MLS Series
Liquid Level Switches
Installation and Operations Manual
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Section 15
CAUTION: MLS Series parts are not interchangeable with other
FW Murphy liquid level products. Damage caused by using incorrect parts is not covered by our Limited Warranty.
Please read the following information before installing. A visual inspection for damage during shipping is recommended before mounting.
BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION OF THIS FW MURPHY
PRODUCT:
Disconnect all electrical power to the machine.
Make sure the machine cannot operate during installation.
Follow all safety warnings of the machine manufacturer.
Read and follow all installation instructions.
OBSERVE all pressure and electrical ratings and requirements for the devices and the operating environment.
BE SURE all pressure HAS BEEN REMOVED from the vessel before opening any pressure connections.
Please contact FW Murphy Production Controls immediately if you have any questions.
Table of Contents
Product Information ................................................................................................................... 1
Features .......................................................................................................................1
MLS Series Models and Accessories ...........................................................................1
MLS Diagram .............................................................................................................................. 2
Pressure Vessel Installation ..................................................................................................... 3
Direct Installation into the Wall of the Pressure Vessel ................................................3
Installation with a Weld Collar ......................................................................................4
Installation Using FW Murphy External Float Chamber ................................................4
Electrical Wiring ...........................................................................................................5
Testing the MLS at Routine Preventive Maintenance ........................................................... 6
Test Button – MLS TF Model Only ...............................................................................6
Testing MLS Switch Manually
– MLS Models ..............................................................7
Replacement Parts ..................................................................................................................... 9
15000937: MLS Float Kit ..............................................................................................9
Accessories ................................................................................................................................ 9
15050375: Weld Collar ................................................................................................9
15051098: External Float Chamber .......................................................................... 10
15700799: Series 100 External Float Chamber ........................................................ 10
Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 11
MLS Series ................................................................................................................. 11
Approximate Shipping Weights and Dimensions ........................................................ 11
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Product Information
MLS Series Liquid Level Switches with 2 inch NPT and 1-1/2 inch NPT mounting are float activated to operate an electrical SPDT reed switch for alarm or shutdown of an engine or electric motor. The MLS
Series connects directly into the scrubber wall and can be used with an FW Murphy weld collar or FW
Murphy external float chamber .
Features
Clean magnet design virtually eliminates iron filing accumulation onto the magnet
Seal-free construction
Designed for harsh gas compressor scrubber applications
Optional push button to test functions
CF8 (304) cast stainless steel body and 304 stainless steel float
MLS Series rated for 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) [138 bar] working pressure
Electric model only available
Improved design provides better dependability with reduced number of moving parts
All models screw directly into the scrubber or can be mounted via external float chamber
CSA C/US Class l, Div. 1, Grp. B, C & D locations
Canadian Registration Number: MLS-020, MLS-015: 0F12013.2 C (all provinces and territories) CSA approved
MLS Series Models and Accessories
This manual covers the models and accessories listed below.
Part Number Description
15700840 MLS-015
15700905
15700839
15700904
15700799
15050375
15000892
Notes
1-1/2 in. NPT
MLS-015-TF , with Test Function
MLS-020
MLS-020-TF, with Test Function
External Float Chamber
Weld Collar
2 in. NPT
Operating Pressure: 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Operating Temperature: 400° F (204° C)
1-inch Float Extension Kit
1-1/2 in. NPT
2 in. NPT
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MLS Diagram
All models of the MLS Series install the same and share dimensions other than Test Button.
MLS (TF) Models
MLS
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NOTE: Refer to Table 2 for clearances.
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Pressure Vessel Installation
Direct Installation into the Wall of the Pressure Vessel
CAUTION: Determine that the float travel is not obstructed by the coupling in the vessel wall, internal baffles, etc.
Refer to tables 1 and 2 for application data.
INSTALLATION SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
Make certain the float is tightly screwed onto the counter-balance.
Before installing the level switch, use of a pipe thread sealant is recommended. Screw the unit directly into the threaded connection in the wall of the pressure vessel.
Verify that the electrical connection is positioned at the bottom.
NOTE: The word TOP is cast into the top of the body.
Make the electrical wiring connections according to appropriate wiring diagrams for the alarm or shutdown system to be used. The electrical connection is ½ inch-
14 NPT.
Ensure all electrical connections are insulated and the cover is fully installed before reconnecting electrical power.
Verify all pressure connections are tight before pressurizing the system.
Float Clearance Reference Tables
Nom. Size
(inches)
2.5
3
3
4
4
O.D.
(inches)
2.875
3.5
3.5
4.5
4.5
Pipe Data - Table 2
Schedule
Number
Wall Thickness
(inches)
40STD
40STD
80XS
40STD
80XS
0.203
0.216
0.3
0.237
0.337
Inside Diameter
(inches)
2.469
3.068
2.9
4.026
3.826
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Installation with a Weld Collar
The weld collar, P/N 15050375, must be welded into the wall of the pressure vessel according to code standards and good welding practices.
Follow above instructions for installation directly into the wall of the pressure vessel.
NOTE: Weld collar 15050375 is not recommended with a 1-inch float extension .
Installation Using FW Murphy External Float Chamber
Install the FW Murphy float chamber 15051098 or 15700799 on the outside wall of the pressure vessel using 1” NPT piping. Position the 2-inch NPT threaded connection at the height where you want the level switch to operate. The 2-inch NPT threaded connection must be positioned away from the tank wall.
