Vega VEGAFLEX 81 User manual

Operating Instructions
TDR sensor for continuous level and
interface measurement of liquids
VEGAFLEX 81
Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
Converter version in second chamber
Rod and cable probe
Document ID: 41828

2
Contents
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
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................................................................................... 11
3.4 Accessories and replacement parts ............................................................................... 11
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 15
5 Connecting to power supply and bus system .................................................................... 23
5.1 Preparing the connection ............................................................................................... 23
5.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Wiring plan ..................................................................................................................... 25
5.4 Double chamber housing with VEGADIS-Adapter.......................................................... 27
5.5 Supplementary electronics............................................................................................. 27
5.6 Switch-on phase............................................................................................................. 28
6 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module ............................................. 29
6.1 Adjustment volume......................................................................................................... 29
6.2 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 29
6.3 Adjustment system......................................................................................................... 30
6.4 Parameter adjustment - Quick setup .............................................................................. 31
6.5 Parameter adjustment - Extended adjustment................................................................ 31
6.6 Saving the parameterisation data................................................................................... 49
7 Setting up sensor and Modbus interface with PACTware.................................................. 51
7.1 Connect the PC.............................................................................................................. 51
7.2 Parameter adjustment with PACTware............................................................................ 52
7.3 Set instrument address .................................................................................................. 53
7.4 Set up with the quick setup............................................................................................. 54
7.5 Saving the parameterisation data................................................................................... 56
8 Diagnostics and servicing .................................................................................................... 57
8.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 57
8.2 Diagnosis memory ......................................................................................................... 57
8.3 Status messages............................................................................................................ 58

3
Contents
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
8.4 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 61
8.5 Exchanging the electronics module................................................................................ 64
8.6 Exchanging the cable/rod............................................................................................... 65
8.7 Software update ............................................................................................................. 66
8.8 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 67
9 Dismount................................................................................................................................. 68
9.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 68
9.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 68
10 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 69
10.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 69
10.2 Basics Modbus............................................................................................................... 80
10.3 Modbus register ............................................................................................................. 82
10.4 Modbus RTU commands ............................................................................................... 84
10.5 Levelmaster commands ................................................................................................. 87
10.6 CongurationoftypicalModbushosts ........................................................................... 90
10.7 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 92
10.8 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 97
10.9 Trademark ...................................................................................................................... 97
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: 2018-11-05

4
1 About this document
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This operating instructions provides all the information you need for
mounting, connection and setup as well as important instructions for
maintenance,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, tip, note
This symbol indicates helpful additional information.
Caution: If this warning is ignored, faults or malfunctions can result.
Warning: If this warning is ignored, injury to persons and/or serious
damage to the instrument can result.
Danger: If this warning is ignored, serious injury to persons and/or
destruction of the instrument can result.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
• List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
→ Action
This arrow indicates a single action.
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
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
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
VEGAFLEX 81 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.
During the entire duration of use, the user is obliged to determine the
compliance of the necessary occupational safety measures with the
current valid rules and regulations and also take note of new regula-
tions.
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 and their meaning read in this oper-
ating instructions manual.

6
2 For your safety
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
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.
YoucanndtheEUconformitydeclarationonourwebsiteunder
www.vega.com/downloads.
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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
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
Thetypelabelcontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the instrument:
2
1
12
13
14
15
11
10
5
3
6
4
7
8
9
Fig. 1: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Product code
3 Approvals
4 Power supply and signal output, electronics
5 Protection rating
6 Probe length (measurement accuracy optional)
7 Process and ambient temperature, process pressure
8 Material wetted parts
9 Order number
10 Serial number of the instrument
11 Symbol of the device protection class
12 ID numbers, instrument documentation
13 Reminder to observe the instrument documentation
14 NotiedauthorityforCEmarking
15 Approval directives
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)
• Order-specicsensordataforanelectronicsexchange(XML)
• Testcerticate(PDF)-optional
Go to "www.vega.com", "Search". Enter the serial number.
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 Data Matrix code on the type label of the instrument or
Type label
Serial number - Instru-
ment search

