KROHNE, Magnetic Level BM26A 3000, Plastic Level
KROHNE, Magnetic Level BM26A 3000, Plastic Level
1 Product features 3
2 Technical data 6
3 Installation 24
4 Electrical connections 28
5 Notes 30
A magnetic level indicator (MLI) indicates level with a float magnetically coupled to a column of
rotating flaps. An optional reed-chain transmitter (LT40) can also transmit level as an analog or
digital signal. Optional bistable switches (MS15 series and MS40 series) can be attached to the
measuring chamber to detect level.
This device is suitable for measuring liquids that have a density of 560...1200 kg/m³ /
34.96...74.91 lb/ft³, for a temperature range of -20...+100°C / -4...+212°F at a pressure of
0...6 barg / 0...87 psig. The EU's Pressure Equipment Directive is not applicable to the
BM26A-3000.
1 Level indicator - column of rotating flaps in a hermetically sealed tube made of borosilicate glass with options that
include a scale, scale units and flap colours
2 Red flaps for float failure indication
3 Plastic measuring chamber - material options include PVC, PVDF and PP
4 Option: drain
5 Side process connections - DN20...50 (EN) / NPS 1...2 (ASME)
6 Option: vent
Highlights
• Easy to install
• High-visibility level indicator column operates without electrical power
• Withstands process conditions up to +100°C (+212°F) / 6 barg (87 psig)
• Accuracy: Level indicator = ±10 mm / Reed-chain transmitter = ±5 mm
• Optional LT40 reed-chain level transmitter
- Outut options: 4…20 mA (HART 7), FOUNDATION™ fieldbus or PROFIBUS PA
- Accuracy options: ±10mm (+/-0.4") or +/- 5 mm (+/- 0.2")
• Gasket options include FKM/FPM, nitrile, PTFE and EPDM
Industries
• Chemical
Applications
• Corrosive chemicals
• Chemical injection and skids
• Chemical reactors
• Chlor-alkali processes
• Scrubber vessels
• Deionization tanks
• Plastic tank manufacturers
• Fermentation vessels
• Liquid liquid extractions
• Reflux drums
• Sulphuric acid
A float is in the measuring chamber. The float contains magnets that rotate the flaps in the
indicator column and operate the optional limit switches and analog transmitter on the side of
the measuring chamber. The position of the magnets does not correspond to the level of liquid,
so the scale is offset at the factory to take into account this difference. The offset of the magnets
depends on the liquid density. Refer to the illustration that follows:
Figure 1-1: Offset between liquid level and the float magnet (liquid level offset)
1 Level of the liquid
2 Top of the float magnet. The magnet field around the top of the magnet turns the flaps in the indicator column that
shows the level in the tank.
3 Liquid level offset. This offset is the difference between the level of the liquid and the top of the float magnet. The value
is related to the type of float in the measuring chamber and the density of the liquid.
4 Indicator column of yellow/black or red/white rotating flaps with the optional scale in m/cm, ft/inch, % (simplified) or
customized volume units
PVC PP PVDF
Measuring system
Measuring principle Magnetic level indicator - bypass chamber (principle of
communicating tubes). A float in the measuring chamber is
magnetically coupled to a mechanical level indicator.
