-endangered areas if permitted by the specifications for the
zone, explosion group and temperature class (refer to the type plate on the display unit and
measuring probe).
Pay attention to and heed the "special conditions" stated on the type examination certificate.
Installation, commissioning, maintenance and testing may only be carried out by technicians who
possess requisite knowledge of the rules and regulations for explosion-endangered areas, e.g.
zoning
types of ignition protection
installation regulations, e.g. "Ordinance on electrical systems in explosion-endangered
locations (ElexV)"
Do not alter the product. Repairs may only be carried out by the manufacturer or by trained and
authorised technicians.
If the product was delivered with special information about it: Pay preferential attention to any
special information.
1.2 Principal installation instructions
IMPORTANT:
►Install the measuring probe so that the liquid flows past the probe in the required
direction (→ p.14, Fig. 3).
►Only use measuring probes and probe cables that have been approved by the
manufacturer for the intended measuring liquid.
►Only put the MLA1000 into operation when the entire housing and all the cable
glands have been correctly sealed.
1.3 Principal operating instructions
Intended usage → p.7, section 2.1.
Do not use the measurement readings if the requirements for the installation location
of the measuring probe have not been fulfilled, in particular if the flow velocity of the
measuring liquid is not within the specified range (→ p.7, section 2.1.1).
IMPORTANT:
►In explosion-endangered areas: Only open the terminal box for the display unit
(bottom part of the housing) after the supply voltage and all external power
supplies have been switched off.
►If the measuring probe could become soiled during operation: Clean the probe at
regular intervals (→ p.22, section 6.3).
►If the measurement readings cannot be correct: Check whether the measuring
probe is soiled.
►If necessary, clean the probe.

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
1.4 Responsibilities of the user
1.4.1 Only allow installation and use by specialist technicians
►Make sure that the MLA1000 is only installed and used by specialist technicians who, on account
of their specialist training and knowledge and their familiarity with the applicable regulations, are
able to assess the work assigned to them and recognise any hazards.
This applies in particular to:
–safety in explosion-endangered areas
–welding work
–handling of combustible substances
1.4.2 Correct use
►Only use the product as described in these operating instructions. The manufacturer will bear no
responsibility for any deviating usage.
►Carry out the described maintenance work.
►Do not carry out any work or repairs on the product which are not described in these operating
instructions.
►Do not remove, add or alter any components belonging to the product unless stipulated in official
information provided by the manufacturer. Otherwise,
–the manufacturer's warranty will become void,
–the product could become dangerous,
–the certification for use in explosion-endangered areas will become void.
1.4.3 Consideration of local conditions
►All local legislation, technical rules and operating regulations that apply at the location where the
product is to be used must be observed in addition to these operating instructions.
1.4.4 Safekeeping of the documentation
►These operating instructions and all the supplied documentation must be kept available for
reference purposes.
►Give the documentation to the new owner.

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
2 Product Description
2.1 Intended usage
IMPORTANT:
►If the product was delivered with special information about it:
►Pay preferential attention to any special information.
2.1.1 Intended scope of application
Measuring function
The MLA1000 is designed for continuously measuring the electrical conductance and
temperature of suitable flowing measuring liquids. Suitable measuring liquids: kerosene, light
fuels, lubricants, coolants, various chemical liquids.
It can only be guaranteed that the MLA1000 will function as intended when used in
flowing light fuel at a flow velocity of at least 0.2 m/s.
Application purpose
Liquids can become electrostatically charged during filling, pumping or filtration. In the
presence of an ignitable gas mixture in the ambient environment, there is also a risk that the
gas mixture will be ignited (i.e. explode) by discharge sparks. This risk is assessed by
measuring the electrical conductance of the liquid (see DIN 51 412-T02-79 "Determining
electrical conductance, field procedure").
The conductance is stated using the physical unit "pS/m" (picosiemens per meter).
The unit "c.u." (conductivity unit), which is still frequently used in the oil industry, has
an equal value:
1 pS ⁄ m = 1 c.u.
2.1.2 Application restrictions
►Only use the MLA1000 for measuring suitable measuring liquids.
►The measuring liquid must meet certain requirements (→ p.11, section 3.1.1).
►Heed the supplied manufacturer's information regarding restrictions and suitability.
Unsuitable liquids (e.g. acids, chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents) can damage the measuring
probe and probe cable.
WARNING: Risk of incorrect measurements
The measuring liquid must fulfil the stipulated requirements for the measuring probe
at the installation location (→ p.11, section 3.1.1) as otherwise the readings will not be
reliable.
►Make sure that the measuring fluid at the installation location of the measuring
probe fulfils the stipulated requirements.
►If the conductance measurement reading is being used to monitor the safe usage
of the measuring fluid (in particular for explosion protection purposes): Make sure
that the measurement readings are recognised as being invalid if the measuring
liquid at the installation location of the measuring probe does not fulfil the
stipulated requirements. If necessary, install appropriate safety mechanisms.
Unsafe operating conditions could otherwise arise in the monitored system.
2.1.3 Certification for explosion-endangered areas
●The MLA1000-S measuring probe (→ p.9, section 2.3.1) is certified for installation in containers (e.g.
piping systems) holding combustible liquids in Zone 0 hazardous areas.
●The MLA1000-A display unit (→ p.9, section 2.3.2) is certified for use in Zone 1 hazardous areas.
Numbers of the type examination certificates → p.24, section 8.2

