EXCELLENCE IN MAGNETICS AND CRYOGENICS
MODEL 135/136 LIQUID HELIUM
AMI
LEVEL INSTRUMENT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
American Magnetics, Inc.
PO Box 2509, 112 Flint Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-2509, Tel: 865 482-1056, Fax: 865 482-5472
Rev. 3, December 2000
Declaration of Conformity
Application of Council Directives: Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
Manufacturer’s Name: American Magnetics, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 112 Flint Road,
P.O. Box 2509
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-2509
U.S.A.
Type of Equipment: Liquid Level Instruments
Model Numbers: Model 135 and 136
Standar ds to which Conformity is Declared:
Safety: EN 61010-1 (1993) w/A1, A2
EMC: EN55011 (1991) Group 1, Class A
EN50082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-2 (1995) 8kV AD, 4kV CD
EN50082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-3 (1996) 3V/m
EN50082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-4 (1995) 1kV Power Supply
0.5kV I/O cables
EN50082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-5 (1995) 2kV CM, 1kV DM
EN50082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-6 (1996) 3V
EN58082-1 (1997) / EN61000-4-11 (1994) Voltage dips 30% - 10ms
Voltage dips 60% - 100ms
Short interruption >95% - 5s
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above complies with the requirements of the aforementioned Directives and Standards and carries the "CE" mark accordingly.
Gregory J. Laughon September 12, 2002
Quality Assurance Manager
American Magnetics, Inc.
Oak Ridge, TN, U.S.A.
Model 135/136 Liquid Helium Level Instrument
AMI Order Number:_____________________
Shipping Date:_________________________
Model/Serial #:_________________________
Firmware Revision:_____________________
Input Power Requirements:___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
All products manufactured by AMI are warranted to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship and to perform as specified for a period of one year from date of shipment. In
the event of failure occurring during n ormal use, AMI, at its o ption, will r epair or replac e al l
products or components that fail under warranty, and such repair or replacement shall
constitute a fulfillment of all AMI liabilities with respect to its pro ducts. Since, however,
AMI does not have control over the installation conditions or the use to which its products
are put, no warranty can be made of fitness for a particular purpose, and AMI cannot be
liable for special or consequential damages. All warranty repairs are F.O.B. Oak Ridge,
Copyright © 2000 by American Magnetics, Inc., Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
Table of Contents
................................................. ...........
Model 135 Front Panel Layout
...............................................
Model 135 Rear Panel Layout
................................................
Model 136 Front Panel Layout
................................................
Model 136 Rear Panel Layout
.................................................
Model 135/136 Specifications @ 25
°C......................................
................................................... ....
Rack Mounting the Instrument
..............................................
Preparing th e Sensor fo r C o nn e ction
.....................................
Installing the Optional Solenoid-Operated Fill Valve
Connecting any Communications Option
..............................
Connecting the Instrument to Power
.....................................
Sensor-Burnout Protection Mode
...........................................
.................................................. ....
................................................... ....
Configure the active length setting
............................
Configure the HI SETPOINT and the
.................................................. ...........
Configure the A SETPOINT and the B SETPOINT
Select the operational mode of the controller
................................................... ......
Configure the sample time interval setting
Select either continuous or sampled update
................................................... .............
Select the appropriate units display option
Connect the optional analog output signal
Dirty Sensor Operational Mode
..............................................
Serial Communication/Data Logger Option
..........................
Serial port connector and cabling
...............................
Command/return termination characters
Serial Communication DIP Switch Settings
Serial Command Set Reference
..................................
1 Introduction.............................................................................. 1
2 Installation................................................................................ 9
3 Operation................................................................................ 15
4 Remote Interface Reference.................................................. 21
Rev. 3
iii
Table of Contents
IEEE-488 Communication Option
..........................................
Command/return termination characters
Communicating with the Model 135/136
IEEE-488 Communication DIP Switch Settings
IEEE-488 Command Set Reference
............................
.................................................
