RF Capacitance Level Sensors - MK2

TrueCap®
RF CAPACITANCE LEVEL SENSORS - MK2

Maximized Reliability via Smart Sensing Algorithms Including “Self- Validating” Fail-Safe Protection
Simple, Convenient Push-Button Calibration and Test
Driven Shield Technology Overcomes Material Build-up
Externally Viewable LED Sensor Status Indicator (Ordinary Loc. Unit)
Superior 0.5pF Sensitivity
Enhanced Temp. Compensation
Universal Power Supply
Now Available...Quick-Connect Tri-Clamp Process Connection. Click Here For Details

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TRUECAP® MK-2 RF CAPACITANCE Level Probe

Bulletin Button

Product Overview

Applications

Features

Principle of Operation

Options

Accessories

Probe Variations Specifications Warranty

Compare Models MK-2 and MK-2e

 



Overview

TrueCap® RF capacitance sensors offer effective point level indication with excellent reliability and advanced features. Monitor’s complete line, featuring models MK-2 and MK-2e, provides you with the most practical solution for your application...from a feature-rich version to a cost-conscious version. Monitor’s RF capacitance probes are designed to provide a high level of sensitivity, stability and durability for powder and bulk solids applications, as well as liquid and slurry applications. Monitor’s two-year warranty stands behind every TrueCap sensor.


Principle of Operation

A radio frequency is applied to the probe and is continually analyzed to determine the influence caused by the surrounding environment. As material contacts the probe, the radio frequency shifts indicating an increase in capacitance (C). The active probe of the unit and the vessel’s wall make up the two plates (A=area) of a capacitor which are separated by a fixed distance (d). The probe’s insulator and surrounding air provide the dielectric material (with dielectric constant “K”). As the air (K=1.0) is displaced with any other material (K > 1.0), the capacitance effect (C) is enhanced, thereby changing the application’s impedance. This influence is measured within the circuitry and compared to a reference established by the sensitivity setting. The setting determines how much influence must be present before the output changes. The driven shield section of the probe enables the circuitry to ignore product build-up on the probe that would otherwise cause false sensing. Driven Shield Technology for RF Capacitance

The driven shield is activated with the same radio frequency potential as the sensing probe. Since current can not flow between identical potentials, the driven shield blocks current flow from the active probe to the vessel wall through the material build-up, thereby eliminating the sensing of the material build-up.



Applications

TrueCap® RF capacitance point level sensors are versatile devices providing high and low level readings in bins, silos, tanks, hoppers, and other vessels. TrueCap’s superior sensitivity range allows users to properly adjust units to meet the needs of a wide variety of applications. Whether your application is for a powder, liquid, granular solid, or viscous material, the TrueCap product line offers the right solution.

Typical Applications include, but are not limited to:

 

 

 

Feed / Grain

Chemicals

Pellets

Plastics

Liquids

Pharmaceuticals

Rubber

Wastewater

Sand

Food Ingredients

Slurries

Cement

Powders

Paint & Coatings

Coal

Granular Solids

Oils

Paper Pulp

 


Features

 

The TrueCap® Model MK-2 RF capacitance point level sensor is a proven problem solver used to ensure maximum performance and reliability, minimizing downtime of operations.

Micro-controller based for maximum reliability & performance

Push-button calibration, sensitivity selection & self-test

Automatic temperature compensation for unmatched calibration stability

Superior 0.5 pF sensitivity ensures reliability

Build-up immunity helps eliminate false signals

High intensity LED indicating light (Ordinary location sensors only)

Universal power supply minimizes versions

Available hazardous location approvals with intrinsic safety

 

 

 


Model Selection
(Comparing the Model MK-2 and MK-2e)

Monitor offers the market an unmatched selection of RF Capacitance point level sensors. Several factors should be considered when selecting the proper TrueCap® RF capacitance point level sensor.

EASE OF CALIBRATION
Many applications are well served by the manual calibration of the MK-2e, but only the MK-2 offers the extraordinary convenience of push-button calibration, sensitivity and self-test. VARYING

TEMPERATURES
It is important that the calibration of a probe remains stable during swings in the process and ambient temperatures. The MK-2 automatically adjusts its calibration to account for temperature changes providing maximum reliability.

CHANGING CONTENTS/CHARACTERISTICS
TrueCap sensors can be calibrated to the material with the lowest dielectric constant (usually the driest material) in order to sense all products which could enter the bin. However, sometimes the need for re-calibration is unavoidable, making the MK-2 with push-button calibration and an available remote calibration module the best choice.

