Vega VEGAFLEX 81 User manual

Quick setup guide
TDR sensor for continuous level and
interface measurement of liquids
VEGAFLEX 81
Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
Rod and cable probe
With SIL qualication
Document ID: 47591

2
Contents
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
Contents
1 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 3
1.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 3
1.5 Conformity........................................................................................................................ 3
1.6 SILqualicationaccordingtoIEC61508.......................................................................... 4
1.7 NAMUR recommendations .............................................................................................. 4
1.8 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................... 4
2 Product description ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 5
3 Mounting................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument .................................................................. 7
3.2 Mounting instructions ....................................................................................................... 7
4 Connecting to power supply................................................................................................. 10
4.1 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Wiring plan, single chamber housing.............................................................................. 11
4.3 Wiring plan, double chamber housing ............................................................................ 11
5 Set up with the display and adjustment module ................................................................ 12
5.1 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 12
5.2 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 13
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module ................................................................ 15
6.1 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 15
6.2 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 16
7 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth).......................................................................... 18
7.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 18
7.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 19
7.3 Sensor parameter adjustment........................................................................................ 19
8 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 20
8.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 20
Information:
This quick setup guide enables quick setup and commissioning of
your instrument.
Youcanndsupplementaryinformationinthecorresponding,more
detailed Operating Instructions Manual as well as the Safety Manual
thatcomeswithinstrumentswithSILqualication.Thesemanualsare
available on our homepage.
Operating instructions VEGAFLEX 81 - Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/
HART - Rod and cable probe - With SIL qualikation: Document-
ID 44219
Editing status of the quick setup guide: 2023-05-23

3
1 For your safety
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
1 For your safety
1.1 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.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with IEC 61508 and
all prevailing regulations and directives. The instrument must only be
operatedinatechnicallyawlessandreliablecondition.Theoperator
is responsible 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 cor-
responding Safety Manual, the national 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.
1.5 Conformity
The device complies with the legal requirements of the applicable
country-specicdirectivesortechnicalregulations.Weconrmcon-
formity with the corresponding labelling.

4
1 For your safety
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
The corresponding conformity declarations 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.
1.6 SIL qualication according to IEC 61508
The Safety Integrity Level (SIL) of an electronic system is used to as-
sess the reliability of integrated safety functions.
Fordetailedspecicationofthesafetyrequirements,multipleSIL
levelsarespeciedaccordingtosafetystandardIEC61508.Youcan
nddetailedinformationinchapter"Functional safety (SIL)" of the
operating instructions.
TheinstrumentmeetsthespecicationsofIEC61508:2010(Edi-
tion2).Itisqualiedforsingle-channeloperationuptoSIL2.The
instrument can be used homogeneously redundant up to SIL3 in
multi-channel architecture with HFT 1.
1.7 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.
1.8 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"

5
2 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
2 Product description
2.1 Conguration
Thetypelabelcontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the instrument:
2
1
12
13
14
15
16
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
16 Marking of the safety function in SIS
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"
Type label
Serial number - Instru-
ment search

6
2 Product description
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
• Scan the QR-code on the type label of the device or
• Enter the serial number manually in the app

7
3 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
3 Mounting
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument
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.
3.2 Mounting instructions
Mount the device in such a way that the distance to vessel installa-
tions 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
device 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blockingdistance)is
stated in chapter " Technical data" of the operating instructions.
Fig. 2: 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-
Protection against mois-
ture
Installation position
Type of vessel

8
3 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
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.
1 2
Fig. 3: Mounting in non-metallic vessel
1 Flange
2 Metal sheet
Ifpossible,avoidnozzles.Mountthesensorushwiththevesseltop.
Ifthisisnotpossible,useshortnozzleswithsmalldiameter.
Highernozzlesornozzleswithabiggerdiametercangenerallybe
used.They can, however, increase the upper blocking distance.
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
≤ 150 mm (5.91")
≤ 100 mm (3.94")
Fig. 4: Mounting socket
Nozzle

