Warranty, Service & Repair
WARRANTY
Flowline warrants to the original purchaser of its products that such
products will be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service for a period which is equal to the shorter of
one year from the date of purchase of such products or two years from
the date of manufacture of such products.
This warranty covers only those components of the products which
are non-moving and not subject to normal wear. Moreover, products
which are modified or altered, and electrical cables which are cut to
length during installation are not covered by this warranty.
Flowline’s obligation under this warranty is solely and exclusively
limited to the repair or replacement, at Flowline’s option, of the products (or components thereof) which Flowline’s examination proves to
its satisfaction to be defective. FLOWLINE SHALL HAVE NO
OBLIGATION FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO PERSONAL OR REAL PROPERTY, OR FOR INJURYTO ANY PERSON.
This warranty does not apply to products which have been subject to
electrical or chemical damage due to improper use, accident, negligence, abuse or misuse. Abuse shall be assumed when indicated by
electrical damage to relays, reed switches or other components. The
warranty does not apply to products which are damaged during shipment back to Flowline’s factory or designated service center or are
returned without the original casing on the products. Moreover, this
warranty becomes immediately null and void if anyone other than service personnel authorized by Flowline attempts to repair the defective
products.
Products which are thought to be defective must be shipped prepaid
and insured to Flowline’s factory or a designated service center (the
identity and address of which will be provided upon request) within
30 days of the discovery of the defect. Such defective products must
be accompanied by proof of the date of purchase.
Flowline further reserves the right to unilaterally wave this warranty
and to dispose of any product returned to Flowline where:
a. There is evidence of a potentially hazardous material present
with product.
b. The product has remained unclaimed at Flowline for longer than
30 days after dutifully requesting disposition of the product.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND
THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE OF THIS WARRANTY. This
warranty and the obligations and liabilities of Flowline under it are
exclusive and instead of, and the original purchaser hereby waives, all
other remedies, warranties, guarantees or liabilities, express or
implied. EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY IS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS OF THE PRODUCTS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANT ABILITY OF THE PRODUCTS.
This warranty may not be extended, altered or varied except by a written instrument signed by a duly-authorized officer of Flowline, Inc.
To register your product with the manufacturer , fill out the enclosed
warranty card and return it immediately to:
Flowline Inc.
10500 Humbolt Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
If for some reason your product must be returned for factory service, contact Flowline Inc. to receive a Material Return
Authorization number (MRA) first, providing the following information:
1. Part Number, Serial Number
2. Name and telephone number of someone who can answer
technical questions related to the product and its application.
3. Return Shipping Address
4. Brief Description of the Symptom
5. Brief Description of the Application
Once you have received a Material Return Authorization number,
ship the product prepaid in its original packing to:
Flowline Factory Service
MRA _____
10500 Humbolt Street
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
To avoid delays in processing your repair, write the MRA on the
shipping label. Please include the information about the malfunction with your product. This information enables our service technicians to process your repair order as quickly as possible.
®
Version 0.1A
© 1999 FLOWLINE Inc.
All rights reserved.
Manual # LA900004 01/00
Ricochet™ Alphasonic
Relay Controller
Model LA16
Owner’s
Manual
Step One
SPECIFICATIONS
Range: 3.6" to 6' (9 cm to 1.8 m)
Accuracy: ± .25% of span in air
Resolution: 0.125” (3 mm)
Frequency: 83 kHz (nominal)
Pulse rate: 5 pulses per second
Beam width: 8° conical
Dead band: 3.6” (9 cm) minimum
LED Indication: Power status, relay & fail-safe diagnostics
Lost echo condition: Reverts to full tank
Supply voltage: 120 VAC
Relay rating: 2 x 250 VAC, 10A, SPDT, Form “C”
Temperature rating: F: -40º to 140º
C: -40º to 60º
Temp. compensation: Automatic over entire range
Pressure rating: 30 psi (2 bar) @ 25 °C., derated @ 1.667 psi
(0.113 bar) per °C. above 25 °C.
Enclosure rating: NEMA 4X / IP65
Enclosure material: Polypropylene, U.L. 94VO
Transducer materials: PVDF
Mounting threads: 3/4” NPT (3/4" G)
Mounting gasket: Viton (3/4" G) metric only
Conduit connection: 1/2” NPT
CE compliance: EN 50082-2 immunity
(pending) EN 55011 emission
EN61010-1 Safety
About Alphasonic Technology:
An ultrasonic sound wave is pulsed five times per second from the
base of the transducer. The sound wave reflects against the process
medium below and returns to the transducer. The microprocessor
based electronics measures the time of flight between the sound generation and receipt, and translates this figure into the distance between
the transmitter and process medium below.
