Vega SOLITRAC 31 User manual

Operating Instructions
Radiometric sensor for continuous level
and interface measurement
SOLITRAC 31
Probus PA
Document ID: 43834

2
Contents
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
Contents
1 About this document ............................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Target group ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbols used................................................................................................................... 4
2 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 5
2.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 5
2.5 EU conformity................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 NAMUR recommendations .............................................................................................. 6
2.7 Installation and operation in the USA and Canada ........................................................... 6
2.8 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................... 6
3 Product description ................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Principle of operation........................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Packaging, transport and storage..................................................................................... 8
3.4 Accessories...................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Corresponding source container .................................................................................... 11
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................. 13
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 14
5 Connecting to power supply................................................................................................. 18
5.1 Preparing the connection ............................................................................................... 18
5.2 Connection - Level measurement................................................................................... 21
5.3 Connection - Level detection.......................................................................................... 23
5.4 Connection - Summation................................................................................................ 25
5.5 Set instrument address .................................................................................................. 27
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module ................................................................ 28
6.1 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 28
6.2 Adjustment system......................................................................................................... 29
6.3 Parameter adjustment - Level measurement .................................................................. 30
6.4 Parameter adjustment - Summation Secondary............................................................. 42
6.5 Parameter adjustment - Point level detection.................................................................. 48
6.6 Saving the parameterisation data................................................................................... 59
7 Setup with PACTware............................................................................................................. 61
7.1 Connect the PC.............................................................................................................. 61
7.2 Parameter adjustment with PACTware............................................................................ 61
7.3 Saving the parameterisation data................................................................................... 62
8 Set up with other systems .................................................................................................... 63
8.1 DD adjustment programs ............................................................................................... 63
9 Diagnostics and servicing .................................................................................................... 64
9.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 64
9.2 Status messages............................................................................................................ 64
9.3 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 67

3
Contents
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
9.4 Exchanging the electronics module................................................................................ 68
9.5 Software update............................................................................................................. 69
9.6 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 69
10 Dismount................................................................................................................................. 71
10.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 71
10.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 71
11 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 72
11.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 72
11.2 Device communication Probus PA................................................................................ 77
11.3 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 81
11.4 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 85
11.5 Trademark ...................................................................................................................... 85
Safety instructions for Ex areas
Take note of the Ex specic safety instructions for Ex applications.
These instructions are attached as documents to each instrument
with Ex approval and are part of the operating instructions.
Editing status: 2021-11-25

4
1 About this document
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This instruction provides all the information you need for mounting,
connection and setup as well as important instructions for mainte-
nance, fault rectication, the exchange of parts and the safety of the
user. Please read this information before putting the instrument into
operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate vicinity
of the device.
1.2 Target group
This operating instructions manual is directed to trained personnel.
The contents of this manual must be made available to the qualied
personnel and implemented.
1.3 Symbols used
Document ID
This symbol on the front page of this instruction refers to the Docu-
ment ID. By entering the Document ID on www.vega.com you will
reach the document download.
Information, note, tip: This symbol indicates helpful additional infor-
mation and tips for successful work.
Note: This symbol indicates notes to prevent failures, malfunctions,
damage to devices or plants.
Caution: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in personal injury.
Warning: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in serious or fatal personal injury.
Danger: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
results in serious or fatal personal injury.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
• List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
1 Sequence of actions
Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.
Battery disposal
This symbol indicates special information about the disposal of bat-
teries and accumulators.

5
2 For your safety
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this documentation must be carried out
only by trained, qualied personnel authorised by the plant operator.
During work on and with the device, the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.
2.2 Appropriate use
SOLITRAC 31 is a sensor for continuous level measurement.
You can nd detailed information about the area of application in
chapter " Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
used according to the specications in the operating instructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
2.3 Warning about incorrect use
Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica-
tion-specic hazards, e.g. vessel overll through incorrect mounting
or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental
contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the
instrument can be impaired.
2.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and directives. The instrument must only be operated in a
technically awless and reliable condition. The operator is responsi-
ble for the trouble-free operation of the instrument. When measuring
aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation
if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable
measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.
The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the na-
tional installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and
accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
trary conversions or modications are explicitly forbidden. For safety
reasons, only the accessory specied by the manufacturer must be
used.
To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on
the device must also be observed.
This measuring system uses gamma rays. Therefore take note of the
instructions for radiation protection in chapter " Product description".
Any work on the source container may only be carried out under the
supervision of a qualied radiation protection ocer.

