Manual 7 PDF

Instruction Manual IP2013
Microflex-C Analogue Liquid

Level Transmitter
Installation Operation &

Maintenance
Instruction Manual
Hycontrol Ltd Larchwood House Orchard Street Redditch Worcestershire B98 7DP U.K.
Tel: + 44 01527 406800 Fax: + 44 01527 406810 E-mail : sales@hycontrol.com Website: www.hycontrol.com
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

The Microflex-C is designed for safe area use only, and must not be installed
in a hazardous area, even if the power is supplied through a barrier device.
HANDLE WITH CARE

The Microflex-C is a measuring instrument and should be handled with due care and
attention at all times.
INDEX
PAGE
1.0
Specification
2.0
Installation
3.0
Wiring
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
4.2.5.
4.2.6.
4.2.7.
4.2.8.
4.2.9.
4.3
4.4.
Commissioning & Operation

Power up
Calibration
Display units
First measurements
Setting the correct bottom reference (b.rEF)
Setting the 4 and 20mA levels
Setting the damping applied to the output (d)
Selecting the output current action on alarm condition
Setting the 4 and 20mA levels using actual liquid levels in tank
Blocking unwanted echoes from false targets
Changing operation to distance mode
Power failure
Final checks
6
6
6
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
11
12
12
12
5.1.
5.2
5.3
Fault Finding & Error Messages

No display
No level reading
Error messages
13
13
13
13
6.0.
Maintenance
14
7.0.
Parameter default values
14
8.0.
Dimensional drawing
15
9.0.
Programming menu
16
5.0.
1.0
SPECIFICATION
-40 / +158F
NEMA 4
144 (5.7")
-40 / +70C
IP66 / IP67
1 x M20 Cable gland

1 x M20 Blanking plug
+12 -30v dc
0v
135
(5.3")
60mm A/F (2.4")

65
(2.6")
-20 / +70C
-4 / +158F
-0,25 / +3,0b
-4 / +46psi
MIN : 0,3m (1')

MAX : 8,0m (26')
b.rEF
Housing & Cover Material
Glass filled Nylon
Wetside Material
P.V.D.F.
Electrical output
4-20mA
(3.8 - 20.5mA linear)
2.0
INSTALLATION
The Microflex-C is designed for safe area use only and must not be installed in a hazardous
area, even if the power supply is via current limiting devices / barriers. If you have a
requirement for a hazardous area installation, contact Hycontrol for details of other
instruments in the Microflex-C range.
Max 3
Max :
0,35
(14")
Min :
R3,0
(1/8")
(1.3"/ft)
Min 0,15m (6")
0,11m/m
C
D
PTFE
(Teflon)
i.e.
D Min = 0,3m (1ft)

D Max = 8m (26ft)
C Min = 0,88m (3ft)
Use hexagon to tighten to 5kgm (3ft lb) max.
DO NOT USE HOUSING TO TIGHTEN.
Applications where there is heavy condensation likely on the instrument face should be avoided.
Foaming liquids can reduce the size of the return echo. If possible, locate the transducer over an area
of clear liquid, such as may be found around the liquid inlet point.
If the Microflex-C is in use in environments where direct sunlight can cause very high surface
temperatures on exposed instruments, it is recommended that the installer should construct a suitable
sun-shade to protect against this.
3.0
WIRING
Max 3000m (9845ft)
Earth screen in
control room only
- see note below.
Twisted pair, screened
4-8mm
Min 0,22mm2 (24 SWG / 23 SWG)
(0.15 - 0.27")
Max 1,5mm2 (16 SWG / 18 SWG)

0V
+12-40V dc
Multicore cable may be used, but it is recommended that each pair used to connect to a Microflex-C should be
individually shielded.
4.0
COMMISSIONING AND OPERATION

Refer to Programming card inside Microflex-C or menu in this manual.
Microflex-C operates from a menu of parameters held in memory. The instrument leaves the factory
pre-programmed with a value in each parameter location such that, when power is first applied, the
instrument will give a sensible reading.
A list of default values is given in the menu layout.
4.1
Power up
On power up, the Microflex-C will take a few seconds to initialise, then the display will run through a set-up
routine, showing a full set of figure eights, then the software revision and finally a full set of zeros whilst the
microprocessor identifies the correct return echo and confirms this repeats enough to be acceptable.
The instrument is now ready for use, and is set-up using the 3 coloured push buttons.
Refer now to the Programme menu which is shown on the front of this manual and also in the instrument
itself on a card tucked between the electronics housing and the body.
4.2
Calibration
4.2.1 Display units