9
3 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
Whenweldingthenozzle,makesurethatthenozzleisushwiththe
vessel top.
1 2
Fig.5:Nozzlemustbeinstalledush
1 Unfavourable mounting
2 Nozzleush-optimummounting

10
4 Connecting to power supply
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
4 Connecting to power supply
4.1 Connecting
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.
Information:
The terminal block is pluggable and can be removed from the
electronics.To do this, lift the terminal block with a small screwdriver
and pull it out. When reinserting the terminal block, you should hear it
snap in.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. If a display and adjustment module is installed, remove it by turn-
ing it slightly to the left
3. Loosen compression nut of the cable gland and remove blind
plug
4. 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
5. Insert the cable into the sensor through the cable entry
1 2
Fig.6:Connectionsteps5and6
1 Single chamber housing
2 Double chamber housing
6. Insert the wire ends into the terminals according to the wiring plan
Note:
Solidcoresaswellasexiblecoreswithwireendsleevesareinsert-
eddirectlyintotheterminalopenings.Incaseofexiblecoreswithout
end sleeves, press the terminal from above with a small screwdriver,
the terminal opening is then free.When the screwdriver is released,
the terminal closes again.
7. Check the hold of the wires in the terminals by lightly pulling on
them
8. Connect the shielding to the internal ground terminal, connect the
externalgroundterminaltopotentialequalisation
Connection technology
Connection procedure

11
4 Connecting to power supply
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
9. Tighten the compression nut of the cable entry gland. The seal
ring must completely encircle the cable
10. Reinsert the display and adjustment module, if one was installed
11. Screw the housing lid back on
Theelectricalconnectionisnished.
4.2 Wiring plan, single chamber housing
Thefollowingillustrationappliestothenon-Ex,ExiaandExdversion.
5
12
+
( ) (-)
678
4...20mA
2
3
4
1
Fig.7:Electronicsandconnectioncompartment-singlechamberhousing
1 Voltage supply, signal output
2 For display and adjustment module or interface adapter
3 For external display and adjustment unit
4 Ground terminal for connection of the cable screening
4.3 Wiring plan, double chamber housing
Thefollowingillustrationappliestothenon-Ex,ExiaandExdversion.
5
12
+
( ) (-)
678
4...20mADisplay
2
3
4
1
Fig.8:Connectioncompartment-doublechamberhousing
1 Voltage supply, signal output
2 For display and adjustment module or interface adapter
3 For external display and adjustment unit
4 Ground terminal for connection of the cable screening
Electronics and connec-
tion compartment
Connection compartment

12
5 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
5 Set up with the display and adjustment
module
5.1 Insert display and adjustment module
The display and adjustment module can be inserted into the sensor
andremovedagainatanytime.Youcanchooseanyoneoffourdier-
ent positions - each displaced by 90°. It is not necessary to interrupt
the power supply.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. Place the display and adjustment module on the electronics in the
desired position and turn it to the right until it snaps in.
3. Screw housing lid with inspection window tightly back on
Disassembly is carried out in reverse order.
The display and adjustment module is powered by the sensor, an ad-
ditional connection is not necessary.
Fig. 9: Installing the display and adjustment module in the electronics compart-
ment of the single chamber housing

13
5 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
1 2
Fig. 10: Installing the display and adjustment module in the double chamber
housing
1 In the electronics compartment
2 In the connection compartment
Note:
Ifyouintendtoretrottheinstrumentwithadisplayandadjustment
module for continuous measured value indication, a higher lid with an
inspection glass is required.
5.2 Parameter adjustment
1. In this menu item you can select the application.You can choose
between level and interface measurement.
2. In the menu item " Medium - Dielectric constant"youcandene
the type of medium (medium).
3. Carry out the adjustment in the menu items " Min. adjustment"
and " Max. adjustment".
4. A " Linearization" is recommended for all vessels in which the
vessel volume does not increase linearly with the level - e.g. in a
horizontalcylindricalorsphericaltank.Activatetheappropriate
curve.
5. A " False signal suppression" detects, marks and saves the false
signals so that they are no longer taken into account for level
measurement. We generally recommend a false signal suppres-
sion.
Set parameters