6
2 For your safety
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
2.5 EU conformity
The device fulls the legal requirements of the applicable EU direc-
tives. By axing the CE marking, we conrm the conformity of the
instrument with these directives.
The EU conformity declaration can be found on our homepage.
Electromagnetic compatibility
Instruments in four-wire or Ex-d-ia version are designed for use in an
industrial environment. Nevertheless, electromagnetic interference
from electrical conductors and radiated emissions must be taken into
account, as is usual with class A instruments according to EN 61326-
1. If the instrument is used in a dierent environment, the electromag-
netic compatibility to other instruments must be ensured by suitable
measures.
2.6 NAMUR recommendations
NAMUR is the automation technology user association in the process
industry in Germany. The published NAMUR recommendations are
accepted as the standard in eld instrumentation.
The device fulls the requirements of the following NAMUR recom-
mendations:
• NE 21 – Electromagnetic compatibility of equipment
• NE 43 – Signal level for fault information from measuring transduc-
ers
• NE 53 – Compatibility of eld devices and display/adjustment
components
• NE 107 – Self-monitoring and diagnosis of eld devices
For further information see www.namur.de.
2.7 Installation and operation in the USA and
Canada
This information is only valid for USA and Canada. Hence the follow-
ing text is only available in the English language.
Installations in the US shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70).
Installations in Canada shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the Canadian Electrical Code.
2.8 Environmental instructions
Protection of the environment is one of our most important duties.
That is why we have introduced an environment management system
with the goal of continuously improving company environmental pro-
tection. The environment management system is certied according
to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Please help us full this obligation by observing the environmental
instructions in this manual:
• Chapter " Packaging, transport and storage"
• Chapter " Disposal"

7
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The type label contains the most important data for identication and
use of the instrument:
9
10
4
5
3
6
7
8
9
1
2
Fig. 1: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Product code
3 Electronics
4 Protection rating
5 Ambient temperature
6 Measuring range
7 Hardware and software version
8 Order number
9 Serial number of the instrument
10 ID numbers, instrument documentation
The type label contains the serial number of the instrument. With it
you can nd the following instrument data on our homepage:
• Product code (HTML)
• Delivery date (HTML)
• Order-specic instrument features (HTML)
• Operating instructions and quick setup guide at the time of ship-
ment (PDF)
• Test certicate (PDF) - optional
Move to " www.vega.com" and enter in the search eld the serial
number of your instrument.
Alternatively, you can access the data via your smartphone:
• Download the VEGA Tools app from the " Apple App Store" or the
" Google Play Store"
• Scan the QR-code on the type label of the device or
• Enter the serial number manually in the app
This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
versions:
• Hardware from 1.0.5
• Software from 2.1.0
Type label
Serial number - Instru-
ment search
Scope of this operating
instructions

8
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
The instrument is available in dierent electronics versions. Each ver-
sion can be identied via the product code on the type label:
• Standard electronics type PROTRACPAFF.-XX
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• Radiometric sensor
• Mounting accessories
• Documentation
• Bluetooth module (optional)
– This operating instructions manual
– Ex-specic " Safety instructions" (with Ex versions)
– If necessary, further certicates
3.2 Principle of operation
The instrument is suitable for applications in liquids and bulk solids in
vessels under dicult process conditions. There are application pos-
sibilities in nearly all areas of industry.
The level is detected contactlessly right through the vessel wall.
Neither a process tting nor a vessel opening are required. The instru-
ment is thus ideal for retro installation.
In radiometric measurement, a Caesium-137 or Cobalt-60 isotope
emits focussed gamma rays that are attenuated when penetrating
the vessel wall and the medium. The PVT detector on the opposite
side of the tank receives the radiation, whose strength is dependent
on the level. The measuring principle has proven to be very reliable
in conjunction with extreme process conditions because it measures
contactlessly from outside through the vessel wall. The measuring
system ensures maximum safety, reliability and plant availability,
independently of the medium and its properties.
3.3 Packaging, transport and storage
Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
based on ISO 4180.
The packaging consists of environment-friendly, recyclable card-
board. For special versions, PE foam or PE foil is also used. Dispose
of the packaging material via specialised recycling companies.
Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
damage to the device.
The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit
damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or con-
cealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.
Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and
stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the
outside.
Electronics versions
Scope of delivery
Application area
Functional principle
Packaging
Transport
Transport inspection
Storage