NOTE: If using Float Chamber 15051098, best practices recommend a surface mount installation.
A tee and bleed valve are typically installed at the bottom of the lower 1-inch pipe riser to allow draining of the float chamber for servicing or replacement.
NOTE : A typical installation with blocking and bleed valves is shown at right.
Install the MLS-020 in the 2-inch NPT connection of the float chamber. BE SURE float travel is not restricted and that the float is tight onto the counterbalance.
To complete the installation and wiring, follow the instructions for mounting directly into wall of the vessel and for wiring.
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Electrical Wiring
Under Back Cover
Switch Rating: 30VDC/VAC @ 75 mA
Back Cover
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Testing the MLS at Routine Preventive Maintenance
Test Button – MLS TF Model Only
Considerations
The tank level can affect the test results. If the tank level is above the float, the float will already be in the up position, and the test button won’t have anything to move. If the float is partially floating, you might not be able to hear the float drop.
NOTE: With a higher tank pressure, the Test Button will be noticeably harder to push.
Test
IMPORTANT: The panel should be in Test Mode if it is operating to avoid unintentional shutdowns during test.
This procedure tests for float function; the complete mechanism including the magnetic activation of the reed switch; and the wiring from the switch to the control panel.
1. If operating at time of testing, put the panel in Test Mode to avoid an unintentional shutdown.
2. Push the Test Button in while listening for the float to hit the top of the body.
3. Release the Test Button while listening for the float to hit the bottom of the body. a. When you hear the float hitting the body as you press and release the button, the float is attached and working properly. b. If the float is gone, the counter balance will rotate to the faulted or high level position causing the switch to trip. The MLS unit will have to be removed and repaired or replaced. c. As the test button is being pressed, the motion should be fairly smooth and consistent through the entire travel of the button and return. If it is not, there is a problem with the float mechanism, and the MLS unit will have to be removed and repaired or replaced.
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Testing MLS Switch Manually – MLS Models
We suggest using the FW Murphy magnetized screwdriver approach to test the micro-reed switch and float position.
CAUTION: Be sure to follow hazardous area electrical procedures.
The Principle of Test Method
The reed switch in the MLS is operated by an applied magnetic field. The magnetic field is designed so that the switch will be actuated at a location further from the terminal under normal working conditions. When the float is missing, the counter balance will drop, raising the end where the float should be because of the weight of the counter balance. The movement of the counter balance will bring the magnetic field to a lower position through the mechanism.
Using this approach can easily test the float status and operation of the switch.
Considerations
Be careful not to damage or short wires connected to the MLS either at the switch or the annunciator or controller connection point (control panel).
Check terminal connections and wiring before replacing the cover of the MLS for proper operation.
Test Preparation
1. Check the sight glass to make sure any liquid level is below the MLS. (If the float is already raised by liquid, the test procedure may suggest the float is missing and that the counter balance has forced the assembly into the high liquid level state.)
2. Make sure the area is non-hazardous, getting a hot work permit, for instance. This only needs to be done if the circuit connected to the MLS is not intrinsically safe or nonincendive.
3. Disconnect the wiring once it is de-energized to use a meter to perform the test, or use the test function of the annunciator or controller to verify switch operation.
NOTE: Manual testing is always used with the standard FW Murphy MLS
Series Liquid Level Switches and can be used on any MLS model.
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MLS Model (standard) MLS TF Model (Optional)
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Test Switch
1. Remove the cover of the MLS.
2. Place the FW Murphy magnetized screwdriver under the terminal block in the middle.
3. Adjust the position of the screwdriver down to the bottom of the circuit board until the switch changes state (see figure #1). a. When the meter, annunciator or controller indicates a change in the state of the switch, it is confirmed that the switch is operating normally.
Figure #1 Switch operates normally
Test Float
4. Place the FW Murphy magnetized screwdriver close to the terminals labeled NO and
COM (see figure #2). a. If the meter, annunciator or controller does not indicate a change in state of the switch, the float is attached to the unit and is in the down position. b. If the meter, annunciator or controller indicates a change in state of the switch, the float is missing.
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Figure #2 Float is Missing
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Replacement Parts
Order by part number designation .
15000937: MLS Float Kit
Stainless Steel Float, MLS Series (not interchangeable with any other FW Murphy Level Switch Float)
Accessories
15050375: Weld Collar
Operating pressure: 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Operating temperature: 400
F (204
C)
Not recommended with 1-inch Float Extension
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15051098: External Float Chamber
Operating pressure: 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Operating temperature: 400
F (204
C)
15700799: Series 100 External Float Chamber
Operating pressure: 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Operating temperature: 400
F (204
C)
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Specifications
MLS Series
Process c onnection: 2” NPT (MLS-020)
11/2” NPT (MLS-015)
Fluid Density (SG): 0.50 min. (No Extension) 0.65 min (1” Extension)
Pressure Rating: 2000 psig (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Materials:
Body: ASTM A351 CF8 (304 SS)
Cover: ASTM A351 CF8 (304 SS)
Other Wetted Parts: 304 or 316 SS
Process Temperature: -20 to 300
F (-29 to 149
C)
Electrical: 30VAC/VDC 75mA Form C SPDT
Approximate Shipping Weights and Dimensions
Weight: MLS-020 models, 5.5 lbs. (2.49 kg); MLS-015 models, 5 lbs. (2.27 kg)
Dimensions: 14 x 5 x 3.5 in. (356 x 127 x 89 mm)
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