5.6" (141 mm)
2.7" (69 mm)
4.0" (102 mm)
2.8" (71 mm)
1.2"
(30 mm)
3/4" NPT (3/4" G)
Radius
6’ Range
8° Cone
Temperature/Pressure Derating
35
30
25
20
15
10
05
00
-40 -20 00 20 40 60
Operating Pressure (psi)
Temperature (°C)
Unacceptable
Range
Acceptable
Range
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
1
2
3
4
5
6
1.2
2.1
2.9
3.7
4.9
5.4
Radius
Inches
Range
Feet
3.1
5.2
7.3
9.5
11.6
13.7
Radius
cm
Step Two Step Three
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS GUIDE TO CONTROLS
About this Manual:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO
INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual
includes information on the Ricochet™ Alphasonic continuous
non-contact relay controller from FLOWLINE: LA16-5001 and
LA16-5061. Please refer to the part number located on the sensor
label to verify the exact model which you have purchased.
User’s Responsibility for Safety:
FLOWLINE manufactures a wide range of liquid level sensors and
technologies. While each of these sensors is designed to operate in
a wide variety of applications, it is the user’s responsibility to select
a sensor model that is appropriate for the application, install it
properly, perform tests of the installed system, and maintain all
components. The failure to do so could result in property damage
or serious injury.
Proper Installation and Handling:
Because this is an electrically operated device, only properlytrained staff should install and/or repair this product. Use a proper
sealant with all installations. Note: Always install the 3/4” Viton
gasket with the LA16-5061. The G threaded version of the
Echotouch will not seal unless the gasket is installed properly.
Never overtighten the transmitter within the fitting. Always check
for leaks prior to system start-up.
Wiring and Electrical:
Asupply voltage of 120 VAC is used to power the LA16 controller.
The sensor systems should never exceed a maximum of 120 volts
AC. Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in accordance with all applicable national, state, and local codes.
Material Compatibility:
The Ricochet™ enclosure is made of Polypropylene (PP). The
transducer is made of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). Make sure
that the model which you have selected is chemically compatible
with the application liquids it will contact.
Enclosure:
While the transmitter housing is liquid-resistant when installed
properly, it is not designed to be immersed. It should be mounted
in such a way that the enclosure and diaphragm do not come into
contact with fluid.
Make a Fail-Safe System:
Design a fail-safe system that accommodates the possibility of
transmitter or power failure. In critical applications, FLOWLINE
recommends the use of redundant backup systems and alarms in
addition to the primary system.
Flammable, Explosive and Hazardous Applications:
The LA16 controller systems should not be used within flammable
or explosive applications.
1. Power indicator: This green LED lights when AC power is ON.
LED will also flask when a lost echo condition occurs.
2. Relay indicators: These red LED’s will light whenever the trans-
mitter energizes the relay , in response to the proper condition with
the set points.
3. AC Power terminals: Connection of 120 VAC power to the con-
troller. Polarity (neutral and hot) does not matter.
4. Relay terminals (NC, C, NO): Connect the device you wish to
control (pump, alarm etc.) to these terminals: supply to the COM
terminal, and the device to the NO or NC terminal as required.
The switched device should be a noninductive load of not more
than 10 amps; for reactive loads the current must be derated or
protection circuits used. When the red LED is ON and the relay is
in the energized state, the NO terminal will be closed and the NC
terminal will be open.
5. Relay Potentiometers: Adjusts the switching positions for each
relay with its own independent Hi and Lo adjustment.
6. Selector Switch: Allows for indepented adjustment of the Hi or
Lo setting.
Warning
Always install the 3/4" Viton gasket with all versions of the
LA16-5061. The G threaded version of the Ricochet will not seal
unless the gasket is installed properly.
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
1
3
4
2
5
6
24
5
5
5
Step Four Step Five
WIRING INSTALLATION
FLOWLINE’s LA16 controller may be installed through the top wall
of a tank. Installation requires a 3/4" NPT fitting or blind flange.