9
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under
the following conditions:
• Not in the open
• Dry and dust free
• Not exposed to corrosive media
• Protected against solar radiation
• Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration
• Storage and transport temperature see chapter " Supplement -
Technical data - Ambient conditions"
• Relative humidity 20 … 85 %
With instrument weights of more than 18 kg (39.68 lbs) suitable and
approved equipment must be used for lifting and carrying.
3.4 Accessories
The display and adjustment module is used for measured value indi-
cation, adjustment and diagnosis.
The integrated Bluetooth module (optional) enables wireless adjust-
ment via standard adjustment devices.
The interface adapter VEGACONNECT enables the connection of
communication-capable instruments to the USB interface of a PC.
The VEGADIS 81 is an external display and adjustment unit for VEGA
plics®sensors.
The electronics module PT30… is a replacement part for radiometric
sensors SOLITRAC 31.
It is located in the large electronics and connection compartment.
The electronics module can only be exchanged by VEGA service
technician.
The supplementary electronics module PROTRAC.ZE… is a replace-
ment part for radiometric sensors SOLITRAC 31.
It is located in the lateral adjustment and connection compartment.
The radiometric sensor has temperature limits which must not be
exceeded. In case the max. permissible temperature is exceeded,
faulty measurements and a permanent damage of the sensor can be
caused.
You have several possibilities to avoid too high ambient temperatures:
Passive sun shade
Direct sun increases the temperature on the sensor by 20 °K. The
best possibility to protect the sensor against the eects of direct sun
is a suitable roof structure.
If this is not possible or only with great eort, then you can use the
passive sun shade. The passive sun shade consists of a housing sun
Storage and transport
temperature
Lifting and carrying
PLICSCOM
VEGACONNECT
VEGADIS 81
Electronics module -
PT30
Supplementary electron-
ics module - PROTRAC.
ZE
Device cooling

10
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
shade and a sun protection hose and can reduce the sensor tempera-
ture by 10 °K.
Air cooling
For ambient temperatures up to +80 °C you can use an air cooling.
The cooling air is generated with vortex coolers. Please check if suf-
cient compressed air is available. You can nd further information
in the supplementary instructions of the air cooling. The air cooling
cannot be retrotted.
Water cooling
For ambient temperatures up to +100 °C you can use a water cool-
ing. Please check if sucient cooled water is available. You can nd
further information in the supplementary instructions of the water
cooling. The water cooling cannot be retrotted.
In order to exclude external interference radiation, you can mount a
gamma modulator in front of the source holder. This allows reliable
measurement even when interference radiation occurs.
Fig. 2: Gamma modulator (optional) for uninterrupted measurement even with
interference radiation
1 Gamma modulator (mounted on the source holder)
For ambient temperatures up to 120 °C (248 °C) the gamma modula-
tor is optionally available with water cooling.
Any number of devices can be synchronized. To synchronize several
gamma modulators, you need a controller.
Gamma modulator

