APG PRX User guide

APG

True Echo

Series PRX: Explosion Proof for Hazardous Locations

TM

Pulse Radar Level Transmitter

User Manual

Doc #9005513

R

Part #200212

Rev B, 01/2019

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................ iii

Warranty and Warranty Restrictions .................................................................... iv

Chapter 1: Specications and Options.....................................................................1

Dimensions ........................................................................................................................................1

Specications ...................................................................................................................................2

Model Number Congurators ........................................................................................................ 3

Electrical Terminals and System Wiring Diagrams ............................................................. 4-5

Chapter 2: Installation and Removal Procedures and Notes ..............................6

Tools Needed .....................................................................................................................................6

Installation Notes ............................................................................................................................6

Mounting Instructions ................................................................................................................... 6

Electrical Installation .....................................................................................................................7

Software Installation .......................................................................................................................7

Removal Instructions ..................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 3: Maintenance .............................................................................................8

General Care ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Low Dielectric Material Setting ....................................................................................................8

Field Calibration ............................................................................................................................... 8

Repair and Returns .......................................................................................................................... 9

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a True EchoTM series PRX Explosion Proof Pulse Radar Level Transmitter from APG.
We appreciate your business! Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your True EchoTM Radar
Level Transmitter and this manual.

True EchoTM series PRX Explosion Proof Pulse Radar Level Transmitters bring the unassailably accurate level
readings of radar sensors to Class I, II, and III hazardous locations. The True EchoTM PRX automaticaly adjusts

signal power for optimal accuracy and clarity, with echo masking and damping factors programmable
via software. With a low dielectric requirement for target materials, and radar’s reliable accuracy in
environments with foam, vapors, or dust, the easy to install True EchoTM PRX makes getting dependable level

readings in hazardous areas simple. True EchoTM PRX sensors are eld calibratable and fully programmable

via RS-232, RS-485 Modbus, or HART communications.

Reading your label

Every APG instrument comes with a label that includes the instrument’s model number, part number, serial
number, and a wiring pinout table. Please ensure that the part number and pinout table on your label
match your order.

FCC Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
his own expense.

 IMPORTANT: Changes or Modications not expressly approved by factory could void

the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Electrical ratings

FM Approval
Rated 12 - 30 VDC supply, 4-20 mA output, RS-232, RS-485, or HART communication
Explosion Proof
Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D; Temperature Class T6 Ta = 60° C.
Dust-Ignition Proof
Class II/III, Division 1, Groups E, F, and G; Temperature Class T6 Ta = 60° C.

Hazardous (Classied) Locations, indoor/outdoor (Type 6, IP68)

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iii

Warranty and Warranty Restrictions

This product is covered by APG’s warranty to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service of the product for 24 months. For a full explanation of our Warranty, please visit

https://www.apgsensors.com/about-us/terms-conditions. Contact Technical Support to receive a Return

Material Authorization before shipping your product back.

Scan the QR code below to read the full explanation of our Warranty on your tablet or smartphone.

iv

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Ref.

Chapter 1: Specications and Options

• Dimensions

Ø3.97"

2.10"

6.63"

16"

1.32"

1.5"Ø

15°

10.3"

9"

CL

6.3"Ø

18.25"

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• Specications

Performance

Operating Range 0 - 17 ft. / 0 - 5 m
0 - 50 ft. / 0 - 15 m
0 - 100 ft. / 0 - 30 m
Transducer Frequency 6.3 MHz

Target Dielectric Constant εr > 2
Beam Spread Teon Antenna: 6° from center

316L SS Horn: 3° from center

Accuracy

Accuracy ±0.25% of maximum range

Resolution 6.1 μA

Environmental

Housing Operating Temperature -40 to 140°F (-40 to 60°C)

Process/Probe Temperature

Standard Temperature -40 to 176°F (-40 to 80°C)
High Temperature -40 to 350°F (-40 to 177°C)
Extreme Temperature -40 to 572°F (-40 to 300°C)

Maximum Process Pressures

Standard Temp/Pressure 5 bar (72.5 psi)
Standard Temp/High Pressure 70 bar (1015.3 psi)
High/Extreme Temps 2 bar (29 psi)

Housing Enclosure Rating NEMA 6 / IP 68

Electrical

Supply Voltage 12-30 VDC / 20-35 VDC (HART)