HEAVY MATERIALS & TIGHT AREAS
Some applications require compact, sturdy probes for heavy materials or confined spaces. The MK-2 and MK-2e offer a stub probe for extra durability for heavy products and a compact design for tight areas. Both models also use heavy duty 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) diameter probes. SOLIDS All TrueCap sensors can sense solid materials, but be careful to also look at all application parameters.

MATERIAL COATING/BUILD-UP
Many liquids, slurries and sticky bulk solids tend to cling to probes. Product build-up immunity through a driven shield design is a must. The MK-2 and MK-2e provide product build-up immunity and can typically be used with these materials. HIGH VIBRATION When locating sensors near vibrators, bin dischargers or other vibrating equipment, the split architecture version is recommended.

UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY
Minimizing the number of variations can maximize value for OEMs and product resellers. The MK-2 is the only TrueCap sensor that provides this capability. NEED FOR VISUAL INDICATION Both the MK-2 and the MK-2e are provided with a high intensity LED indicator on the housing (Ordinary location integral sensors only).

HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
The MK-2 and MK-2e are available approved for Class I and Class II hazardous locations. See “Specifications” for details.

HIGH TEMPERATURE
For applications up to 450°F, (232°C) the MK-2 and MK-2e offer stainless steel mounting connections which act as thermal barriers and a split architecture version which completely removes the electronics from the process.

LARGE PARTICLES
Large particles can leave air gaps which could lead to inaccurate readings. However, smaller particles and fines usually fill in the gaps.

APPLICATION

MK-2

Ease of Calibration

Best

Fair

Calibration Location

Best

Good

Varying Temperatures

Best

Good

Changing Contents/Characteristics

Best

Good

Heavy Materials & Tight Areas

Good

Good

Solids

Best

Good

Material Coating/Build-Up

Best

Good

High Vibration

Best

Best

Need for Visual Indication

Best

Best

Hazardous Locations

Best

Best

High Temperature

Good

Good

Large Particles

Good

Good

 


Options

Food Grade Level Probe

FOOD GRADE PROBE
Most probe variations are available with nylon insulators for food grade applications. Food grade probes are usually outfitted with the stainless steel connection.


HAZARDOUS APPROVALS
Most MK-2 models are offered with explosion proof housings and intrinsically safe probes thereby meeting requirements for Class I and Class II environments. See “Specifications” for details.



SS Connection

SS CONNECTION
A 3/4” NPT 316 stainless steel mounting connection for applications requiring material compatibility enhances the effectiveness in food grade or corrosive applications.



Split Architecure Level Indicator

SPLIT ARCHITECTURE
For applications involving high temperature or vibration, the probe and electronics are housed in separate enclosures mounted 12 feet (3.6 m) apart or more depending on the application, thereby removing the electronics from the stressful conditions. All adjustments are performed at the remote electronics.

 


Accessories

MOUNTING PLATES
Painted carbon steel or stainless steel mounting plates eliminate the need to weld a mounting coupling to the vessel.

PART # DESCRIPTION
1-0101 Mounting Plate, half coupling, CS, for 1-1/4” NPT
1-0112 Mounting Plate, half coupling, SS, for 1-1/4” NPT
1-3316 Mounting Plate, heavy duty alum., for 1-1/4” NPT
------------------------------------------------


PROBE EXTENSIONS
Rigid probe extensions with solid or flexible couplings easily extend the sensing point to a desired distance from any top-mounted TrueCap® probe.
Click Here for Reference on How to Determine Overall Insertion Length for Customer Specified Legnths

PART # DESCRIPTION
11-0151-0 Solid Coupling, Customer Specified Length (Note 1)
11-0151-8 Solid Coupling, 8” (203mm) length
11-0151-12 Solid Coupling 12” (305mm) length
11-0151-20 Solid Coupling 20” (508mm) length
11-0151-32 Solid Coupling 32” (813mm) length
11-0151-44 Solid Coupling 44” (1118mm) length
11-0060 Solid Coupling Adapter (Probe extension to be provided by customer.)
11-0152-0 Flex Coupling, Customer Specified Length (Note 2)
11-0152-8 Flex Coupling, 8” (203mm) length
11-0152-12 Flex Coupling, 12” (305mm) length
11-0152-20 Flex Coupling, 20” (508mm) length
11-0152-32 Flex Coupling, 32” (813mm) length
11-0152-44 Flex Coupling, 44” (1118mm) length
11-0056 Flex Coupling Adapter (Probe extension to be provided by customer.)

