Teledyne TIENet 310 Ex, Installation And Operation Manual

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2-1
TIENet® Model 310 Ex Ultrasonic
Level Sensor
Section 2 Installation and Setup for Signature
The Signature Flow Meter does not have to be mounted near the
flow stream. You can install the flow meter itself at a convenient,
protected location and route the sensor cable to the measurement
point. Proper installation of the 310 Ex sensor is critical for
accurate measurement.
2.1 Sensor Installation
Considerations
Measurement accuracy can be affected by a number of site
factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting
the location for the sensor. If the sensor cannot obtain a valid
reading, an asterisk (*) will appear next to the displayed level,
indicating there is an error.
2.1.1 Beam Angle The 310 Ex sensor has a 10° beam angle, forming a cone whose
apex is the ultrasonic transducer. The sensor can only detect sur-
faces within this cone. Narrow channels can result in false echoes
and incorrect level readings off the walls and sides of the
channel. For preventive measures, see Section 2.5.2
Mea-
surement Setup , and the programming steps in Figure 2-14.
The beam becomes narrower at shorter distances, which can
increase difficulty in detecting the return echo. If the beam is too
wide, the sensor may pick up signals from unwanted surfaces,
such as the walls of the channel.
Sensor elevation is highly specific to the particular site.
2.1.2 Humidity Conditions of extremely high or low humidity can cause detection
to occur either earlier or later than under normal conditions. A
drop in water level, normally compensated for by the sensor’s
interval-based amplifier, may produce errors in echo detection.
Additionally, water droplet condensation on the bottom surface of
the sensor can cause measurement errors.
2.1.3 Surface Solids, foam, oil, and turbulence can all absorb or weaken the
ultrasonic pulses, causing errors in detection. Foam or oil on the
surface of the stream can produce false level readings.
2.1.4 Temperature Changes in ambient temperature significantly affect the velocity
of sound. If ambient temperature changes rapidly, there may be a
delay before the 310 Ex’s temperature sensor can activate tem-
perature compensation.
If the sensor will be installed outdoors in direct sunlight, use a
sunshade to prevent heating of the sensor housing.