Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Summary of Contents for SWR ENGINEERING Nico 30
- Page 1 Nico 15/30 Radar sensor for the continuous level measurement of solids SWR engineering Messtechnik GmbH...
-
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Operating Instructions CONTENTS Page About this document 1.1 Function ................4 1.2 Target group . - Page 3 Operating Instructions Diagnostic, asset management and service 7.1 Maintenance ................36 7.2 Asset management function .
-
Page 4: About This Document
Operating Instructions 1. About this document 1.1 Function This operating instructions provides you with the information you need for the installation, connection and setup work and also contains important information about maintenance and troubleshooting. You should therefore read it carefully before setup and keep it as an integral part of the product in the immediate vicinity of the device so that it is accessible at all times. -
Page 5: General Safety Information
Operating Instructions 2.4 General safety information The device is state of the art and complies with the relevant directives and regulations. It may only be used if it is in perfect technical condition and safe. The owner/operator is responsible for the trouble-free device operation. - Page 6 Operating Instructions Quick start The quick start enables you to start the device quickly for many applications. See the relevant sections of the operating instructions for further information. Installation Distance from the vessel wall > 200 mm, the antenna should project into the vessel by more than 10 mm.
- Page 7 Operating Instructions In the "Application" menu select the application and the vessel form, for example storage tank. Complete the adjustment in the "Min. adjustment" and "Max. adjustment" menu points. Example parameterisation The radar sensor is a distance measuring instrument and as such measures the distance from the sensor to the surface of the solids.
-
Page 8: Installation
Operating Instructions 4. Installation 4.1 General instructions Securing On devices with a process connection thread the hexagon must be tightened using suitable tools. Warning Do not use the housing for securing purposes. Tightening may damage the rotary mechanism of the housing. Moisture Use the recommended cables (see section entitled "Connect to the voltage supply") and secure the cable screw connection. -
Page 9: Installation Instructions
Operating Instructions 4.3 Installation instructions Polarisation The radar pulses transmitted by the radar sensor are electromagnetic waves. The plane polarisation is the direction of the electrical content. By turning the device in the connection flange or screw-in socket, the polarisation can be used to reduce the effects of interference echoes. The location of the plane polarisation is marked on the devices process connection. -
Page 10: Installation Bar
Operating Instructions 4.4 Installation bar Installation bar (Nico 15) The installation bar allows the sensors to be installed easily on the silo wall or roof. It is suitable for installation on walls, roofs or an arm. Above all for open vessels this is a very simple and effective way of aligning the sensor to the surface of the solids. - Page 11 Operating Instructions Fig. 10: Alignment in silos Alignment To ensure that the sensor can cover as much of vessel volume as possible the sensor should be aligned so that the measuring beam reaches the lowest vessel level, in other words the discharge. Fig.
- Page 12 Operating Instructions Fig. 12: Radar sensor installation with inflowing solids The sensor must not be installed in the stream of inflowing solids in silos with a side pneumatic filling system since the microwave signal will otherwise suffer interference. To prevent heavy built-up it should be placed as far as possible from a filter or dust extractor.
- Page 13 Operating Instructions Fig. 14: Recommended pipe socket installation If the solids have good reflective properties you can also install the Nico 15 on longer pipe sockets. Guide values for socket heights are shown in the figure below. After this you must also save the interference signal. Fig.
- Page 14 Fig. 17: Distance between the antenna and socket for horn antenna If the solids have good reflective properties you can also install the Nico 30 with a horn antenna on longer pipe sockets. Guide values for socket heights are shown in the figure below.
- Page 15 Operating Instructions Socket diameter d Socket length h 40 mm 100 mm 50 mm 150 mm 80 mm 250 mm 100 mm 500 mm 150 mm 800 mm Tip: As an option the device is also available with an antenna extension. This enables the antenna length to be selected ex-works or retrospectively so that the antenna end projects slightly over the end of the socket.
- Page 16 Operating Instructions Fig. 20: Suggestion for installation after alignment of the Nico 30 The tilt angle depends on the vessel dimensions. It may be checked using a suitable spirit level on the sensor. The table below shows the distance "a" between the installation position and the centre of the vessel depending on the measurement distance for a tilt angle of 2°...
- Page 17 Operating Instructions Vessel fittings The installation position of the radar sensor should be selected such that no fittings cross the microwave signals. Vessel fittings such as ladders, limit switches, heating coils, vessel bracing, etc. can cause interference echoes and adversely affect the useful echo. When planning your measuring point you should ensure that the radar signals have as "clear a view"...
