Warranty, Service & Repair

To register your product with the manufacturer, fill out the enclosed warranty card and return it immediately to:

Flowline Inc.

10500 Humbolt Street

Los Alamitos, CA 90720.

If for some reason your product must be returned for factory service, contact Flowline Inc. to receive a Material Return

Authorization number (MRA) first, providing the following information:

1. Part Number, Serial Number

2. Name and telephone number of someone who can answer technical questions related to the product and its application.

3. Return Shipping Address

4. Brief Description of the Symptom

5. Brief Description of the Application

Once you have received a Material Return Authorization number, ship the product prepaid in its original packing to:

Flowline Factory Service

MRA _____

10500 Humbolt Street

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

To avoid delays in processing your repair, write the MRA on the shipping label. Please include the information about the malfunction with your product. This information enables our service technicians to process your repair order as quickly as possible.

SuperGuard™ Capacitance

Level Switch

LP15 Series

Owner’s Manual

®

Version 1.0A

© 1999 FLOWLINE Inc.

All rights reserved.

Manual # LP900004 5/99

WARRANTY

Flowline warrants to the original purchaser of its products that such products will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period which is equal to the shorter of one year from the date of purchase of such products or two years from the date of manufacture of such products.

This warranty covers only those components of the products which are non-moving and not subject to normal wear. Moreover, products which are modified or altered, and electrical cables which are cut to length during installation are not covered by this warranty.

FLOWLINE's obligation under this warranty is solely and exclusively limited to the repair or replacement, at FLOWLINE's option, of the products (or components thereof) which FLOWLINE's examination proves to its satisfaction to be defective. FLOWLINE SHALL HAVE NO

OBLIGATION FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO PERSON-

AL OR REAL PROPERTY, OR FOR INJURY TO ANY PERSON.

This warranty does not apply to products which have been subject to electrical or chemical damage due to improper use, accident, negligence, abuse or misuse. Abuse shall be assumed when indicated by electrical damage to relays, reed switches or other components. The warranty does not apply to products which are damaged during shipment back to FLOWLINE's factory or designated service center or are returned without the original casing on the products. Moreover, this warranty becomes immediately null and void if anyone other than service personnel authorized by Flowline attempts to repair the defective products.

Products which are thought to be defective must be shipped prepaid and insured to FLOWLINE's factory or a designated service center

(the identity and address of which will be provided upon request) within 30 days of the discovery of the defect. Such defective products must be accompanied by proof of the date of purchase.

Flowline further reserves the right to unilaterally wave this warranty and to dispose of any product returned to Flowline where: a. There is evidence of a potentially hazardous material present with product.

b. The product has remained unclaimed at Flowline for longer than

30 days after dutifully requesting disposition of the product.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND

THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE OF THIS WARRANTY. This warranty and the obligations and liabilities of Flowline under it are exclusive and instead of, and the original purchaser hereby waives, all other remedies, warranties, guarantees or liabilities, express or implied. EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY IS THE IMPLIED

WARRANTY OF FITNESS OF THE PRODUCTS FOR A PARTIC-

ULAR PURPOSE OR USE AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF

MERCHANT ABILITY OF THE PRODUCTS.

This warranty may not be extended, altered or varied except by a written instrument signed by a duly-authorized officer of Flowline, Inc.

SPECIFICATIONS

Step One

Accuracy:

Repeatability:

Dielectric range:

Conductive range:

Supply voltage:

Consumption:

Relay rating:

FET rating:

Switch output:

Temperature range:

Pressure range:

Probe material:

Probe rating:

Mounting threads:

Mounting gasket:

Cable type:

CE compliance:

±1 mm in water

± .5 mm in water

> 20 constants

> 100 micromhos

12 - 36 VDC

Relay: 25 mA

FET: 5mA (Dry)

19 mA (Wet)

60 VDC/VAC @ 1A

36 VDC @ 100 mA

Selectable NO or NC

F: -40° to 194°

C: -40° to 90°

150 psi (10 bar) @ 25 °C, derated @ 1.667

psi (.113 bar) per °C above 25 °C.