14
5 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
The sensor measures the distance from the sensor (reference plane)
to the product surface. See also chapter " Parameter adjustment".
2
4
5
3
2
4
5
3
11
Fig.11:Measuringranges-VEGAFLEX81
1 Reference plane
2 Probe length L
3 Measuring range (default setting refers to the measuring range in water)
4 Upper blocking distance (in this area no measurement is possible)
5 Lower blocking distance (in this area no measurement is possible)
For this adjustment, the distance is entered when the vessel is full
and nearly empty. If these values are not known, an adjustment with
otherdistances,forexample,10%and90%isalsopossible.Starting
pointforthesedistancespecicationsisalwaysthesealsurfaceof
thethreadorange.
1. In the menu " Additional settings", menu item " Damping" you can
adjust the requested damping of the output signal.
2. Select the parameter of the current output and the output charac-
teristics in the menu item " Currentoutput".
Parameterization example
Further steps

15
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
6 Set up with the display and adjustment
module
6.1 Insert display and adjustment module
The display and adjustment module can be inserted into the sensor
andremovedagainatanytime.Youcanchooseanyoneoffourdier-
ent positions - each displaced by 90°. It is not necessary to interrupt
the power supply.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. Place the display and adjustment module on the electronics in the
desired position and turn it to the right until it snaps in.
3. Screw housing lid with inspection window tightly back on
Disassembly is carried out in reverse order.
The display and adjustment module is powered by the sensor, an ad-
ditional connection is not necessary.
Fig. 12: Installing the display and adjustment module in the electronics compart-
ment of the single chamber housing

16
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
1 2
Fig. 13: Installing the display and adjustment module in the double chamber
housing
1 In the electronics compartment
2 In the connection compartment
Note:
Ifyouintendtoretrottheinstrumentwithadisplayandadjustment
module for continuous measured value indication, a higher lid with an
inspection glass is required.
6.2 Parameter adjustment
1. In this menu item you can select the application.You can choose
between level and interface measurement.
2. In the menu item " Medium - Dielectric constant"youcandene
the type of medium (medium).
3. Carry out the adjustment in the menu items " Min. adjustment"
and " Max. adjustment".
4. A " Linearization" is recommended for all vessels in which the
vessel volume does not increase linearly with the level - e.g. in a
horizontalcylindricalorsphericaltank.Activatetheappropriate
curve.
5. A " False signal suppression" detects, marks and saves the false
signals so that they are no longer taken into account for level
measurement. We generally recommend a false signal suppres-
sion.
Set parameters

17
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
The sensor measures the distance from the sensor (reference plane)
to the product surface.
4
5
3
1
2
4
5
3
1
2
Fig.14:Measuringranges-VEGAFLEX81
1 Reference plane
2 Probe length L
3 Measuring range (default setting refers to the measuring range in water)
4 Upper blocking distance (in this area no measurement is possible)
5 Lower blocking distance (in this area no measurement is possible)
For this adjustment, the distance is entered when the vessel is full
and nearly empty. If these values are not known, an adjustment with
otherdistances,forexample,10%and90%isalsopossible.Starting
pointforthesedistancespecicationsisalwaysthesealsurfaceof
thethreadorange.
1. In the menu " Additional settings", menu item " Damping" you can
adjust the requested damping of the output signal.
2. Select the parameter of the current output and the output charac-
teristics in the menu item " Currentoutput".
Parameterization example
Further steps