Application range Level indication of liquids in applications 0...6 barg / 0...87 psig
Measured value
Primary measured value Level of the float magnets in the measuring chamber
Secondary measured value Level or volume of the liquid in the tank
Design
Measuring chamber, variants Side / side process connections
Measuring chamber, diameter Ø63 mm × 4.7 mm Ø63 mm × 3 mm Ø63 mm × 5.8 mm
Options LT40 reed-chain level transmitter without LCD indicator module
with a compact or a remote housing 1
LT40 reed-chain level transmitter with LCD indicator module
with a compact or a remote housing 1
Bistable limit switches 2
Measuring range (ML) 0.5...4.0 m / 1.64…13.1 ft (longer on request)
Display and user interface
Display Indicator column with magnetically coupled rotating flaps that have
two colors: yellow/black; red/white
Float failure indication Orange flaps
(at the bottom of the indicator
column)
Scale marking options No scale; m + cm; ft + inches; customized volume units,
% (simplified) 3
Measuring accuracy
Accuracy ±10 mm / 0.4¨
Repeatability ±10 mm / 0.4¨ (when density is constant)
Maximum rate of change 20 mm/s / 0.787¨/s
PVC PP PVDF
Operating conditions
Temperature
Process temperature -20...+50°C / -20...+100°C / -20...+100°C /
-4…+122°F -4…+212°F -4…+212°F
Ambient temperature -20…+80°C / -4…+176°F
(Ex: see supplementary instructions or approval certificates)
Storage temperature -20…+80°C / -4…+176°F
Pressure
Process pressure 0...6 barg / 0...87 psig 4
Chemical properties
Density 680…1200 kg/m³ / 560…1200 kg/m³ / 700…1200 kg/m³ /
42.45...74.91lb/ft³ 34.96...74.91lb/ft³ 43.7...74.91lb/ft³
Viscosity ≤ 500 mPa·s / ≤ 500 cP
Other conditions
Ingress protection (IEC 60529) Indicator column: IP66 / IP68 (0.15 barg)
Materials
Measuring chamber PVC PP PVDF
Float PVC PP PVDF
Indicator column rail Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Indicator column tube Borosilicate glass 3.3 (agrees with ISO 3585)
- hermetically sealed tube
Scale (option) Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Process connection PP PP PP
Gasket options FKM/FPM; Nitrile; PTFE; EPDM
Process connections
Flange, EN DN20…50 (Type B1) in PN06; DN25…50 (Type B1) in PN16
Flange, ASME NPS 1…2 (RF) in Class 150 5
Power supply
Limit switches Refer to the technical data for the MS15 series and MS40 series
Reed-chain level transmitter Refer to the technical data for the LT40
PVC PP PVDF
Measuring system
Measuring principle A reed resistor chain that is magnetically operated by a magnetic
float in an adjacent measuring chamber
Primary measured value Resistance
Secondary measured value Level or volume of the liquid in the tank
Design
Description of device Resistance reed chain with 2-wire loop-powered transmitter module
attached adjacent to the measuring chamber of the magnetic level
indicator. A transmitter module converts changes in resistance to an
output signal. If the LT40 is used in multidrop mode, a maximum of 63
transmitters can be connected to a network that agrees with the
HART® communication protocol.
Options Transmitter module position: LT40 C - compact housing at the top of
the reed resistor chain
Transmitter module position: LT40 C - compact housing at the
bottom of the reed resistor chain
Transmitter module position: LT40 F - remote housing connected to
the bottom of the reed resistor chain. Max. cable length: 25 m / 82 ft.
LCD indicator module (non-Ex and Ex d-approved devices only)
Accessories C 95 Basic universal power supply (Panel mount, 2 relays, 4-digit
local indicator and non-Ex)
C 95 Basic universal power supply (Panel mount, 2 relays, 4…20 mA
output, 4-digit local indicator and non-Ex)
Display and user interface
Display Optional 2-wire loop-powered LCD indicator module (backlit)
4-digit LCD with minus sign, 2-button keypad. Selectable number of
decimals, 0 to 3.
Available units mm; inches; %
Range -1999...9999
Measuring accuracy
Resolution Standard: ±10 mm / 0.4¨ (when density is constant)
Option: ±5 mm / 0.2¨ (when density is constant)
Operating conditions
Temperature
Ambient temperature, -40…+80°C / -40…+176°F 1
transmitter
Ambient temperature, -20…+70°C / -4…+158°F 1
LCD indicator
Process temperature The ambient temperature limit is related to the process temperature.
Do not put thermal insulation around the transmitter housing. Refer
to the "Temperature limits: LT40 C/F reed-chain level transmitter"
section in this chapter.
Storage temperature -40…+80°C / -40…+176°F
Pressure
Operating pressure Atmospheric pressure
Other conditions
Warm-up time 30 s
Response time 1....60 s 2
Ingress protection (IEC 60529) IP66/IP68 (at a depth of 1.5 m for 2 weeks)
Relative air humidity (RH) 0...99%
Installation conditions
Notes The LT40 is calibrated at the factory and attached to the measuring
chamber before delivery
Dimensions Refer to the "Dimensions" section
Materials
Housing Polyester-coated aluminium
Reed-chain tube Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Clamp Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Cable gland Plastic (for M20 × 1.5 only), nickel-plated brass or stainless steel
Power supply
Voltage, non-Ex or Ex db: 10…35 V DC
without LCD indicator
Ex ia: 10…30 V DC
Voltage, non-Ex or Ex db: 17…35 V DC
with LCD indicator
EN 60947-1 electrical data Overvoltage category I
Cable entry M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT
Cable gland None; M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT
Intrinsically safe circuit data for Refer to supplementary instructions or approval certificates
Ex ia-approved devices
Explosion protection
ATEX (EU Type Approval) II 1 G Ex ia IIC T6...T1 Ga or II 2 G Ex ia IIC T6...T1 Gb 3
II 2 G Ex db IIC T6...T1 Gb
IECEx Ex ia IIC T6...T1 Ga or Ex ia IIC T6...T1 Gb 3
Ex db IIC T6...T1 Gb
Other standards and approvals
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 4
NAMUR NE 21 (pending) 5
Vibration resistance EN 60721-3-4 - vibration class 4M4 (1...200 Hz:1g, 10g shock
½ sinus: 11 ms)
NAMUR NAMUR NE 43 6
Table 2-2: LT40 (4...20 mA and 4...20 mA + HART® communication modules): technical data
1 The ambient temperature limit is related to the process temperature. Do not put thermal insulation around the trans-
mitter housing. Refer to the "Temperature limits: LT40 C/F reed-chain level transmitter" section in this chapter.