1. Install the appropriate 3/4" fitting in the top wall of the tank. Prior
to installation, make sure that the fitting has been installed properly and checked for leaks. Use a proper sealant at the time of
installation to ensure a liquid-tight seal. Secondly, make sure that
the fitting’s threads are not damaged or worn.
2. Insert the controller into the fitting and tighten to hand tight.
3. Always check for leaks prior to system start-up. To ensure proper
installation, a complete leak test and simulation of actual process
conditions should be preformed.
Flange Fitting
Installation Installation
Warning
Do not install the LA16 in pressurized applications above 30 psi.
Always install the 3/4" Viton gasket with all versions of the
LA16-5061. The G threaded version of the LA16-5061 will not
seal unless the gasket is installed properly and checked for leaks.
Use a proper sealant at the time of installation to ensure a liquidtight seal. Secondly, make sure that the fitting’s threads are not
damaged or worn.
A supply voltage of 120 VAC is used to power the LA16 controller.
Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in accordance
with all applicable national, state, and local codes.
Wiring AC Power to LA16:
Polarity does not matter for the LA16.
Wiring to the Relays:
The 2 relays can be connected to pumps, valves, alarms, PLC’s, etc.
as long as they do not exceed the 10A, 250 VAC rating. Below illustrates using the same 120 VAC power suppling the LA16.
Wiring to the Relays:
The 2 relays are isolated from the 120 VAC power and can be used
with an independent power supply. The 10A, 250 VAC power rating
still applies. Below illustrates a separate power supply driving the
controled devices.
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
HOT NEUTRAL
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
HOT NEUTRAL
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
HOT NEUTRAL
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
VACUUM
Do not install
LA16 at an
angle
Avoid
Interference from
side of tank
Avoid
Interference from
obstructions in
tank
LA16 will not
operate in
vacuum
120 VAC
120 VAC
120 VAC
DC PWR
Step Six Step Seven
CALIBRATION CALIBRATION
Power LED Indication
The LA16 features a single Green LED which indicates power and
fail-safe conditions. During normal operation, the LED will be ON
continuously to indicate that the controller has power and a strong
echo signal return strength. Should the LED begin to FLASH, it indicates that the LA16 has lost the acoustic signal and has gone into a
fail-safe condition. During the lost echo condition, the current will
increase up to 22 mA and hold until the acoustic signal is reacquired.
Once reacquired, the LED will turn back ON continuously.
Relay LED Indication
The LA16 features dual Red LED’s which indicate relay status. When
the LED is On, the corresponding relay is energized. When the LED
is Off, the corresponding relay is de-energized.
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
Relay 2
Red LED
Relay 1
Red LED
Power
Green
LED
Hi Set
Point
Lo Set
Point
Relay Energized
Relay De-energized
Relay Energized
Relay LED Indication II
The relay’s in the LA16 will energize when the liquid level is above
both Hi and Lo points. The relay will de-energize when the level falls
below both the Hi and Lo points.
Low Level Alarm
The goal is to make sure that the liquid level does not fall below a certain point. If it does, an alarm is supposed to sound, alerting the operator of a low level condition.
If power is accidentally cut to the controller, the
sensor's ability to notify the operator of a low level
condition could be lost. The system must alert the
operator not only to low liquid level, but to controller power loss.
To do this, connect the hot lead of the alarm to the
NC side of the relay terminal of the controller. If
power is lost, the relay will be de-energized, and the
alarm will sound (if there is still power to the alarm
circuit itself). The alarm circuit should have a noninterruptible power supply or some other indicator
or backup alarm to warn of a power failure in the
alarm circuit.
In this application, the normal status if the sensor at
the bottom if the tank will be wet, and the relay will be energized holding the alarm circuit open. Both the relay LED and the Input LED will
be on simultaneously.
High Level Alarm
In the same manor, this system
can be used to sound an alarm
when fluid reaches a high
level, with just a change in the
location of the sensor and the
setting of the Invert switch.
The alarm is now connected to
the NO side of the relay.
The sensor is normally dry. In
this condition, the relay will be
de-energized so the alarm does
not sound: i.e., the Red relay
LED should be Off. If the fluid level rises to the high sensor point, the
sensor goes on, the relay energizes, and the alarm sounds.
Single Point Relay
Each relay can be used as a high or low level
alarm. The instructions below can be used for
either function.