Polypropylene (PP)

NEMA 6 (IP68)

3/4" NPT (3/4" G)

3/4" Viton (metric only)

8 ft. (2.5 m), 4-wire (relay) or 3-wire (FET),

22 gauge with ground, shield and PP jacket

EN 50082-2 immunity

EN 55011 emission

SuperGuard Level Switch

LP15 - 14 _ _

M o u n t i n g T h r e a d

0 - 3 / 4 " N P T

2 - 3 / 4 " G

S w i t c h O u t p u t

2 - F E T, N - C h a n n e l

3 - F E T, P - C h a n n e l

5 - R e l a y

160

140

120

100

Temperature / Pressure Derating

Unacceptable

Range

80

60

40

20

Acceptable

Range

00

-20 00 20 40 60 80 100

Temperature (

°

C)

Maximum Temperature / Voltage Derating

Continuous 20 mA Sinking Curve

100

80

Unacceptable

Range

60

40

20

Acceptable

Range

00

-20

12 16 20 24 28 32 36

Operating Voltage (VDC)

4-20 mA Sensor

Electrical Loading Limits

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

Unacceptable

Range

800

600

400

200

Acceptable

Range

0

12 24 36

Supply Voltage (VDC)

Dimensions:

Red

Black

White

FET

(+)

(-)

FET

Shld

3/4" NPT (3/4" BSP)

8’ Cable

(2.5m)

3/4" NPT (3/4" G)

3.3"

(83mm)

5.0"

(127mm)

2.6"

(67mm)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Step Two

About this Manual:

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO

INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual includes information on all models of SuperGuard™ RF

Capacitance sensors from FLOWLINE, all in the LP15 series.

Please refer to the part number located on the sensor label to verify the exact model which you have purchased.

User's Responsibility for Safety:

FLOWLINE manufactures a wide range of liquid level sensors and technologies. 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, perform 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 properlytrained staff should install and/or repair this product. Use a proper sealant with all installations. Note: Always install the 3/4” Viton gasket with the LP15-142_. The G threaded version of the

SuperGuard will not seal unless the gasket is installed properly.

Never over tighten the transmitter within the fitting. Always check for leaks prior to system start-up.

Material Compatibility:

The LP15 series sensor is available in one version of wetted material. All models of the LP15 are made of PP (Polypropylene). Make sure that the model which you have selected is compatible with the application liquids. To determine the chemical compatibility between the sensor and its application liquids, refer to the Compass Corrosion

Guide, available from Compass Publications (619-589-9636).

Temperature and Pressure:

The LP15 series sensor is designed for use in application temperatures up to 90 °C, and for use at pressures up to 150 psi (10 bar) @

25 °C., derated @ 1.667 psi (.113 bar) per °C. above 25 °C.

Wiring and Electrical:

The supply voltage used to power the LP15 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 LP15 series sensor should not be used within flammable or explosive applications. In hazardous applications, use redundant measurement and control points, each having a different sensing technology.

WARNING

Do not install the LP15 series sensor within 6 inches of any metallic object. Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of the sensor.

FLOWLINE's LP15 series sensors are not recommended for use with electrically charged application liquids. For the most reliable operation, the liquid being measured will need to be electrically grounded.

Always install the 3/4” Viton gasket with the LP15-142_. The

G threaded version of the SuperGuard will not seal unless the gasket is installed properly.

