NOVUS TL400-V (01) PDF Document

The following symbols are used on the NOVUS TL400-V and in its manual to draw attention to important information regarding safety and use:

CAUTION (Exclamation mark in a triangle): Read the manual fully before installing and operating the device.

CAUTION OR HAZARD (Lightning bolt in a triangle): Indicates a risk of electric shock.

ATTENTION (Hand over a circuit board in a triangle): The material is sensitive to static charge. Check precautions before handling.

All safety recommendations in the manual must be followed to ensure personal safety and prevent damage. If the instrument is used in a manner not specified in the manual, its safety protections may not be effective.

Additionally, the NOVUS TL400-V is a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT according to DIN EN 60825-1:2015-07. It emits infrared radiation and uses LASER technology, developed to meet class 1 requirements of IEC 60825-1:2014 (Third Edition). As long as NOVUS recommendations are followed, the radiation emission will remain within class 1 limits. Lenses or any other optical device should not be used to alter the product’s performance.

The NOVUS TL400-V is a non-intrusive level transmitter that uses safe infrared laser technology (LASER CLASS-1) with a measurement principle based on ToF (Time of Flight). It provides accurate distance measurement regardless of the surface’s color or transparency. It can measure a range of materials from grains and solids to transparent liquids like water and diesel.

Key features include:

Measurement Capacity: Up to 4 meters with 1 Hz sampling.

Housing: Robust polycarbonate housing with an IP68 protection index, NBR gasket, withstanding pressures up to 6 bar, and resistance to flammable materials.

Filter: A dedicated filter for non-static tank applications based on machine learning algorithms with configurable parameters.

Opening Angle: Configurable from 12° to 27° to suit different tank applications.

Interface: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface for configuration via the SigNow app (for Android and iOS).

With the BLE interface and SigNow app, you can:

Configure the analog output: 0.5-4.5 V according to the application.

Configure the opening angle: From 12° to 27°.

Customize the tank: Up to 20 points in level percentage for non-linear tanks.

Perform diagnostics: Real-time sensor diagnostics.

Configure the dynamic filter: Based on the application.

Update the firmware: To the most current version.

The sensor can retransmit the analog output in Level, Volume, or Distance, with units for level and distance in mm, cm, m, inches, or feet, and volume always in percent.

For a safe and proper electrical installation of the NOVUS TL400-V, please follow these recommendations:

Electronic and analog signal drivers must run in the plant separately from the output and power leads. If possible, use grounded conduits.

The power supply for the electronic instruments must come from a proper power grid designed for instrumentation.

It is recommended to use RC FILTERS (noise suppressors) in contactor coils, solenoids, and similar components.

In control applications, it is essential to consider what might happen if any part of the system fails. The internal security features of the device do not guarantee full protection.

The electrical connections are made via the Superseal connector with the following pinout:

GND: Ground

OUTPUT: Analog Output (0.5-4.5 Vdc)

VDC: Power Supply (8-33 Vdc)

To install the NOVUS TL400-V level sensor, you will need the following tools:

4.0 to 4.2 mm drill for the screws

20 to 40 mm hole saw for the sensor

Pencil for marking hole points

Follow these steps for installation:

1. Perform the marking: While the tank is empty, use the provided gasket to mark the hole points for the screws (5 holes for standard installation, 4 holes when using the adapter) and the center point for the sensor.

2. Install: Use a drill with the hole saw to drill the tank in the center where the sensor will be installed. Then, drill 4 mm holes at the marked screw positions. The gasket has a small cutout between the longer distance holes where the sensor output cable will be positioned.

3. Make the connections: Place the equipment in the desired location, tighten the screws, and then make the electrical connections.

4. Configure: Use the SigNow app to configure the equipment.

When installing the optional 5-hole to 4-hole adapter, ensure the adapter and the gasket are positioned in the same direction as the cable.

Proper positioning is critical for accurate measurements with the NOVUS TL400-V.

Correct Installation Practices:

Install the equipment so that the laser is perfectly perpendicular to the surface of the substance being monitored.

Ensure the equipment is positioned away from the area where the liquid or solid will be poured into the tank or reservoir to avoid interference during filling.

Installation Situations to Avoid:

Do not install the equipment sideways.

Do not install the equipment with the laser pointing into the area where the liquid or solid will be poured.

Do not install the equipment over a faucet or any other object that will block the laser.

Improper application can block the equipment from measuring the intended area. Always ensure it is positioned perfectly perpendicular to the surface.

Important Considerations:

The NOVUS TL400-V is not recommended for applications in environments with direct sunlight, as measurement may be affected.