Note:
1 Max Length = 44” (1118mm)
2 Max Length = 72” (1829mm) For longer lengths, upgrade to cable version.

Note:
Probe extensions listed below are to be added to the the standard Ryton® (or equiv.) or Nylon MK-2
probes. A standard probe is 16” (406mm) in length.
Example: A standard probe ordered with an 11-0151-20 will provide 16” + 20” = 36” (406mm + 508mm =
914mm) of overall insertion length. A Probe Extension is shipped as a separate item to be easily
attached with the roll pin provided.
Click Here for Reference on How to Determine Overall Insertion Length for Customer Specified Legnths

-------------------------------------------------


QUICK-CONNECT TRI-CLAMP ACCESSORIES
Accessories to go with the quick-connect tri-clamp version of the TrueCap® include:

PART # DESCRIPTION
#11-3017: Tri-clamp, 1-1/2", 304SS
#11-3007: Ferrule, 1", 316SS
#11-2007: Gasket, White, Viton®
-----------------------------------------------


REMOTE CALIBRATION MODULE
Part # 11-8005 has been discontinued.



Probe Variations

Dimensions are shown in inches with millimeter equivalent in brackets.

STANDARD PROBE
The most commonly used probe variation, the standard probe performs reliably in many different applications. The standard probe is available with either a 1-1/4” NPT, 1-1/2” BSPT* or 3/4” NPT process connection.
*Unit with 1-1/2” BSPT connection is provided with M20 cable glands.

Standard Level Probe
Standard Probe

STUB PROBE
Usually used in tight spaces, or in applications with heavy material, the stub probe is a shorter version of the standard probe. The stub probe is available with either a 1-1/4” NPT, 1-1/2” BSPT* or 3/4” NPT process connection.
*Unit with 1-1/2” BSPT connection is provided with M20 cable glands.

Stub Level Probe
Stub Probe

 


QUICK-CONNECT
TRI-CLAMP PROCESS
CONNECTION PROBE

This quick connect / disconnect option provides easy installation and easy removal of the TrueCap® unit for cleaning purposes. Ideal for general sanitation situations not requiring 3-A Rating. Clamp accessories are sold separately from sensor.
Accessories Include:
#11-3017: Tri-clamp, 304SS
#11-3007: Ferrule, 316SS, 1"
#11-2007: Gasket, Viton®

Click Here for Product Sheet



tri-clamp version level indicator

CABLE EXTENSION PROBE
The cable extension probe can extend the sensing point up to 50 feet (15 m) beneath the mounting point. It should be noted that the build-up immunity, however, is not extended with the cable version. Use the pipe extension probe in those applications requiring build-up immunity. A 1-1/4” NPT, 1-1/2” BSPT* or 3/4” NPT process connection is available.
*Unit with 1-1/2” BSPT connection is provided with M20 cable glands.
Click Here for Reference on How to Determine Overall Insertion Length for Customer Specified Legnths

Cable Extension Level Probe

 

 

Cable Extension Probe

PIPE EXTENSION/LAGGED HOUSING
The pipe extension probe extends the sensing point and build-up immunity up to 12 feet (3.6 m) down into the bin. The lagged housing version “Lags” the housing up to 24 inches (610 mm) away from the mounting point for high temperature applications and/or vessels with external insulation.

Click Here for Reference on How to Determine Overall Insertion Length for Customer Specified Legnths

 

Pipe Extension Level Probe
Pipe Extension Probe

 

 



Specifications

Power:

48-240VAC ±10%, 3VA, 50/60Hz
24-48VDC ±10%, 3W

Altitude:

6562ft (2000m) max

Installation Category:

II

Pollution Degree:

4 (reduced to 2 by enclosure) Suitable for indoor/outdoor use

Ambient Operating Temp:

-40°F (-40°C) to +150°F (65°C)

*Internal Bin Temp:

To +176° F (+80° C) w/alum. mount (<104° F (40° C) ambient)
To +400° F (+204° C) w/SS mount (<122° F (50° C) ambient)

Output Relay:

DPDT, 5A @ 250VAC, 30VDC maximum

Indicators:

“DET” yellow LED illuminates when material is sensed
“ OPR” red LED illuminates to indicate output switching
“ CAL” green LED illuminates to indicate proper calibration
“ SEN” bank of four LEDs indicated the sensitivity setting

External Indicators:

Red and green LEDs indicating power and operating mode (Ordinary location units only)

Sensitivity:

Switch selectable 0.5pf, 2.6pf, 8.3pf, 18.0pf

Stability:

±0.01pf per degree F (±0.018pf per degree C) @ 0.5pf setting

Time Delay:

0.25 to 15 sec single-turn adjustable for delay to activate and delay to de-activate

Fail-Safe:

Switch selectable - HI/LO

Build-Up Immunity:

Protected via driven shield to 150 ohm load

Enclosure:

Cast alum screw-on cover, beige polyester powder coat, NEMA 4, IP66

Conduit Connection:

Two (2) 3/4” NPT connections (M20 cable glands provided when 1-1/2” BSPT process connection is specified)

**Approvals:

CSA(US) CSA(C) Ordinary Locations, CE Mark(Ordinary location only)
CSA(US) CSA(C): Class I Groups C & D, Exp. Proof & Intrinsically Safe
CSA(US) CSA(C): Class II Group E, F & G, Dust Ignition Proof & Intrinsically Safe

* Influenced by mounting, material thermal conductivity and ambient temperature.
** Hazardous location approvals on units with Pipe Extension or Lagged Probes with integral electronics/probe are CSA(US/C) Class II Groups E, F & G (SS version ONLY. Hazardous location approvals are not available on the galvanized version). Hazardous location approvals for Split Architecture remote electronics are Class II, Groups E, F & G. All probe versions, except the galvanized version of the pipe extension or lagged probe unit, are Class I Groups C & D, Class II Groups E, F & G and Intrinsically Safe.

 

Probe Specifications

Standard/Food Grade Probe:

Mounting:

1-1/4” NPT alum, R 1-1/2 (BSPT 1-1/2), or combo 3/4” NPT 316SS and 1-1/4” NPT alum

Probe Material:

3/8in(9.5mm) dia. 316SS probe & guard, Ryton®-Equiv & Nylon insulators

Probe Length:

16in (406mm) from alum mounting

Temp (Probe Only):

Ryton®-Equiv +450° F (+232° C) max; Nylon +300° F (+148° C) max

Pressure:

50 psi (3.5 bar) max (alum connection);
150 psi (10 bar) max (3/4” NPT SS)

Stub Probe:

Mounting:

1-1/4” NPT alum, R 1-1/2 (BSPT 1-1/2), or combo 3/4” NPT 316SS and 1-1/4” NPT alum

Probe Material:

3/8in (9.5mm) dia. 316SS probe & guard, Ryton®-Equiv & Nylon insulators

Probe Length:

9" (229mm) from aluminum mounting

Temp (Probe Only):

Ryon®-Equiv +450° F (+232° C) max; Nylon +300° F (+148° C) max

Pressure:

50 psi(3.5 bar) max (alum connection);
150 psi(10 bar) max (3/4” NPT SS)

Cable Extension Probe:

Mounting:

1-1/4” NPT alum, R 1-1/2 (BSPT 1-1/2), or combo 3/4” NPT 316SS and 1-1/4” NPT alum

Probe Material:

1/8in(3.2mm) diameter 316 SS Teflon® jkt’d cable, Nylon insulator

Cable Length:

Customer specified from 17" (432 mm) up to 50 ft (15m) overall insertion from aluminum mounting

Temp (Probe Only):

+300° F (+148° C) max

Pressure:

50 psi(3.5 bar) max (1-1/4" NPT alum);
150 psi(10 bar) max (3/4” NPT SS)

Pipe Extension Probe:

Mounting:

1-1/4” NPT alum

Probe Material:

Galvanized or 316SS

Probe Length:

Customer specified from 22" (559 mm) up to 144in (3.6m) overall insertion

Interface to:

Standard or Food Grade (See applicable specs)

Lagged Housing Version:

Mounting:

3/4” NPT 316SS

Lag Material:

Galvanized or 316SS

Lag Length:

Customer specified from 7 to 24 in (178 to 610 mm)

Interface to:

Standard Probe only (See applicable specs)

Split Architecture:

Elec. Enclosure:

Cast Aluminum, screw-on cover, polyester powder coat (HL MK-2 only)
Fiberglass enclosure (OL) (MK-2 only)

Cable:

12 ft (3.6m), 22 awg co-ax / 18 awg wire

Max Bin Temp:

Ryton®-Equiv probe: +450° F (+232° C);
Nylon: 300° F (+148° C)

Ryton® - Trademark of Phillips Chemical Co.
Teflon® - Trademark of DuPont Chemical Co.