Default values are as follows :Microflex-C
Metres
The display units can be changed using the blue button
. Simply hold the blue button down for 10
seconds and the units will change to the next option in the following sequence :
Metres to Feet to Inches and back to Metres again.
This is indicated by the position of the decimal point in the displayed value :
Units
Display
8.000
ft.
26.24
in.
314.9
can be released, in which

can continue to be held down, in which
Once the units have changed from default to the next option, the blue button
case the new units selected are confirmed, or the blue button
case the next units option is given after a further three seconds.
When the display units have been programmed, please note that you must use the same units when
programming in the bottom reference, 4 and 20mA points.
The 4-20mA output may be set to operate over all or just a part of the total measuring range. There is no
theoretical limit on the minimum span of the current output, although in practice a span below 100mm is not
recommended. With small spans, be aware that a high value of damping will greatly affect the performance of
Microflex-C.
The 4mA level may be set above or below the 20mA level to suit the monitoring or control equipment.
Footnote : The Microflex-C measures and calculates at all times in metres. The units of display are derived as
a last operation using a pre-programmed conversion factor.
4.2.2
First measurements. With the Microflex-C installed and display units selected, the display will now be
showing what the instrument thinks is the liquid level. This is a value calculated by the microprocessor, being
the difference between the distance to target being measured and the default value for the datum or bottom
reference (b.rEF).
20/4
ullage
b.rEF
4/20
liquid
lev el
Before changing any of the default values, use blue button
to scroll along to the next piece of
information, which is the distance to target as measured by the Microflex-C from the front (transmit) face.
This value is shown alternately with the text diSt to remind the user the Microflex-C display is in distance
mode. You can now quickly check correct operation against a manual measurement if required.
TIP : A feature of the Microflex-C useful at this stage is that it can be used as an electronic tape measure.
With an empty tank or vessel, the Microflex-C will read the distance to the bottom of the tank. This can be
noted and used when setting b.rEF later.
Press blue button
again to scroll the display to show the echo size on a scale of 0-100. (It is possible to
record a value greater than 100, but do not worry about this!). With the display in this mode, the central :
cursor will flash once for every echo received, which under normal circumstances will be approximately once
per second.
TIP : It is useful at this point to check that the maximum echo size available is being received. Adjust the
position of the instrument until the highest echo size is shown continually. In most applications, the signal
strength will vary over a wide range : 20 80.
Press blue button
now to return to the original level reading and to start the calibration routine.
Note that the output of the Microflex-C will vary during programming as the various default values are
changed. The display will automatically revert to the level or distance reading from any other display after a
period of 4 minutes.
4.2.3 Setting the correct bottom reference (b.rEF).

a)
Press green button
b)
Press blue button
to enter the editing menu for b.rEF. The display will show the present value of
and the display will scroll from the level reading to b.rEF.
the b.rEF parameter.
If this value is correct, press red button
, then green button
c)
to scroll on to the next menu
option. (4.2.4 below).

Or
To change the value, press blue button
to edit :-
to select the next digit and then green button
button
The first digit of the display will flash and may be changed using green button
. Once correct, press blue
to edit, or the blue button
again to move
to the next digit. Continue this sequence until all 4 digits are correct, then press the blue button
a final
time to confirm the new b.rEF value ( none of the digits should now be flashing)
If the new value is incorrect, the edit sequence for b.rEF can be started again by pressing the blue button
If the new value is correct, press the red button
to save the b.rEF programmed in and the display will
automatically scroll on to the 4mA (4) setting menu.

4.2.4 Setting the 4 and 20mA levels. (4 & 20)
The 4mA level may be set above or below the 20mA level to suit the monitoring or control equipment.
If you wish to set the 4 and 20mA levels by ranging the Microflex-C to a fixed target, such as the level in the
tank at any particular time, skip these menu options by pressing the green button
2 times to arrive at the
set damping option.

a)
Press the blue button
to enter the editing menu for the 4mA level. The display will show the
present value of the 4mA level.
If this value is correct, press the red button
, then the green button
b)
to scroll on to the next
menu option.
Or
to edit this value :-
button
again to move to
the next digit. Continue this sequence until all 4 digits are correct, then press the blue button
a final
time to confirm the new 4mA value ( none of the digits should now be flashing)
If the new value is incorrect, the edit sequence for 4mA can be started again by pressing the blue button
to save the 4mA level programmed in and the display will
automatically scroll on to the 20mA (20) setting menu.

a)
to enter the editing menu for the 20mA level. The display will show the
present value of the 20mA parameter.
b)
menu option.
Or,
button
again to move to
a final
time to confirm the new 20mA value ( none of the digits should now be flashing)
If the new value is incorrect, the edit sequence for 20mA can be started again by pressing the blue button
to save the 20mA level programmed in and the display
will automatically scroll on to the damping (d) setting menu.

4.2.5 Setting the damping applied to the output (d).
The damping value entered is actually a time constant in seconds which is applied as smoothing to the level
reading and the output current. A new value may be entered up to a value of 999 seconds. A large value will
have the effect of smoothing out rapid changes of level and will also smooth out the effects of turbulence and
ripples on the liquid surface. (It would be highly unusual to select a value greater than 30 seconds.)
You may choose to enter a value of zero, in which case no smoothing will be applied to the current output and
changes in reading immediately change the current output. (note, as the Microflex-C transmits at nominally
once per second, a damping time of zero will not necessarily give an immediate response).
a)
to enter the editing menu for the damping time .
The display will show the present value of damping.
b)
menu option.
Or
button
again to move to
a final
time to confirm the new damping value (none of the digits should now be flashing)
If the new value is incorrect, the edit sequence for damping can be started again by pressing the blue button
to save the damping value programmed in and the display
will automatically scroll on to the alarm action menu. ( AL)
4.2.6 Selecting the output current action on alarm condition.

The Microflex-C will signal an alarm condition in the event that the target echo is lost for a period of 10s or
more.
The user can select what action the current output will take in this case.
Hi
The current on the two wire loop will drive up to 21 mA and remain there until the correct
target echo is recovered. The display will flash "LE" and the last reading.
Hold
The current will freeze at the value it was last reading and will remain there until the correct
Lo
The current on the two wire loop will drive down to 3.6 mA and remain there until the correct
To change the action from the default action Hold, enter the menu using, the blue button
to enter edit mode. With the display flashing use green button
display the required action and then press blue button
flashing. Press red button
current action. Press blue button
to show the
to
to select this action and the display will stop
to save and scroll on to the menu that allows setting of the 4mA and 20mA
levels against a known target.

4.2.7 Setting the 4 and 20mA levels using actual liquid levels in the tank (S--4 and S-20).
If you have already programmed the 4 and 20mA levels as above, you do not need to enter this menu. All
the programming is now complete and you should press the green button
to move to the final "Lrn" option
in the main menu.

If, however, you wish to set the 4 or 20mA level by ranging the instrument to a known target perhaps the
level in the vessel at this time then press the blue button
to enter this menu.
The first option is to set the 4mA level. Ensure the target is at the desired 4mA level and, with the display
reading the new value, press the blue button
setting. Press the blue button
The display will show the present value for the 4mA
again to edit the 4mA level, and the display will alternately flash 4 with
the current level reading.
to confirm
the correct value for the 4mA level then press red button
Press blue button
to save and exit
to the 20mA setting menu.

To set the 20mA level, ensure that the target is at the desired 20mA level and, with the display reading the
new value, press the blue button
the blue button
. The display will show the present value for the 20mA setting. Press
again to edit the 20mA level, and the display will alternately flash 20 with the current
level reading.
to confirm the correct value for the 20mA level then press red button
Press blue button
to save and
exit to the "Lrn" menu.

4.2.8 Blocking unwanted echoes from false targets
The Microflex-C has an easy to use Lrn (Learn) routine which allows the user to teach the instrument up to
2 false echoes and then ignore them in future operation.
If the application is straight forward and there are no false echoes, press the green
button now to exit the
programming menu and return the instrument to normal operation, showing the level reading on the display.
10
If, once the Microflex-C is in operation, an echo other than the true liquid surface echo is detected, and an
incorrect level reading is displayed, the instrument can be taught to ignore this false echo. This routine may
be used at any time, either during or after set-up or should a problem occur later.
Press blue button
to enter the Lrn menu. The display will show LrnX, where X is 0,1 or 2 and is the
number of false target echoes already stored. To store a new false echo, press the blue button
for greater
than 5s.
Note : If there are already 2 false echoes stored (Lrn2) then the Microflex-C will not allow the user to store
another echo until the memory is cleared. (see below)
The display will now flash the false target position alternating with "Lrn". After 4s the false target is stored
and the display shows "LrnX". If for any reason this target is not to be saved then press the blue button
and the "Lrn" sequence may be repeated or aborted.
Otherwise, press the red button
to save the false target echo and return to the main menu.
To store another false target echo, navigate down the main menu to "Lrn" and repeat the sequence again.
Note :When a false target echo is stored, the Microflex-C effectively sets up a 'window' around the false target and
will ignore any echo from within that windows unless the echo from the liquid surface is larger than that from
the false target.
The user may therefore see no change in the Microflex-C output current whilst the liquid level moves through
this window, which is equivalent to a distance of around 200mm.
To clear the Microflex-C of all false echoes stored, simply press blue button
with the display showing "LrnX" press the green button
to enter the Lrn menu then
for 10s to completely clear the memory. The
display will now show "Lrn0".

4.2.9 Changing operation to distance mode
If the Microflex-C is to be used to measure distance rather than level, the display can now be changed
accordingly. With the display showing the level reading, press the blue button
, the display will now show
the distance to target alternating with "Dist".