For accurate measurements, there must be no barriers between the sensor and the fluid or surface to be analyzed.

The sensor cannot take measurements through a transparent surface (like glass). It must be applied directly to the material being measured.

The NOVUS TL400-V uses several specific terms to describe its measurements and configuration:

Ullage: The difference between the height of the tank and the surface of the liquid or solid.

Level: The height of the liquid or solid when compared to the bottom of the tank.

Distance: The height between the surface of the liquid or solid and the NOVUS TL400-V itself (where Offset = 0).

Tank Height: The total height of the tank.

Filter Type: The equipment can use a static filter (moving average with configurable response time) or a dynamic filter (stable algorithm for tanks in motion with a fixed response time).

Angle of View (FoV): Defines the field of view for the sensor. It is recommended to keep this as large as possible.

Installation Offset: The difference between the height where the NOVUS TL400-V is installed and the maximum tank height. This must be defined if the sensor is not installed at the very top of the tank.

Full Tank (URV – Upper Range Value): The height of the tank at which the analog output will show a maximum value.

Empty Tank (LRV – Lower Range Value): The height of the tank at which the analog output will show a minimum value.

For tanks with irregular shapes (curves, rises, etc.), the NOVUS TL400-V allows you to create a custom calibration curve with up to 20 linearization points. This feature is also useful for correcting non-linearity in measurements.

Follow these steps:

1. Gather Data: Using the Diagnostics tab in the SigNow app, take measurements of the distance at various known volume percentages. For example, measure the distance when the tank is empty (0%), at 50%, and full (100%). Record the distance values (in centimeters) for each corresponding percentage.

2. Enter Calibration Points: Navigate to Configuration > Advanced > Input > Tank Calibration.

3. Add Points: Enter the points you recorded. The points should go from the greatest distance (smallest volume) to the smallest distance (greatest volume). For example:

Point 1: Distance = 80 cm, Volume = 0%

Point 2: Distance = 40 cm, Volume = 50%

Point 3: Distance = 0 cm, Volume = 100%

To delete a calibration point, simply drag it to the right.

4. Send Configuration: After entering all points, go to Menu > Send to write the new configuration to the device. It is suggested to check all configured parameters before sending, as they will be overwritten.

5. Verify Curve: To check if the new curve is correct, go to Diagnostics > Advanced > Forcing. Force a distance value and verify that the analog output response is adequate and matches your expectations.

To connect your NOVUS TL400-V to your smartphone, you must first install the SigNow app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Your smartphone must support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and have Android version 9+ or iOS version 12+.

Follow these steps to pair the device:

1. Enable the Bluetooth interface on your smartphone.

2. Open the SigNow app.

3. On the home screen, tap the Configuration button.

4. The app will search for nearby devices. Tap the NOVUS TL400-V icon when it appears in the list.

5. Wait for the connection process to finish.

6. Once connected, SigNow will display the equipment’s configuration screens, starting with the “Info” screen.

After pairing the NOVUS TL400-V with the SigNow app, you can configure its basic and advanced parameters.

Basic Configuration

Click the “Basic” button to access these settings. By default, the magnitude is set to “Level”.

Device Tag: Define a tag with up to 20 characters.

Level and distance: Unit: Set the unit of measurement (meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet).

Installation Offset: Define the installation offset.

Tank height: Define the height of the tank.

Reverse output polarity: Invert the output polarity.

Output minimum value: Define a minimum level value.

Output maximum value: Define a maximum level value.

Advanced Configuration

Click the “Advanced” button to access more detailed settings, grouped into sections: Input, Output, Advanced Filter, and Security.

Input Section:

Magnitude related to the analog output: Choose between Level, Distance, or Volume.

Tank Type (if Volume is selected): Choose Vertical cylinder, Horizontal cylinder, Rectangular, or Custom. If Custom is selected, you can add up to 20 calibration points.

Viewing angle: Set the viewing angle of the sensor (15°, 17°, 19°, 21°, 24°, or 27°).

Reading mode: Set the measurement mode: SHORT (under 1m), MEDIUM (up to 3m), or LONG (up to 4m). LONG is recommended for most applications.

Output Section:

Error action on analog output: Configure the output behavior in case of an error. Options are Low (0.5 Vdc), High (4.5 Vdc), None, or Low/High (alternating).

Security Section:

Password: Set a numeric password (4 to 10 digits) to protect the device’s settings from unauthorized access. To remove a password, leave the field empty and send the configuration.