8
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
• Enter the serial number manually in the app
Theinstrumentcontainstwodierentelectronicsinitshousingcham-
bers:
• The Modbus electronics for power supply and communication with
the Modbus-RTU
• The sensor electronics for the actual measuring tasks
2
1
Fig. 2: Position of Modbus and sensor electronics
1 Modbus electronics
2 Sensor electronics
This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
versions:
• Hardware from 1.0.0
• Software from 1.3.0
• OnlyforinstrumentversionswithoutSILqualication
This electronics version can be determined via the product code on
the type label as well as on the electronics.
• Standard electronics:Type FX80HK.-
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• Sensor
• Optional accessory
• Optionally integrated Bluetooth module
• Documentation
– Quick setup guide VEGAFLEX 81
– Instructions for optional instrument features
– Ex-specic"Safety instructions" (with Ex versions)
– Ifnecessary,furthercerticates
Information:
In this operating instructions manual, the optional instrument features
are described.The respective scope of delivery results from the order
specication.
3.2 Principle of operation
The VEGAFLEX 81 is a level sensor with cable or rod probe for
continuous level or interface measurement, suitable for applications
in liquids.
Electronics design
Scope of this operating
instructions
Versions
Scope of delivery
Application area

9
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
High frequency microwave pulses are guided along a steel cable or
a rod. Upon reaching the product surface, the microwave pulses are
reected.Therunningtimeisevaluatedbytheinstrumentandoutput
as level.
d
h
1
Fig. 3: Level measurement
1 Sensorreferenceplane(sealsurfaceoftheprocesstting)
d Distance to the level
h Height - Level
High frequency microwave impulses are guided along a steel cable or
rod. Upon reaching the product surface, a part of the microwave im-
pulsesisreected.Theotherpartpassesthroughtheupperproduct
andisreectedbytheinterface.Therunningtimestothetwoproduct
layers are processed by the instrument.
Functional principle -
level measurement
Functional principle - in-
terface measurement

10
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
TS
d1
h1
h2
d2
1
L2
L1
L3
Fig. 4: Interface measurement
1 Sensorreferenceplane(sealsurfaceoftheprocesstting)
d1 Distance to the interface
d2 Distance to the level
TS Thickness of the upper medium (d1 - d2)
h1 Height - Interface
h2 Height - Level
L1 Lower medium
L2 Upper medium
L3 Gas phase
Upper medium (L2)
• The upper medium must not be conductive
• The dielectric constant of the upper medium or the actual distance
to the interface must be known (input required). Min. dielectric con-
stant:1.6.Youcanndalistofdielectricconstantsonourhome
page: www.vega.com.
• The composition of the upper medium must be stable, no varying
products or mixtures
• Theuppermediummustbehomogeneous,nostratications
within the medium
• Min. thickness of the upper medium 50 mm (1.97 in)
• Clear separation from the lower medium, emulsion phase or detri-
tus layer max. 50 mm (1.97 in)
• If possible, no foam on the surface
Lower medium (L1)
• The dielectric constant must be 10 higher than the dielectric
constant of the upper medium, preferably electrically conductive.
Example: upper medium dielectric constant 2, lower medium at
least dielectric constant 12.
Gas phase (L3)
• Air or gas mixture
• Gas phase - dependent on the application, gas phase does not
always exist (d2 = 0)
Prerequisites for inter-
face measurement

11
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
The instrument is always preset to the application "Level measure-
ment".
For the interface measurement, you can select the requested output
signal with the setup.
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 of standard instruments consists of environment-
friendly, recyclable cardboard. 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.
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 and replacement parts
The display and adjustment module PLICSCOM is used for measured
value indication, adjustment and diagnosis. It can be inserted into the
sensor or the external display and adjustment unit and removed at
any time.
The integrated Bluetooth module (optional) enables wireless adjust-
ment via standard adjustment devices:
• Smartphone/tablet (iOS or Android operating system)
• PC/notebook with Bluetooth USB adapter (Windows operating
system)
Output signal
Packaging
T
ransport
Transport inspection
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature
Lifting and carrying
PLICSCOM