- Page 18 Information For these applications you should remember that the sensors are designed for relatively slow changes of level. If the Nico 30 is used on a moving arm, you should note the maximum measuring rate (see section entitled "Technical data").
- Page 19 Operating Instructions Installation in underfloor boxes The sensors are often installed in protective boxes for taking level measurements in concrete silos. These may, for example, take the form of metallic sealed underfloor boxes. Fig. 25: Device installation in an underfloor box 1 Underfloor box 2 Concrete floor For this application the minimum scattered radiation of the sensor may be reflected and amplified by the walls...
- Page 20 The Nico 30 with a purge air connection may be used for applications which involve extreme dust deposits in the antenna system. In this version the air is distributed through ducts in the antenna system and keeps it relatively free of dust deposits.
-
Page 21: Connect To The Voltage Supply
Operating Instructions 5. Connect to the voltage supply 5.1 Preparing the connection Safety instructions Always obey with the following safety instructions. Make only connections when the system is not live. • If surge voltages are expected, install surge voltage protection devices. •... - Page 22 Operating Instructions Connection procedure Proceed as follows: 1. Unscrew the housing cover 2. Remove any existing display and control module by turning it gently anti-clockwise 3. Undo the union nut on the cable screw connection 4. Strip the connection cable over a length of approx. 10 cm (4 in), strip the core ends over a length of approx.
-
Page 23: Single-Chamber Housing Connection Diagram
Operating Instructions 5.3 Single-chamber housing connection diagram The following fi gure apples to both versions for non-potentially explosive atmospheres and also for the Ex-ia version for potentially explosive atmospheres. Electronic chamber 4...20mA 6 7 8 Fig. 31: Electronic and connection chamber in single-chamber housing 1 Voltage supply, signal output 2 For display and control module or interface adapter 3 For an external display and control module... -
Page 24: Commissioning With The Display And Control Module
Operating Instructions 6. Commissioning with the display and control module 6.1 Fitting the display and control module The display and control module can be fitted in the sensor and removed again at any time. Four positions can be selected at intervals of 90°. The voltage supply does not have to be interrupted for this purpose. -
Page 25: Control System
Operating Instructions 6.2 Control system Fig. 34: Display and control elements 1 LC display 2 Control keys Key functions [OK] key: • – Go to the menu list – Confirm selected menu – Edit parameters – Save value [->] key: •... -
Page 26: Parameterisation
Operating Instructions Quick start Menu Menu point Default value Setup Measuring point name Sensor Medium Liquid / Water solution Solids / Aggregate Application Storage tank / Silo Vessel form Dished vessel base Dished vessel cover Vessel height / Received measuring range, see "Technical data" in the annex Measuring range Min. - Page 27 Operating Instructions In the "Setup" main menu point the various sub-menu points should be selected in sequence and the appropriate parameters entered for them to ensure that the measured is set perfectly. The procedure is described below. Setup / Medium Each medium has different reflection properties.
- Page 28 Operating Instructions Bunker (large volume): Concrete or metal vessel: • – Textured vessel walls – Fittings present Process / Measuring conditions • – Large distance to medium – Large heap angle Bunker with fast filling system: Concrete or metal vessel, also multi-chamber silo: •...
- Page 29 Operating Instructions Setup / Vessel height, measuring range This selection will adjust the sensor's operating range to the vessel height and significantly increase measurement accuracy in various outline conditions. Regardless of this the minimum adjustment described below must be completed. Enter the required parameters using the appropriate keys, save them by pressing [OK] and then go to the next menu point by pressing [ESC] and [->].
- Page 30 Operating Instructions 100% Fig. 35: Parameterisation example for Min. / Max. adjustment 1 Min. level = Max. measuring distance 2 Max. level = Min. measuring distance If you do not know these values, it is also possible to make the adjustment using distances, for example of 10 % and 50 %.
- Page 31 Operating Instructions Setup / Max. adjustment Proceed as follows: Select menu point "Max. adjustment" using [->] and confirm your selection with [OK]. Prepare the percentage value for editing using [OK] and place the cursor in the required position using [->]. Edit the required percentage value using [+] and save it using [OK].
- Page 32 Operating Instructions Diagnostics / Measurement reliability If level sensors which operate without contact are used the measurement can be affected by the process conditions. The measurement reliability of the fill level echo is displayed as a dB value in this menu point. The measurement reliability is the signal strength minus noise.
- Page 33 Operating Instructions Diagnostics / Echo curve memory The "Echo curve memory" enables you to save the echo curve during the commissioning procedure. This is generally recommended and may even be compulsory if you wish to use the asset management functionality. The value should be saved with a low fill level if possible.