.................................................. .............. ............. ..
RS-232 Virtual Instrument
.....................................................
Launching and initializing the RS-232 VI
Interacting with the running VI
..................................
IEEE-488 Virtual Instrument
.................................................
Launching and initializing the GPIB VI
Interacting with the running VI
..................................
Running multiple GPIB devices
..................................
Troubleshooting Procedures
....................................................
............................................................
Erratic or erroneous level reading
...............................
Controller output does not energize
............................
Unit not responding to communications
Custom Instrument Configurations
........................................
Modifying the line voltage requirements
Enabling dirty sensor operational mode
Changing time adjustments from minutes to hours
Additional Technical Support
..................................................
...............................................................
4-20 ma Current Loop Option
.................................................
Sensor Connector J1 Wiring
....................................................
Auxiliary Connector J2 Pinout
................................................
RS-232 Cable DB-25 to DB-9 Translation
..............................
................................................................
5 Virtual Instrument Operation.................................................39
6 Service Guide..........................................................................47
Appendix..................................................................................55
Index.........................................................................................59
iv
Rev. 3
Foreword
This manual contains the operation and maintenance instructions for the
American Magnetics, Inc. Model 135/136 Liquid Level Instrument. The
manual outlines the instructions for instrument use in various system
designs. Since it is impossible to cover all possible system/sensor designs,
the most common configuration is discussed a nd the user is encouraged to
contact an authorized AMI Technical Support Representative fo r
information regarding specific configurations not explicitly covered in this
introduces the reader to the functions and characteris tics of
the instrument. It provides the primary illustrations of the front and rear
panel layouts as well as documenting the performance specifications.
describes how the instrument is unpacked and installed in
conjunction with ancillary equipment in a typical cryogenic system.
describes how the instrument is used to measure and control
instrument controls are documented.
Remote Interface Reference
documents all remote commands and
queries available through the serial and IEEE-488 interfaces. A quick-
reference summary of commands is provided as well as a detailed
provides guidelines to assist Qualified Service Personnel in
troubleshooting possible system and instrument malfunctions.
Information for contacting AMI Technical Support personnel is also
documents the rear panel connectors.
Purpose and Scope
Contents of This Manual
Rev. 3
v
Foreword
The Model 135/136 has been designed to operate with an AMI Liquid
Helium Level Sensor. Operation with other equipment is not
recommended and may void the warranty.
Personnel handling cryogenic liquids should be thoroughly instructed and
trained as to the nature of the liquids. Training is essential to minimize
accidental spilling. Due to the coldness of these materials, a cryogen
spilled on many objects or surfaces may damage the surface or cause the
object to shatter, often in an explosive manner.
Inert gases released into a confined or inadequately ventilated space can
displace sufficient oxygen to make the local atmosphere incapable of
sustaining life. Cryogenic liquefied gases are potentially extreme
suffocation hazards since a small amount of liquid will vaporize and yield
a very large volume of oxygen-displacing gas. Always ensure the location
where the cryogen is used is well ventilated. Breathing air with
insufficient oxygen content may cause unconsciousness without warning.
If a space is suspect, purge the space completely with air and test before
entry. If this is not possible, wear a forced-air respirator and enter only
with a co-worker standing by wearing a forced-air respirator.
Cryogenic liquids, due to their extremely low temperatures, will burn the
skin in a similar manner as would hot liquids. Never permit cryogenic
liquids to come into contact with the skin or allow liquid nitrogen to soak
clothing. Serious burns may result from careless handling. Never touch
uninsulated pipes or vessels containing cryogenic liquids. Flesh will stick
to extremely cold materials. Even nonmetallic materials are dangerous to
touch at low temperatures. The vapors expelled dur ing the venting process
are sufficiently cold to burn flesh or freeze optic tissues. Insulated gloves
should be used to prevent frost-bite when operating valves on cryogenic
tanks. Be suspicious of valves on cryogenic systems; the extremes of
temperature they undergo causes seals to fail frequently.
