Omega Products LVCN-21 Installation Manual

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User ’s Guide

LVCN-20 Series

Ultrasonic Level Controller

WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER

OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. warrants this unit to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a

period of 13 months from date of purchase. OMEGA Warranty adds an additional one (1) month grace

period to the normal one (1) year product warranty to cover handling and shipping time. This ensures

that OMEGA’s customers receive maximum coverage on each product.

If the unit should malfunction, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation. OMEGA’s Customer Service

Department will issue an Authorized Return (AR) number immediately upon phone or written request. Upon

examination by OMEGA, if the unit is found to be defective it will be repaired or replaced at no charge.

OMEGA’s WARRANTY does not apply to defects resulting from any action of the purchaser, including but not

limited to mishandling, improper interfacing, operation outside of design limits, improper repair, or unautho-

rized modification. This WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with or

shows evidence of being damaged as a result of excessive corrosion; or current, heat, moisture or vibration;

improper specification; misapplication; misuse or other operating conditions outside of OMEGA’s control.

Components which wear are not warranted, including but not limited to contact points, fuses, and triacs.

OMEGA is pleased to offer suggestions on the use of its various products. However, OMEGA neither

assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors nor assumes liability for any damages that result

from the use of its products in accordance with information provided by OMEGA, either verbal or writ-

ten. OMEGA warrants only that the parts manufactured by it will be as specified and free of defects.

OMEGA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WHATS0EVER,

EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT THAT OF TITLE, AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DIS-

CLAIMED. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The remedies of purchaser set forth herein are exclusive and the

total liability of OMEGA with respect to this order, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence,

indemnification, strict liability or otherwise, shall not exceed the purchase price of the component

upon which liability is based. In no event shall OMEGA be liable for consequential, incidental or spe-

cial damages.

CONDITIONS: Equipment sold by OMEGA is not intended to be used, nor shall it be used: (1) as a “Basic

Component” under 10 CFR 21 (NRC), used in or with any nuclear installation or activity; or (2) in medical

applications or used on humans. Should any Product(s) be used in or with any nuclear installation or activity,

medical application, used on humans, or misused in any way, OMEGAassumes no responsibility as set forth

in our basic WARRANTY/ DISCLAIMER language, and additionally, purchaser will indemnify OMEGA and

hold OMEGA harmless from any liability or damage whatsoever arising out of the use of the Product(s) in

such a manner.

RETURN REQUESTS / INQUIRIES

Direct all warranty and repair requests/inquiries to the OMEGA Customer Service

Department. BEFORE RETURNING ANY PRODUCT(S) TO OMEGA, PURCHASER MUST

OBTAIN AN AUTHORIZED RETURN (AR) NUMBER FROM OMEGA’S CUSTOMER SERVICE

DEPARTMENT (IN ORDER TO AVOID PROCESSING DELAYS). The assigned AR number

should then be marked on the outside of the return package and on any correspondence.

The purchaser is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging

to prevent breakage in transit.

FOR WARRANTY RETURNS, please have

the following information available BEFORE

contacting OMEGA:

1. P.O. number under which the product

was PURCHASED,

2. Model and serial number of the product

under warranty, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific

problems relative to the product.

FOR NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS,

consult

OMEGA for current repair charges. Have

the following information available

BEFORE contacting OMEGA:

1. P.O. number to cover the COST

of the repair,

2. Model and serial number of product, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific

problems relative to the product.

OMEGA’s policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible.

This affords our customers the latest in technology and engineering.

OMEGA is a registered trademark of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.

© Copyright 1996 OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. All rights reserved. This document may not be copied,

photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or

in part, without prior written consent of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.

USA

MADE

IN

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For immediate technical or application assistance:

USA and Canada: Sales Service: 1-800-826-6342 / 1-800-TC-OMEGA

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Customer Service: 1-800-622-2378 / 1-800-622-BEST

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En Espan˜ol: [phone] ext: 2203 e-mail: [e-mail]

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It is the policy of OMEGA to comply with all worldwide safety and EMC/EMI regulations that apply. OMEGA is constantly

pursuing certification of its products to the European New Approach Directives. OMEGA will add the CE mark to every

appropriate device upon certification.

The information contained in this document is believed to be correct but OMEGA Engineering, Inc. accepts no liability for any errors it con-

tains, and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.

WARNING: These products are not designed for use in, and should not be used for, patient connected applications.