2 This value is programmable
3 This Ex approval does not include the optional LCD indicator module
4 LT40 F: Strong interference from EMC-conducted emissions (EN 61000-4-6) can cause a maximum deviation of 1.8%
along the measurement span
5 Electromagnetic Compatibility of Industrial and Laboratory Control Equipment
6 Standardization of the Signal Level for the Failure Information of Digital Transmitters
Measuring system
Measuring principle A reed resistor chain that is magnetically operated by a magnetic
float in an adjacent measuring chamber
Primary measured value Resistance
Secondary measured value Level and volume of the liquid in the measuring chamber
Design
Description of device Resistance reed chain with 2-wire loop-powered transmitter module
attached adjacent to the measuring chamber of the magnetic level
indicator. A transmitter module converts changes in resistance to an
output signal.
Description of transmitter Changes in resistance are Changes in resistance are
module converted to signals that agree converted to signals that agree
with the FOUNDATION™ fieldbus with the PROFIBUS PA
communication protocol. communication protocol.
Options Transmitter module position: LT40 C - compact housing at the top of
the reed resistor chain
Transmitter module position: LT40 C - compact housing at the
bottom of the reed resistor chain
Transmitter module position: LT40 F - remote housing connected to
the bottom of the reed resistor chain. Max. cable length: 25 m / 82 ft.
Display and user interface
Display None
Measuring accuracy
Resolution Standard: ±10 mm / 0.4¨ (when density is constant)
Option: ±5 mm / 0.2¨ (when density is constant)
Operating conditions
Temperature
Ambient temperature -40…+80°C / -40…+176°F 1
Process temperature The ambient temperature limit is related to the process temperature.
Do not put thermal insulation around the transmitter housing. Refer
to the "Temperature limits: LT40 C/F reed-chain level transmitter"
section in this chapter.
Storage temperature -40…+80°C / -40…+176°F
Pressure
Operating pressure Atmospheric pressure
Other conditions
Ingress protection (IEC 60529) IP66/IP68 (at a depth of 1.5 m for 2 weeks)
Relative air humidity (RH) 0...99%
Installation conditions
Notes The LT40 is calibrated at the factory and attached to the measuring
chamber before delivery
Dimensions Refer to the "Dimensions" section
Materials
Housing Polyester-coated aluminium
Reed-chain tube Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Clamp Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Cable gland Plastic (for M20 × 1.5 only), nickel-plated brass or stainless steel
Power supply
Voltage non-Ex or Ex db: 9...32 V DC
Ex ia: 9...30 V DC
EN 60947-1 electrical data Overvoltage category I
Cable entry M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT
Cable gland None; M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT
Intrinsically safe circuit data for Refer to supplementary instructions or approval certificates
Ex ia-approved devices
FOUNDATION™
FOUNDATION fieldbus
Description FOUNDATION™ fieldbus protocol N/A
PROFIBUS PA
Description N/A PROFIBUS PA protocol Profile
A&B, ver.3.0 (EN 50170 vol.2)
Measuring system
Measuring principle Bistable reed switch (SPDT) that is magnetically operated by a
magnetic float in an adjacent measuring chamber
Application range Level detection
Design
Description of device Limit switch attached adjacent to the measuring chamber of the
magnetic level indicator
Measuring accuracy
Hysteresis The hysteresis value agrees with the model of the magnetic level
indicator. For more data, refer to the handbook.
Operating conditions
Temperature
Ambient temperature -40...+80°C / -40...+176°F 1
Process temperature The ambient temperature limit is related to the process temperature.
Do not put thermal insulation around the transmitter housing. Refer
to the "Temperature limits: MS15-series limit switch" and
"Temperature limits: MS40-series limit switch" sections in this
chapter.
