Kotron
®
Model 810
RF Point Level Sensor
Installation and Operating Manual
RF
Capacitance
Level
Measurement
Read this Manual Before Installing
This manual provides information on the Kotron Model
810 RF Point Level Sensor. It is important that all
instructions are read carefully and followed in sequence.
Detailed instructions are included in the
Installation
section of this manual.
Conventions Used in this Manual
Certain conventions are used in this manual to convey
specific types of information. General technical material,
support data, and safety information are presented in
narrative form. The following styles are used for notes,
cautions, and warnings.
Notes
Notes contain information that augments or clarifies
an operating step. Notes do not normally contain
actions. They follow the procedural steps to which
they refer.
Cautions
Cautions alert the technician to special conditions that
could injure personnel, damage equipment, or reduce
a component’s mechanical integrity. Cautions are also
used to alert the technician to unsafe practices or the
need for special protective equipment or specific mate-
rials. In this manual, a caution box indicates a poten-
tially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
Warnings
Warnings identify potentially dangerous situations or
serious hazards. In this manual, a warning indicates an
imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or death.
Safety Messages
The Kotron Model 810 system may be properly installed
in Category II, Pollution Degree 2 installations. Follow all
standard industry procedures for servicing electrical and
computer equipment when working with or around high
voltage. Always shut off the power supply before touching
any components. Although high voltage is not present in
this system, it may be present in other systems.
Electrical components are sensitive to electrostatic dis-
charge. To prevent equipment damage, observe safety
procedures when working with electrostatic sensitive
components.
WARNING!
Explosion hazard. Do not connect or
disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off
or the area is known to be non-hazardous.
Low Voltage Directive
For use in Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2. If
equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
Notice of Trademark, Copyright and Limitations
Magnetrol & Magnetrol logotype, STI and STI logotype,
and Kotron are registered trademarks of Magnetrol
International, Incorporated.
Copyright © 2008 Magnetrol International.
All rights reserved.
Performance specifications are effective with date of issue
and are subject to change without notice. Magnetrol/STI
reserves the right to make changes to the product
described in this manual at any time without notice.
Magnetrol/STI makes no warranty with respect to the
accuracy of the information in this manual.
Warranty
All Magnetrol/STI electronic level and flow controls are
warranted free of defects in materials or workmanship for
one full year from the date of original factory
shipment.
If returned within the warranty period; and, upon
factory inspection of the control, the cause of the claim is
determined to be covered under the warranty; then,
Magnetrol/STI will repair or replace the control at
no cost to the purchaser (or owner) other than
transportation.
Magnetrol/STI shall not be liable for misapplication,
labor claims, direct or consequential damage or expense
arising from the installation or use of equipment.
There are no other warranties expressed or implied,
except special written warranties covering some
Magnetrol/STI products.
Quality Assurance
The quality assurance system in place at Magnetrol/STI
guarantees the highest level of quality throughout the
company. Magnetrol/STI is committed to providing full
customer satisfaction both in quality products and
quality service.
Magnetrol’s quality assurance system
is registered to ISO 9001 affirming its
commitment to known international
quality standards providing the
strongest assurance of product/service
quality available.
50-607 Kotron Model 810 RF Point Level Sensor
Kotron Model 810
RF Point Level Sensor
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Principle of Operation...........................................1
1.2 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Handling Procedure...1
2.0 Installation
2.1 Unpacking ...........................................................1
2.2 Electrostatic Discharge Handling Procedure ..........2
2.3 Installation ...........................................................2
2.3.1 Installation Location....................................2
2.3.2 Probe Length...............................................3
2.4 Mounting ...........................................................3
2.4.1 Horizontal Mounting ..................................3
2.4.2 Vertical Mounting .......................................3
2.5 Wiring...................................................................4
2.6 Calibration ...........................................................6
2.6.1 Calibration Procedure.................................6
2.6.2 Calibration Conditions...............................6
3.0 Reference Information
.................................................8
3.1 Troubleshooting.....................................................8
3.1.1 No Signal with Level Change .....................8
3.1.2 Switch Chatter............................................8
3.2 Agency Approvals ..................................................9
3.3 Specifications.......................................................10
3.3.1 Electrical...................................................10
3.3.2 Dimensional .............................................10
3.4 Replacement Parts ...............................................11
3.5 Model Numbers ..................................................12
50-607 Kotron Model 810 RF Point Level Sensor
1.0
Introduction
The Kotron Model 810 RF Point Level Sensor can be
utilized in liquid or bulk material applications. There are
no moving parts in contact with the medium. These units
are integral systems with the sensing probe mounted with
the electronics. Guarded probes are utilized to minimize
effect of build up on the probe.
1.1
Principle of Operation
As the medium covers the probe, the amount of capaci-
tance developed between the probe and ground changes.
This change in capacitance is converted into a relay action.
As the medium drains from the sensing probe, the relay
position reverses.
2.0
Installation
This section provides detailed procedures for properly
installing point level sensors.
Caution:
This unit contains CMOS electronics which may be
damaged by static electricity. Do not touch any semi-
conductor devices unless you are properly grounded.
2.1
Unpacking
Unpack the instrument carefully. Inspect all components
for damage. Report any concealed damage to carrier
within 24 hours. Check the contents of the packing slip
against purchase order. Check and record the model
number against serial number for future reference when
ordering parts.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
1
50-607 Kotron Model 810 RF Point Level Sensor
2.2
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Handling Procedure
Magnetrol’s electronic instruments are manufactured to the
highest quality standards. These instruments use electronic
components that may be damaged by static electricity pre-
sent in most work environments.
The following steps are recommended to reduce the risk of
component failure due to electrostatic discharge.
• Ship and store circuit boards in anti-static bags. If an anti-
static bag is not available, wrap the board in aluminum
foil. Do not place boards on foam packing materials.
• Use a grounding wrist strap when installing and removing
circuit boards. A grounded workstation is recommended.
• Handle circuit boards only by the edges. Do not touch
components or connector pins.
• Make sure that all electrical connections are completely
made and none are partial or floating. Ground all
equipment to a good, earth ground.
2.3
Installation
2.3.1 Installation Location
Kotron point sensors should be located in areas allowing
easy access for service, calibration and monitoring. Units
should not be exposed to ambient temperatures above
+160° F (+71° C) or below -40° F (-40° C). Special pre-
caution should be taken to prevent exposure to corrosive
atmosphere, excessive vibration, shock or physical damage.
Sensing probes should be located close to the tank wall for
greatest sensitivity in non-conductive media. Probes should
be isolated from severe motion in the tank, because surface
turbulence may cause signal deviation.
NOTE: Do not attempt to disassemble probe from housing
until the wires have been disconnected and the
electronic module has been removed. Consult
Section 3.1,
Troubleshooting
on page 8.
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