INTRODUCTION

Step Three

About Intrusive RF Capacitance Technology:

FLOWLINE's LP15 series generates a pulse-wave radio frequency signal from the capacitance electrode located in the sensing tip of each sensor. When liquid comes into contact with the sensing tip, the capacitance as measured by the sensor changes based on the dielectric constant of the liquid. The guard circuit rejects the negative effects of coating buildup on the probe by eliminating the coating signal path between the active and reference electrodes. FLOWLINE's sophisticated electronics convert the capacitance value into a simple two-wire,

4 or 20 mA, a three-wire FET switch output or a 4-wire NO or NC 1A relay output which indicates whether the sensor is wet or dry. In the dry state, the sensor delivers a two wire, 5 mA signal output. In the wet state, the sensor delivers a two wire, 19 mA signal output.

The sensor’s operation may vary based on the dielectric properties of various application liquids. The LP15 series sensor is factory-calibrated to be used with liquids with a dielectric value between 20 and

80. For example, if the application liquid is acetal (with a dielectric constant of about 3.6), the sensor (as factory calibrated) will not detect its presence when it is wet. However, if the application liquid is glycol (with a dielectric constant of about 35) the sensor will reliably detect its presence when wet.

Warning

Do not install the LP15 series sensor within 6 inches of any metallic object. Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of the sensor.

FLOWLINE's LP15 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.

Table of Common Dielectric Constants

NOTE: Liquids with a dielectric constant less than 20 will not be detected by an LP15 series sensor, as factory calibrated.

Acetone 21

Acetoaldehyde 22.2

Acetyl methyl hexyl ketone 28

Alcohol

Ammonia

16 to 31

15 to 25

Acetic acid 4.1 to 6.2

Butyl chloride 9.6

Barium chloride 9 to 11

Benzene

Benzine

Barium nitrate

2.3

2.3

5.6

Bromine 3.1

Chlorobenzene 4.7 to 6

Chlorotoluene 4.7

Chloroform 4.5 to 5.0

Chlorine, liquid 2.0

Carbon tetrachloride 2.2

Cyan 2.6

Cyclohexane methanol

3.7

D.I. Water 20

Ethyl toluene

Ethyl alcohol

Ethylene glycol

Ethylene oxide

Ethylene dichloride

2.2

23

37

14

11 to 17

Ethylene chloride 10.5

Ethyl acetate 6.4

Ethyl salicylate

Ethyl stearate

8.6

2.9

Ethyl silicote

Formic acid

Ferric oleate

Freon

Glycerine

4.1

59

2.6

2.2

47

Glycol

Glycol nitrite

Gasoline

30

27

2 to 2.2

Hydrochloric acid 4.6

Isobutyric acid 2.7

Isobutyl methyl ketone

13

Jet fuel 1.7

Lead carbonate

Lead nitrate

18

38

Methyl salicylate 9.0

Methanol 33

Methyl alcohol

33 to 38

Margarine, liquid

Methyl acetate

2.8 to 3.2

7.3

N-butyl formate 2.4

Nitrobenzene 26 to 35

Nitrotoluene 25

Naphthalene 2.3 to 2.5

Oils, vegetable

2.5 to 3.5

Oils, mineral 2.3 to 2.4

Oils, petroleum

1.8 to 2.2

Oleic acid

Propane, liquid

2.5

1.8 to 1.9

Potassium nitrate

5.0 to 5.9

Potassium chloride 5.0

Stearic acid 2.3

Toluene 2.4

Trichloroethylene 3.4

Trichloroacetic acid 4.5

Terephthalic acid

1.5 to 1.7

Thinner

Urea

3.7

3.5

Vinyl chloride 2.8 to 6

Vinyl alcohol 1.8 to 2.0

Water, 20°C 80

Water, 100°C 48

INSTALLATION

Step Four

Through Wall Installation:

FLOWLINE's LP15 series sensors may be installed through the top, side or bottom of a tank wall. The sensor has male 3/4" NPT threads on either side of a 15/16" wrench flat. This enables the user to select the sensor’s mounting orientation, installed outside of the tank in, or inside of the tank out.

ORIENTATION

Step Five

When installing the LP15, make sure that the sensing tip does not touch the wall of the tank. Consider possible build up along the side of the tank.