After changing any settings, you must use the Menu > Send function to apply them to the device.

The Advanced Filter is used in applications where the sensor may show instabilities due to optical properties like reflective walls or sunlight. The filter is based on sorting sample quality and distance to provide a more stable measurement. It is recommended for advanced users only.

The parameters are:

Size of the main vector: Defines the total number of samples to be collected by the filter (e.g., 100). A higher value provides a more stable result but a slower filter response.

Size of the distance vector: Selects the best quality samples from the main vector (those with the least variation). For example, if the main vector is 100 and this is set to 20, it will select the best 20 samples and discard the other 80.

Median index: Reorders the selected samples by distance and chooses a value based on the median. The index 0 represents the median value. A negative index selects a value lower than the median, and a positive index selects one higher.

Show blocking filter parameters: Set to “Yes” to enable and view the parameters below, which prevent discrepant values from being displayed in the output.

Acceptance percentage: Defines the maximum percentage of variation allowed between the previous value and a new value. If a new value exceeds this percentage, the Blocking Filter will ignore it.

Percentage increase: If a new value is rejected, the acceptance criterion is increased by this percentage, making it more likely that the next sample will be accepted. This helps the filter adapt to real changes in level.

Acceptance counts: The maximum number of times the filter can reject consecutive data points. Once this count is reached, the filter will accept the next new value, even if it exceeds the acceptance percentage. This prevents the filter from getting stuck during rapid level changes (e.g., fast filling).

Acceptance ratio: Reduces oscillation or peaks in the analog output. When a new value is collected, this parameter determines how much of it is used. If the ratio is 1, the new value is used as-is. If it is 2, half of the new value is used.

The Diagnostics feature in the SigNow app allows you to view real-time data and test the NOVUS TL400-V. To access it, click the Diagnostics button on the app’s home screen and select the device.

The NOVUS TL400-V is compatible with the NAMUR (NE 107) standard for status signals. A symbol will indicate the device’s status:

Red X symbol: Indicates a failure that compromises a main function (sensor or analog output). Check the device’s configuration.

Green checkmark symbol: Indicates the device has no failures.

Info Screen

The initial screen shows basic information like serial number, firmware version, and device tag. This information is not editable here.

Advanced Diagnostics Screen

Click the “Advanced” button to access more details and forcing options.

1. The top part of the screen shows the current live values from the sensor (e.g., Distance value, Level Value, Volume Value) according to its configuration.

2. The bottom part, under the “Forcing” subsection, allows you to force specific values to test the system’s response:

Distance: Force a specific distance value.

Level: Force a specific level value.

Volume: Force a specific volume value.

Analog output: Force the analog voltage output to a specific value.

The output must be enabled to force test values. This is useful for checking if the system connected to the NOVUS TL400-V is responding correctly to different levels.

To update the firmware on the NOVUS TL400-V, use the SigNow app on your smartphone.

1. On the SigNow app home screen, click the Firmware button (gear icon) located at the bottom.

2. Select the NOVUS TL400-V from the list of available devices to initiate the pairing process.

3. Once connected, you will be on the Firmware update screen.

4. To find a firmware file:

Click the Search Files button (left corner) to browse for firmware files you have previously downloaded to your smartphone.

Click the Check Files Online button (right corner) to check online for the latest firmware files.

5. After locating and selecting the desired firmware file, SigNow will perform the update process.

If diagnosis shows that the reported measurement does not match the real value, you can use the custom curve calibration to correct it. In this example for an 80 cm oil tank, the user wants to create a 5-point curve based on the following measurements:

To configure this, follow these steps in the SigNow app:

1. Navigate to Configuration > Advanced > Input > Tank Calibration.

2. Select Customized for the Tank Type.

3. Enter the calibration points using the “Distance Measured on Diagnostic Tab” and the corresponding “Percentage of Volume Filled”. The points are:

Point 1: Distance = 100 cm, Volume = 0%

Point 2: Distance = 85 cm, Volume = 25%

Point 3: Distance = 50 cm, Volume = 50%

Point 4: Distance = 25 cm, Volume = 75%

Point 5: Distance = 10 cm, Volume = 100%

4. Send the configuration to the device. When using a custom curve, the “Tank height” value is ignored for volume calculation.

5. You can then verify the new calibration in Diagnostic > Advanced to check the volume at different distances.

The NOVUS TL400-V has the following certifications:

CE MARK

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

LASER CLASS 1

The radiation used by the sensor is classified by IEC 60825-1:2014 as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and does not present a risk to the human eye as long as you do not make any changes not described in the manual.