Quick setup guide

TDR sensor for continuous level and

interface measurement of liquids

VEGAFLEX 86
Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART
Rod and cable probe
-196 … +280 °C
-196 … +450 °C

Document ID: 47616

Contents

Contents
1 For your safety.......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Authorised personnel........................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Warning about incorrect use.............................................................................................. 3
1.4 General safety instructions................................................................................................ 3
1.5 EU conformity.................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 NAMUR recommendations............................................................................................... 4
1.7 Environmental instructions................................................................................................ 4
2 Product description.................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Configuration..................................................................................................................... 5
3 Mounting.................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument................................................................... 7
3.2 Mounting instructions........................................................................................................ 7
4 Connecting to power supply.................................................................................................. 10
4.1 Connecting...................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Wiring plan, single chamber housing.............................................................................. 11
4.3 Wiring plan, double chamber housing............................................................................. 11
5 Set up with the display and adjustment module................................................................. 12
5.1 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................. 12
5.2 Parameter adjustment - Quick setup............................................................................... 13
6 Supplement............................................................................................................................. 16
6.1 Technical data................................................................................................................. 16

Information:
This quick setup guide enables quick setup and commissioning of
your instrument.
You can find supplementary information in the corresponding, more
detailed Operating Instructions Manual as well as the Safety Manual
that comes with instruments with SIL qualification. These manuals are
available on our homepage.
47616-EN-200212

Operating instructions VEGAFLEX 86 - Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/

HART - Rod and cable probe, -196 … +280 °C / -196 … +450 °C:
Document-ID 41844
Editing status of the quick setup guide: 2020-01-24

2 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 1 For your safety

1 For your safety

1.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this documentation must be carried out
only by trained, qualified personnel authorised by the plant operator.
During work on and with the device, the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.

1.2 Appropriate use

VEGAFLEX 86 is a sensor for continuous level measurement.
You can find detailed information about the area of application in
chapter "Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
used according to the specifications in the operating instructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.

1.3 Warning about incorrect use

Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica-
tion-specific hazards, e.g. vessel overfill through incorrect mounting
or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental
contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the
instrument can be impaired.

1.4 General safety instructions

This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and directives. The instrument must only be operated in a
technically flawless and reliable condition. The operator is responsi-
ble for the trouble-free operation of the instrument. When measuring
aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation
if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable
measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.
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 modifications are explicitly forbidden. For safety
reasons, only the accessory specified by the manufacturer must be
47616-EN-200212

used.
To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on
the device must also be observed.

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 3

1 For your safety

1.5 EU conformity
The device fulfils the legal requirements of the applicable EU direc-
tives. By affixing the CE marking, we confirm the conformity of the
instrument with these directives.
The EU conformity declaration can be found on our homepage.

Electromagnetic compatibility
Instruments in four-wire or Ex-d-ia version are designed for use in an
industrial environment. Nevertheless, electromagnetic interference
from electrical conductors and radiated emissions must be taken into
account, as is usual with class A instruments according to EN 61326-
1. If the instrument is used in a different environment, the electromag-
netic compatibility to other instruments must be ensured by suitable
measures.

1.6 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 field instrumentation.
The device fulfils the requirements of the following NAMUR recom-
mendations:
• NE 21 – Electromagnetic compatibility of equipment
• NE 43 – Signal level for fault information from measuring transduc-
ers
• NE 53 – Compatibility of field devices and display/adjustment
components
• NE 107 – Self-monitoring and diagnosis of field devices
For further information see www.namur.de.

1.7 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 certified according
to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Please help us fulfil this obligation by observing the environmental
instructions in this manual:
• Chapter "Packaging, transport and storage"
• Chapter "Disposal"
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4 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 2 Product description

2 Product description
2.1 Configuration
Type label The type label contains the most important data for identification and
use of the instrument:

1 15
14
2
3
13
4
5 12
6
7 11
8
10
9
Fig. 1: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Product code
3 Approvals
4 Power supply and signal output, electronics
5 Protection rating
6 Probe length (measurement accuracy optional)
7 Process and ambient temperature, process pressure
8 Material wetted parts
9 Order number
10 Serial number of the instrument
11 Symbol of the device protection class
12 ID numbers, instrument documentation
13 Reminder to observe the instrument documentation
14 Notified authority for CE marking
15 Approval directives

Serial number - Instru- The type label contains the serial number of the instrument. With it
ment search you can find the following instrument data on our homepage:
• Product code (HTML)
• Delivery date (HTML)
• Order-specific instrument features (HTML)
• Operating instructions and quick setup guide at the time of ship-
ment (PDF)
• Order-specific sensor data for an electronics exchange (XML)
• Test certificate (PDF) - optional
Move to "www.vega.com" and enter in the search field the serial
47616-EN-200212

number of your instrument.