11
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
The shielding for PROTRAC detectors is a mechanical protection
shield to reduce the inuence of external radiation on the sensor. This
is the case, for example, with external radiation sources, background
radiation or other radiometric measuring systems.
3.5 Corresponding source container
A radioactive isotope in a suitable source holder is the prerequisite for
a radiometric measurement setup.
The handling of radioactive substances is regulated by law. The radia-
tion protection rules of the country in which the system is operated
apply rst and foremost.
In Germany, for example, the current radiation protection ordinance
(StrlSchV) based on the Atomic Energy Law (AtG) applies.
The following points are important for measurement with radiometric
methods:
A handling permit is required for operation of a system using gamma
rays. This permit is issued by the respective government oce or the
responsible authority (in Germany, for example, oces for environ-
mental protection, trade supervisory boards, etc.)
You can nd further instructions in the operating instructions manual
of the source container.
When handling radioactive sources, unnecessary radiation exposure
must be avoided. An unavoidable radiation exposure must be kept as
low as possible. Take note of the following three important measures:
1 2 3
Fig. 3: Measures for protection against radioactive radiation
1 Shielding
2 Time
3 Distance
Shielding: Provide good shielding between the source and your-
self as well as all other persons. Special source containers (e.g.
VEGASOURCE) as well as all materials with high density (e.g. lead,
iron, concrete, etc.) provide eective shielding.
Time: Stay as short a time as possible in radiation exposed areas.
Distance: Your distance to the source should be as large as possible.
The local dose rate of the radiation decreases in proportion to the
square of the distance to the radiation source.
Shielding
Handling permit
General instructions for
radiation protection

12
3 Product description
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
The plant operator must appoint a radiation safety ocer with the
necessary expert knowledge. He is responsible for ensuring that the
radiation protection ordinance is complied with and for implementing
all radiation protection measures.
Control areas are areas in which the local dose rate exceeds a certain
value. Only persons who undergo ocial dose monitoring are allowed
into these control areas. You can nd the respectively valid limit values
for control areas in the guideline of the respective authority (in Ger-
many, for example, the radiation protection ordinance).
We are at your disposal for further information concerning radiation
protection and regulations in other countries.
Radiationsafetyocer
Control area

13
4 Mounting
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions
The source container is part of the measuring system. In case the
source container is already equipped with an active isotope, the
source container must be locked before mounting.
Danger:
Before mounting; make sure that the source is securely closed. Use
a padlock to secure the source container in the closed condition and
prevent it from being inadvertently opened.
Protect your instrument against moisture ingress through the following
measures:
• Use a suitable connection cable (see chapter " Connecting to
power supply")
• Tighten the cable gland or plug connector
• Lead the connection cable downward in front of the cable entry or
plug connector
This applies mainly to outdoor installations, in areas where high
humidity is expected (e.g. through cleaning processes) and on cooled
or heated vessels.
Note:
Make sure that during installation or maintenance no moisture or dirt
can get inside the instrument.
To maintain the housing protection, make sure that the housing lid is
closed during operation and locked, if necessary.
Note:
For safety reasons, the instrument must only be operated within the
permissible process conditions. You can nd detailed information on
the process conditions in chapter " Technical data" of the operating
instructions or on the type label.
Hence make sure before mounting that all parts of the instrument ex-
posed to the process are suitable for the existing process conditions.
These are mainly:
• Active measuring component
• Process tting
• Process seal
Process conditions in particular are:
• Process pressure
• Process temperature
• Chemical properties of the medium
• Abrasion and mechanical inuences
Switchosource
Protection against mois-
ture
Process conditions

14
4 Mounting
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
Metric threads
In the case of instrument housings with metric thread, the cable
glands are screwed in at the factory. They are sealed with plastic
plugs as transport protection.
You have to remove these plugs before electrical connection.
NPT thread
In the case of instrument housings with self-sealing NPT threads, it is
not possible to have the cable entries screwed in at the factory. The
free openings for the cable glands are therefore covered with red dust
protection caps as transport protection.
Prior to setup you have to replace these protective caps with ap-
proved cable glands or close the openings with suitable blind plugs.
The suitable cable glands and blind plugs come with the instrument.
4.2 Mounting instructions
Note:
During the planning, our specialists will analyse the conditions of the
measurement loop to dimension the isotope accordingly.
You get a "Source Sizing" document specifying the required source
activity and containing all relevant mounting information for your
measuring point.
You must follow the instructions in this "Source Sizing" document in
addition to the following mounting instructions.
The following mounting information is applicable as long as there is
nothing else specied in the "Source Sizing" document.
Fig. 4: Level measurement in a storage tank
Cable glands
Installation position

