Kobold SM Operating Manual

KOBOLD SM FLOWMETER/SWITCH

User Instructions

KOBOLD Instruments Inc. 1801 Parkway View Drive Pittsburgh PA 15205

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone] • www.koboldusa.com

R2_4-13

Table Of Contents

KOBOLD SM FLOWMETER/SWITCH

1.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.0 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3.0 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4.0 Electrical Installation . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5.0 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5.1 Reading Flow. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5.2 Adjusting the Setpoint for Increasing Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5.3 Adjusting the Setpoint for Decreasing Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5.4 Adjusting the Setpoint for SM Flow Switch Models w/o Indicator. . . . 5

6.0 Arrival of Damaged Equipment . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SM

7.0 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

8.0 Need help with your SM Flow Switch?. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

List Of Diagrams

Diagram 4.1 Electrical Connections. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3

List of Tables

Table 2.1 Material Composition. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2

FM Rev. 4/16/13

SM

KOBOLD SM FLOWMETER/SWITCH

User Instructions

CAUTION: For safety reasons, please read the cautionary information located at

the end of the manual, before attempting installation.

1.0 General

The KOBOLD SM flowmeter/switch is intended for functions involving flow triggered
switching or measuring/switching of liquids and gases. The all-metal construction of the
instrument makes it usable in situations where the medium is under high pressure (3600
PSIG maximum for the brass version, and 5000 PSIG maximum for the stainless steel
version). The SM flow switch can be factory fitted with up to three reed switches to allow
a corresponding number of setpoints to be monitored. The SM flowmeter, because of its
external flow indicator, is limited to two reed switches.

The principle of operation of the SM is that of the well-known float in a conical tube, or
variable area flowmeter. The KOBOLD SM, however, uses our patented cylindrical
control tube with V-groove to replace the conical tube. This method has advantages in
that the float is stabilized over its entire measuring range and offers a large flow range in
a small instrument. In the SMO, SMW and SMF versions, the action of gravity is
augmented by a calibrated restoring spring to provide different measuring ranges than
are possible by use of gravity alone. The float has a built-in permanent magnet that
actuates a reed switch (when equipped) mounted on the exterior housing of the device.
The optional switch is therefore hermetically separated from the medium. The optional
switches are user adjustable so that setpoints may be adjusted to any flow value within
the range of the instrument.

2.0 Specifications

Measurement Accuracy: +/- 5% of Full Scale

Maximum Medium Temperature: 240 Degrees F

-with PP Float 160 Degrees F

Maximum Operating Pressure:

-with PP Float 230 PSIG

-with Brass Body/Metal Float 3600 PSIG

-with SS Body/Metal Float 5000 PSIG

FM Rev. 4/16/13

SM 2

Switch Specifications:
Maximum Voltage: 240 VAC

Maximum Current: SPST (N/O): 1.5 A

Maximum Power Dissipation: SPST (N/O): 50 VA/50 W

Environmental Protection: IP 65 (IEC 259)

cCSAus Approval

Table 2.1 Material Composition

Brass Version SS Version

Housing: Ni-Plated Brass 304 SS
Slotted Nozzle: Ni-Plated Brass 304 SS

Float: Ni-Plated Brass, PP, Al, 304 SS PP, Al, 304 SS
Fittings: 304 SS
Seals: FKM
Spring:

Ni-Plated Brass

NBR

301 SS (SMO,SMW,SMF)

SPDT: 0.8 A

SPDT:30 VA/30 W

(Equal to NEMA 4)

301 SS (SMO,SMW,SMF)

3.0

CAUTION: For safety reasons, please read the cautionary information located at

To install, proceed as follows:

Installation

the end of the manual, before attempting installation.

1. The SM flowmeter/switch must be installed in the appropriate orientation as
indicated for the specific model.

2. The medium must not contain any solids or contaminants that could precipitate
out of solution and deposit on the instrument's inner walls. This would prevent
proper operation of the device. Unclean media should be filtered upstream of
the SM. KOBOLD offers a magnetic/screened filter suitable for such purposes
(type MFR).

