Kobold VKM Series User manual
Operating Instructions
for
Viscosity Compensated
Flow Meter / Monitor
Model: VKM
VKM
page 2 VKM K11/0118
1.Contents
1.Contents........................................................................................................2
2.Note ..............................................................................................................3
3.Instrument Inspection....................................................................................3
4.Regulation Use..............................................................................................4
5.Use in Hazardous Areas...............................................................................5
5.1.General................................................................................................5
5.2.Contacts and Ex-Contact N/O (code F) ...............................................5
5.3.Potential Equalisation ..........................................................................6
6.Operating Principle........................................................................................6
7.Mechanical Connection.................................................................................7
8.Electrical Connection ....................................................................................7
8.1.Switching Output VKM-1.. and VKM-3.................................................7
8.2.VKM-1... and VKM-3... with Ex-contact (cable connection)..................8
8.3.Example for Contact Protective Measures...........................................9
8.4.ADI-Evaluation Electronics VKM-7.. ....................................................9
8.5.Compact electronic VKM-8..................................................................9
9.Commissioning............................................................................................10
9.1.General..............................................................................................10
9.2.Switching Output VKM-1.. and VKM-3...............................................10
9.3.ADI-Electronic Analyser VKM-7.........................................................11
9.4.Compact electronic VKM-8................................................................11
10.Technical Information..................................................................................12
11.Order Codes ...............................................................................................14
12.Maintenance ...............................................................................................16
13.Dimensions .................................................................................................16
14.Recommended Spare-Parts........................................................................18
15.Declaration of the Manufacturer (VKM).......................................................19
16.Declaration of the Manufacturer (Ex RC...).................................................21
17.EU Declaration of Conformance..................................................................22
18.EC-Type Examination Certificate Magnetic reed switch EEx RC................23
Manufactured and sold by:
Kobold Messring GmbH
Nordring 22-24
D-65719 Hofheim
Tel.: +49(0)6192-2990
Fax: +49(0)6192-23398
Internet: www.kobold.com
VKM
VKM K11/0118 page 3
2.Note
Please read these operating instructions before unpacking and putting the unit
into operation. Follow the instructions precisely as described herein.
The devices are only to be used, maintained and serviced by persons familiar
with these operating instructions and in accordance with local regulations apply-
ing to Health & Safety and prevention of accidents.
When used in machines, the measuring unit should be used only when the
machines fulfil the EC-machine guidelines.
as per PED 2014/68/EU
In acc. with Article 4 Paragraph (3), "Sound Engineering Practice", of the
PED 2014/68/EU no CE mark.
Diagram 8, Pipe, Group 1 dangerous fluids
3.Instrument Inspection
Instruments are inspected before shipping and sent out in perfect condition.
Should damage to a device be visible, we recommend a thorough inspection of
the delivery packaging. In case of damage, please inform your parcel service /
forwarding agent immediately, since they are responsible for damages during
transit.
Scope of delivery:
The standard delivery includes:
Viscosity Compensated Flow Meter / Monitor model: VKM
Operating Instructions
VKM
page 4 VKM K11/0118
4.Regulation Use
The models VKM are used for measuring and monitoring of viscous liquid flows
(max. 540 mm2/s). They are suitable for measuring clean and homogeneous
fluids which are compatible with on the instrument materials used.
If using higher viscosity media, large deviations will occur to the measured val-
ues.
Large dirt particles may impede the movement of the float and cause false alarm
conditions.
Ferritic particles deposited on the float (with magnet) may lead to the same
effects.
The instruments are provided as follows:
Flow measurement (only for Model VKM-2.. and VKM-3..)
The actual flow rate may be read off the magnetically operated pointer indicator
mounted on the instrument. The scale indicates the flow rate directly in litres per
minute.
Limit Value Switches (only for Model VKM-1.. and VKM-3..)
The instrument is fitted with one or two adjustable limit value switches for the
monitoring of flow throughput values.
Type of contacts:
N/O contact (standard)
Changeover contact (standard)
N/O (cCSAus)
Changeover (cCSAus)
N/O II 2G Ex mb IIC T6 Gb
II 2D Ex mb IIIC T80°C Db IP67
II 2G Ex mb IIC T6 Gb
II 2D Ex mb IIIC T80°C Db IP67
VKM
VKM K11/0118 page 5
5.Use in Hazardous Areas
5.1. General
The Flow Meter and Switch do not have a potential igniting source of its own as a
mechanical operating device; it does not get any identification according to the
guideline 2014/34/EU ("ATEX 100a”).
The attachable contact at the sides, being a component of the whole unit,
requires certificates and/or approvals.
The measurement units can be used as follows:
a) In the Zone 2 (Gas-Ex, Cat. 3G) in explosion group IIA, IIB and IIC
b) In the Zone 22 (Dust-Ex, Category 3D) with non-conductive dusts with a
minimum igniting energy of > 3 mJ
c) In the Zone 1 (Gas-Ex, Cat. 2G) in explosion group IIA, IIB and IIC
d) In the Zone 21 (Dust-Ex, Category 2D) with non-conductive dusts with a
minimum igniting energy of > 3 mJ
The Flow Meter and Switches are filled completely with medium in the normal
operation. Zone 2 or zone 1 conditions may be obtained for a short time.