- Page 34 Operating Instructions 4. Confirm again using [OK] and enter the actual distance from the sensor to the surface of the solids. 5. After you have confirmed this using [OK] all the interference signals that exist in this zone will now by recorded by the sensor and saved.
- Page 35 Operating Instructions Caution If you select a linearization curve the measurement signal will no longer necessarily be proportional to the fill level. The must be taken into account by the user, particularly when setting the switch point at the limit signal transducer.
-
Page 36: Diagnostic, Asset Management And Service
Operating Instructions 7. Diagnostic, asset management and service 7.1 Maintenance If the device is used for the purpose for which it is designed ii normal conditions, no maintenance work is required. For some applications material accumulations may occur on the antenna system and affect the measurement result. -
Page 37: Troubleshooting
Operating Instructions 7.3 Troubleshooting Action to take in the event of faults It is the responsibility of the system owner/operator to take suitable action to rectify any faults which occur. Troubleshooting procedure The first action to take is as follows: Evaluate the error messages, for example on the display and control module •... -
Page 38: Measurement Errors With A Constant Level
Operating Instructions Treatment of measurement errors on solids The table below contains typical examples of application-based measurement errors on solids. A distinction is made between measurement errors in the following states: Constant level • Filling • Discharging • The figures in the column headed "Error pattern" each show the actual level in a broken line and the level shown by the sensor in an unbroken line. -
Page 39: Measurement Errors During Filling
Operating Instructions 7.5 Measurement errors during filling Error description Error pattern Cause Remedy 3. Measurement - The amplitude of a multiple echo - Check the application value jumps towards (vessel roof - product surface) is parameters, particularly the vessel 0 % during filling greater than the level echo roof, medium type, dished floor and high dielectric index, and... - Page 40 Operating Instructions Error description Error pattern Cause Remedy 7. Measurement - Varying condensate or dirt on the - Complete a false signal value jumps during antenna suppression process or increase discharge process false signal suppression near the towards 100 % sensor by editing - Use a radar sensor with an air purge connection or flexible...
-
Page 41: Annex
Operating Instructions 8. Annex 8.1 Technical data General data 316L corresponds to 1.4404 or 1.4435 Materials in contact with media - Process connection 316L - Process seal On site (for devices with screw-in thread: Klingersil C-4400 supplied) - Antenna 316L, 316L electropolished, 316L Safecoat-coated - Antenna adjusting cone PTFE TFM 1600 or PTFE INOFLON M290, PEEK - Antenna system seal... - Page 42 Operating Instructions Fig. 36: Details for inlet size 1 Reference plane 2 Measuring value, max. measuring range 3 Antenna length 4 Useful measuring range Output value Output signals 4 … 20 mA/HART - active; 4 … 20 mA/HART - passive Passive terminal voltage 9 …...
- Page 43 Operating Instructions Measurement characteristics and power data Measuring frequency K band (26 GHz technology) Irradiated HF power (depending on parameterisation) - Max. power density at a distance of 1 m < 1 μW/cm² Ambient conditions - Temperature +80 °C (-40 +176 °F) .
- Page 44 Operating Instructions Voltage supply Operating voltage - Version for extra-low voltage 9.6 … 48 V DC, 20 … 42 V AC, 50/60 Hz Polarity reversal protection Integrate Max. power consumption 4 VA; 2.1 W Electrical protection measures Protection type, depending on IP 66 / IP 68 (0.2 bar) housing version Surge voltage category...
-
Page 45: Dimensions
Operating Instructions Dimensions The following dimension drawings are only a selection of the possible versions. Nico 15, version with collar flange ø 107 mm ø 21 mm (4.21") (0.83") ø 75 mm (2.95") ø 115 mm (4.53") ø 156 mm (6.14") ø... - Page 46 ø1.89" 2" 8.50" ø2.95" 3" 16.93" ø3.74" 4" Fig. 40: Nico 30, horn antenna in threaded design 1 Standard 2 With intermediate temperature piece up to 250 °C Nico 30, horn antenna in flange design inch 3.94" ø1.58" 1½" ø40 1½"...
- Page 47 8.50" ø 2.95" 4" 16.93" ø 3.74" Fig. 42: Nico 30, horn antenna and swivel mounting 1 Standard 2 With intermediate temperature piece up to 250 °C SWR engineering Messtechnik GmbH Gutedelstraße 31 · 79418 Schliengen (Germany) Phone +49 7635 82 72 48-0 · Fax +49 7635 82 72 48-48 · www.swr-engineering.com...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Nico 30 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers