Vega FIBERTRAC 31 User manual
Operating Instructions
Radiation-based sensor for continuous
level and interface measurement
FIBERTRAC 31
Probus PA
Document ID: 43833
2
Contents
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
Contents
1 About this document
1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Target group ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbolism used............................................................................................................... 4
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 5
2.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 5
2.5 CE conformity................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 NAMUR recommendations .............................................................................................. 6
2.7 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................... 6
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Principle of operation........................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Packaging, transport and storage..................................................................................... 8
3.4 Accessories and replacement parts ................................................................................. 9
3.5 Corresponding source container ...................................................................................... 9
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 13
5 Connecting to power supply
5.1 Preparing the connection ............................................................................................... 17
5.2 Connection - Level measurement................................................................................... 20
5.3 Connection - Level detection.......................................................................................... 23
5.4 Connection - Summation................................................................................................ 25
5.5 Set instrument address .................................................................................................. 27
6 Set up with the display and adjustment module
6.1 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 28
6.2 Adjustment system......................................................................................................... 29
6.3 Parameter adjustment - Level measurement.................................................................. 29
6.4 Parameter adjustment - Summation Slave ..................................................................... 41
6.5 Parameter adjustment - Point level detection.................................................................. 46
6.6 Saving the parameter adjustment data........................................................................... 57
7 Setup with PACTware
7.1 Connect the PC.............................................................................................................. 58
7.2 Parameter adjustment with PACTware............................................................................ 58
7.3 Saving the parameter adjustment data........................................................................... 59
8 Set up with other systems
8.1 DD adjustment programs ............................................................................................... 60
9 Diagnostics and service
9.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 61
9.2 Status messages............................................................................................................ 61
9.3 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 65
9.4 Exchanging the electronics module................................................................................ 66
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Contents
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
9.5 Software update ............................................................................................................. 67
9.6 How to proceed in case of repair.................................................................................... 67
10 Dismounting
10.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 68
10.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 68
11 Supplement
11.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 69
11.2 Communication Probus PA........................................................................................... 74
11.3 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 78
Safety instructions for Ex areas
Please note the Ex-specic safety information for installation and op-
eration in Ex areas. These safety instructions are part of the operating
instructions manual and come with the Ex-approved instruments.
Editing status: 2013-11-11
4
1 About this document
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This operating instructions manual provides all the information you
need for mounting, connection and setup as well as important instruc-
tions for maintenance and fault rectication. Please read this informa-
tion before putting the instrument into operation and keep this manual
accessible in the immediate vicinity of the device.
1.2 Target group
This operating instructions manual is directed to trained specialist
personnel. The contents of this manual should be made available to
these personnel and put into practice by them.
1.3 Symbolism used
Information, tip, note
This symbol indicates helpful additional information.
Caution: If this warning is ignored, faults or malfunctions can result.
Warning: If this warning is ignored, injury to persons and/or serious
damage to the instrument can result.
Danger: If this warning is ignored, serious injury to persons and/or
destruction of the instrument can result.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
•List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
→ Action
This arrow indicates a single action.
1 Sequence of actions
Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.
Battery disposal
This symbol indicates special information about the disposal of bat-
teries and accumulators.
5
2 For your safety
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this operating instructions manual must
be carried out only by trained specialist personnel authorised by the
plant operator.
During work on and with the device the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.
2.2 Appropriate use
FIBERTRAC 31 is a sensor for continuous level measurement.
You can nd detailed information on the application range in chapter
"Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
used according to the specications in the operating instructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
2.3 Warning about incorrect use
Inappropriate or incorrect use of the instrument can give rise to
application-specic hazards, e.g. vessel overll or damage to system
components through incorrect mounting or adjustment.
2.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and guidelines. The instrument must only be operated in a
technically awless and reliable condition. The operator is responsible
for the trouble-free operation of the instrument.
During the entire duration of use, the user is obliged to determine the
compliance of the necessary occupational safety measures with the
current valid rules and regulations and also take note of new regula-
tions.