Smart Trak™, Installation:

FLOWLINE's Smart Trak LM10 series mounting system is an in-tank fitting, which enables users to install up to four FLOWLINE sensors, of any technology, to any depth, along the entire length of a track.

Smart Trak may be installed through the top wall of any tank, using a standard 2" NPT tank adapter. If no tank top is available,

FLOWLINE's side mount bracket, LM50-1001, enables Smart Trak to be installed directly to the side wall of a tank.

Switch Pak™, Installation:

FLOWLINE's Switch Pak LM45 series mounting system is an in-tank fitting, which enables users to install one FLOWLINE sensor, of any technology, to a specified depth. The FLOWLINE sensor may be installed onto the 3/4" NPT fitting at the end of the Switch Pak.

Switch Pak may be installed through the top wall of any tank, using a standard 2" NPT tank adapter.

LC06

Junction

Box

1/2

Coupling

Switch Pak

High Level Sensor

Model LP15

Smart Trak

Low Level Sensor

Model LP15

Higher viscosity liquids may build up inside of a flange and cause the

LP15 to fail wet.

Warning

Do not install the LP15 series sensor within 6 inches of any metallic object. Metal will adversely affect the dielectric sensitivity of the sensor.

6”

6”

WARNING

Always install the 3/4” Viton gasket with the LP15-142_. The

G threaded version of the SuperGuard will not seal unless the gasket is installed properly.

ELECTRICAL

Step Six

Supply Voltage: The supply voltage to the LP15 series sensor should never exceed a maximum of 36 VDC. FLOWLINE controllers have a built-in 13.5 VDC power supply which provides power to all of

FLOWLINE's electrically powered sensors. Alternative controllers and power supplies, with a minimum output of 12 VDC up to a maximum output of 36 VDC, may also be used with the LP15 series sensor.

Cable Length: Determine the length of cable required between the

LP15 series sensor and its point of termination. Allow enough slack to ensure the easy installation, removal and/or maintenance of the sensor. The cable length may be extended up to a maximum of 1000 feet, using a well-insulated, shielded wire.

Wire Stripping: Using a 10 gauge wire stripper, carefully remove the outer layer of insulation from the last 1-1/4" of the sensor's cable. Unwrap and discard the exposed foil shield from around the signal wires, leaving the drain wire attached if desired. With a 20 gauge wire stripper, remove the last 1/4" of the colored insulation from the signal wires.

Signal Outputs (Current sensing): The standard method used by

FLOWLINE controllers; this method uses only two wires (Red and

Black). The sensor draws 5 mA when it is dry, and 19 mA when wet.

NC/NO status must be set by the controller. The White or Green wires are not used.

Red

+

-

24 VDC

Power Supply

Shield

Ground

-

Black

+

Multimeter

(mA)

Signal Outputs (FET switching): Allows the sensor to switch a small load On or Off directly, using all three wires. Model LP15-1402 is a NPN type switch, which toggles the negative side of the load; model LP15-1403 is a PNP type switch for applications where the switch must be on the positive side of the load. In both FET models, the NO/NC status is set by the polarity of the voltage feeding the Red and Black wires, and the White wire connects to the load.

Red

+

Black

-

24 VDC

Power Supply

Shield

Ground

-

White

+

Multimeter

(Volts)

P-Channel Output Only

Signal Output (Relay switching): Allows the sensor to switch a small load on or off directly, using an internal 1A relay (60

VAC/VDC). Only model LP15-1405 uses the relay and features 4 wires (red, black, white and green) and a shield wire. The NO/NC status is set by the polarity of the voltage feeding the Red and Black wires. The Green wire is the common for the relay and the White wire is the NO or NC, depending on the polarity of Red and Black.

