AiRanger/LU-10 FAQs

Mounting tips

1.  If mounting on a pipe nozzle, the nozzle length should be no longer than twice the diameter. Example: 6” ID nozzle should be 12” long maximum.

The following tips will prevent sensor ‘Ringback’. This is the vibration feedback from the vessel or conduit back to the sensor.

2.  If a flange mount sensor, use a foam or rubber gasket between the sensor flange and vessel flange. Do not tighten bolt too much.

3.  If threaded mount sensor, do not screw in too tight.

4.  If back mounting sensor to conduit, Use Teflon tape on sensor threads, and do not thread conduit too tight.

Other troubleshooting parameters to check

P805, Echo Confidence. Displays the echo confidence of the measurement echo from the last shot. First number is echo confidence in near zone (within 3’ of sensor), Second number is confidence in far zone (distance further than 3’ from sensor face). If material is further than 3’ from sensor face, and have any number other than ‘0’ in near zone, sensor may be getting false echo due to nozzle, ringback (see above).

P806, Echo Strength. Displays the strength (in dB above 1 uV RMS) of the echo which was selected as the measurement echo.

P807, Noise. The noise level is a combination of transient acoustic noise and electrical noise (induced into the transducer cable or receiving circuitry). Primarily caused by sensor cable in near proximity to high power cable, or nearly VFDs. See Noise Problems in the Troubleshooting Section

Common Problems Chart

Note: Many of the parameters and techniques described here require extensive knowledge of ultrasonic technologies and Siemens echo processing software. Use this information with caution.

Sym

Symptom / Cause / Action
Display blank, transducer
not pulsing. / No power. / Check power supply, wiring, or
power fuse.
No response to programmer. / Obstructed infrared interface,
defective programmer. / Check programmer usage:
15 cm (6”) from faceplate
pointed at upper target.
Displays Short and tb:(#). / Short circuited transducer cable,
or defective transducer at indicated
terminal block number. / Repair or replace as necessary.
Displays Open and tb:(#). / Transducer not connected or connection reversed. / Check connection to displayed terminal blocks.
Open circuited transducer cable,
or defective transducer at indicated
terminal block number. / Repair or replace as necessary.
Displays LOE. / Weak or non-existent echo. / Relocate and/or re-aim transducer
at material.
Proceed to Measurement difficulties.
Displays Error and tb:(#). / Wrong transducer selected (P004). / Verify transducer type and re-enter
value.
Transducer connected in “two wire” method. / Do not tie white and shield together. Use all three terminal blocks.
Transducer connected backwards. / Reverse black and white wires on
terminal block.
Displays EEEE / Value too large to display in 4 or 5
characters. / Select larger Units (P005), or lower
Convert Reading (P061).
Reading fluctuates while material level is still (or vice versa). / Incorrect measurement stabilization. / Alter Maximum Process Speed (P003) or damping (P704) accordingly.
Reading is fixed, regardless of the actual material level. / Transducer acoustic beam obstructed, standpipe too narrow,
or transducer ringing (reads over 100%). / Relocate and / or re-aim transducer
at material level or object.
Proceed to Measurement Difficulties
below. See also: Transducer ringing.
Material level reported is always incorrect by the same amount. / Incorrect Empty (zero) reference
for level operation (P001= 1). / See Empty (P006), Reading Offset
(P063), Offset Calibration (P650), &
Offset Correction (P652).
Measurement accuracy improves as level nears transducer. / Incorrect Sound Velocity used for
distance calculation. / Use a transducer with a built-in temperature sensor or a TS-3 temperature sensor.
Reading is erratic, with little or no relation to material level. / True echo too weak or wrong echo being processed. / Relocate and / or re-aim transducer
at material.
Check noise parameters. See Noise
Problems.
F3 = EEPROM / EEPROM ERROR / 1. Go to program mode.
2. at P_ _ _ prompt, hit % key
3. at E_ _ _ prompt, hit 956
4. go to index 45
5. hit 0, then Enter
6. go to index 46
7. hit 0, then Enter
8.Go back into Run mode.