The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the na-
tional installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and
accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
trary conversions or modications are explicitly forbidden.
The safety approval markings and safety tips on the device must also
be observed.
This measuring system uses gamma rays. Therefore take note of the
instructions for radiation protection in chapter "Product description".
All work on the source container may only be carried out under the
supervision of a qualied radiation protection ocer.
6
2 For your safety
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
2.5 CE conformity
The device fullls the legal requirements of the applicable EC guide-
lines. By axing the CE marking, VEGA conrms successful testing
of the product.
Only with class A instruments:
The device is a class A instrument designed for use in an industrial
environment. When used in a dierent environment, e.g., in a living
area, the electromagnetic compatibility must be ensured by the user.
If necessary, suitable screening measures against conducted and
emitted disturbances must be taken.
You can nd the conformity certicate in the download section under
www.vega.com.
2.6 NAMUR recommendations
NAMUR is the automation technology user association in the process
industry in Germany. The published NAMUR recommendations are
accepted as the standard in eld instrumentation.
The device fullls the requirements of the following NAMUR recom-
mendations:
•NE 21 – Electromagnetic compatibility of equipment
•NE 43 – Signal level for malfunction information from measuring
transducers
•NE 53 – Compatibility of eld devices and display/adjustment
components
•NE 107 – Self-monitoring and diagnosis of eld devices
For further information see www.namur.de.
2.7 Environmental instructions
Protection of the environment is one of our most important duties.
That is why we have introduced an environment management system
with the goal of continuously improving company environmental pro-
tection. The environment management system is certied according
to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Please help us fulll this obligation by observing the environmental
instructions in this manual:
•Chapter "Packaging, transport and storage"
•Chapter "Disposal"
7
3 Product description
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The nameplate contains the most important data for identication and
use of the instrument:
2
1
9
10
4
5
3
6
7
8
9
Fig. 1: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Product code
3 Electronics
4 Protection rating
5 Ambient temperature
6 Measuring range
7 Hardware and software version
8 Order number
9 Serial number of the instrument
10 ID numbers, instrument documentation
The type label contains the serial number of the instrument. With it
you can nd the following data on our homepage:
•Product code of the instrument (HTML)
•Delivery date (HTML)
•Order-specic instrument features (HTML)
•Operating instructions at the time of shipment (PDF)
•Order-specic sensor data for an electronics exchange (XML)
•Test certicate pressure transmitters (PDF)
Go to www.vega.com, "VEGA Tools" and "Serial number search".
As an alternative, you can nd the data via your Smartphone:
•Download the smartphone app "VEGA Tools" from the "Apple App
Store" or the "Google Play Store"
•Scan the Data Matrix code on the type label of the instrument or
•Enter the serial number manually in the app
This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
versions:
•Hardware from 1.0.4
•Software from 1.5.0
Type plate
Serial number
Scope of this operating
instructions manual
8
3 Product description
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
•Modication status, electronics as of -01
The instrument is available in dierent electronics versions. Each ver-
sion can be identied via the product code on the type label:
•Standard electronics type PT30P-XX
The scope of delivery encompasses:
•Radiation-based sensor
•Mounting accessory
•Documentation
– this operating instructions manual
– Operating instructions manual "Display and adjustment mod-
ule" (optional)
– Ex-specic "Safety instructions" (with Ex versions)
– if necessary, further certicates
3.2 Principle of operation
The instrument is suitable for applications in liquids and bulk solids in
vessels under dicult process conditions. There are application pos-
sibilities in nearly all areas of industry.
The level is detected contactlessly right through the vessel wall.
Neither a process tting nor a vessel opening are required. The instru-
ment is thus ideal for retro installation.
In radiation-based measurement, a Caesium-137 or Cobalt-60 iso-
tope emits focussed gamma rays that are attenuated when penetrat-
ing the vessel wall and the medium. The PVT detector on the opposite
side of the tank receives the radiation, whose strength is dependent
on the level. The measuring principle has proven to be very reliable
in conjunction with extreme process conditions because it measures
contactlessly from outside through the vessel wall. The measuring
system ensures maximum safety, reliability and plant availability,
independently of the medium and its properties.
