Support - FAQ - Installation and Setup
Q:
What tools are available to aid in the installation and setup of product?
A:
BlueLevel Technologies offers a variety of installation and setup tools. These include the Installation, Operation and Maintenance instructions. We will also offer videos and other media items. Refer to the Product, Engineers and Media sections of our website for more information. You may need to register for the Engineers section, but that is simple and painless. Don’t see what you need? Contact us immediately as we are waiting to serve you.
Q:
How does the action of the Model RH/RHX LED’s work?
A:
They track the relay output. FURTHER INFORMATION: If the relay is in the alarm mode, then the Red LED is “on” and the Blue LED is “off”. If the relay is in the normal (non-alarm) mode, the Blue LED is “on” and the Red LED is “off”. This is the easiest to understand, Red is always ALARM and Blue is always NORMAL. For typical High level detection applications material presence is the Alarm mode and the Red LED will be illuminated. If material is absent, the Blue LED will be on. In a Low level detection application the situation is generally reversed. Material presence is Normal and the Blue LED is illuminated, while material absence is the Alarm condition where the Red LED would be on.
Q:
What does the term “fail-safe” mean?
A:
"Fail-safe" refers to the position of the relay output should power to the sensor fail. In case of a power failure the relay output will go into the Alarm condition, whether the point level sensor is used for High level detection (material presence = alarm) or Low level detection (material absence = alarm). Refer to the product Installation, Operation and Maintenance instructions.
Q:
How do I select the correct “fail-safe” setting?
A:
There are two possible “fail-safe” settings, High and Low. You select the one that matches your application, or how you are using the point level sensor. If you are using the sensor as a High level sensor where detection of the presence of material is your Alarm condition, then choose the “High” fail-safe setting. If you are using the sensor as a Low level sensor where detection of the absence of material is your Alarm condition, then choose the “Low” fail-safe setting. Refer to the Installation, Operation and Maintenance instructions of the specific sensor you are installing for more information.
Q:
Why are so many “paddles” available for the Model RH/RHX bin level indicator?
A:
The Model RH/RHX is a rotary paddle bin level indicator. The "paddle" that attaches to the output shaft performs part of the sensing function as it impacts the sensors' sensitivity to a variety of material bulk densities. The Model RH/RHX Rotary Paddle units can sense the presence of powders and bulk solids with densities ranging from 5 pounds per cubic foot to over 100 pounds per cubic foot. This wide range of sensing is accomplished by the choice of the “paddle” that is attached to the output shaft. Six (6) paddles are commonly available. The choice is simply based on bulk density, particle size and whether the paddle needs to be inserted in through the mounting coupling or if a mounting plate accessory will be used. BlueLevel Technologies offers folding insertable paddles, standard insertable paddles and conventional multiple vane paddles.
Q:
Why are there AC and DC Model CPH Capacitive Proximity Switches?
A:
A Capacitive Proximity Switch senses the presence/absence of material using capacitance sensing principles. The sensor uses a solid state switch output. The output can be provided to switch either AC or DC loads. This is why there are both AC and DC proximity switches. An AC switch is used if you are switching an AC load and a DC switch is used for switching a DC load. Refer to the Media section of our website for a White Paper on Capacitive Proximity Switches for Level Sensing for further information.
Q:
Why use a vibrating fork over a vibrating rod?
A:
Generally speaking the advantage of a fork over a rod is price and sensitivity. However, vibrating rod devices have become very competitive. Rod units promise better performance with materials that are NOT free-flowing. This may be true, depending on installation orientation and the application. In the majority of applications where the material is relatively dry and free-flowing, the fork and rod can be found equal in performance. For low density materials the fork also proves to be lower in price and can be better performing as well.