Current Draw 70 mA max, 1.68 W @ 24 VDC

Materials of Construction

Housing Aluminum, 316L Stainless Steel

Antenna Teon, 316L Stainless Steel Horn

Mounting

Teon Antenna 1.5” or 2” NPT

Sanitary Teon Antenna 1.5” or 2” Sanitary Tri-Clamp
316L SS 6” Ø Horn 3” NPT

316L SS 13” Ø Horn 13” Ø Flange

Communication

Output 4-20 mA (shared common); HART

Calibration & Diagnostics RS-232, RS-485 Modbus, HART

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• Model Number Congurators

Model Number: PRX - ____ - _____ - _____ - _____ - _____ - _____ - _____
A B C D E F G

A. Range

□ 017
□ 050
□ 100 100 ft (30m)

17 ft (5m)
50 ft (15m)

B. Supply Voltage, Signal

□ V024

common
□ V20L 20-35 VDC - 2 wire HART†

▲

12-30 VDC - 3 wire, 4-20 mA w/ shared

C. PC Communications (Calibrate/Diagnos)

□ C2 RS-232
□ C4▲ RS-485

□ CH HART†

D. Housing Material

□ AL▲ Aluminum
□ SS 316 Stainless Steel

▲

This option is standard

Note: † CH HART PC Communications requires V20L 20-35

VDC Supply Voltage

E. Antenna Material

□ TE▲ Teon Rod
□ S6 316L Stainless Steel 6” Ø Horn†
□ HS High Temperature Radar, 316L SS Horn†
□ HT High Temperature Radar, Teon Ant.
□ PT High Pressure Teon Ant.(≤ 70 bar)††

F. Mounting

□ T15 1.5 in. NPT
□ T2▲ 2 in. NPT
□ T3 3 in. NPT
□ BF 13 in. Ø 316L SS Bottom Flange (S6, HS only)

G. Firmware

□ S
□ F Fast Firmware

Note: † S6 and HS 316L SS horns require T3 3 in. NPT mount.
Note: †† PT High PRessure Teflon Rod requires T2 2 in. NPT

mount

Standard

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• Electrical Terminals and System Wiring Diagrams

Terminals

12– 30 VDC

+8

-7
6

IN
AC/DC

OUT
4-20 mA

!

RS-232/485

Power & Control Wiring For 12-30 VDC Supply

12-30 VDC Power

True Echo
Terminals

24VDC +

24VDC -

Ground

Out +

Out -

Ground

A/TX

B/RX

8

7

6

4-20mA Output

5

4

3

2

1

4-20 mA

CURRENT

LOOP

Note: For 12-30 VDC sensors, terminal 7
is tied to terminal 4 inside sensor.

Communication

Network Node

A/TX

B/RX

Supply Voltage

4-20mA Input

FUSE

- F1 / 8 A 250 V

L1

8

L2/N

7

6

5

4



3

2

A/TX

1

B/RX

STATUS

CALIBRATION

SWITCH

Process

Controller

DC Gnd

R

Recommended Wiring:

• Power & Signal - 3 Conductor,
Shielded, 24 AWG, 300V.

• Communication - 1 Shielded

+

L

Twisted Pair, 24 AWG, 300V.

 NOTE: For RS-232 or RS-485 direct to PC wiring, see Communication Connection Dia-

grams.

4

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Communication Connection Diagrams for RS-232 and RS-485/Modbus

DB9

L1 8

L2/N 7

6

+ 5

SHIELD

-- 4
3

A/TX 2

PRL/S Terminals

B/RX 1

Red
WHT. or BLK.

RS-232 Serial Connection to PC

1

6

2
3

7

4

8

5

9

L1 8

L2 / N 7

6

RS485 to
USB
Converter

To PC
USB Port

+ 5

-- 4

PR/S Terminals

3

A/TX 2

B/RX 1

Red

WHT. or BLK.

Shield

RS-485/Modbus Connection to PC

 IMPORTANT: Shield wire for RS-485/Modbus must only be connected on one end. If

connecting at radar terminals, use terminal 3.

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5

Chapter 2: Installation and Removal Procedures and Notes

• Tools Needed

TM

• You should not need any tools to install your True Echo
using a stand pipe to mount your radar, you will probably need tools to install the stand pipe.

• Installation Notes

• Mount your True EchoTM series radar so that it has a clear, perpendicular path to the surface being
monitored. Your sensor should be mounted away from tank or vessel inlets. Do not mount radar in

center of domed tank. (See Figure 2.1)

• The radar path should be free from obstructions and as open as possible for the 4° o axis beam pat-
tern.

