Flowline LP50 Switch-Tek - Manual (Page 3)

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS INTRODUCTION
About this Manual:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO
INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual
includes information on all models of the Switch-Tek Non-
Intrusive RF Capacitance level switch from Flowline, LP50-_005.
Please refer to the part number located on the switch label to veri-
fy the exact model which you have purchased.
User’s Responsibility for Safety:
Flowline manufactures a wide range of liquid level sensors and tech-
nologies. While each of these sensors is designed to operate in a wide
variety of applications, it is the user’s responsibility to select a sensor
model that is appropriate for the application, install it properly, per-
form tests of the installed system, and maintain all components. The
failure to do so could result in property damage or serious injury.
Proper Installation and Handling:
Because this is an electrically operated device, only properly-
trained staff should install and/or repair this product. The adhesive
on the fitting is for temporary installation only. For permanent
installation, the fitting for the sensor should be welded, glassed or
strapped to the tank itself using approved plastic welding tech-
niques. Do not install the LP50 series sensor on a metal tank, or
within 6" of any metal pipe or fitting.
Mounting Bracket:
The LP50 series sensor may be mounted in four different fittings.
A PE bracket (polyethylene, colored white), model LP95-6001.
Other brackets available are LP95-1001 (PP, polypropylene) or
LP95-5001 (PVDF, polyvinylidene fluoride). Make sure that the
fitting which you have selected is compatible with the tank it will
be applied to.
Material Compatibility:
The sensor itself is not designed to be immersed. It should be
mounted in such a way that it does not normally come into contact
with fluid. Its case is made out of Polysulfone (PSO). Refer to an
industry reference such as the Compass Corrosion Guide (available
from Compass Publications, phone 858-589-9636) to ensure that
compounds that may splash onto the controller housing will not
damage it. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.
Wiring and Electrical:
The supply voltage used to power the LP50 series sensor should
never exceed a maximum of 36 volts DC. Electrical wiring of the
sensor should be performed in accordance with all applicable
national, state, and local codes.
Flammable, Explosive and Hazardous Applications:
The LP50-_005 series switch is not rated for use in hazardous loca-
tions. Refer to the National Electric Code (NEC) for all applicable
installation requirements in hazardous locations. DO NOT USE
THE LP50-_005 GENERAL PURPOSE SWITCH IN HAZ-
ARDOUS LOCATIONS.
About Non-Intrusive RF Capacitance Technology:
FLOWLINE's LP50 series level switch generates a high radio fre-
quency signal from the capacitance electrode on the tank side of each
sensor. Depending on the thickness of the tank wall and the material
of which it is made, there is a particular minimum dielectric value the
electrode measures when there is no liquid on the other side of the
tank wall from the sensor. When liquid is on the other side of the
wall, the dielectric value rises.
As part of installation, a two-step calibration procedure ensures that
the threshold between wet and dry is set at the ideal point for your
particular tank and application fluid, without the use of any external
test equipment. The sensor’s operation and point of actuation may
vary based on the dielectric properties of various application liquids,
tank materials and thicknesses. The LP50 series sensor is intended to
be used with liquids with a dielectric value between 20 and 80. Due
to its user calibration capability it may be able to detect liquids below
a dielectric constant of 20 under certain conditions, but this must be
verified by experimentation.
WARNING
Do not install the LP50 level switch on a metallic tank, or with-
in 6" of any metallic object. Metal will adversely affect the
dielectric sensitivity of the sensor.
FLOWLINE's LP50 series sensors are not recommended for use
with electrically charged application liquids. For most reliable
operation, the liquid being measured may need to be electrically
grounded.