3. Do not install meter on large masses of ferritic materials, or in areas where
strong electric fields are present, as this will hamper proper operation of the
reed contact.

FM Rev. 4/16/13

4.0 Electrical Installation

3 SM

Maximum values of current and voltage must not be exceeded on the reed relay.

driving inductive or capacitive loads, we recommend the use of a suitable isolation relay,
KOBOLD provides a line of relays for such instances. If an isolation relay is not used, a
clamping diode is highly recommended for DC inductive loads to minimize contact
arcing, which will destroy the reed switch.

Diagram 4.1 Electrical Connections

If

N/O Contact (SPST)
Changeover
Contact
(SPDT)

FM Rev. 4/16/13

SM 4

5.0 Operation

We recommend that if possible, a flow control valve be installed downstream of the
instrument and be closed as pressure is introduced to the system. Thereafter, the control
valve can be opened gradually to achieve the needed flow. This procedure prevents
oscillation of the float as the medium is introduced. More importantly, it prevents possible
damage due to pressure surges (as described in the cautionary section) to the SM.

5.1 Reading Flow

Read the flow rate off the downstream edge of the indicator (when equipped).

5.2 Adjusting the Setpoint for Increasing Flow

Adjust the setpoint for increasing flow as follows:

1. Loosen the hold-down screws on the reed contact housing.

2. Slide the contact toward the outlet along its rail until it reaches its stops.
The reed contact will be deactuated at this point.

3. Open the medium feed line and set flow to desired volume.

4. Slide the reed contact toward the inlet until the contact actuates.

5. Tighten the hold-down screws.

5.3 Adjusting the Setpoint for Decreasing Flow

Adjust the setpoint for decreasing flow as follows:

1. Loosen the hold-down screws on the reed contact housing.

2. Slide the contact toward the inlet along the rail until it reaches its stops. The
reed contact will be actuated at this point.

3. Open the feed line and introduce flow until the reed contact deactuates,
then lower the flow value to the desired minimum.

FM Rev. 4/16/13

5 SM

4. Slide the contact toward the outlet until the reed contact actuates again.

5. Tighten the hold-down screws.

5.4 Adjusting the Setpoint for SM Flow Switch Models w/o Indicator

Alternatively, you may adjust the approximate switching setpoint as follows:

1. Loosen the hold-down screws on the reed contact housing.

2. Slide the contact until the marking line on the switch housing aligns with the
desired flow as indicated by the scale on the instrument housing.

3. Tighten the hold-down screws.

Slight readjustment of the switch may be necessary to “dial in” the desired

switching characteristics.

6.0 Arrival of Damaged Equipment

Your instrument was inspected prior to shipment and found to be defect-free. If damage
is visible on the unit, we advise that you carefully inspect the packing in which it was
delivered. If damage is visible, notify your local carrier at once, since the carrier is liable
for a replacement under these circumstances. If your claim is refused, please contact
KOBOLD Instruments for further instructions.

7.0 Maintenance

The KOBOLD SM contains few active mechanisms to wear out. Operation is achieved
using a calibrated spring (SMO, SMW and SMF versions) and magnetism. This means
that reliable operation and a long life may be expected from the SM. We do strongly
recommend that, since dirt is the primary enemy of this instrument, only clean or filtered
media be passed through it. Do not use this meter on fluids capable of corroding the 301
SS material of the spring.

8.0 Need help with your SM Flow Switch?

Call one of our friendly engineers at 412-788-2830.

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7 SM

Caution

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GENERAL FLOW METER/ MONITOR

WARNINGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION OF YOUR NEW

DEVICE. FAILURE TO HEED THE INFORMATION HEREIN MAY

RESULT IN EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SUBSEQUENT

PERSONAL INJURY.

FM Rev. 4/16/13

SM 8

•

•

• Media and Chemical Compatibility:

•

User's Responsibility for Safety:

process sensors and technologies. While each of these technologies are
designed to operate in a wide variety of applications, it is the user's
responsibility to select a technology that is appropriate for the application,
to install it properly, to perform tests of the installed system, and to
maintain all components. The failure to do so could result in property
damage or serious injury.