12
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructions"Display
andadjustmentmodulePLICSCOM" (Document-ID 36433).
The interface adapter VEGACONNECT enables the connection of
communication-capable instruments to the USB interface of a PC. For
parameter adjustment of these instruments, the adjustment software
PACTware with VEGA-DTM is required.
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructions"Interface
adapterVEGACONNECT" (Document-ID 32628).
The VEGADIS 81 is an external display and adjustment unit for VEGA
plics®sensors.
For sensors with double chamber housing the interface adapter
"VEGADISadapter" is also required for VEGADIS 81.
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructions
"VEGADIS81" (Document-ID 43814).
The VEGADIS adapter is an accessory part for sensors with double
chamber housings. It enables the connection of VEGADIS 81 to the
sensor housing via an M12 x 1 plug.
Youcanndfurtherinformationinthesupplementaryinstructions
"VEGADISadapter" (Document-ID 45250).
The protective cover protects the sensor housing against soiling and
intense heat from solar radiation.
Youwillndadditionalinformationinthesupplementaryinstructions
manual "Protective cover" (Document-ID 34296).
Screwedangesareavailableindierentversionsaccordingtothe
following standards: DIN 2501, EN 1092-1, BS 10, ASME B 16.5,
JIS B 2210-1984, GOST 12821-80.
Youcanndadditionalinformationinthesupplementaryinstructions
manual "FlangesaccordingtoDIN-EN-ASME-JIS".
The electronics module VEGAFLEX series 80 is a replacement part
forTDRsensorsofVEGAFLEXseries80.Thereisadierentversion
available for each type of signal output.
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructionsmanual
"ElectronicsmoduleVEGAFLEXseries80".
The electronics module Modbus is a replacement part for TDR sen-
sors of VEGAFLEX series 80.
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructionsmanual
"ElectronicsmoduleModbusVEGAFLEXseries80".
The display and adjustment module can be optionally replaced by a
display and adjustment module with heating function.
You can use this display and adjustment module in an ambient tem-
perature range of -40 … +70 °C.
VEGACONNECT
VEGADIS 81
VEGADIS adapter
Protective cover
Flanges
Electronics module
Electronics module,
Modbus
Display and adjustment
module with heating

13
3 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructions"Display
and adjustment module with heating" (Document-ID 31708).
If the standard sensor housing is too big or in case of strong vibra-
tions, an external housing can be used.
Then the sensor housing is made of stainless steel. The electronics is
located in the external housing which can be mounted in a distance of
up to 10 m (147 ft) to the sensor by using a connection cable.
Youcanndadditionalinformationintheoperatinginstructions
manual "Externalhousing" (Document-ID 46802).
If you are using an instrument in rod version, you can extend the rod
probewithcurvedsegmentsandrodextensionsofdierentlengths.
All extensions used must not exceed a total length of 6 m (19.7 ft).
The extensions are available in the following lengths:
Rod ø 12 mm (0.472 in)
• Basic segments: 20 … 5900 mm (0.79 … 232 in)
• Rod segments: 20 … 5900 mm (0.79 … 232 in)
• Curved segments: 100 x 100 mm (3.94 … 3.94 in)
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructionsmanual
"RodandcablecomponentsVEGAFLEX80series".
The combination of a bypass tube and a VEGAFLEX 81 enables con-
tinuous level measurement outside the vessel. The bypass consists
of a standpipe which is mounted as a communicating container on
thesideofthevesselviatwoprocessttings.Thiskindofmounting
ensures that the level in the standpipe and the level in the vessel are
the same.
Thelengthandtheprocessttingscanbeconguredindividually.No
dierentconnectionversionsavailable.
Youcanndfurtherinformationintheoperatinginstructionsmanual
"BypasstubeVEGAPASS81".
If you mount the VEGAFLEX 81 in a bypass tube or standpipe, you
have to avoid contact to the bypass tube by using a spacer at the
probe end.
Youcanndadditionalinformationintheoperatinginstructions
manual "Centering".
If there is a risk of the cable probe touching the vessel wall during
operation due to product movements or agitators, etc., the measuring
probe can be strained.
Cables with a diameter up to 8 mm (0.315 in) can thus be strained.
For this purpose there is an internal thread (M12 or M8) in the gravity
weight.
External housing
Rod components
Bypass pipe
Centering
Fixing facility

