BABBITT LS8500, Owner'S Manual

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www.babbittinternational.com Reference Manual
2021
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3.3 Mounting
3.3.1 Partial-Ring Flange Location
The LS8500 is most commonly used for protection of positive displacement pumps in conductive
(water based) media. It is best to install the flange sensor in a position such that fluid will be touching
the sensing element when the pump is running and not touching the sensing element when the pump is
off. Refer to Figure 1-2 for location of the sensing element. When possible, it is preferred that the
sensor flange be mounted in a segment of vertical pipe as close as possible to the inlet side of the
pump or other device to be protected.
If the LS8500 is mounted in a segment of horizontal pipe, it should be located as close as possible to
the inlet side of the pump or other device to be protected. The housing/NPT of the LS8500 should be
in the 12 o’clock position for 1”-6” flanges and 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock position for flange sizes 7”
and greater. Due to the small size of the sensing element, it is particularly important that larger flanges
(7” and above) be mounted in the 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock position.
The flow of material inside a pipe can be difficult to predict, however experience has shown certain
locations to be better than others. Refer to Figures 3-1 to 3-6 as examples of problematic locations
and preferred locations. Areas to avoid include immediately before or after a 90-degree bend – vertical
or horizontal pipe. In some cases, these areas have created air pockets, thus turning the pump off. In
other cases, these areas have led to excess buildup, leaving pumps to run when they should have been
turned off.
3.3.2 Full-Ring Flange Location
Full-ring sensor flanges are primarily used for non-conductive media, such as oils and hydrocarbons.
These sensor flanges can be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal pipe, preferably as close to the
pump inlet as possible. The full ring sensors do not have to be oriented in the 12 o’clock position due
to the fact that the sensor element circles the entire diameter of the flange. Refer to Figure 1-2 for
the sensing element location
3.3.3 Full Faced Gaskets & Flanges
A full-faced type gasket should be used on each side of the sensor flange. This will help prevent
material build up around the sensing area inside the flange.
NOTE: The sensor flange is designed to mate against full-faced gaskets and full-faced pipeline
flanges. These gaskets should have the same inside diameter as the inside diameter of the pipeline.
Mating against raised-faced flanges and gaskets could cause cracking and improper sealing of the
inner insulator ring of the sensor. Improper gaskets may result in leakage of material inside the
flange causing the pump to run dry and/or into the housing resulting in damage to the electronic
boards.