FLT
®
Series FlexSwitch
TM
INSTALLATION
Fluid Components International LLC 5
2 INSTALLATION
Receiving/Inspection
• Unpack carefully.
• Verify that all items in the packing list are received and are correct.
• Inspect all instruments for damage or contaminants prior to installation.
If the above three items are satisfactory, proceed with the installation. If not, then stop and contact a customer service representative.
Packing/Shipping/Returns
These issues are addressed in Appendix E - Customer Service.
Factory Calibration Note
The instrument is factory calibrated to the applications as specified at the time of order. There is no need to perform any verification or cali-
bration steps prior to installing and placing the instrument in service unless the application has changed.
Pre-Installation Procedure
Warning:
This instrument must be installed by qualified personnel only. Install and follow safety procedures in accordance with local
and national electrical codes and regulations. Ensure that power is OFF during installation. Any instances where power is ap-
plied to the instrument will be noted in this manual. Where the instructions call for the use of electrical current, the operator
assumes all responsibility for conformance to safety standards and practices.
Caution:
The instrument contains electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices. Use standard ESD precautions when handling the
control circuit. See below, for ESD details.
The instrument is not designed for weld-in-place applications. Never weld to a process connection or a structural support.
Damage resulting from moisture penetration of the control circuit or flow element enclosure is not covered by product warranty.
Use Standard ESD Precautions
Use standard ESD precautions when opening an instrument enclosure or handling the control circuit. FCI recommends the use of the fol-
lowing precautions: Use a wrist band or heel strap with a 1 megohm resistor connected to ground. If the instrument is in a shop setting use
workstations with static conductive mats on the work table and floor with a 1 megohm resistor connected to ground. Connect the instrument
to ground. Apply antistatic agents to hand tools to be used on the instrument. Keep high static producing items away from the instrument
such as non-ESD approved plastic, tape and packing foam.
For sensors and flanges containing titanium, ignition hazards due to impact or friction must be avoided according to EN/IEC 60079-0, clause 8.3.
The above precautions are minimum requirements to be used. The complete use of ESD precautions can be found in the U.S. Department Of
Defense Handbook 263.
Prepare or Verify Sensing Element Location
Prepare the process pipe for installation, or inspect the already prepared location to ensure that the instrument will fit into the system.
Review the requirement for the supply power and alarm circuit connections.
Verify Dimensions
Verify the instrument’s dimensions versus the process location to be sure of a correct fit. Also see Appendix A for dimensions.
Verify Sensing Element Flow Direction and Placement Orientation (Flow Application)
For flow detection, the sensing element surface marked with direction arrows should be oriented parallel to the process flow. The flow can be from either direction.
Mount the sensing element at least 20 diameters downstream and 10 diameters upstream from any bends or interference in the process pipe
or duct to achieve the greatest accuracy.
For liquid flow service, locate the sensing element in the process pipe so that the thermowells are always completely wet.
When mounted in a tee or section of pipe larger than the normal process pipe, position in a vertical run of pipe with flow upward. This will
prevent air or gas bubbles from becoming trapped at the sensor assembly.
Vertical positioning with flow downward is only recommended for higher flow rate applications (consult FCI).
Verify Sensing Element Flow Direction and Placement Orientation (Level Application)
If the sensing element is side-mounted on the process vessel, then the surface marked with direction arrows should be vertically oriented.
If the sensing element is top- or bottom-mounted on the process vessel, the orientation of the surface marked with direction arrows does not matter.