14
4 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions
Ondeviceswithathreadedtting,thehexagonontheprocesstting
must be tightened with a suitable wrench.
See chapter "Dimensions"forwrenchsize.
Warning:
The housing or the electrical connection may not be used for screw-
ing in! Tightening can cause damage, e. g. to the rotation mechanism
of the housing.
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
• Whenmountinghorizontally,turnthehousingsothatthecable
gland or plug connector point downward
• 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.
To maintain the housing protection, make sure that the housing lid is
closed during operation and locked, if necessary.
Makesurethatthedegreeofcontaminationspeciedinchapter
"Technical data" meets the existing ambient conditions.
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.The dust protection caps do
notprovidesucientprotectionagainstmoisture.
Prior to setup you have to replace these protective caps with ap-
proved cable glands or close the openings with suitable blind plugs.
Make sure before mounting that all parts of the instrument exposed to
the process are suitable for the existing process conditions.
These are mainly:
• Active measuring component
• Processtting
• Process seal
Screwing in
Protection against mois-
ture
Cable glands
Suitability for the process
conditions

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VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
Process conditions in particular are:
• Process pressure
• Process temperature
• Chemical properties of the medium
• Abrasionandmechanicalinuences
Youcannddetailedinformationontheprocessconditionsinchapter
"Technical data" as well as on the type label.
The instrument is suitable for standard and extended ambient condi-
tions acc. to IEC/EN 61010-1.
4.2 Mounting instructions
Mount VEGAFLEX 81 in such a way that the distance to vessel instal-
lations or to the vessel wall is at least 300 mm (12 in). In non-metallic
vessels, the distance to the vessel wall should be at least 500 mm
(19.7 in).
During operation, the probe must not touch any installations or the
vessel wall. If necessary, fasten the probe end.
In vessels with conical bottom it can be advantageous to mount the
sensor in the center of the vessel, as measurement is then possible
nearly down to the lowest point of the bottom. Keep in mind that
measurement all the way down to the tip of the probe may not be pos-
sible.The exact value of the min. distance (lower dead band) is stated
in chapter "Technical data" of the operating instructions.
Fig. 5: Vessel with conical bottom
Plastic vessel/Glass vessel
The guided microwave principle requires a metallic surface on the
processtting.Therefore,inplasticvessels,etc.,useaninstru-
mentversionwithange(fromDN50)orplaceametalsheet
(ø>200mm/8in)beneaththeprocessttingwhenscrewingitin.
Makesurethattheplatehasdirectcontactwiththeprocesstting.
When mounting rod or cable probes in vessels without metal walls,
e.g.inplasticvessels,themeasuredvaluecanbeinuencedby
strongelectromagneticelds(emittedinterferenceaccordingto
EN 61326: class A). In this case, use a probe with coaxial version.
Suitability for the ambient
conditions
Installation position
Type of vessel

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VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
1 2
Fig. 6: Mounting in non-metallic vessel
1 Flange
2 Metal sheet
Ifpossible,avoidsockets.Mountthesensorushwiththevesseltop.
If this is not possible, use short sockets with small diameter.
Higher sockets or sockets with a bigger diameter can generally be
used.They can, however, increase the upper blocking distance (dead
band). Check if this is relevant for your measurement.
In such cases, always carry out a false signal suppression after
mounting.Youcanndfurtherinformationunder"Setup procedure".
h
d
dh
DN25...DN150
>DN150...DN200 ≤150mm(5.91")
≤100mm(3.94")
Fig. 7: Mounting socket
Whenweldingthesocket,makesurethatthesocketisushwiththe
vessel top.
Mounting socket

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VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
1 2
Fig.8:Socketmustbeinstalledush
1 Unfavourable mounting
2 Socketush-optimummounting
Before beginning the welding work, remove the electronics module
from the sensor. By doing this, you avoid damage to the electronics
through inductive coupling.
Donotmounttheinstrumentsinorabovethellingstream.Makesure
thatyoudetecttheproductsurface,nottheinowingproduct.
Fig.9:Mountingofthesensorwithinowingmedium
The reference plane for the measuring range of the sensors is the
sealingsurfaceofthethreadorange.
Keep in mind that a min. distance must be maintained below the refer-
ence plane and possibly also at the end of the probe - measurement
in these areas is not possible (dead band).The length of the cable
can be used all the way to the end only when measuring conductive
products.Theseblockingdistancesfordierentmediumsarelisted
in chapter "Technical data". Keep in mind for the adjustment that the
default setting for the measuring range refers to water.
Welding work
Inowingmedium
Measuring range

