Pulsafeeder PULSAlarm Pulsa Guide

DEMKO 12 ATEX 1204081X
II 2 G Ex d IIB T5 Gb
II 2 D Ex tb IIIC T100°C Db IP66
IECEx UL 14.0118X
Ex d IIB T5 Gb
Ex tb IIIC T100°C Db IP66
Bulletin: IOM-PUL-1007 Rev E
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CHARACTERISTICS CONTROLLED BY U.L. FILE # E186527; CHANGES REQUIRE AGENCY
APPROVAL.
PULSAlarm®
LEAK DETECTION
Installation, Operation &
Maintenance Instruction
Models: Pulsa, Pulsar, PulsaPro

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Pulsafeeder FactoryServicePolicy
Should you experience a problem with your Pulsafeeder pump, first consult the
troubleshooting guide in your pump operation and maintenance manual. If the problem
is not covered or cannot be solved, please contact your local Pulsafeeder Sales
Representative or Pulsafeeder Technical Service Department for further assistance.
Trained individuals are available to diagnose your problem and arrange a solution.
Solutions may include purchasing a replacement unit or returning the PULSAlarm to the
factory for inspection and repair.
All returns require a Return Material Authorization (R.M.A.) number to be issued by
Pulsafeeder. Parts purchased to correct a warranty issue may be credited after
examination of the original parts by Pulsafeeder personnel. Parts returned for warranty
considerations which are good will be sent back freight collect.
Any field modifications will void the warranty. Out-of-warranty repairs will be subject to
Pulsafeeder's standard bench fees and testing costs associated with replacement
components.
This document describes product features controlled by IECEx / ATEX
requirements. Those features, and this document, cannot be changed without
notification or approval of the appropriate agency.
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 - 2015 Pulsafeeder, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any
purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use without the written permission of
Pulsafeeder.

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SafetyConsiderations:
•Read and understand all related instructions and documentation before attempting to
install or maintain this equipment
•Observe all special instructions, notes, and cautions.
•Act with care and exercise good common sense and judgment during all installation,
adjustment, and maintenance procedures.
•Ensure that all safety and work procedures and standards that are applicable to your
company and facility are followed during the installation, maintenance, and operation of
this equipment.
Notice Information and specifications in this document are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
Pulsa Series® and PULSAlarm® are registered trademarks of Pulsafeeder, Inc.
Revision History
Revision Implemented
By Revision Date Approved By Approval Date Reason
B Engineering 04/27/2007 Technical
Service 04/27/2007 Material reference to “PTFE”
C Engineering,
Quality,
Compliance
04/07/2015 Technical
Service 04/07/2015 Remove references to PULSAlarm®
Vacuum offering. Add ATEX and IECEx
information, general updates.
D Engineering 03/03/2016 Technical
Service 03/03/2016 Modify temperature and code
information on front and back cover only
E Technical Service 05/31/2017 Aftermarket
Manager 06/02/2017 Modify switch trip point settings and remove paragraph 7.4 for vacuum system priming.

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Table of Contents
Contents
1.0 Conventions ........................................................................................................................5
2.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................6
3.0 Foreword..............................................................................................................................6
4.0 ATEX / IECEx Nameplate and Marking...............................................................................7
5.0 Description and Theory of Operation.................................................................................9
5.1 PULSAlarm® Reagent Head..........................................................................................10
5.2 PULSAlarm® LeakDetection Diaphragm ....................................................................10
5.3 DiaphragmConstruction .............................................................................................11
6.0 Electrical............................................................................................................................12
7.0 Setup for Pressure ............................................................................................................13
8.0 Pressure fill chamber ........................................................................................................17
9.0 Maintenance ......................................................................................................................19
9.1 Switch Setpoint Adjustment........................................................................................19
10.0 PULSAlarm® DiaphragmMaintenance ....................................................................20
11.0 PULSAlarm® Diaphragm Removal ..........................................................................20
12.0 Inspection..................................................................................................................21
12.1 PULSAlarm® Diaphragm Reinstallation..................................................................21