In the event a person is burned by a cryogen or material cooled to
cryogenic temperatures, the following first aid treatment should be given
pending the arrival and treatment of a physician or other medical care
If any cryogenic liquid contacts the skin or eyes, immediately flush
the affected area gently with tepid water (102°F
40.5°C) and then apply cold compresses.
Applicable Hardware
Applicable Hardware
General Precautions
Cryogen Safety
vi
−
−
Rev. 3
Foreword
Do not apply heat. Loosen any clothing that may restrict
circulation. Apply a sterile protective dressing to the affected area.
If the skin is blistered or there is any chance that the eyes have
been affected, get the patient immediately to a physician for
Containers of cryogenic liquids are self pressurizing (as t he liquid boils of f,
vapor pressure increases). Hoses or lines used to transfer these liquids
should never be sealed at both ends (i.e. by closing valves at both ends).
When pouring cryogenic liquids from one container to another, the
receiving container should be cooled gradually to prevent damage by
thermal shock. The liquid should be poured slowly to avoid spattering due
to rapid boil off. The receiving vessel should be vented during the transfer.
Introduction of a substance at or near room temperature into a cryogenic
liquid should be done with great caution. There may be a violent gas boil
off and a considerable amount of splashing as a resul t of this rapid boil ing.
There is also a chance that the material may crack or catastrophically fail
due to forces caused by larg e difference s in thermal contraction o f different
regions of the material. Personnel engaged in this type of activity should
be instructed concerning this hazard and should always wear a full face
shield and protective clothing. If severe spraying or splashing could occur,
safety glasses or chemical goggles along with body length protective
aprons will provide additional protection.
The properties of many materials at extremely low temperatures may be
quite different from the properties that these same materials exhibit at
room temperatures. Exercise extreme care when handlin g materials cooled
to cryogenic temperatures until the properties of these materials under
these conditions are known.
Metals to be used for use in cryogenic equipment application must posses
sufficient physical properties at these low temperatures. Since ordinary
carbon steels, and to somewhat a lesser extent, alloy steels, lose much of
their ductility at low temperat ures, they are considered unsatisf actory and
sometimes unsafe for these applications. The austinetic Ni-Cr alloys
exhibit good ductility at these low temperatures and the most widely used
is 18-8 stainless steel. Copper, Monel
, brass and aluminum are also
considered satisfactory materials for cryogenic service.
Cryogenic storage systems are complex systems with the potential to
seriously injure personnel or equipment if not operated according to
procedures. Proper use of safety mechanisms (pressure relief valves,
Safety Summary
Safety Summary
Rev. 3
vii
Foreword
rupture disks, etc.) included in the cryostat and top plate assembly are
Fire extinguisher rated for class C fires
Signs to indicate that there are potentially dangerous cr yo ge ns in
Instruction manual symbol: the product is marked with this
symbol when it is necessary for you to refer to the instruction
manual in order to protect against damage to the product or
Hazardous voltage symbol.
Alternating Current (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5032).
Off (Supply) (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5008).
On (Supply) (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5007).
The Warning sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure or
practice, which if not correctly adhered to, could result in personal injury.
Do not proceed beyond a Warning sign until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
The Caution sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure or practice, which if not adhered to, could cause damage or
destruction of a part or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond a Caution
sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
This marking in the left margin of the manual designates a feature,
procedure, or specification that is unique to the Model 136.
Safety/Manual Legend
Recommended Safety Equipment
Safety/Manual Legend
Warning
Caution
0 RGHO
viii
Rev. 3
1 Introduction
The American Magnetics, Inc. (AMI) Model 135/136 Liquid Helium Level
Instrument is an advanced, microprocessor-based instrument utilizing
AMI’s patented sample-and-hold principle with automatic helium sensor
vacuum burnout protection. The instruments are designed for unattended
operation in systems where it is important to monitor and/or control the
liquid helium levels and minimize the liquid helium losses.