 


Warranty

Monitor Technologies LLC warrants each TrueCap® RF capacitance sensor it manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service within two (2) years from the date of purchase. The purchaser must give notice of any defect to Monitor within the warranty period, return the product intact and prepay transportation charges. The obligation of Monitor Technologies LLC under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement at its factory. This warranty shall not apply to any product which is repaired or altered outside of the Monitor Technologies LLC factory, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, incorrect wiring by others or improper installation. Monitor Technologies LLC reserves the right to change the design and/or specifications without prior notice.

Part Numbers / Product Configurations

Part # > Product Configuration

11-8511-111 > MK-2,STD,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8511-112 > MK-2,STD,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8511-114 > MK-2,STD,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,SS
11-8511-116 > MK-2,STD,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,LAG-HOUS,SS
11-8511-211 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8511-212 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8511-213 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,GLV
11-8511-214 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,SS
11-8511-215 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,LAG-HOUS,GLV
11-8511-216 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,LAG-HOUS,SS
11-8511-217 > MK-2,STD,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/2
11-8512-111 > MK-2,STD,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8512-112 > MK-2,STD,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8512-211 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8512-212 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8512-213 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,GLV
11-8512-214 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,SS
11-8512-217 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/2
11-8512-218 > MK-2,STD,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,TRI-CLP
11-8513-111 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8513-112 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8513-114 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,H/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,SS
11-8513-211 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8513-212 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8513-213 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,PIPE-EXT,GV
11-8513-215 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,LAG-HOU,GLV
11-8513-217 > MK-2,STUB,RYT,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/2
11-8514-111 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8514-112 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8514-211 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8514-212 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8514-217 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/2
11-8514-218 > MK-2,STUB,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,TRI-CLP
11-8516-111 > MK-2,CBL-EXT,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8516-112 > MK-2,CBL-EXT,NYL,H/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8516-211 > MK-2,CBL-EXT,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/4
11-8516-212 > MK-2,CBL-EXT,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,COMBO
11-8516-217 > MK-2,CBL-EXT,NYL,O/L,UNVSL,1-1/2

Remote Electronics for MK-2 Split Architecture Design
11-8710-110 > MK-2,RMT ELEC,H/L,UNVSL
11-8710-210 > MK-2,RMT ELEC,O/L,UNVSL

Remote Probes for MK-2 Split Architecture Design
11-8801-101 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,H/L,1-1/4
11-8801-102 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,H/L,COMBO
11-8801-104 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,H/L,SS PIPE
11-8801-201 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,O/L,1-1/4
11-8801-202 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,O/L,COMBO
11-8801-203 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,O/L,GAL PIP
11-8801-204 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,O/L,SS PIPE
11-8801-207 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,RYTON,O/L,1-1/2
11-8802-101 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,H/L,1-1/4
11-8802-102 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,H/L,COMBO
11-8802-104 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,H/L,SS PIPE
11-8802-201 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,O/L,1-1/4
11-8802-202 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,O/L,COMBO
11-8802-203 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,O/L,GAL PIP
11-8802-204 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,O/L,SS PIPE
11-8802-207 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,NYLON,O/L,1-1/2
11-8803-101 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB RYTON,H/L,1-1/4
11-8803-102 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB RYTON,H/L,CO
11-8803-201 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB RYTON,O/L,1-1/4
11-8803-202 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB RYTON,O/L,CO
11-8803-207 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STB RYT,O/L,1-1/2
11-8804-101 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB NYLON,H/L,1- 1/4
11-8804-102 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB NYLON,H/L,CO
11-8804-201 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB NYLON,O/L,1- 1/4
11-8804-202 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STUB NYLON,O/L,CO
11-8804-207 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,STB NYL,O/L,1-1/2
11-8806-101 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,CBL EXT,H/L,1-1/4
11-8806-102 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,CBL EXT,H/L,COMBO
11-8806-201 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,CBL EXT,O/L,1-1/4
11-8806-202 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,CBL EXT,O/L,COMBO
11-8806-207 > MK-2,RMT PROBE,CBL EXT,O/L,1-1/2

 

Last Rev.: December 07, 2019