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1.0 Conventions
For the remainder of this bulletin, the following conventions are in effect.
A
WARNING DEFINES A CONDITION THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO BOTH THE
EQUIPMENT AND THE PERSONNEL OPERATING IT.THIS MANUAL MUST BE CONSULTED
IN ALL CASES WHERE THE WARNING SYMBOL IS MARKED IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE
NATURE OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND ANY ACTIONS WHICH HAVE TO BE TAKEN
TO AVOID THEM.
CAUTION, POSSIBILITY OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Notes are general information meant to make operating the equipment
easier. For information on overall pump operation and maintenance, refer to
the
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual specific to the model
of pump in
question. The information in this bulletin pertains only to the
PULSAlarm® ® leak
detection system supplied as an option on
Pulsafeeder PULSA/PULSAR Series pumps
Tips have been included within this bulletin to help the operator run the
equipment in the most efficient manner possible. These “Tips” are drawn
from the knowledge and experience of our staff engineers, and input from
the field.

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2.0 Introduction
The PULSAlarm® ® is a microprocessor based stroke length control device for use with
the PULSA diaphragm-metering pump. It has been designed to operate in a variety of
industrial environments.
3.0 Foreword
The pumps to which these “instructions” refer to are designed for use in industrial areas
and therefore cannot be treated as retail products. The present documentation gives
instructions to be used by qualified personnel only. It must be used in compliance with
the regulations, laws and technical standards in force and cannot, under any
circumstances, take the place of plant standard or additional regulations, including any
which are not legally enforceable, which have been issued with the scope of ensuring
safety.
Equipment with special manufacturing or constructive variances may differ in details with
respect to this description.
In case of any difficulty, please contact PULSAFEEDER, INC. Technical Service.
The PULSAlarm® is rated for NEMA 7 locations as identified on the nameplate.
The PULSAlarm® complies with both ATEX and IEC IECEx standards.
The following standards apply to this product:
IEC 60079-0 6th Edition
IEC 60079-1 6th Edition
IEC 60079-31 1st Edition
EN 60079-0:2012+A11:2013
EN 60079-1:2007
EN 60079-31:2009

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4.0 ATEX / IECEx Nameplate and Marking
All pumps bear a standard rating nameplate on which it is possible to read, apart
from functional data, all data required for universal identification.
Conduit connections
Conduit connections can carry fluids and vapors into the PULSAlarm®
causing damage and void the warranty. Care should be taken when
installing conduit to protect against fluid/vapor entry. In accordance with
any applicable codes provide sealed entries and conduit drains near the
point of entry as required. For installation purposes, the conduit glands on
the PULSAlarm® are .50-14 NPT.
To reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres, conduit runs must
have a sealing fitting connected within 18 inches of the enclosure for
Division applications. For Zone applications, a seal shall be installed within
50 mm of the enclosure.

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The PULSAlarm® is provided with a nameplate with specific markings of data
required by the directive:
ATEX Marking IECEx Marking
I –Notified body for Quality System
I –Explosive atmosphere
II –Explosive Protection
II –Protection Methods – flameproof
enclosure
III – Gas Group
IV –Equipment Category
IV – Temperature Code or Temperature
Rating (max surface temp = T85°)
V –Combustible Dust Environment
V –Equipment Protection Level –
Equipment suitable for Zones 1,2
VI – Explosive Atmosphere
VII – Protection Method
VIII– Combustible Dust Group
IX –Temperature Class – max surface temp
X –Equipment Protection Level
Agency certificate
number and ratings