Operating temperature -40…+115°C / -40…+239°F 2 -40…+120°C / -40…+248°F 2
Storage temperature -40…+80°C / -40…+176°F
Pressure
Operating pressure Atmospheric pressure
Max. height above mean sea level: 2000 m / 6560 ft
Other conditions
Ingress protection (IEC 60529) MS15 series: IP66 / IP68 (at a depth of 1.5 m for 2 weeks)
MS40 series: IP66
Relative air humidity (RH) 0...99%
Installation conditions
Notes Adjust the switch position in relation to the hysteresis data (switching
point offset) and the density of the liquid
Dimensions Refer to the "Dimensions" section
Materials
Housing Aluminium with epoxy powder paint
Clamp Stainless steel (1.4401 / 316)
Cable gland Plastic (for M20 × 1.5 only), Plastic
nickel-plated brass or stainless
steel
Electrical connections
Switching capacity MS15 / MS40:
Absolute ratings: 250 V AC/DC; 1 A; 60 VA/W
MS15 NAMUR / MS40 NAMUR:
Agrees with DIN 19234 (NAMUR); Umax = 13 V DC
EN 60947-5-1 Overvoltage category II
electrical data
(MS15 and MS40 only) Rated insulation voltage, Ui: 250 V AC or 250 V DC
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp: 2.5 kV
Rated conventional thermal current, Ith: 1 A
Pollution degree: 4
Utilization category AC13: Ie = 0.5 A; Umax = 60 V AC
(EN 60947-5-1)
with current and voltage ratings AC13: Ie = 0.25 A; Umax = 250 V AC
DC12: Ie = 1 A; Umax = 60 V DC
DC13: Ie = 0.5 A; Umax = 60 V DC
Short-circuit protection device 0.25 A fuse, type 1500 A interrupting rating (IEC 60127-2/1)
1 A fuse, application category gG (IEC 60269) or
type 1500 A interrupting rating (IEC 60127-2/1)
Intrinsically safe circuit data Refer to supplementary instructions or approval certificates
Cable entry M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT M16 × 1.5
Cable gland None; M20 × 1.5; 1/2 NPT M16 × 1.5
2.2 Dimensions
2.2.1 Magnetic level indicator (measuring chamber) - overall dimensions
Figure 2-1: Magnetic level indicator (measuring chamber - PP, PVC and PVDF versions): side - side process
connections
1 Optional vent with 3/8...3/4 NPT or G 3/8...3/4 threaded connection (with plug)
2 Optional drain with 3/8...3/4 NPT or G 3/8...3/4 threaded connection (with plug)
3 Process connection (flange)
4 Level indicator column with optional scale (mm, inch, simplified % or volume)
• a = distance from the center axis of the bottom connection to the bottom of the device
• b = distance from the center axis of the top connection to the top of the device
• C-C = distance between the center axes of the top and bottom process connections
• ML = measuring length
2.2.2 Options
Dimensions [mm]
a b c ML d e
57 163.5 167.4 500…4000 84 64
Table 2-7: LT40 C reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in mm
Dimensions [inches]
a b c ML d e
2.2 6.4 6.6 19.7…157.5 3.3 2.5
Table 2-8: LT40 C reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in inches
Dimensions [mm]
a b c d ML e f g
57 163.5 176 133 500…4000 50 125.5 62
Table 2-9: LT40 F reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in mm
Dimensions [inches]
a b c d ML e f g
2.24 6.44 6.93 5.24 19.7…157.5 1.97 4.94 2.44
Table 2-10: LT40 F reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in inches
Dimensions [mm]
Øk m n p q
7.5 107.75 3 24.25 31
Table 2-11: Support for the LT40 F reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in mm
Dimensions [inches]
Øk m n p q
0.30 4.24 0.12 0.95 1.22
Table 2-12: Support for the LT40 F reed-chain level transmitter: dimensions in inches
p q s
MS15 series 88 133 143.5
MS40 series 46 119 56
Table 2-13: MS15-series and MS40-series limit switches: dimensions in mm
p q s
MS15 series 3.46 5.24 5.65
MS40 series 1.81 4.68 2.20
Table 2-14: MS15-series and MS40-series limit switches: dimensions in inches
2.2.3 Accessories
Support bracket
Dimensions [mm]
a b c d e Øf Øg h j k m n p s t u
Support 73 3 52 28.5 4 8.4 15 15 50 80 26 12 16.5 33 4 58
bracket
Table 2-15: Support bracket: dimensions in mm
Dimensions [inches]
a b c d e Øf Øg h j k m n p s t u
Support 2.87 0.12 2.05 1.12 0.16 0.33 0.59 0.59 1.97 3.15 1.02 0.47 0.65 1.30 0.16 2.28
bracket
Table 2-16: Support bracket: dimensions in inches
Maximum process pressure [bar] for a given maximum process temperature [°C]
Standard Pressure Measuring Maximum process temperature [°C]
rating range, L (C-C)
-20 +20 +38 +50 +100
Maximum process pressure [psig] for a given maximum process temperature [°F]
Standard Pressure Measuring Maximum process temperature [°F]
rating range, L (C-C)
-4 +68 +100.4 +122 +212
ASME B16.5 Class 150 1.6 ≤ L ≤ 3.3 87.0 87.0 87.0 72.5 14.5 1
3.3 < L ≤ 6.6 43.5 43.5 43.5 43.5 14.5 1
6.6 < L ≤ 9.8 29.0 29.0 29.0 29.0 14.5 1
9.8 < L ≤ 13.1 29.0 29.0 29.0 29.0 14.5 1
Table 2-18: Maximum process pressure [psig] for a given maximum process temperature [°F]
1 Do not use the PVC measuring chamber at a process temperature more than +122°F
These devices are installed next to open or pressurized tanks. With the applicable options, they
are resistant to difficult service conditions and liquids that are poisonous or flammable.