15
4 Mounting
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
You can nd information on protective barriers and the mounting
of the corresponding source container in the operating instructions
manual of the source container, e.g. VEGASOURCE.
You can mount the SOLITRAC 31 with the housing head upward or
downward. When the housing head is mounted downward, the hous-
ing itself is more easily accessible.
Fasten the sensor in such a way that it cannot fall out of the holder. If
necessary, provide the sensor with a support from below.
Direct the exit angle of the source container to the SOLITRAC 31.
Mount the source container as close as possible to the vessel. If there
are gaps, secure the area with a safety fence and protective grating
so that no one can reach into the dangerous area.
You can mount the sensor on your vessel with the enclosed mounting
clamps. From a sensor length > 1.5 m (4.9 ft) two mounting clamps
are attached to SOLITRAC 31.
Adapt the distances of the attached mounting clamps.
1
2
3
4
Fig. 5: Mounting clamp
1 Screw M8 x 80
2 Hinge bolt clamp
3 Detector tube
4 Console
1. Determine the exact mounting position of one or several mounting
clamps and mark the holes.
Align the mounting positions exactly and average the distances
between the enclosed mounting clamps.
Drill appropriate holes (max. M12) for fastening the mounting
clamps.
2. For mounting, insert the detector tube (3) into the V-shape holding
xture of the console (4).
Draw the hinge bolt clamp (2) according to the illustration through
the console (4).
Screw the hinge bolt clamp (2) together and tighten the screw (1)
with a max. torque of 20 Nm (14.75 lbf/ft).
Note:
The mounting clamps do not come with fastening screws. Use fasten-
ing elements that are appropriate for the situation in your plant.
Mounting clamps

16
4 Mounting
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
To measure the level in very high vessels, multiple instruments can be
cascaded.
Cascading means that two or several instruments are connected
which can together cover a longer measuring range.
You can nd the exact number of possible Secondaries in the "
Safety Manual".
L1L2
h
1
Fig. 6: Installation position - cascading arrangement
h Summed measuring range
L Measurement length (L1, L2)
1 Red marking line for designating the measuring range
Here, one instrument acts as a Primary and all other instruments
operate as Summation Secondary. The pulse rates of all instruments
are summed in the Primary instrument and converted into a common
signal.
If several sensors are cascaded, the measuring ranges of the indi-
vidual detectors must directly join each other. The detectors must also
slightly overlap.
Make sure that the red marking lines directly join the measuring range
of the next SOLITRAC 31.
Mount the SOLITRAC 31 in such a way that the detector tube is
directly in the radiated area of the source container. Mount the
SOLITRAC 31 preferably side by side and make sure that no detector
tube is hidden by another sensor.
Summation

17
4 Mounting
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
On vessels with temperature insulation, the sensor and the source
container should be preferably mounted outside of the tank insulation.
Fig. 7: Level measurement on a heated vessel with heat insulation
If this is not possible, make sure that there is a suciently large
cut-out in the tank insulation for mounting the sensor and the source
container. Make sure that the max. ambient temperature of the sensor
is not exceeded.
If the max. ambient temperature is exceeded, you must take suitable
measures to protect the instrument against overheating.
You can protect the instrument by providing a suitable insulation
against the heat or mounting the instrument further away from the
heat source.
Make sure these measures are taken into account already in the plan-
ning stage. If you want to carry out such measures later on, contact
our specialists to ensure that the accuracy of the application is not
impaired.
If these measures are not sucient to maintain the max. ambient
temperature, you could consider using the water or air cooling system
we oer for SOLITRAC 31.
The cooling system must also be included in the calculations for the
measuring point. Contact our specialists regarding the dimensioning
of the cooling.
Vessel with heat insula-
tion
Protection against heat