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Key to nameplate data – See additional information below:
Design ambient temperature range “Ta”
Unless differently agreed with the customer, can be:
-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C: STD temperature range for all type of pumps
5.0 Description and Theory of Operation
The PULSAlarm® leak detection system utilizes a two-layer PTFE diaphragm, coupled to
a pressure switch.
The system is initially primed by filling the void within the detection assembly and between
the diaphragm layers with a barrier fluid. The setup process then bleeds excess fluid from
between the diaphragm layers until they are in close contact. The system operates as
follows:
During normal pump operation, the two layers of the PTFE diaphragm bear
directly against one another, and there is no pressure generated between the two
layers. The sensing system monitors the space between the layers, which will
remain at zero pressure as long as the diaphragm layers remain undamaged.
In the event of a failure of either layer of the diaphragm, liquid will enter the space
between the two layers. This liquid will be either the hydraulic oil (if the rear layer
fails) or the pumped fluid (if the front layer fails). As the pump operates, this liquid
will generate pressure between the layers of the diaphragm that will then be
transferred outwards by the barrier fluid. This fluid will create pressure against the
pressure switch. This switch has a trip point of 20 psi (1.37 bar). When this
pressure is reached the switch will operate. The pressure system requires a more
complex setup procedure, however once operational it should require no further
maintenance or operator interaction.
The output of the switch on either system (both normally closed and normally
open connections are available) can then signal the failure of the diaphragm. It
is recommended that the pump be stopped in the event a leak is detected.
Immediate attention to the problem, followed by cleanup and appropriate
maintenance, will avoid further damage to the pump.
The barrier fluid used with the pressure-based system should be chosen for compatibility
with the process and environmental conditions. The fluid chosen should have as low a
viscosity as possible to aid in priming the system. Water can be used, and ethylene or
propylene glycol can be added for corrosion and temperature protection. Thin oils such
as silicone oil or mineral oil can also be used. Liquids of higher viscosity will extend the
time required to properly prime the system. Thinner liquids will allow for faster setup.
NOTE: Pulsafeeder supplies as standard low viscosity silicone oil.
System identification is noted on the switch cover nameplate, and also on your
Pulsa Series pump nameplate.

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5.1 PULSAlarm® Reagent Head
The PULSAlarm® leak detection
reagent head assembly consists
of reagent head, leak detection
diaphragm, suction and discharge
check valves, bleed port, and
optional switch and gauge. The
reagent head, diaphragm, suction
and discharge check valves are
the only parts of the pump to
contact the process liquid;
consequently, maintenance is
critical to pump performance
Figure 1 – reagent head
5.2 PULSAlarm® Leak Detection Diaphragm
Double, or sandwiched, PTFE diaphragms are sealed at their peripheries to an intermediate
metal spacer ring. The space between the diaphragms is sealed so that the diaphragm
functions as does a standard single diaphragm. For the pressure system, the space between
the diaphragms is filled with a small amount of fluid. This space is connected to an adjustable
electrical switch (optional) that actuates in response to loss of vacuum or buildup of pressure
resulting from rupture of either or both diaphragms. Switch operation can be used to perform
any external function, typically to signal an alarm or turn off the pump. Refer to Figures 1 and
2.
During installation, ensure that adequate space is available at the front of the
reagent head assembly to allow for service of both the pressure switch and the
diaphragm assembly.

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5.3 DiaphragmConstruction
The adhesive rings aid in assembly and are not present for sealing purposes.
Capillary tube
Process side PTFE layer Adhesive ring
Support ring
Hydraulic side PTFE layer Adhesive ring
Figure 2 – diaphragm construction

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6.0 Electrical
Figure 3 – switch and
housing
If equipped with an optional pressure switch, install electrical wiring and conduit in
accordance with local electrical codes.
The switch is rated as follows:
30VDC or 125 VAC 1 Ampere Resistive.
Electrical Connections
Do not make any electrical connections (high or low voltage) without
adequately grounding the PULSAlarm® and the worker to eliminate any
electrostatic charge between the two. A conductive wrist strap worn by the
worker and attached to the PULSAlarm® enclosure is adequate to satisfy
this requirement.
The switch is the SPDT (single pole, double throw) type and can therefore be
connected to either open or to close upon detection of diaphragm leak condition.
Contacts or wires are identified as follows:
Normally Open (NO) wire color WHITE
Normally Closed (NC) wire color RED
Common (Com) wire color
BLACK
THE ENCLOSURE IS LABELED WITH APPLICABLE SAFETY AGENCY RATINGS
FOR
HAZARDOUS AREA INSTALLATION. SINCE THE SWITCH IS OF THE
MECHANICAL
CONTACT TYPE,IT CAN NEVER QUALIFY AS NON-SPARKING
(NON-INCENDIVE,OR “M”)
FOR OCCASIONAL AND SHORT-TERM
HAZARDOUS AREA USE. PROTECTION MUST BE
PROVIDED BY THE
ENCLOSURE.