18
7 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth)
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
7 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth)
7.1 Preparations
Make sure that the Bluetooth function of the display and adjustment
module is activated. For this, the switch on the bottom side must be
set to " On".
1
On
O
Fig. 15: Activate Bluetooth
1 Switch
On = Bluetooth active
O= Bluetoothnotactive
The security concept of Bluetooth operation absolutely requires that
the default setting of the sensor PIN be changed.This prevents unau-
thorizedaccesstothesensor.
The default setting of the sensor PIN is " 0000". First of all you have
to change the sensor PIN in the adjustment menu of the sensor, e.g.
to " 1111":
1. In the adjustment menu, go to " Additional adjustments", " PIN"
Note:
The menu item " PIN" is only displayed if in the menu " Setup", " Lock/
Unlock adjustment" the adjustment is released.
2. Change sensor PIN
Note:
Bluetooth access can only be established if the current sensor PIN
diersfromthedefaultsetting"0000". It is possible both when the
Activate Bluetooth
Change sensor PIN

19
7 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth)
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
PIN is deactivated and when it is activated (adjustment menu "
Setup", " Lock/Unlock adjustment").
7.2 Connecting
Smartphone/Tablet
Start the adjustment app and select the function "Setup". The smart-
phone/tablet searches automatically for Bluetooth-capable instru-
ments in the area.
PC/Notebook
Start PACTware and the VEGA project assistant. Select the device
search via Bluetooth and start the search function.The device auto-
matically searches for Bluetooth-capable devices in the vicinity.
The message " Instrument search running" is displayed. All devices
found are listed in the operating window. The search is automatically
continued continuously.
Select in the device list the requested device.The message " Con-
necting" is displayed.
Fortherstconnection,theoperatingdeviceandthesensormust
authenticateeachother.Aftersuccessfulauthentication,thenextcon-
nection functions without authentication.
Forauthentication,enterinthenextmenuwindowthe4-digitsensor
PIN.
7.3 Sensor parameter adjustment
Thesensorparameterizationiscarriedoutviatheadjustmentappon
the smartphone/tablet or the DTM on the PC/notebook.
Fig.16:Exampleofanappview-Setupsensoradjustment
Preparations
Connecting
Authenticate
App view

20
8 Supplement
VEGAFLEX 81 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART SIL
47591-EN-230605
8 Supplement
8.1 Technical data
Note for approved instruments
The technical data in the respective safety instructions which are included in delivery are valid for
approvedinstruments(e.g.withExapproval).Thesedatacandierfromthedatalistedherein,for
exampleregardingtheprocessconditionsorthevoltagesupply.
All approval documents can be downloaded from our homepage.
Electromechanical data - version IP66/IP67 and IP66/IP68 (0.2 bar)
Options of the cable entry
ƲCable entry M20x1.5;½NPT
ƲCable gland M20x1.5;½NPT(cableøseebelowtable)
ƲBlind plug M20x1.5;½NPT
ƲClosing cap ½NPT
Material ca-
ble gland
Material seal
insert
Cable diameter
4.5 … 8.5 mm 5 … 9 mm 6 … 12 mm 7 … 12 mm 10 … 14 mm
PA NBR – ● ● –●
Brass, nickel-
plated
NBR ● ● ● – –
Stainless
steel
NBR –● ● –●
Wire cross-section (spring-loaded terminals)
ƲMassive wire, stranded wire 0.2 … 2.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 14)
ƲStranded wire with end sleeve 0.2 … 1.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 16)
Voltage supply
Operating voltage UB9.6 … 35 V DC
Operating voltage UBwith lighting
switched on
16 … 35 V DC
Reverse voltage protection Integrated
Permissible residual ripple
Ʋfor 9.6 V < UB< 14 V ≤0.7Ve(16…400Hz)
Ʋfor 18 V < UB< 36 V ≤1Ve(16…400Hz)
Load resistor
ƲCalculation (UB- Umin)/0.022 A
Ʋ Example-withUB= 24 V DC (24V-9.6V)/0.022A=655Ω