Inspect instrument for damage upon arrival:

otherwise damaged instruments must not be put into use, since the device
is weakened to an unknown extent. Refer to Section 6.0, Arrival of
Damaged Equipment, for additional information.

device have been determined using water and air. If using other media,
especially corrosive media, it is critically important that the user determine
chemical compatibility with our instruments. KOBOLD Instruments Inc.
cannot accept responsibility for failure and consequences resulting from
use of media other than water, air, and nitrogen.

Material Compatibility:

selected is chemically compatible with the application liquids. While the
meter is liquid and spray resistant when installed properly, it is not
designed to be immersed.

Make sure that the model which you have

KOBOLD manufactures a wide range of

Cracked, fractured, bent or

The maximum tolerances of the

•

Proper Installation in Flow System:

position within your flow system. This avoids excessive stresses which may
damage the instrument. In particular:

a.) Ensure that the plumbing leading to and from the instrument is fully
supported and that the instrument does not perform the physical function of
a joint.

b.) When calculating stress on the device caused by plumbing, the weight
of the medium in the pipes must be considered as well.

c.) Misaligned runs of rigid piping can cause large stresses when
connected to the instrument. Do not connect in such a fashion.

d.) When connecting fittings, hold the instrument fittings rigid with a
correctly sized wrench. Do not install by twisting the instrument into the
pipe fittings.

e.) Do NOT install by holding the device housing to provide counter-torque
to the pipe fitting.

f.) Use an appropriate amount of PTFE tape on male threads of fitting. This
reduces the twisting stresses produced by tightening the fittings into each
other.

g.) Do not use pliers or wrenches on the housing, as this may damage it.

Install the device in a fully supported

h.) Do not overtighten, as this may fracture the fittings.

FM Rev. 4/16/13

9 SM

•

While Operating the Flow System:

of situations to avoid:

a.) The sudden cessation of fluid flow causes what is typically referred to
as "water hammer". Most people are familiar with this phenomenon from
their home experience - it is the cause behind the loud clank of water pipes
which occurs when faucets are turned off too suddenly. The cause behind
this "water hammer" is quite easy to visualize. Water is fairly massive. The
amount of water in long runs of pipe is quite substantial. When the faucets
are turned off suddenly, especially from a full on condition, the water has
considerable momentum and does not want to stop flowing. The situation
is similar to stopping a car by running into a wall, rather than by applying
brakes. Both are sudden rather than gradual. The damage to the wall can
be substantial (not to mention the car).

b.) The "water hammer" causes surges in fluid pressure which could cause
the measurement instrument's pressure limit to be exceeded, resulting in
failure and possible personal injury.

c.) Fluid surges, as well as the water hammer, can be particularly
damaging to empty flowmeters since there is no back pressure in the
device. The damage is caused, once again, by momentary excess
pressure. To avoid these surges, fluid lines should remain full (if possible)
and water flow should be introduced to the device slowly.

During operation, there are a number

d.) If the instrument is isolated with inlet and outlet valves, the flowmeter
must be completely drained when said valves are both closed. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the device caused by thermal expansion of
fluid.

e.) Freezing of water in the instrument must be avoided since the resultant
expansion will damage the flowmeter and make it unsafe for use.

•

•

•

Wiring and Electrical:

Electrical Connections, provide the voltage and current limitations and the
wiring for the various sensor types. The sensor electrical ratings should
never be exceeded. Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in
accordance with all applicable national, state and local codes.

Temperature and Pressure:

temperature and pressure limits for each model. Operation outside these
limitations will cause damage to the unit and can potentially cause personal
injury. Fluid should never be allowed to freeze inside the sensor.

Make a Fail-safe System:

the possibility of switch or power failure. In critical applications, KOBOLD
recommends the use of redundant backup systems and alarms in addition
to the primary system.

Section 2.0, Specifications and Section 4.0,

Section 2.0, Specifications, provides the

Design a fail-safe system that accommodates

FM Rev. 4/16/13