Note : The display will continue to alternate between the distance to target and "Dist" whilst in distance
mode.
4.3
Power failure
All parameters are held in E2PROM memory, so in the event of a power failure or disconnection from the
power supply the Microflex-C will remember all of its last parameter values and will resume correct operation
once power is restored.
4.4
Final checks
Check the display is reading correctly.
You may wish to check echo size again before re-fitting the enclosure lid.
Check that the cover seal is in place in the cover and is good condition. It should not be twisted or kinked in
any way.
11
Carefully set the cover on the Microflex-C with the text on the cover label at right angles to the conduit entry,
and tighten the three cover screws equally to seal the instrument.
Check that the cable gland is securely tightened and sealing on the cable sheath.
12
5.0 FAULT FINDING & ERROR MESSAGES

5.1
No display :
Check power supply. Ensure a minimum of 12v dc at the instrument terminals. Check cable insulation is not
preventing contact at the terminal block.
5.2
No level reading :
Check instrument is pulsing. You should be able to hear the transducer ticking about once per second. If
there is no sound, the instrument should be replaced.
5.3
Error messages
5.3.1 Flashing LE with 0000. This means that the Microflex-C is not receiving a return echo possibly because
the liquid surface is poor or beyond the range (8m/26ft) of the instrument. Re-locate the instrument or
contact Hycontrol for details of longer range instruments.
5.3.2 Flashing LE with a level reading. This means that the Microflex-C is no longer receiving satisfactory echoes
from the liquid surface. This may be because of one of a variety of reasons, for example, excessive foaming,
turbulence or ullage vapours.
First, check that the instrument transmit face is free from contamination and condensation. The Microflex-C
will operate with some condensation on the face, but excessive condensation may cause operational problems.
If the vessel can not be adequately vented to prevent condensation forming, contact Hycontrol for
alternative solutions.
Check the instrument is still vertically aligned above the liquid surface, then check the echo received size. If
the echo size is small (<3), re-locate the transducer or modify the vessel so that the Microflex-C can operate
above a more acceptable area of the liquid surface.
Lost echo (LE) will not be signalled until there has been no return echo for a 10 second period. Within the
10 seconds, the output will remain fixed. If the 10 seconds elapses and no satisfactory has been received, the
output will drive to the current level selected and the display will flash the last valid level reading alternately
with LE.
If, however, a satisfactory echo is received within the 10 seconds, a new output is established and the LE
timer is re-set.
13
6.0
MAINTENANCE AND SPARE PARTS

The only maintenance required is to check the instrument transmit face occasionally to ensure it remains
clean.
There are no spare parts for the Microflex-C. If a problem persists, contact Hycontrol for advice or a
replacement unit.
7.0
PARAMETER DEFAULT VALUES

Parameter
Microflex-C
Measuring units
metres
Display reading
level
Bottom reference
4 mA level
20mA level
7.5
Damping
10s
14
8.0
DIMENSIONAL DRAWING
15
9.0
PROGRAMMING MENU
16

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Instruction Manual IP2013

Microflex-C Analogue Liquid

Installation Operation &

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

HANDLE WITH CARE

Commissioning & Operation

Fault Finding & Error Messages

Parameter default values

1 x M20 Cable gland

60mm A/F (2.4")

MIN : 0,3m (1')

Housing & Cover Material

Glass filled Nylon

Min 0,15m (6")

D Min = 0,3m (1ft)

Max 3000m (9845ft)

Min 0,22mm2 (24 SWG / 23 SWG)

Max 1,5mm2 (16 SWG / 18 SWG)

COMMISSIONING AND OPERATION

4.2.1 Display units

The display units can be changed using the blue button

. Simply hold the blue button down for 10

can be released, in which

Before changing any of the default values, use blue button

to scroll along to the next piece of

4.2.3 Setting the correct bottom reference (b.rEF).

Press green button

Press blue button

the b.rEF parameter.

If this value is correct, press red button

, then green button

to scroll on to the next menu

option. (4.2.4 below).

to select the next digit and then green button

. Once correct, press blue

to edit, or the blue button

If the new value is correct, press the red button

to save the b.rEF programmed in and the display will

automatically scroll on to the 4mA (4) setting menu.

2 times to arrive at the

set damping option.

Press the blue button

present value of the 4mA level.

If this value is correct, press the red button

, then the green button

to scroll on to the next

to edit this value :-

to select the next digit and then green button

. Once correct, press blue

to edit, or the blue button

If the new value is correct, press the red button

to save the 4mA level programmed in and the display will

automatically scroll on to the 20mA (20) setting menu.

Press the blue button

present value of the 20mA parameter.

If this value is correct, press the red button

, then the green button

to scroll on to the next

to edit this value :-