AUTOMATION P R O D U C T S G R O U P, I N C. Operator’s Manual VBL Series General Purpose Vibrating Level Sensor Rev. A2, 9/09 Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • E-mail: sales@apgsensors.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 Table of Contents Warranty ......................................................................................... 3 Introduction .................................................................................... 4 Specifications .................................................................................. 5 Dimensions ...................................................................................... 7 Nomenclature ....................................................
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • Warranty and Warranty Restrictions APG warrants its products to be free from defects of material and workmanship and will, without charge, replace or repair any equipment found defective upon inspection at its factory, provided the equipment has been returned, transportation prepaid, within 24 months from date of shipment from factory.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Introduction The vibrating level sensor, VBL-12, VBL-22, and VBL-32 are made specifically for solid level measurement in containers. It is designed for minimum density of bulk solid (loose) 12 lbs. per cubic feet (0.2 g/cm3). Not only fine powders, ordinary powder, granular materials and pellets, but also for detecting sediments in the liquids such as sludge, sand, etc. The model VBL is usable in a wide range of specifications.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • Specifications Operational Versions VBL-12: Compact VBL-22: For extended probes VBL-32: For flexible extension Performance Bulk Density: Min 0.2 g/cm3 sensitivity Output Contact Rating: 1 SPDT, 240 V 3A AC, 30 V 3 A DC (resistive) Vibration Frequency: Approximately 330 Hz Sensitivity Adjustments Very High for highly fluidized powders High for fine powders (bulk density 0.2-0.5 g/cm3) Standard for bulk density 0.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 Environmental Operating Temperature: Vibration Rod VBL-12, 22 -4 to 300°F (-20 to 150°C) VBL-31 -4 to 158°F (-20 to 70°C) Maximum Pressure: 290 psi (20 bar) Housing -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications 6 Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series Dimensions — in./mm Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Nomenclature 1. 2. 3. Vibration Pipe Detecting part which touches directly to the powders. It vibrates when there’s no powders, but vibration will dampen or stop when it becomes buried in the measured materials. Plug for VBL-12N/NT and VBL22N/NT Screw to install the sensor to the tank. Flange for VBL-12F/FT, VBL-22F/FT and VBL-32F Flange to install the sensor to the tank. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Extension pipe for VBL-22F/FT and VBL-22N/NT Sensor measuring length extension part.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • Electronics 9. Terminals Output terminal for power connection and sensor relay contact signal. 10. Power Indicator Green lamp lights when the sensor power is on. 11. Alarm Indicator Red lamp lights when the sensor detects the measuring materials. 12. Sensitivity Setting Volume To set the sensor detecting sensitivities or to check the operating condition. 13. Sensitivity Setting Switch To set the sensor detecting sensitivities or to check the operating condition. 14.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Principle of Operation The vibration rod vibrates by installing piezo-electric element and acceleration pickup mounted vibration board at the tip of the internal pipe. The piezoelectric element provides vibration and the acceleration pickup detects changes in the vibrational frequency. Covered with solids dampens vibration of the vibration pipe. The electronic circuit detects the damping of these vibration pipe.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • Installation Unpacking This unit has been thoroughly inspected and carefully packed at the factory to prevent damage shipment. When unpacking, open shipping cartons of unit and inspect the units for shipping damage. If there is evidence of damage, notify the carrier immediately. Also verify the contents for properly ordered units.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 Installation • The maximum load at the tip of the vibration is 60 kgf. If it exceeds, the vibration pipe will be bent. Install the guard at least 100 mm above the vibrating pipe if necessary. Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications 12 Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • The maximum length for the threaded boss/mounting nozzle is 70 mm. If exceeds 70 mm, the sensor will detect the dead stock despite there aren’t any measuring materials in case of horizontal mounting. • The vibration pipe will not vibrate despite there aren’t any measuring materials. • When used as a high level control, calculate the angle of repose for measuring materials and install the vibration rod where it surely covers.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Adjustment Procedure Fundamentally, the model VBL needs no adjustments. But adjust the detecting sensitivity for: • Fine powders • Highly fluidized powders • Sticky and buildup materials. • Improper adjustment Powder Detecting Sensitivity The adjustment of the detecting sensitivity depends on bulk density, fluidity, buildups concentrate features and so on. Accordingly, the data written below will be nearly general.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series Adjusting the detecting sensitivity • Prepare the following equipment: - 0 ~ 10 V AC range tester. (In case of voltmeter, input resistive more than 10ý.) - Small-sized slotted blade screw driver. • Clean up the vibration pipe. While adjusting, make sure the measuring materials are not contacting the vibration rod. If it contacts, exact adjustment will be impossible. • Turn on the power supply if it is not on. • Wait for 5 seconds.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Sensitivity The sensitivity can be adjusted by using the sensitivity switch and by adjusting the voltage. H with 4.5~5.5 VDC: for highly fluidized materials. L with 2.0~3.0 VDC: for light materials. L with 4.5~5.5 VDC: standard adjustment (bulk density 0.2/cm3 or more) L with 6.0~7.0 VDC: for sticky materials. Set the sensitivity switch to AJ. Turn sensitivity volume until the desired voltage is read.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • Wiring Wiring should be in accordance with all local codes. Control cable should be a minimum of 0.75 mm2. • Contact capacity 240 V 3 A AC (Resistive) 30 V 3 A DC (Resistive) • Power supply 90 to 132 V AC 50/60 Hz 180 to 264 V AC 50/60 Hz • Power consumption 5 VA Caution: Make sure the supply voltage matches the markings on the circuit board terminals. Applying the wrong voltage or miswiring will damage the sensor and may cause injury. • Start Up 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Maintenance In general, the sensitivity properly set VBL needs no maintenance. But in order to use the sensor stable for a long time, maintenance and inspection are needed in periodic intervals. Inspection Inspection is held to examine • If the sensitivity is set to proper sensitivity. • If it is affected by the build-up. • If the sensor is operating correctly. Proceed as follow: • Make sure the measuring materials are not touching the vibrating pipe.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series • If the voltage reading is high, the sensitivity adjustment is not properly set. Adjust the sensitivity volume in the state of sensitivity setting switch is AJ until the correct voltage can be read. Otherwise, the sensor is defective. Consult APG for repair/replacement. Maintenance In order to use model VBL for a long time, maintenance is needed in periodic intervals. Periodic inspections are important to maintain good service.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 • Troubleshooting Problem Not detecting powders when covered. Possible Causes • Powder build density is too small. Bulk density under 0.2 cannot be detected. • Power supply not connected. • Material too fluid. • Effected by heavy hopper vibration. Remedies • Set high sensitivity • Connect power supply. • Install sensor in a better location. Problem • It keeps detecting powders while the hopper is empty. Possible Causes • Heavy deposit on vibration rod. • Material has dead stock.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series Notes Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09 Notes Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications 22 Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series Notes Automation Products Group, Inc. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications Tel: 1/888/525-7300 • Fax: 1/435/753-7490 • www.apgsensors.com • sales@apgsensors.
AUTOMATION P R O D U C T S G R O U P, I N C. APG...Providing tailored solutions for measurement applications Automation Products Group, Inc. Tel: 1/888/525-7300 1/435/753-7300 Fax: 1/435/753-7490 e-mail: sales@apgsensors.com www.apgsensors.com Automation Products Group, Inc. 1025 W. 1700 N.
