an overview
User benefits
Accurate safe control Choice of systems for all applications Approved by many authorities around the world All systems suitable for pressures up to 32 bar g On/off or modulating control to suit application Single, two, or three element control
On / off control
Steam flowrate
Water level up and down Water level more steady Fuel Feedwater on / off Feedwater valve Firing rate varies Feedwater flowrate matches steam demand Feedpump
4P M 16
Feedpump
5 PM 17
Spillback line
3P 15 M
M 4P 16
5 PM 17
3P 15 M
1 PM 13
2P M 14
1 PM 13
2P M 14
Conductivity or Capacitance?
Conductivity A conductivity probe (LP10-4) and controller can be used in a boiler or a tank for on /off pump control and /or alarm duties. It has one electrode for each function, which is cut to the required length on installation. Each probe electrode acts as a simple switch, indicating a low resistance to earth if in water, or a high resistance if out of water. For example, with a low alarm, the controller senses a change of resistance from low to high as the water level falls below the probe tip. This change in resistance causes the controller to disengage a relay to operate an alarm bell, light, or both, and normally will also cut the power to the burner. Simple conductivity probes operate on this principle, and have no self-checking facility. High Integrity self-monitoring level alarms (limiters) (LP30 low alarm and LP31 high alarm probes) operate on this same conductivity principle. The probes are designed to detect numerous failure modes and will, for example, sound an alarm if the wiring is damaged. The controller has a cyclic selftest facility which sounds an alarm if it fails to react to a simulated fault. Boilers fitted with alarms of this type in the boiler shell can operate with extended test intervals in most countries, in many cases allowing the boiler house to be de-manned. LP10-4 4-tip conductivity probeOn / off level control and simple high and low alarms. An additional low alarm would be needed for a boiler. (Protection tube not shown). High alarm
Capacitance A capacitance probe (LP20 with PA20 preamplifier) can be used in a boiler or a tank for modulating or adjustable on /off control. The probe consists of a conductive core completely sheathed in an insulating material. For this reason, capacitance probes cannot be cut to size, so are available in several different lengths. As the water level rises or falls, the capacitance coupling effect changes. A high or a low level alarm switching point can also be selected. Controllers are available for pneumatic or electrically actuated valves or variable speed pumps. Used as an on / off adjustable level control, it avoids having to cut probe tips to length, and permits level adjustments to be made at the controller without having to remove the probe from the boiler.
LP20 / PA20 capacitance probeProviding modulating level control plus one of the alarms in a boiler. Additional alarm(s) would be needed.
Boiler shell
Protection tube Adjustable high or low level alarm Adjustable set point
Transmitter 100 %
Pump off Water level Pump on Low alarm level Comparator tip
LP30 low alarm probe / limiterConductivity probe with comparator tip providing a high-integrity, self-monitoring low level alarm in a boiler.
Protection tubes
Two LP10-4 probes used for level control and alarms in a boiler. Probes can also be mounted directly in the boiler shell in protection tubes. (Unused probe tips not shown).
Boiler shell mounted LP20 / PA20 used for modulating level control and high alarm. Two LP30 probes are used for first and second low alarms.
On /off level control with high integrity self-monitoring low level alarms (limiters) In many countries, high integrity self-monitoring low level alarms mounted in the boiler shell allow testing intervals to be extended. The boiler may then be operated without constant professional supervision. Modulating level control with simple alarms A capacitance probe is used for modulating level control and first low alarm, with second low and high alarms provided by a conductivity probe. Modulating control is able to follow variations in steam load more closely than on /off, minimising cycling of the steam output. This is a common arrangement for supervised boiler houses where daily testing is carried out. Two element control The signal from a steam meter is used to adjust the signal from the level controller and move the set point. This enables the system to cope with the large sudden variations in steam load typically found in laundries or breweries. Three element control Useful for heavily loaded multiple boiler systems and large water tube boilers operating on a feedwater ring main system. As two element control, but also uses the input from a water flowmeter in the feedwater line. Some of the products may not be available in certain markets.
Spirax-Sarco Limited, Charlton House, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 8ER UK. Tel: +44 (0)1242 521361 Fax: +44 (0)1242 573342 E-mail: Enquiries@SpiraxSarco.com Internet: www.SpiraxSarco.com
Copyright 2000 Spirax Sarco is a registered trademark of Spirax-Sarco Limited
SB-P402-101
AB Issue 3
BWLCO