APG VBL Operating Manual

PRODUCTS

AUT OMATION

Operator’s Manual

GROUP, INC.

VBL Series

General Purpose

Vibrating Level Sensor

Rev. A2, 9/09

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VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09

T able of Content s

Warranty ......................................................................................... 3

Introduction .................................................................................... 4

Specifications.................................................................................. 5

Dimensions...................................................................................... 7

Nomenclature.................................................................................. 8

Electronics ...................................................................................... 9

Principle of Operation .................................................................. 10

Installation .................................................................................... 11

Adjustment Procedure .................................................................. 14

Sensitivity...................................................................................... 16

Wiring............................................................................................ 17

Start Up ........................................................................................ 17

Maintenance ................................................................................. 18

Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 20

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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 .

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER
W ARRANTIES NOT EXPRESSLY SET FOR TH HEREIN, WHETHER
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHER WISE
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A P AR TICULAR PURPOSE.

No representation or warranty , express or implied, made by any sales
representative, distributor, or other agent or representative of APG which is not
specifically set forth herein shall be binding upon APG. APG shall not be liable
for any incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses directly or
indirectly arising from the sale, handling, improper application or use of the
goods or from any other cause relating thereto and APG’s liability hereunder, in
any case, is expressly limited to the repair or replacement (at APG’ s option) of
goods.

Warranty is specifically at the factory. Any on site service will be provided at
the sole expense of the Purchaser at standard field service rates.

All associated equipment must be protected by properly rated electronic/
electrical protection devices. APG shall not be liable for any damage due to
improper engineering or installation by the purchaser or third parties. Proper
installation, operation and maintenance of the product becomes the
responsibility of the user upon receipt of the product.

Returns and allowances must be authorized by APG in advance. APG will
assign a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number which must appear on
all related papers and the outside of the shipping carton. All returns are subject
to the final review by AP G. Returns are subject to restocking charges as
determined by APG’ s “Credit Return Policy”.

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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. Since the detecting point is at the tip of the vibration pipe, it is
immune to buildup of the medium on the inside wall of the vessel.

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Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series

• Specifications

Operational Versions

VBL-12: Compact

VBL-22: For extended probes

VBL-32: For flexible extension

Performance

3

Bulk Density: Min 0.2 g/cm

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/cm

3

)

Standard for bulk density 0.5 g/cm3 or more (factory setting)

Low for sticky media
Loss of Power Mode: Provided (high or low) by switch
Detection Time Delay (optional field adjustable)

Covered: 1 sec.

Free: 5 sec.
Indication:

Green LED for Power status

Red LED for Relay status

Electrical

Supply V oltage: 90 to 132 VAC, 180 to 264 VAC or 24 VDC
Power Consumption: Approximately 5 VA

Physical

Material

Housing: Aluminum die cast (ADC)

Vibration Probe: 304SS (316SS optional)
Cable Entries: G 3/4, G 1/2 or NPT 1/2
Rating: IP65/NEMA 4

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VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09

Environmental

Operating T emperatur e:

Vibration Rod Housing

VBL-12, 22 -4 to 300°F -4 to 140°F

(-20 to 150°C) (-20 to 60°C)

VBL-31 -4 to 158°F -4 to 140°F

(-20 to 70°C) (-20 to 60°C)

Maximum Pressure: 290 psi (20 bar)

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Rev. A2, 9/09 VBL Series

Dimensions — in./mm

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VBL Series Rev. A2, 9/09

• Nomenclature

1. 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.

2. Plug for VBL-12N/NT and VBL­22N/NT

Screw to install the sensor to the
tank.

3. Flange for VBL-12F/FT ,
VBL-22F/FT and VBL-32F

Flange to install the sensor to the
tank.

4. Extension pipe for VBL-22F/FT
and VBL-22N/NT

Sensor measuring length
extension part.

5. Flexible cable for VBL-32F

Sensor measuring length
extension part.

6. Housing

Electronic circuit is placed.

7. Cable Gland

Cable entry to enter the cable.
Sizes are JIS F 20a (G 3/4) and JIS
F 15c (G 1/2) (Optionally
available.)

8. Cover for the sensor.

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