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Step One

SPECIFICATIONS

Range: 6” to 12 feet (15.2 cm to 3.7 m)
Accuracy: ± 0.25% of span (air)
Resolution: 0.125” (3 mm)
Frequency: 50 kHz
Pulse rate: 3 per second
Beam width: 8° conical
Blocking distance: 6” (15.2 cm) minimum
LED Indication: Power, relay & fail-safety
Fail-safety: Power and echo fail-safe
Supply voltage: LVCN-20-AC: 120 VAC

LVCN-20-DC: 18-30 VDC
Set points: 2 per relay
Adjustments: Potentiometer
Relay types: (2) Latched, SPDT
Relay rating: LVCN-20-AC: 250 VAC, 10A, 1/2 hp.

LVCN-20-DC: 250 VAC, 10A, 1/4 hp.
Relay mode: Selectable NO or NC
Relay latch: ON or OFF
Hysteresis: Adjustable over range
Temperature rating: F: -40° to 140°

C: -40° to 60°
Temp. compensation: Automatic over entire range
Pressure rating: 30 psi (2 bar) @ 25 (C., derated @ 1.667 psi

(.113 bar) per (C. above 25 (C.
Enclosure rating: NEMA 4X (IP65)
Enclosure material: Polypropylene, U.L. 94VO
Transducer material: PVDF
Mounting conn.: 2” NPT (2” G)
Mounting gasket: Viton (2” G) metric only
Conduit connection: 1/2” NPT
CE compliance: EN 50082-2 immunity

(LVCN-20-DC only)

EN 55011 emission (LVCN-20-DC only)

About Ultrasonic Technology:

An ultrasonic sound wave is pulsed three 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.

Faceplate:

Beam Cone Radius:

Model Chart:

Dimensions:

T

Acceptable

Range

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 Bulk Tank Ultrasonic Relay Controller
from OMEGA: L VCN-21-__ and LVCN-22-__. 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:

OMEGA has 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 2” Viton gas­ket with the L VCN-22-__. The G threaded version of the controller
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:

A supply voltage of 120 VAC is used to power the LVCN-20 series
controller. The system should never exceed a maximum of 120 volts
AC. The supply voltage used to power the LVCN-20-DC series

controller should never exceed a maximum of 30 volts DC.
Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in accordance
with all applicable national, state, and local codes.

Material Compatibility:

The LVCN-20 series 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, OMEGA rec­ommends the use of redundant backup systems and alarms in addi­tion to the primary system.

Flammable, Explosive and Hazardous Applications:

The LVCN-20 series controller systems should not be used within
flammable or explosive applications.

1. Power indicator: This green LED lights when DC power is ON.

LED will also flash 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 (LVCN-21 & LVCN-22 series only):

Connection of 120 VAC power to the controller. Polarity (hot and
neutral) does not matter.

DC Power terminals (LVCN-21-DC & LVCN-22-DC series
only): Connection of 18 to 30 VDC power to the controller.

Please observe the Polarity (positive and negative) of the terminal.

4. Relay terminals (NC, C, NO): Connect the device you wish to

control (pump, valve, 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 Potentiometer: Adjusts the switching positions for each

relay with its own independent Hi and Lo adjustment.

6. Selector Switch: Allows for independent adjustment of the Hi or

Lo setting.

Warning

Always install the 2" Viton gasket with all versions of the
LVCN-22-__. The G threaded version of the Controller will not
seal unless the gasket is installed properly.

Step Four Step Five

WIRING INSTALLATION

OMEGA’s LVCN-20 series controller may be installed through the
top wall of a tank. Installation requires a 2" NPT (G) fitting or blind
flange.

1. Install the appropriate 2" 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 fittings 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.

Fitting Installation Flange Installation

Observe the Flange Chart
to the left to determine
the maximum depth for a
flange installation.

Electrical wiring of the sensor should be performed in accordance
with all applicable national, state, and local codes.

Wiring AC Power Controller (LVCN-20 series only):

Polarity does not matter for the L VCN-20 series. Do not exceed the 120
VAC power rating. The 2 relays can be connected to pumps, valves,
alarms, PLC’s, etc. as long as they do not exceed the 10A, 250 VAC,
1/2 Hp rating. Below illustrates using the same 120 VAC power sup­pling the LVCN-20 series to control two independent pumps directly.

Wiring DC Power Controller (LVCN-20-DC series only):

Please observe polarity for the LVCN-20-DC series. The 2 relays can
be connected to pumps, valves, alarms, PLC’s, etc. as long as they do
not exceed the 10A, 250 VAC, 1/4 Hp rating. Below illustrates using
the same VDC power suppling the LVCN-20-DC series to control a
high level and low level alarm directly. This device can be wired
either Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC).