Alternatively, you can access the data via your smartphone:
• Download the VEGA Tools app from the "Apple App Store" or the
"Google Play Store"

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 5

2 Product description

• Scan the DataMatrix code on the type label of the instrument or

• Enter the serial number manually in the app

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6 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 3 Mounting

3 Mounting
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument
Protection against mois- Protect your instrument against moisture ingress through the following
ture measures:
• Use a suitable connection cable (see chapter "Connecting to
power supply")
• Tighten the cable gland or plug connector
• Lead the connection cable downward in front of the cable entry or
plug connector
This applies mainly to outdoor installations, in areas where high
humidity is expected (e.g. through cleaning processes) and on cooled
or heated vessels.
Note:
Make sure that the degree of contamination specified in chapter
"Technical data" meets the existing ambient conditions.

Note:
Make sure that during installation or maintenance no moisture or dirt
can get inside the instrument.
To maintain the housing protection, make sure that the housing lid is
closed during operation and locked, if necessary.

3.2 Mounting instructions

Installation position Mount VEGAFLEX 86 in such a way that the distance to vessel instal-
lations or to the vessel wall is at least 300 mm (12 in). In non-metallic
vessels, the distance to the vessel wall should be at least 500 mm
(19.7 in).
During operation, the probe must not touch any installations or the
vessel wall. If necessary, fasten the probe end.
In vessels with conical bottom it can be advantageous to mount the
sensor in the center of the vessel, as measurement is then possible
nearly down to the lowest point of the bottom. Keep in mind that
measurement all the way down to the tip of the probe may not be pos-
sible. The exact value of the min. distance (lower dead zone) is stated
in chapter "Technical data".
47616-EN-200212

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 7

3 Mounting

Fig. 2: Vessel with conical bottom

Type of vessel Plastic vessel/Glass vessel

The guided microwave principle requires a metallic surface on the
process fitting. Therefore, in plastic vessels, etc., use an instru-
ment version with flange (from DN 50) or place a metal sheet
(ø > 200 mm/8 in) beneath the process fitting when screwing it in.
Make sure that the plate has direct contact with the process fitting.
When mounting rod or cable probes in vessels without metal walls,
e.g. in plastic vessels, the measured value can be influenced by
strong electromagnetic fields (emitted interference according to
EN 61326: class A). In this case, use a probe with coaxial version.

1 2

Fig. 3: Mounting in non-metallic vessel

47616-EN-200212

1 Flange
2 Metal sheet

Mounting socket If possible, avoid sockets. Mount the sensor flush with the vessel top.
If this is not possible, use short sockets with small diameter.

8 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 3 Mounting

Higher sockets or sockets with a bigger diameter can generally be

used. They can, however, increase the upper dead zone. Check if this
is relevant for your measurement.
In such cases, always carry out a false signal suppression after
mounting. You can find further information under "Setup procedure".

d h
DN40 ... DN150 ≤ 150 mm (5.91")
> DN150 ... DN200 ≤ 100 mm (3.94")

Fig. 4: Mounting socket h

When welding the socket, make sure that the socket is flush with the
vessel top.

1 2

Fig. 5: Socket must be installed flush

1 Unfavourable mounting
2 Socket flush - optimum mounting
47616-EN-200212

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 9

4 Connecting to power supply

4 Connecting to power supply

4.1 Connecting
Connection technology The voltage supply and signal output are connected via the spring-
loaded terminals in the housing.
Connection to the display and adjustment module or to the interface
adapter is carried out via contact pins in the housing.
Information:
The terminal block is pluggable and can be removed from the
electronics. To do this, lift the terminal block with a small screwdriver
and pull it out. When reinserting the terminal block, you should hear it
snap in.