3.3 Packaging, transport and storage
Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
based on ISO 4180.
The packaging of standard instruments consists of environment-
friendly, recyclable cardboard. For special versions, PE foam or PE
foil is also used. Dispose of the packaging material via specialised
recycling companies.
Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
damage to the device.
Electronics versions
Scope of delivery
Application area
Functional principle
Packaging
Transport
9
3 Product description
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit
damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or con-
cealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.
Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and
stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the
outside.
Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under
the following conditions:
•Not in the open
•Dry and dust free
•Not exposed to corrosive media
•Protected against solar radiation
•Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration
•Storage and transport temperature see chapter "Supplement -
Technical data - Ambient conditions"
•Relative humidity 20 … 85 %
3.4 Accessories and replacement parts
The display and adjustment module PLICSCOM is used for measured
value indication, adjustment and diagnosis. It can be inserted into the
sensor or the external display and adjustment unit and removed at
any time.
You can nd further information in the operating instructions "Display
and adjustment module PLICSCOM" (Document-ID 27835).
The interface adapter VEGACONNECT enables the connection of
communication-capable instruments to the USB interface of a PC. For
parameter adjustment of these instruments, the adjustment software
PACTware with VEGA-DTM is required.
You can nd further information in the operating instructions "Interface
adapter VEGACONNECT" (Document-ID 32628).
The VEGADIS 81 is an external display and adjustment unit for VEGA
plics®sensors.
For sensors with double chamber housing the interface adapter "DIS-
ADAPT" is also required for VEGADIS 81.
You can nd further information in the operating instructions "VE-
GADIS 81" (Document-ID 43814).
The electronics module PT30E.XX is a replacement part for radiation-
based sensors FIBERTRAC 31.
The electronics module can only be exchanged by VEGA service
technician.
3.5 Corresponding source container
A radioactive isotope in a suitable source holder is the prerequisite for
a radiation-based measurement setup.
Transport inspection
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature
PLICSCOM
VEGACONNECT
VEGADIS 81
Electronics module
10
3 Product description
FIBERTRAC 31 • Probus PA
43833-EN-131119
The handling of radioactive substances is regulated by law. The radia-
tion protection rules of the country in which the system is operated
apply rst and foremost.
In Germany, for example, the current radiation protection ordinance
(StrlSchV) based on the Atomic Energy Law (AtG) applies.
The following points are important for measurement with radiation-
based methods:
A handling permit is required for operation of a system using gamma
rays. This permit is issued by the respective government oce or the
responsible authority (in Germany, for example, oces for environ-
mental protection, trade supervisory boards, etc.)
You can nd further instructions in the operating instructions manual
of the source container.
When handling radioactive sources, unnecessary radiation exposure
must be avoided. An unavoidable radiation exposure must be kept as
low as possible. Take note of the following three important measures:
1 2 3
Fig. 2: Measures for protection against radioactive radiation
1 Shielding
2 Time
3 Distance
Shielding: Provide good shielding between the radioactive source
and yourself as well as all other persons. Special source containers
(e.g. VEGASOURCE) as well as all materials with high density (e.g.
lead, iron, concrete, etc.) provide eective shielding.
Time: Stay as short a time as possible in radiation exposed areas.
Distance: Your distance to the source should be as large as possible.
The local dose rate of the radiation decreases in proportion to the
square of the distance to the radiation source.
The plant operator must appoint a radiation safety ocer with the
necessary expert knowledge. He is responsible that the radiation
protection ordinance is maintained and that all radiation protection
measures are implemented.
Control areas are areas in which the local dose rate exceeds a certain
value. Only persons who undergo ocial dose monitoring are allowed
into these control areas. You can nd the respectively valid limit values
Handling permit
General instructions for
radiation protection
Radiationsafetyocer
Control area
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