1. Turn on 120 VAC power supply.
2. Turn all four potentiometers fully clockwise
(about 18 turns).
3. Set the input level to its set point.
4. Flip selector switch to Hi.
5. Adjust Hi potentiometer counter-clockwise
until the LED for that relay just turns ON.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the other relay.
7. Flip selector switch to OP.
Note:to protect the loads, the relays should be adjusted before the
loads are connected.
High
Alarm
High
Alarm
Low
Alarm
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
HOT NEUTRAL
Note: Low level alarm is wired NC and
the high level alarm is wired NO.
120 VAC
Warning
A supply voltage of 120 VAC is used to power the LA16 controller. If making adjustments during powered operation, use
extreme caution and use only insulated tools. Wiring should be
preformed by qualified personnel in accordance with all applicable national, state and local electrical codes.
Note: If making adjustments during powered operation, go slow, use
extreme caution and use only insulated tools.
Note:Adry calibration is possible when using a solid target. Position
the LA16 in a secure location at the exact distances required.
Step Eight Step Nine
CALIBRATION
General:
The LA16 series controller itself requires no periodic maintenance
except cleaning as required. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriate maintenance schedule, based on the specific
characteristics of the application liquids.
Cleaning Procedure:
1. Power: Make Sure that all power to the transmitter, controller
and/or power supply is completely disconnected.
2. Sensor Removal: In all through-wall installations, make sure
that the tank is drained well below the sensor prior to removal.
Carefully, remove the sensor from the installation.
3. Cleaning the Sensor: Use a soft bristle brush and mild deter-
gent, carefully wash the transducer of the LA16. Do not use harsh
abrasives such as steel wool or sandpaper, which might damage
the transmitter's surface. Do not use incompatible solvents which
may damage the PVDF transducer or the transmitters PP body.
4. Sensor Installation: Follow the appropriate steps of installa-
tion as outlined in the installation section of this manual.
Controller Logic
For all controllers, please use the following guide to understand the
operation of the LA16-50_1.
1. Power LED: Make sure the Green power LED is On when power
is supplied to the controller.
2. Relay LED(s): The relay(s) LED(s) on the LA16 will be ener-
gized when the level is above the Hi point and de-energized when
the level is below the Lo point. When the level is between the Hi
and Lo points, the relay will no change its state.
Relay Latch Logic Table:
The relay can either be an independent relay (high or low level alarm)
or can be a latching relay (automatic fill or empty).
Automatic Fill:
This system consists of a tank with a pump that is controlled by the
LA16. We connect the pump to the NC side of the relay. When the
relay is de-energized, the pump will turn On and fill the tank. When
the relay is energized, the pump will turn Off and stop filling the tank.
NOTE: If the pump motor load
exceeds the rating of the controller’s relay, a stepper relay of
higher capacity must be used as
part of the system design.
Automatic Empty:
Note that a similar system logic
can be used for an automatic
empty operation simply by controlling a pump that pumps
fluid out of the tank instead of
into it. However, note that the
pump will now be connected to
the NO side of the relay. When the relay is energized, the pump will
turn On and empty the tank. When the relay is de-energized, the pump
will turn Off and stop emptying the tank.
Latching Relay
1. Turn on 120 VAC power supply.
2. Turn all four potentiometers fully counterclockwise (about 18 turns).
3. Set the input level to its low set point.
4. Flip selector switch to Lo.
5. Adjust Lo potentiometer clockwise until the
LED for that relay just turns OFF.
6. Turn Hi potentiometer for the relay fully
clockwise (about 10 turns)
7. Flip selector switch to Hi.
8. Set input level to its highest point.
9. Adjust Hi potentiometer counter-clockwise until the LED for that
relay turns ON.
10. Repeat steps 3 to 9 for the other relay.
11. Flip selector switch to OP.
Note:to protect the loads, the relays should be adjusted before the
loads are connected.
MAINTENANCE
Hi
Level
Lo
Level
NC C NO NC C NO
ON ON
LO
HI
LO
HI
RELAY 1
RELAY 2
L1 L2
AC
POWER
LO
HI
OP
HOT NEUTRAL
Note: Auto fill pumps are wired NC and
auto empty pumps are wired NO.
120 VAC
Note: If making adjustments during powered operation, go slow, use
extreme caution and use only insulated tools.
Note:Adry calibration is possible when using a solid target. Position
the LA16 in a secure location at the exact distances required.
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