Connection procedure Proceed as follows:

1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. If a display and adjustment module is installed, remove it by turn-
ing it slightly to the left
3. Loosen compression nut of the cable gland and remove blind
plug
4. Remove approx. 10 cm (4 in) of the cable mantle, strip approx.
1 cm (0.4 in) of insulation from the ends of the individual wires
5. Insert the cable into the sensor through the cable entry

1 2
Fig. 6: Connection steps 5 and 6
1 Single chamber housing
2 Double chamber housing

6. Insert the wire ends into the terminals according to the wiring plan
Note:
Solid cores as well as flexible cores with wire end sleeves are insert-
ed directly into the terminal openings. In case of flexible cores without
end sleeves, press the terminal from above with a small screwdriver,
the terminal opening is then free. When the screwdriver is released,
the terminal closes again.
47616-EN-200212

7. Check the hold of the wires in the terminals by lightly pulling on

them
8. Connect the screen to the internal ground terminal, connect the
external ground terminal to potential equalisation

10 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 4 Connecting to power supply

9. Tighten the compression nut of the cable entry gland. The seal
ring must completely encircle the cable
10. Reinsert the display and adjustment module, if one was installed
11. Screw the housing lid back on
The electrical connection is finished.

4.2 Wiring plan, single chamber housing

The following illustration applies to the non-Ex, Ex-ia and Ex-d ver-
sion.

Electronics and connec- 2

tion compartment

4...20mA
3

(+)1 2(-) 5 6 7 8
4
1

Fig. 7: Electronics and connection compartment - single chamber housing

1 Voltage supply, signal output
2 For display and adjustment module or interface adapter
3 For external display and adjustment unit
4 Ground terminal for connection of the cable screening

4.3 Wiring plan, double chamber housing

The following illustration applies to the non-Ex, Ex-ia and Ex-d ver-
sion.
Connection compartment
2

4...20mA Display
3

(+)1 2(-) 5 6 7 8
4
1

Fig. 8: Connection compartment - double chamber housing

47616-EN-200212

1 Voltage supply, signal output

2 For display and adjustment module or interface adapter
3 For external display and adjustment unit
4 Ground terminal for connection of the cable screening

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 11

5 Set up with the display and adjustment module

5 Set up with the display and adjustment

module
5.1 Insert display and adjustment module
The display and adjustment module can be inserted into the sensor
and removed again at any time. You can choose any one of four differ-
ent positions - each displaced by 90°. It is not necessary to interrupt
the power supply.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. Place the display and adjustment module on the electronics in the
desired position and turn it to the right until it snaps in.
3. Screw housing lid with inspection window tightly back on
Disassembly is carried out in reverse order.
The display and adjustment module is powered by the sensor, an ad-
ditional connection is not necessary.

Fig. 9: Installing the display and adjustment module in the electronics compart-
ment of the single chamber housing
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12 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 5 Set up with the display and adjustment module

1 2
Fig. 10: Installing the display and adjustment module in the double chamber
housing
1 In the electronics compartment
2 In the connection compartment

Note:
If you intend to retrofit the instrument with a display and adjustment
module for continuous measured value indication, a higher lid with an
inspection glass is required.

5.2 Parameter adjustment - Quick setup

Quick setup To quickly and easily adapt the sensor to the application, select
the menu item "Quick setup" in the start graphic on the display and
adjustment module.

You can find "Extended adjustment" in the detailed operating

instructions.

General information Measurement loop name

In the first menu item you can assign a suitable measurement loop
name. You can enter a name with max. 19 characters.

Type of medium
In the next menu item you can see which type of medium the instru-
ment is suitable for. If your instrument is only suitable for a certain
medium, this menu item is not visible.

Application
In this menu item, you can select the application. You can choose
between level measurement and interface measurement. You can
47616-EN-200212

also choose between measurement in a vessel or in a bypass or

standpipe.

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 13

5 Set up with the display and adjustment module

Level measurement Medium - dielectric constant

In this menu item, you can define the type of medium (product).

Max. adjustment
In this menu item, you can enter the max. adjustment for the level.
Enter the appropriate distance value in m (corresponding to the
percentage value) for the full vessel. The distance refers to the sensor
reference plane (seal surface of the process fitting). Keep in mind that
the max. level must lie below the dead zone.

Min. adjustment
In this menu item, you can enter the min. adjustment for the level.
Enter the suitable distance value in m for the empty vessel (e.g.
distance from the flange to the probe end) corresponding to the per-
centage value. The distance refers tot he sensor reference plane (seal
surface of the process fitting).

Interface measurement Dielectric constant - upper medium

In this menu item, you can define the type of medium (product).