The ambient temperature limit area is fixed as follows:
Execution Medium
Temperature Ambient
Temperature Pmax
NBR-seal -20....+70 °C -20...+60 °C 250 bar
FPM-seal -10...+100 °C -10...+90 °C 350 bar
5.2. Contacts and Ex-Contact N/O (code F)
The VKM-1 and VKM-3 can be used in the Ex-area as follows:
Ex-Contact N/O (code F) according Category 2 G, 2D Group II,
Zone 1 and 21.
Standard-contacts (Code R, U, C or D) according Category 2G and 2D,
Group II, in zone 1 and 21 in connection with a switching amplifier for
protection type Ex II (2)GD [EEx ia] IIC (intrinsically safe)
The VKM-2 (without switching contact) can be used according Category 2G and
2D for the Group II in Zone 1 and 21.
The electrical connection is explained in section 8. Electrical Connection.
VKM
page 6 VKM K11/0118
Read-out edge
Flow Direction
Read-out edge
5.3. Potential Equalisation
The All-metal Flow Meters have to be incorporated in the potential equalisation
system of the plant. This is accomplished through connection tube made of metal.
6. Operating Principle
A hollow float with a sharp-edged orifice is located within a
cylindrical bored metal housing. The flowing medium
raises the float against the spring force. The position of the
float corresponds to a particular flow rate which may be
read from the needle indicator mounted on the instrument.
Permanent magnets are fitted around the float which
operate reed contact switches external to the flowing
medium chamber.
The operation of the contacts is voltage free and works by
means of magnetic force. i.e.: the contact is hermetically
sealed from the flowing medium.
VKM
VKM K11/0118 page 7
7.Mechanical Connection
Before installation:
It should be confirmed that the maximum allowed
operating pressures and operating temperatures of the
equipment are not exceeded.
(see table: standard material combinations).
The instruments may be mounted in any flow direction.
No recalibration is required when changing position.
The flow must always take place in the direction of the
arrow (see label).
Remove all transport packing and ascertain that no
packing material is left in the instrument.
Sealing of the connection threads should be carried
out with Teflon tape or similar.
The instruments must not be installed within an
induction field.
if possible, after the mechanical installation, it should
be checked that the connection thread to pipe is fully
sealed (see section 9 Commissioning).
8.Electrical Connection
8.1. Switching Output VKM-1.. and VKM-3..
Make sure that the supply wires are de-energized.
Loosen the holding screw of the plug and pull out the cap
from the socket.
Make connection inside the plug-cap according to the wiring
diagram.
If the contact switchpoint has not been adjusted yet, it would
be appropriate to do so at this point.
(see section 9 Commissioning).
Push the plug onto the socket, secure by using the locking
screw. (see section 9 Commissioning).
VKM
page 8 VKM K11/0118
BN
BU
Ex-contact N/O
8.2. VKM-1... and VKM-3... with Ex-contact (cable connection)
Special requirements for a safety application
The connection of the magnetic switch has to take place in a housing’s, which
is in accordance with a norm ignition protection cat. acc. to EN 50014, 1.2.
The short-circuit current (Ik) of the supply source may not exceed 5 A.
The switch is suitable for an ambient temperature area of –20..+70 °C.
General
Make sure that the supply wires are de-energized.
Plug in the system according to the connecting diagrams.
If the contact switchpoint has not been adjusted yet, it would be appropriate to
do so at this point. (see section 9 Commissioning).
Attention! The given electrical specifications of reed switches must
never be exceeded, even for a short time. For higher switching
capacities we recommend the use of contact protection relays (e.g.
or model MSR) or any other contact protection device.
After your designated external units are connected to the limit contact and
adjustment of desired switching points is accomplished, then all the work
regarding connections is completed.
The unit can now be set in operation.
VKM
VKM K11/0118 page 9
8.3. Example for Contact Protective Measures
For capacitive and inductive loads (long cables and relay/protection) we
recommend the following protective schemes.
8.4. ADI-Evaluation Electronics VKM-7..
For connection of the power supply and the output signals please check with the
operating instructions of the corresponding ADI electronic.
Information! The measuring input of the ADI is already factory-
set.
8.5. Compact electronic VKM-8...
Compact electronic: (..C30R, ..C30M)
VKM
page 10 VKM K11/0118
Compact electronic: (..C34P, .. C34N)
9.Commissioning
9.1. General
Over-ranging
The flow range may be exceeded by a large margin with a non-pulsating flow.
Only a certain increase in pressure loss is experienced. (The permissible
maximum operating pressure must not be exceeded!).
Viscosity range
The instrument scale is suitable for a viscosity range of 1 - 540 mm2/s. Within this
range there is no need for recalibration.
9.2. Switching Output VKM-1.. and VKM-3..
Hysteresis (VKM-1.. and VKM-3..)
Hysteresis is characterised by the difference between the switching on and
switching off points of the contact. By matching the magnet and reed contact
strength (AW Number) a hysteresis of approx. 3.5 mm of float movement is
achieved. At the same time it may be assured that the contacts have a bistable
switching characteristic.
Adjustment of the limit values (VKM-1..)
Loosen the mounting screws on the contact.
Position the marking on the contact in line with the required
value on the housing scale.
Tighten the mounting screws at this position.
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