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VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
Theprocessttingmustbesealedifthereisgaugeorlowpressurein
the vessel. Before use, check if the seal material is resistant against
the measured product and the process temperature.
Themax.permissiblepressureisspeciedinchapter"Technical
data" or on the type label of the sensor.
Standpipes or bypass tubes are normally metal tubes with a diameter
of 30 … 200 mm (1.18 … 7.87 in). Up to a diameter of 80 mm (3.15
in) such a tube corresponds to a coax measuring probe. Lateral inlets
inbypasstubesdonotinuencethemeasurement.
Measuring probes can be mounted in bypass tubes up to DN 200.
For bypass tubes, select the probe length such that the blocking
distance (dead band) of the probe is above and below the lower
lateralllingopeningsofthebypasstube.Youcanthusmeasurethe
complete range of the medium in the bypass tube (h). When design-
ing the bypass tube, keep the blocking distance of the probe in mind
andselectthelengthofthebypasstubeabovetheupperlaterallling
opening accordingly.
Microwaves can penetrate many plastics.This is why plastic tubes are
problematic for measurement applications. If durability is no problem,
we recommend the use of uncoated metal standpipes.
When the VEGAFLEX 81 is used in bypass tubes, contact with the
tube wall must be avoided.We recommend for this purpose a cable
probe with centering weight.
Caution:
When mounting, make sure that the cable is straight over its entire
length. A kink in the cable can cause measurement errors and contact
with the tube.
With rod probes, a spacer is generally not required. However, if there
is a risk of the rod probe being pressed against the tube wall by in-
owingmedium,youshouldmountaspacerattheprobeendtoavoid
contact with the tube wall. In the case of cable probes, the cable can
be strained.
Keep in mind that the lower block distance underneath the spacer
increases if spacers are used.
Buildupcanformonthespacers.Strongbuildupcaninuencethe
measurement.
Pressure
Bypass tubes

19
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VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
1
2 3
h
Fig. 10: Mounting in a bypass tube - Position of the spacer or the centering
weight
1 Rodprobewithspacer(PEEK)
2 Cableprobewithcenteringweight
3 Spacer(PEEK)onthegravityweightofacableprobe
h Measurable tube section
Note:
Measurement in a standpipe is not recommended for extremely adhe-
sive products. In case of slight buildup, you should choose a bypass
tube with bigger diameter.
Instructions for the measurement:
• The 100 % point in bypass tubes should be below the upper tube
connection to the vessel.
• The 0 % point in bypass tubes should be above the lower tube
connection to the vessel.
• A false signal suppression with installed sensor is generally rec-
ommended to achieve the best possible accuracy.
Standpipes or surge pipes are normally metal tubes with a diameter
of 30 … 200 mm (1.18 … 7.87 in). Up to a diameter of 80 mm (3.15
in), such a pipe corresponds to a coax measuring probe. It does not
matter if the standpipe is perforated or slotted for better mixing.
Measuring probes can be mounted in standpipes up to DN 200.
Standpipes

20
4 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 81 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
41828-EN-190131
≥ 10 mm
(0.39")
≥ 10 mm
(0.39")
ø 30 ... 200 mm
(1.18 ... 7.87")
ø 30 ... 200 mm
(1.18 ... 7.87")
h
1
2
AB
3
Fig. 11: Mounting in a standpipe
1 Holes (for mixing)
2 Standpipe - vertically mounted - max. deviation 10 mm (0.4 in)
3 Ventilation opening
A Rod probe with spacer (steel)
B Cableprobewithcenteringweight
h Measuring range
For standpipes, select the probe length such that the upper blocking
distance (dead band) of the probe is above the upper ventilation hole.
This allows you to measure the total level range of the medium in the
standpipe.When designing the standpipe, keep the upper blocking
distance of the probe in mind and plan the length above the upper
lateralllingopeningaccordingly.
Microwaves can penetrate many plastics.This is why plastic tubes are
problematic for measurement applications. If durability is no problem,
we recommend the use of uncoated metal standpipes.
When the VEGAFLEX 81 is used in standpipes, contact with the tube
wall must be avoided.We recommend for this purpose a cable probe
with centering weight.
Caution:
When mounting, make sure that the cable is straight over its entire
length. A kink in the cable can cause measurement errors and contact
with the tube.
With rod probes, a spacer is generally not required. However, if there
is a risk of the rod probe being pressed against the tube wall by in-
owingmedium,youshouldmountaspacerattheprobeendtoavoid
contact with the tube wall. In the case of cable probes, the cable can
be strained.