Max. adjustment
In this menu item, you can enter the max. adjustment for the level.
Enter the appropriate distance value in m (corresponding to the
percentage value) for the full vessel. The distance refers to the sensor
reference plane (seal surface of the process fitting). Keep in mind that
the max. level must lie below the dead zone.

Min. adjustment
In this menu item, you can enter the min. adjustment for the level.
Enter the suitable distance value in m for the empty vessel (e.g.
distance from the flange to the probe end) corresponding to the per-
centage value. The distance refers tot he sensor reference plane (seal
surface of the process fitting).
47616-EN-200212

Max. adjustment - Interface

Carry out the max. adjustment for the interface.
To do this, enter the percentage value and the corresponding dis-
tance value in m for the full vessel.

14 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 5 Set up with the display and adjustment module

Min. adjustment - Interface

Carry out the min. adjustment for the interface.
To do this, enter the percentage value and the corresponding dis-
tance value in m for the empty vessel.

Linearisation Linearisation
A linearisation is necessary for all vessels in which the vessel volume
does not increase linearly with the level - e.g. a horizontal cylindri-
cal or spherical tank, when the indication or output of the volume is
required. Corresponding linearisation curves are preprogrammed
for these vessels. They represent the correlation between the level
percentage and vessel volume.
The linearization applies for the measured value indication and the
current output. By activating the suitable curve, the percentage vessel
volume is displayed correctly.

False signal suppression

High sockets and internal vessel installations cause interfering reflec-
tions and can influence the measurement.
A false signal suppression detects, marks and saves these false
signals so that they are no longer taken into account for the level and
interface measurement. We generally recommend carrying out a false
signal suppression to achieve the best possible accuracy. This should
be done with the lowest possible level so that all potential interfering
reflections can be detected.
Enter the actual distance from the sensor to the product surface.
All interfering signals in this section are detected by the sensor and
stored.
The instrument carries out an automatic false signal suppression
as soon as the probe is uncovered. The false signal suppression is
always updated.
47616-EN-200212

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 15

6 Supplement

6 Supplement
6.1 Technical data
Note for approved instruments
The technical data in the respective safety instructions which are included in delivery are valid for
approved instruments (e.g. with Ex approval). These data can differ from the data listed herein, for
example regarding the process conditions or the voltage supply.
All approval documents can be downloaded from our homepage.

Electromechanical data - version IP66/IP67 and IP66/IP68 (0.2 bar)

Options of the cable entry
ƲƲ Cable entry M20 x 1.5; ½ NPT
ƲƲ Cable gland M20 x 1.5; ½ NPT (cable ø see below table)
ƲƲ Blind plug M20 x 1.5; ½ NPT
ƲƲ Closing cap ½ NPT

Material ca- Material seal Cable diameter

ble gland insert
4.5 … 8.5 mm 5 … 9 mm 6 … 12 mm 7 … 12 mm 10 … 14 mm
PA NBR – ● ● – ●
Brass, nickel- NBR
● ● ● – –
plated
Stainless NBR
– ● ● – ●
steel

Wire cross-section (spring-loaded terminals)

ƲƲ Massive wire, stranded wire 0.2 … 2.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 14)
ƲƲ Stranded wire with end sleeve 0.2 … 1.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 16)

Voltage supply
Operating voltage UB 9.6 … 35 V DC
Operating voltage UB with lighting 16 … 35 V DC
switched on
Reverse voltage protection Integrated
Permissible residual ripple
ƲƲ for 9.6 V < UB < 14 V ≤ 0.7 Veff (16 … 400 Hz)
ƲƲ for 18 V < UB < 36 V ≤ 1 Veff (16 … 400 Hz)
Load resistor
ƲƲ Calculation (UB - Umin)/0.022 A
ƲƲ Example - with UB= 24 V DC (24 V - 9.6 V)/0.022 A = 655 Ω
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16 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 Notes
47616-EN-200212

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 17

Notes

47616-EN-200212

18 VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART

 Notes
47616-EN-200212

VEGAFLEX 86 • Two-wire 4 … 20 mA/HART 19

 Printing date:

47616-EN-200212

All statements concerning scope of delivery, application, practical use and operat-
ing conditions of the sensors and processing systems correspond to the information
available at the time of printing.
Subject to change without prior notice

© VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach/Germany 2020

VEGA Grieshaber KG Phone +49 7836 50-0

Am Hohenstein 113 Fax +49 7836 50-201
77761 Schiltach E-mail: [email protected]
Germany www.vega.com