The Model 135/136 is designed to be used in conjunction with an AMI
liquid helium level sensor. The liquid helium level sensor consists of a
small diameter NbTi filament in a hollow tube. A constant current is
passed through this filament causing the portion of the filament in helium
gas to become resistive, while the portion in the liquid helium remains
superconducting. The resulting voltage across the resistive portion of the
filament is read by the instrument, converted to a liquid level, and
displayed on the front panel LED display.
In order to minimize liquid helium loss, the Model 135/136 automatically
energizes the liquid helium level sensor at predetermined time intervals
and monitors the normal (resistive) zone as it progresses from the top of
the sensor toward the surface of the liquid helium. As soon as the normal
zone reaches the liquid surface the level reading is saved and the sensor
current is turned off until the next sample interval occurs. The SENS OR
CURRENT LED is illuminated during each sample. Sample intervals are
user programmable from the front panel and can be set between 0.0 (no
delay between samples) to 600.0 minutes or hours. A sampling mode toggle
switch provided on the front panel can be toggled for continuous readings
during a helium transfer period or for just a quick level reading update.
The Model 136 provides automatic level control capabilities. Two
independent setpoints, A and B, are provided for determining a control
band to activate/deactivate a power recept acle on the rear panel. The
Model 136 is designed for unattended operation in systems where
automated refills are required.
The Model 135/136 provides automatic helium sensor vacuum burnout
protection. A sensor which is energized in a vacuum environment without
contact with liquid helium will self-heat to the point of burnout. AMI’s
1.1 Model 135/136 Features
0 RGHO
1.1.1 Minimal liquid helium losses
1.1.2 Automatic Level Control
1.1.3 Burnout protection
Rev. 3
1
Introduction
innovative microprocessor-based circuitry det ects incipient sensor burnout
and de-energizes the sensor before damage can occur. A 5% increase in
sensor resistance will trigger this protec tion, causing the current to be
switched off for 6 seconds before attempting to resume normal operation.
Due to safety concerns, the high voltage power supply used for the sensor
is a floating supply. This minimizes the possibility o f personal injury in the
inadvertent event of someone who is grounded coming in contact with the
energized sensor electrical wires.
The Model 135/136 is equipped with a 4-digit LED digital display which
provides liquid helium level indication in inches, ce ntimeters or perc ent as
selected by a front panel switch. A front panel switch allows the user to
adjust the instrument quickly and easily for any length sensor up to 80
inches (203 cm). The sensor active length can be entered in either inches or
Microprocessor-based electronics provide 0.1% readout accuracy.
Nonvolatile memory maintains instrument calibration without battery
backup. Watchdog timer circuitr y and low line voltage ( brownout) detector
prevent microprocessor lockup and provide fail-safe operation.
The Model 135/136 is provided with a 0- 10 volt reco rder output . A 4-20 mA
current loop option is available in lieu of the recorder output. Available
computer interface options include RS-232/422 Serial Port/Data Logger or
The Model 135/136 may be optionally configured for a maximum of one
analog output option and one computer interface opt ion.