Red

+

Black

-

24 VDC

Power Supply

Shield

Ground

White

-

Green

+

Multimeter

(Continuity)

WIRING

Step Seven

Models LP15-140_2, LP15-14_3 & LP15-14_5 Only

Wiring to a FLOWLINE Controller

LC10 Series Controller

(4 or 20 mA signal output)

1

INPUT

P

R

AC

AC

GND

NC

C

NO

DELAY

(+)

(-)

115 VAC

220 VAC

LC40 Series Controller

(4 or 20 mA signal output)

P O W E R I N V E R T D E L A Y I N V E R T D E L A Y

+

R E L A Y 1

+

R E L A Y 2

I N P U T 1 I N P U T 2 A

L A T C H

ONOFF

I N P U T 2 B

Red

Black

Shld

Not Used - White

Not Used - Green*

* The Green wire is for model LP15-1405 only

WIRING

Step Eight

Models LP15-14_2 & LP15-14_3 Only

Wiring direct to a load, NC operation (FET signal output)

Red*

Black*

+

-

12 - 36 VDC

Power Supply

(Sensor)

Shield

Ground

White

Load

*Reverse Red &

Black wires for NO

(NC shown)

N-Channel

Controller Device

(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)

100 mA Maximum

Red*

Black*

Shield

Ground

White

Load

P-Channel

Controller Device

(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)

100 mA Maximum

+

-

12 - 36 VDC

Power Supply

(Sensor)

*Reverse Red &

Black wires for NO

(NC shown)

Wiring direct to load, Normally Open operation:

LP15-14_2 and LP15-14_3 (FET outputs only):

This is the same as the wiring for Normally Closed operation, except the polarity of the Red and Black connections to the sensor is reversed. The other connections remain the same; the sensor and device power supplies remain tied in the same polarity as before. This method will turn the load on when the sensor is wet.

Models LP15-14_5 Only

Wiring direct to a load, NO operation (Relay signal output)

Relay Output *Reverse Red & Black wires for NC (NO shown)

Red*

Black*

+

-

12 - 36 VDC

Power Supply

(Sensor)

Green

Shield

Ground

White

LOAD

Controller Device

(relay, lamp, valve, etc.)

1A Maximum

+

-

60 VAC/VDC

Maximum

Power Supply

Wiring direct to load, Normally Closed operation:

LP15-14_5 (Relay outputs only):

This is the same as the wiring for Normally Open operation, except the polarity of the Red and Black connections to the sensor is reversed. The other connections remain the same; the sensor and device power supplies remain tied in the same polarity as before. This method will turn the load on when the sensor is dry.

MAINTENANCE

Step Nine

General:

The LP15 series sensor itself requires no periodic maintenance except cleaning as required. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriate maintenance schedule, based on the specific characteristics of the application liquids.

Cleaning Procedure:

1. Power: Make Sure that all power to the sensor, controller and/or power supply is completely disconnected.

2. Sensor Removal: In all through-wall installations, make sure that the tank is drained well below the sensor prior to removal.

Carefully, remove the sensor from the installation.

3. Cleaning the Sensor: Use a soft bristle brush and mild detergent, carefully wash the LP15 series sensor. Do not use harsh abrasives such as steel wool or sandpaper, which might damage the surface sensor. Do not use incompatible solvents which may damage the sensor's Polypropylene plastic body.

4. Sensor Installation: Follow the appropriate steps of installation as outlined in the installation section of this manual.

Testing the installation:

1. Power: Turn on power to the controller and/or power supply.

2. Immersing the switch: Immerse the sensing tip in its application liquid, by filling the tank up to the switches point of actuation. An alternate method of immersing the switch during preliminary testing is to hold a cup filled with application liquid up to the switch's tip.

3. Test: With the switch being fluctuated between wet and dry states, the switch indicator light in the controller should turn on and off. If the controller doesn't have an input indicator, use a voltmeter or ammeter to ensure that the switch produces the correct signal.

4. Point of actuation: Observe the point at which the rising or falling fluid level causes the switch to change state, and adjust the installation of the switch if necessary.