Do not install

LVCN-20 series

at an angle

Avoid

interference from

side of tank

Avoid

interference from

obstructions in

tank

LVCN-20 series

will not operate

in vacuum

Flange Chart

Wiring to the Relays:

The 2 relays are isolated from the power required to operate the
LVCN-20 series. The relays can be used to control a device on a sep­arate power system. The illustration below demonstrates the LVCN­21 controlling two alarms powered from a different power supply. All
relay ratings will still apply.

Warning

Do not install the LVCN-20 series in pressurized applications
above 30 psi.

Always install the 2" V iton gasket with all versions of the LVCN­22-__. The G threaded version of the LVCN-22-__ 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 fittings threads are not
damaged or worn.

e e

Step Six Step Seven

CALIBRATION CALIBRATION

Power LED Indication

The LVCN-20 series 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, this indicates that the LVCN-20
series has lost the acoustic signal and has gone into a fail-safe condi­tion. During the lost echo condition, both relays will energize indi­cating a full tank condition. Once re-acquired, the LED will turn back
ON continuously and the relays will return to their proper state. Note:
during a fail-safe condition, both relays will energize. Design your
system such that an energized relay state is a fail-safe condition.

Relay LED Indication

The LVCN-20 series 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.

Relay 2

Red LED

Relay 1

Red LED

Power
Green

LED

Relay LED Indication II

The relay’s in the LVCN-20 series 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.

Note: If making adjustments during powered operation, go slow, use
extreme caution and use only insulated tools.

Note: A dry calibration is possible when using a solid target. Position
the LVCN-20 series in a secure location at the exact distances required.

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.

To do this, connect the alarm to the NC side of the
relay. Connect the source of power to the Com termi­nal of the relay.

In this application, the switch point is normally wet.
In this condition, the relay will be energized so the
alarm will not sound: i.e., the Red relay LED will be
On. If the fluid level falls below the low switch point,
the relay de-energizes, which closes the alarm circuit
and the alarm sounds.

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 switch point and the
reversing of the relay.

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. Apply appropriate power.

2. Turn the Hi and Lo Potentiometer for the
relay 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. Turn Lo potentiometer for the relay fully
counter-clockwise (about 18 turns).

7. Flip selector switch to Lo.

8. Adjust Lo potentiometer clockwise until the
LED for that relay turns OFF.

9. Adjust Lo potentiometer counter-clockwise 1/4 turn, LED will turn ON.

10. Repeat steps 3 to 9 for the other relay.

11. Flip selector switch to OP.
Note:to protect the loads, the relay set points should be adjusted

before the loads are connected.
Note:calibrate the LVCN-20 series to a static liquid level or sta-

tionary object.

Note: Low level alarm is wired NC and
the high level alarm is wired NO.

Warning

A supply voltage of 120 VAC is used to power the LVCN-20
series controller. A supply voltage of 18-30 VDC is used to
power the LVCN-20-DC series controller. If making adjust­ments during powered operation, use extreme caution and use
only insulated tools. Also, calibrate all models of the LVCN-20
series to a static liquid level or stationary object. Wiring should
be preformed by qualified personnel in accordance with all
applicable national, state and local electrical codes.

Step Eight Step Nine

CALIBRATION

General:

The LVCN-20 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 spe-

cific 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 deter­gent, carefully wash the transducer of the L VCN-20 series. Do not
use a harsh abrasive such as steel wool or sandpaper, which might
damage the surface of the transmitter. Do not use incompatible
solvents which may damage the PVDF transducer or the trans­mitters PP body.

4. Sensor Installation: Follow the appropriate steps of installa­tion 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 LVCN-20 series.

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 LVCN-20 series will
be energized 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 Logic:

The relay can either be an independent relay (high or low level alarm)
or can be a latching relay (automatic fill or empty).

High Level Low Level Automatic

Alarm Alarm Control

MAINTENANCE

Note: If making adjustments during powered operation, go slow, use

extreme caution and use only insulated tools.
Note:A dry calibration is possible when using a solid target. Position

the LVCN-20 series in a secure location at the exact distances
required.

Automatic Fill:

This system consists of a tank with a pump that is controlled by the
LVCN-20 series. 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. Apply appropriate Power.

2. Turn the Hi and Lo Potentiometer for the
relay fully counter-clockwise (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 18 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.
Note:calibrate the LVCN-20 series to a static liquid level or sta-

tionary object.

Note: Auto fill pumps are wired NC
and auto empty pumps are wired NO.

2