Features
1.1.4 Floating supply
1.1.5 Convenient display
1.1.6 Microprocessor-based electronics
1.1.7 Remote computer monitoring or controlled operation
2
Rev. 3
Introduction
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Model 135 Front Panel Layout
1.2 Model 135 Front Panel Layout
1
2
3
4
5
32:(5
6(1625
&855(17
O
2
6
1
Power O N LED
2
Sensor current LED
3
LED level display
100.0
+, 6(732,17
/2 6(732,17
/(1*7+
,17(59$/
6,/(1&(
7
+, /(9(/
/2 /(9(/
5$,6(
/2:(5
6
Power toggle switch
7
Control mode rotary switch
8
Raise/lower toggle switch
83'$7(
6$03/(
8 9 10
,1&+
&0
Rev. 3
4
Hi level LED
5
Lo level LED
9
Sampling mode toggle switch
10
Units mode toggle switch
3
Introduction
Model 135 Rear Panel Layout
1.3 Model 135 Rear Panel Layout
1
ON
S11
&20081,&$7,216
-
2
Optional RS-232 or GPIB
1
RS-232
6(1625
-
3
communications port
(RS-232 shown)
Auxiliary DB-9 male connector
2
(see
Appendix
for pinout)
J8
$0(5,&$1 0$*1(7,&6 ,1&
2$. 5,'*( 71 86$
/,1( +] 9$ 0$;
9 9
4
Sensor input DB-9 female
3
connector (see the
the pinout diagram)
Power cord connector
4
Appendix
for
4
Rev. 3
Introduction
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/LTXLG +HOLXP
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9
11 12
14
13
10
4
5 7
8
1 2 3 6
100.0
Model 136 Front Panel Layout
1.4 Model 136 Front Panel Layout
32:(5
6(1625
&855(17
),//
$872
O
&/26('
2
1
2
3
4
23(1
Power O N LED
Sensor current LED
Fill indication LED
LED level display
+,
$
%
/2
/(1*7+
,17(59$/
6,/(1&(
+, /(9(/
$
%
/2 /(9(/
5$,6(
6(7
32,176
/2:(5
8
Lo level LED
9
Power toggle switch
10
Fill toggle switch
11
Control mode rotary switch
83'$7(
6$03/(
,1&+
&0
5
6
7
Rev. 3
Hi level LED
A level LED
B level LED
12
Raise/lower toggle switch
13
Sampling mode toggle switch
14
Units mode toggle switch
5
Introduction
Model 136 Rear Panel Layout
1.5 Model 136 Rear Panel Layout
1
ON
S11
&20081,&$7,216
-
2
Optional RS-232 or GPIB
1
RS-232
6(1625
-
3
communications port
(RS-232 shown)
Auxiliary DB-9 male connector
2
(see
Appendix
for pinout)
J8
&21752//(5 287387
/,1( 92/7$*( $ 0$;
$0(5,&$1 0$*1(7,&6 ,1&
2$. 5,'*( 71 86$
/,1( +] $ 0$;
9 9
4
Controller output receptacle
4
Power cord connector
5
5
Sensor input DB-9 female
3
connector (see the
Appendix
for
the pinout diagram)
6
Rev. 3
0 RGHO
0 RGHO
0 RGHO
Introduction
Specifications
1.6 Model 135/136 Specifications @ 25 °C
Level Measurements
Resolution: 0.1%, 0.1 cm, or 0.1 in
Accuracy
Sensor Current: 75 mA nominal
Sensor Voltage: approx. 70 VDC for 80" active sensor length
Operating Parameters
HI and LO Alarms: 0 % to 100% adjustable
HI/LO Alarm Relay Contact Ratings: 10 VA, 30 VAC or 60 VDC, 0.5 A
Sample-and-Hold Period: 0.1 to 600.0 minutes or hours
A and B Control Setpoints:
Controller Output:
Fill Timer:
a
: ± 0.5% of active sensor length
Linearity: ± 0.1%
(normally open, closed on alarm)
0 % to 100% adjustable
AC line voltage @ 1A max current
0.1 to 600.0 minutes or hours
0-10 Volt Analog Output
Integral Non-linearity: ± 0.012%
Resolution: 16 bits
Total Error: ± 1.1% for 0-10 V output
Voltage Drift (0-10 V): 100 ppm / °C
4-20 mA Analog Output @ 24 V
V
Supply Range: 13-32 VDC (see
ext
Integral Non-linearity: ± 0.012%
Resolution: 16 bits
Total Error: ± 0.25% for 4-20 mA output
Current Drift (4-20 mA): 75 ppm / °C
PSRR: 10 µ A / V
Power Requirements
Primaryb:
Maximum Current: 50 VA for Model 135
Appendix
100-120 or 200-240 VAC ±10%
50 - 60 Hz
1.3 A for Model 136
for diagram)
Rev. 3
7
Introduction
Specifications
Physical
Dimensions (Standard): 97 mm H x 213 mm W x 273 mm D
(3.8" H x 8.4" W x 10.75" D)
Weight (Standard): 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs.) for Model 135
2.0 kg (4.3 lbs.) for Model 136
Dimensions (Rack Mount): 89 mm H x 483 mm W x 273 mm D
(3.5" H x 19" W x 10.75" D)
Weight (Rack Mount): 2.3 kg (5.0 lbs.)