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7.0 Setup for Pressure
Pumps incorporating pressure leak detection are shipped from the factory with the
system fully set up to work at full pump pressure. No further setup is required. The
standard factory barrier fluid is silicone oil, if any other customer-specified media is
used it must be compatible with construction materials. The system will require proper
setup after maintenance or repairs see the following page for the proper procedure.
Figure 5 – pressure system
THE BARRIER FLUID USED TO PRIME THE SYSTEM WILL VARY WITH THE
APPLICATION.
THE FLUID SELECTED MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
USED IN THE DIAPHRAGM AND DETECTION
ASSEMBLY. IT SHOULD ALSO BE COMPATIBLE
WITH THE PROCESS FLUID
AND THE PROCESS CONDITIONS

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7.1 Complete re-assembly of the diaphragm, reagent head, and external components if
they were taken apart. Ensure that reagent head and tie-bar bolts are tightened
according to the appropriate torque specifications
7.2 Remove the pressure gauge from the housing body and replace it with a straight
tubing adaptor fitting. This will be referred to in this document as the “outlet side”
Figure 6 – fitting for priming “outlet side”
7.3 Remove the plug from the inlet side needle valve on the front of the reagent head,
and install a hose adaptor fitting. This will be referred to in this document as the
“inlet side”.
Figure 7 – “inlet side”
Fitting

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7.4 Connect a hand pump to the fitting on the outlet side of the system, and apply vacuum,
which serves to pull the barrier fluid through the system.
7.5 Attach the incoming barrier fluid supply under pressure to the inlet side and verify
that the needle valve is open.
7.6 WAIT…. The process will take time. Higher pressure will not help and may
cause damage to the diaphragm. Maintain pressure on the inlet side and
vacuum on the outlet side to move the fluid through the system.
7.7 Observe the fluid at the outlet (vacuum pump) side. When clear, air free fluid is
observed, close the inlet side needle valve and remove the pressure source.
7.8 Replace the plug into the needle valve to seal the system inlet.
7.9 Allow vacuum to remain on the outlet side of the system for approx. 2-3 minutes, this
will aid in the evacuation of excess fluid. Once complete, release the vacuum and
remove the hand pump.
7.10 Attach a short section of tubing to the fitting on the outlet side to catch excess fluid
as the system setup is completed in the next steps.
Figure 8 – bleed tubing
7.11 Ensure that the eccentric box of the pump has been filled to the appropriate level
with the correct hydraulic fluid.
7.12 If the pump is not already hydraulically primed, re-prime it now using the
appropriate procedure for a standard Pulsa Series flat diaphragm pump. If the
diaphragm was never removed, this step should not be necessary. If a new
diaphragm is being installed, the pump will need to be re-primed.
Open to
atmosphere

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7.13 In order to fully balance and evacuate the leak detection system, the pump must
now run at normal discharge pressure for a period of about 30 minutes to one
hour. This ensures that excess barrier fluid is fully evacuated from the system.
7.14 Supply either process fluid, or test fluid (i.e. water) to the suction fitting and ensure
that the discharge system is configured for safe operation. The pump can be
started with minimal discharge pressure and then slowly brought up to full
pressure, if the system allows for this.
7.15 Apply power and start the pump.
7.16 Slowly increase the discharge pressure to full operating pressure, and continue
to run the pump.
7.17 During this time, excess barrier fluid will be displaced from the system into the
length of tubing attached to the outlet side, balancing the system for proper
operation. A small pen mark on the tube can assist in observing this process
visually. Once the liquid in the tube no longer rises, the evacuation should be
complete.
7.18 After the startup period, remove the tubing and connection from the housing
body and reinstall the pressure gauge. Use thread sealing tape as required.
7.19 Verify the connections to the alarm switch if they were disturbed during maintenance.
The pump and pressure leak-detection system are now properly prepared and
ready for normal service.During normal operation, the gauge should indicate
0 (zero) pressure.
Under certain circumstances, the system may not completely evacuate excess
barrier fluid during the procedure as outlined above. In these cases, after
several
days run time, a small amount of pressure may build in the system. If
this occurs,
simply loosen the pressure gauge from the switch housing and
relieve a small
amount of barrier fluid, returning the system to a zero-pressure
state.
Once this startup procedure is completed, the pressure leak detection system
should require no further maintenance.