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
1089 pS/m
20.1 °C
V0.95 5-2000
No.: xxxxxxx
xxxxATEXxxxx
2.2 Operating principle
●The measuring probe of the MLA1000 is installed in the container through which the measuring
liquid flows (e.g. a piping system). The measuring liquid must meet certain requirements (→ p.11,
section 3.1.1).
●The probe measures the conductance by sending an electrical current through the measuring
liquid by means of low auxiliary voltage. The greater the conductance, the stronger is the electrical
current. The electronics in the probe convert the measured current into a digital measurement
signal.
●The display unit supplies the probe with auxiliary voltage and processes the measurement signals
using a microprocessor. The measurement readings are displayed numerically and outputted as
an analogue signal.
Fig. 1 Product components
13
4
2
1
MLA1000-A display unit
2
MLA1000-S measuring probe
3
MLA1000-K probe cable
4
Immersion pipe (optional)

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
2.3 Product components
2.3.1 MLA1000-S measuring probe
The measuring probe consists of two parts:
●Probe body (hexagonal) with core electrode and connection for the probe cable
●Sheathed electrode (cylindrical) with inlet and outlet opening
The sheathed electrode can be unscrewed for cleaning purposes.
The probe body has a screw thread for attaching the measuring probe.
The temperature sensor and probe electronics are integrated in the sensor body.
●Technical data → p.24, section 8.1.1.
●Functional test with ring magnet → p.21, section 6.2.
2.3.2 MLA1000-A display unit
The display unit housing consists of two parts:
●Top housing: Display section –contains the electronic components.
●Bottom housing: Terminal box –contains the connection terminals.
The top and bottom parts of the housing are separated by a gas-tight seal.
The electronic connection to the measuring probe is intrinsically safe.
IMPORTANT:
The connection between the housing parts must be supported (certification requirement).
►Secure both housing parts of the display unit on a solid subsurface such as a
mounting panel (instructions → p.15, section 4.1.2).
●Technical data → p.24, section 8.1.2
●Certification for explosion-endangered areas → p.7, section 2.1.3.
2.3.3 MLA1000-K probe cable
●Length: The probe cable is available in different lengths. The cable ends are ready for use:
–Ferrules for connection terminals
–Receptacle for the measuring probe plug connector
●Material: The sheath material used for the selected version of the probe cable must be chemically
resistant to the intended measuring liquid. The right type of probe cable is therefore dependent
upon the specific application.
Technical data → p.24, section 8.1.3.
2.3.4 Options
Option
Notes
Immersion pipe
–for the measuring probe
–with securing chain
Mounting bracket
–for the display unit
Sliding sleeve
–for the immersion pipe
Ball valve
–as sluice for the immersion pipe

MLA1000 · Operating Instruction · 8011607 V 1.0 · © MBA Instruments
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MLA1000 Continuous Conductivity Measurement
2.4 Scope of delivery
Basic components
●Measuring probe (→ p.9, section 2.3.1)
●Display unit (→ p.9, section 2.3.2)
●Probe cable (→ p.9, section 2.3.3)
●Ring magnet for functional testing (→ p.21, section 6.2)
Options / accessories
As ordered (→ p.9, section 2.3.4).
Standard delivery:
●If delivery includes an immersion pipe: The immersion pipe, measuring probe and
probe cable are already assembled.
●If delivery includes the mounting bracket: The immersion pipe and display unit are
already assembled.
Documentation
●Certificate of conformity
●Type examination certificate BVS 14 ATEX E047 X (for MLA1000-S probe)
●Type examination certificate BVS 14 ATEX E026 X (for MLA1000-A display unit)
●Operating instructions
●If delivery includes a ball valve: Directions for use from the manufacturer of the ball valve
●If delivery includes a sliding sleeve: Directions for use from the manufacturer of the sliding sleeve