18
5 Connecting to power supply
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
5 Connecting to power supply
5.1 Preparing the connection
Always keep in mind the following safety instructions:
• The electrical connection must only be carried out by trained,
qualied personnel authorised by the plant operator.
• If overvoltage surges are expected, overvoltage arresters should
be installed.
Warning:
Only connect or disconnect in de-energized state.
Note:
Install a disconnecting device for the instrument which is easy to
access. The disconnecting device must be marked for the instrument
(IEC/EN 61010).
The instrument is designed in protection class I. To maintain this
protection class, it is absolutely necessary that the ground conductor
be connected to the internal ground terminal. Take note of the national
installation regulations.
Supply voltage and signal output are carried on separate connection
cables if reliable separation is required. The supply voltage range can
dier depending on the instrument version.
The data for power supply are specied in chapter " Technical data".
General requirements
• Make sure that the cable used has the required temperature resist-
ance and re safety for max. occurring ambient temperature
• Use cable with round cross section for instruments with housing
and cable gland. To ensure the seal eect of the cable gland (IP
protection rating), nd out which cable outer diameter the cable
gland is suitable for.
• Use a cable gland tting the cable diameter.
• Unused cable glands do not oer sucient protection against
moisture and must be replaced by blind plugs.
Voltage supply
For power supply, an approved, three-wire installation cable with PE
conductor is required.
Signal cable
Use for the signal output a cable according to the respective bus
specications.
Metric threads
In the case of instrument housings with metric thread, the cable
glands are screwed in at the factory. They are sealed with plastic
plugs as transport protection.
You have to remove these plugs before electrical connection.
Safety instructions
Voltage supply via mains
voltage
Select connection cable
Cable glands

19
5 Connecting to power supply
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
NPT thread
In the case of instrument housings with self-sealing NPT threads, it is
not possible to have the cable entries screwed in at the factory. The
free openings for the cable glands are therefore covered with red dust
protection caps as transport protection.
Before setup you have to replace these protective caps with approved
cable glands or close the openings with suitable blind plugs. Unused
cable glands do not provide sucient protection against moisture and
must be replaced with blind plugs.
The suitable cable glands and blind plugs come with the instrument.
Make sure that the cable screen and grounding are carried out ac-
cording to Fieldbus specication. We recommend to connect the
cable screening to ground potential on both ends.
In systems with potential equalisation, connect the cable screening
directly to ground potential at the power supply unit, in the connection
box and at the sensor. The screen in the sensor must be connected
directly to the internal ground terminal. The ground terminal outside
on the housing must be connected to the potential equalisation (low
impedance).
The voltage supply and signal output are connected via the spring-
loaded terminals in the housing.
Connection to the display and adjustment module or to the interface
adapter is carried out via contact pins in the housing.
Proceed as follows:
The procedure applies to instruments without explosion protection.
1. Unscrew the big housing cover
2. Loosen compression nut of the cable gland and remove blind
plug
3. Remove approx. 10 cm (4 in) of the cable mantle, strip approx.
1 cm (0.4 in) of insulation from the ends of the individual wires
4. Insert the cable into the sensor through the cable entry
Cable screening and
grounding
Connection technology
Connection procedure

20
5 Connecting to power supply
SOLITRAC 31 • Probus PA
43834-EN-211203
1
Fig. 8: Connection steps 4 and 5
1 Locking of the terminal blocks
5. Insert a small slotted screwdriver rmly into the rectangular lock
openings of the respective connection terminal
6. Insert the wire ends into the round openings of the terminals ac-
cording to the wiring plan
Information:
Solid cores as well as exible cores with cable end sleeves are
inserted directly into the terminal openings. In case of exible cores
without end sleeves, press the rectangular lock opening with a small
screwdriver; the terminal opening is freed. When the screwdriver is
released, the terminal opening closes again.
7. Check the hold of the wires in the terminals by lightly pulling on
them
To loosen a line, insert a small slotted screwdriver rmly into the
rectangular lock opening according to the illustration
8. Connect the shielding to the internal ground terminal, connect the
external ground terminal to potential equalisation
9. Tighten the compression nut of the cable entry gland. The seal
ring must completely encircle the cable
10. Screw the housing lid back on
The electrical connection is nished.
Information:
The terminal blocks are pluggable and can be detached from the
electronics. To do this, loosen the two lateral locking levers of the
terminal block with a small screwdriver. When loosening the locking,
the terminal block is automatically squeezed out. It must snap in place
when re-inserted.