Responsibility for the use of the measuring devices with regard to suitability, intended use and
corrosion resistance of the used materials against the measured fluid lies solely with the
operator.
The manufacturer is not liable for any damage resulting from improper use or use for other than
the intended purpose.
Make sure that the outer surface temperature of the device is less than +60°C / +140°F. If the
surface temperature is more than +60°C / +140°F, use the device with precautions that agree
with health and safety rules and regulations.
Customer order data is used to adjust the device. If liquid density changes, the device will not
measure correctly. For example, if liquid density decreases, then the float does not follow the
surface of the liquid and goes down to the bottom of the measuring chamber.
LT40 C
The electronics module of the compact version of the LT40 is attached to the reed-chain tube.
LT40 F
The electronics module of the remote version of the LT40 is connected the reed-chain tube by an
electrical cable this a maximum of 25 m / 82 ft long. The electronics module of the remote
version can be attached to a pipe with two hose clamps or attached to a wall with two bolts. Refer
to the illustration that folows:
Figure 3-1: LT40 F: Installation of the housing (remote version) for the electronics module: top view
1 The housing is attached to a tube with two hose clamps
2 The housing is attached to a wall with two bolts
Figure 3-3: Limit switches and thermal insulation for the measuring chamber
1 Limit switch housing
2 Thermal insulation around the measuring chamber (cross-section)
3 Measuring chamber (cross-section)
Empty space between the limit switch and the thermal insulation for the measuring chamber, a ≥15 mm / 0.6¨.
• 4…20 mA
• 4…20 mA + HART®
• PROFIBUS PA
• FOUNDATION™ fieldbus
For more data about the reed-chain level transmitter, refer to LT40 reed-chain level transmitter
on page 9.
Figure 4-1: Electrical schematic for the 4...20 mA and 4...20 mA + HART output module
1 Internal wiring - brown wire
2 Internal wiring - red wire
3 Internal wiring - orange wire
4 Optional LCD indicator
5 Power supply terminals +/-, without LCD indicator (DC voltage range: 10…35 V (non-Ex or Ex db) or 10…30 V (Ex ia))
6 LCD indicator power supply terminals +/- (DC voltage range: 17...35 V)
If the reed-chain level transmitter has the LCD indicator option, then there is a red wire between
the positive (+) terminals and a black wire between the negative (-) terminals of the output
module and the LCD indicator. Use the +/- terminals on the back the LCD indicator to connect
the reed-chain level transmitter to the power supply.
Figure 4-2: Electrical schematic for the FOUNDATION™ fieldbus / PROFIBUS PA module
1 Bus connection terminals
2 Segment coupler
3 Bus termination
4 Internal wiring - orange wire
5 Internal wiring - red wire
6 Internal wiring - brown wire
• MS15
• MS15 NAMUR
• MS40
• MS40 NAMUR
For more data, refer to MS15-series and MS40-series limit switches on page 14.
Figure 4-3: Electrical schematics for the MS15-series and MS40-series limit switches
1 MS15 or MS40 limit switch
2 MS15 or MS40 limit switch with a NAMUR output
If the limit switch is set to "LOW limit", make sure that it is open when the float is below the
switch position. If the limit switch is set to the "HIGH limit", make sure that it is open when the
float is above the switching point.