Environmental
Ambient Temperature: Operating: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)
Nonoperating: −20 °C to 60 °C (−4 °F to 140 °F)
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95%; non-condensing
a. Under extreme radiated electromagnetic field conditions (3V/m at 150 MHz to 170
MHz), the accuracy may be degraded to an absolute error of ±0.3 cm.
b. Maximum active sensor length is limited to 64 inches for input line voltages below
105 VAC or 210 VAC.
8
Rev. 3
2 Installation
Before energizing the instrument, the earth ground of the power
receptacle must be verified to be at earth potential and able to carry
the rated current of the power circuit. Using extension cords should
be avoided; however, if one must be used, ensure the ground
conductor is intact and capable of carrying the rated current.
In the event that the ground path of the instrument becomes less
than sufficient to carry the rated current of the power circuit, the
instrument should be disconnected from power, labeled as unsafe,
and removed fro m pl ac e o f operation.
Do not operate this instrument in the presence of flammable gases.
Doing so could result in a life-threatening explosion.
Do not modify this instrument in any way. If component
replacement is required, return the instrument to AMI facilities as
described in the Service section of this manual.
If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by AMI, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Carefully remove the instrument, sensor, and interconnecting coaxial
cables from the shipping carton and r emove all packaging mate rial. A rac k
mounting kit is supplied if the instrument was purchased with the rack
If there is any shipping damage, save all packing material and
contact the shipping representative to file a damage claim. Do not
return the instrument to AMI unless prior authorization has been
If the chassis is a table top model, place the instrument on a flat, secure
Warning
2.1 Unpacking the Instrument
Note
Rev. 3
9
Installation
If the instrument has a rack mount chassis, follow the following procedure:
Attach the rack mount adapter piece s to the instrum ent by first
removing the four screws on the side of the instrument that
attach the cover to the chassis. Attach the rack mount adapter
pieces to the sides of the instrument by reinstalling the screws.
Install the instrument in a 19" rack by securing the front panel
to the rail in each of the four corners with mounting hardware
supplied by the cabinet manufacturer.
Do not remove the cabinet f eet and t hen r ein sert t he or igin al s cre ws.
Doing so could present a severe life-threatening el ectrical hazard. If
removal of the cabinet feet is desired, replace the original screws
with screws not to exceed 1/4" in length . Screws longer than 1/4"
will contact and damage the printed circuit board inside the unit.
Prepare the sensor to be connected to the instrument by soldering the
sensor leads to a male 9-pin D-Sub connector which will connect to J1 on
the rear panel of the instrument. Refer to the
the AMI sensor manual for the proper pinout and wire color connections.
Connect the sensor to connector J1 on the rear panel.
Although the sensor connector terminals are isolated from earth
ground and therefore touching one terminal is not hazardous, the
voltage between terminals is at a hazardous potential. The sensor
connector is for use with an AMI LHe sensor and th e wi ring for the
sensor is to have no live parts which are accessible. Conductors
connected to it s terminals must be in su l ated from user co n ta ct by
basic insulation rated for 150 VAC (Category I).
The lead wire for the sensor may be sized by the following equations. For
input line voltages greater than or equal to 105 VAC or 210 VAC:
For input line voltages less than 105 VAC or 210 VAC:
Sensor Preparation
2.2 Rack Mounting the Instrument
Warning
2.3 Preparing the Sensor for Connection
Warning
R 420 5.21L – =
R 337 5.21 L – =
10
Rev. 3