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8.0 Pressure fill chamber
Under certain conditions, when barrier fluids other than water are used, a pressure
chamber can be fabricated from readily available fittings that allow the barrier fluid to be
fed under pressure to the inlet of the system. Users may wish to fabricate a device
based upon this sketch which will aid in the setup of the pressure-based system.
Pressure inlet
Upper valve
Fluid chamber
Lower valve
Fluid outlet, to
reagent head
Figure 9 – optional fill chamber

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•Connect a vacuum pump to the top fitting of the fluid fill device. Open BOTH
valves on the device.
•Place the lower fill tube into the container of the barrier fluid
•Using the vacuum function, use the hand pump to draw several ounces of fluid up
into the fill device.
•Close both valves on the fill device
•Remove the hose and fitting from the container, and connect the fluid fill device to
the inlet fitting on the pump head (the fitting with the needle valve).
•Open the fill valve (needle valve) on the pump, and then open the two plastic
valves on the fluid fill device.
•Switch the hand pump to the pressure function, and apply a maximum of 15 psi of
pressure to the fluid in the chamber. Once pressure is achieved, close the TOP
valve and disconnect the hand pump. There is now pressure pushing the barrier
fluid into the leak detection system.
•Move the hand pump to the outlet side of the system, switch it to the vacuum
function, and continue with the filling process as outlined in the main document.

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9.0 Maintenance
9.1 Switch Setpoint Adjustment
If the optional switch is purchased, the standard pressure switch is set to actuate at 20
psig.
Use the following procedure to perform a pressure setpoint adjustment:
1. Disconnect the alarm circuit from the vacuum switch.
2. Remove the switch enclosure cover and loosen the knurled locking ring on the switch.
3. Rotate the hex adjusting ring counterclockwise to increase or clockwise to
decrease the setpoint.
4. Verify the new setpoint (refer to the next section).
5. Repeat steps (3) and (4) above until the required setpoint as attained.
6. Tighten the switch locking ring and replace the switch enclosure cover.
7. Reconnect the alarm circuit to the switch.
Use the following procedure to perform a setpoint adjustment test
8. Remove the switch cover and connect ohmmeter leads across the common
terminal and the other terminal used in operation (NO or NC).
9. Record the status of the switch (open or closed).
10. Pressure: remove the pressure gauge, and install a hand pump or other means of
producing a small amount of pressure in the system.
11. Observe the ohmmeter to detect actuation.
The setpoint can be observed by reading the pressure
gauge upon
actuation.

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10.0 PULSAlarm® DiaphragmMaintenance
After diaphragm failure, pressurized process fluid can be present
in any
part of the PULSAlarm® ® leak detection vacuum system. Take
appropriate precautions and handle with care.
Figure 10 – diaphragm and head orientation
11.0 PULSAlarm® Diaphragm Removal
Use the following procedure to remove the Leak Detection Diaphragm:
1. Disconnect the power source to the drive motor.
2. Relieve all pressure from the piping system, and close the inlet and outlet shutoff
valves
3. Take all precautions to prevent environmental and personnel exposure to hazardous
materials.
4. Place a suitable container underneath the pump head to catch any liquid leakage.
5. Disconnect process piping and drain any process liquid, following material
safety precautions.
6. Remove all but one top reagent head bolt. Oil will leak out between the pump
head and reagent head as the bolts are loosened.
7. Tilt the head and pour out any liquids retained by the check valves into a suitable
container, continuing to follow safety precautions as appropriate.
8. Remove the alarm switch assembly or pressure gauge from the reagent head.
9. Remove the bleed valve assembly and flat gasket from the reagent head.
10. Rinse or clean the reagent head with an appropriate material.
11. Remove the diaphragm by running a blunt blade along the periphery and prying it out.