• If you are using a stand pipe, please see our guide to stand pipes on our website:

http://www.apgsensors.com/about-us/blog/how-to-install-a-stand-pipe.

series Radar Level Transmitter. If you are

Figure 2.1

• Mounting Instructions

Mounting your radar level transmitter is easy if you follow a few simple steps:

• Never over-tighten the sensor.

• Always screw in your sensor by hand to avoid cross-threading. Thread failure can be a problem if you

damage threads by over-tightening them or by crossing threads.

 IMPORTANT: Do not over tighten! The sensor should be threaded in only hand tight.

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NOTE: Do not mount the sensor where the beam will intersect objects such as ll



streams, pipes, ladder rungs, wall seams, or corrugated tank walls.

• Electrical Installation

• Unscrew top lid of radar, exposing electrical terminals.

• Feed wires from your control system through 1/2” NPT conduit hole on side of radar.

• Attach the wires of your control system to the radar according to the Power & Control Wiring Diagram

on page 4.

• Secure conduit in 1/2” NPT hole.

• Replace lid of radar.

• Software Installation

• Download the Probe Gateway software ziple from http://apgsensors.com/support.

• Open the zip le.

• Choose “Install” from the options at the top of the zip le window.

• The installation process will prompt you as needed to complete the installation.

• Removal Instructions

• Ensure that power (VDC, control power, and communication power) to the radar is o.

• Unscrew top lid and detach wires from terminals.

• Disconnect conduit from radar.

• Remove the radar and store it in a dry place, at a temperature between -40° F and 140° F.

• If the radar was installed in a hazardous location, ensure that the cables will not energize while the

sensor is disconnected.



DANGER: Do not disconnect equipment installed in hazardous locations unless power

has been switched o or area is known to be non-hazardous.

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Chapter 3: Maintenance

• General Care

Your True EchoTM Radar Level Transmitter is very low maintenance and will need little care as long as it was
installed correctly. However, in general, you should:

• Avoid applications for which the sensor was not designed. Follow all temperature range restrictions,
and avoid contact with incompatible corrosive chemicals and fumes, or other damaging environments.

• Inspect the threads whenever you remove the sensor from duty or change its location.

• Low Dielectric Material Setting

Your True EchoTM Pulse Radar Level Transmitter has a setting to more accurately measure target materials

with low dielectrics (ε < 4). The Low Dielectric Materials mode can be turned on or o via the Calibration

Switch on the radar.

• Unscrew the lid of the radar.

- Blinking Green Status LED (see Terminals on Page 4) indicates Low Dielectric Materials mode is ON.

- Solid Green Status LED indicates Low Dielectric Materials mode is OFF.

• To toggle the Low Dielectric Materials mode, press and hold the Calibration Switch button until the

Status LED cycles from Yellow to Red and then o (see Terminals on page 4).

• Replace lid of radar when nished.

• Field Calibration

All True EchoTM Pulse Radar Level Transmitters can be calibrated in the eld to set minimum or maximum
material levels for 4 mA or 20 mA output.

For Full/Maximum Level Calibration

• Turn Low Dielectric Materials mode OFF (see instructions above).

• With target material at maximum desired level, press and hold Calibration Switch button.

- For 20 mA output, release button when Status LED turns Yellow.

- For 4 mA output, release button when Status LED turns RED.

• Status LED will ash after release to conrm setting.

For Empty/Minium Level Calibration

• Turn Low Dielectric Materials mode OFF (see instructions above).

• With target material at minimum desired level, press and hold Calibration Switch button.

- For 20 mA output, release button when Status LED turns Yellow.

- For 4 mA output, release button when Status LED turns RED.

• Status LED will ash after release to conrm setting.

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

IMPORTANT: Low Dielectric Material mode must be OFF before performing level/

output calibration. To calibrate for low dielectric materials, do not turn on Low Dielectric
Material Mode until AFTER performing level/output calibration.

• Repair and Returns

Should your True EchoTM Pulse Radar Level Transmitter require service, please contact the factory via

phone, email, or online chat. We will issue you a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number with

instructions.

• Phone: [phone]

• Email: [email protected]

• Online chat at www.apgsensors.com

Please have your radar’s part number and serial number available. See Warranty and Warranty Restrictions
for more information.

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9

APG

R

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Automation Products Group, Inc.