WE INCREASE

UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY

IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Instruction manual

HBLC-R-IP low temperature

switch - NH3, HFC & Brine
For detection of refrigerant in low temperature
applications such as flow, blast and spiral freezers

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 1 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ........................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................... 4
Measurement Principle ................................................................... 4
Design .............................................................................................. 4
Technical Data ................................................................................. 5
Function ........................................................................................... 5
Application Examples ...................................................................... 6
Installation Instructions ................................................................... 6
Power Connection ........................................................................... 7
Installation Guide ............................................................................ 7
LED Indication .................................................................................. 9
Software ........................................................................................ 10
PC Configuration ............................................................................ 11
Test and troubleshooting, electronic part ..................................... 12
Test and troubleshooting, mechanical part .................................. 13
Fault Detection .............................................................................. 13
Sensor Repair ................................................................................. 13
Further Information....................................................................... 13
Declaration of Conformity ............................................................. 14

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 2 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Safety Instructions
CAUTION! Always read the instruction manual before commencing work! Heed all warnings to the letter!
Installation of HBLC-R-IP requires technical knowledge of both refrigeration and electronics. Only qualified
personnel should work with the product. The technician must be aware of the consequences of an
improperly installed sensor, and must be committed to adhering to the applicable local legislation.

If changes are made to type-approved equipment, this type approval becomes void. The product's input
and output, as well as its accessories, may only be connected as shown in this guide. HB Products assumes
no responsibility for damages resulting from not adhering to the above.

Explanation of the symbol for safety instructions. In this guide, the symbol below is used to point out
important safety instructions for the user. It will always be found in places in the chapters where the
information is relevant. The safety instructions and the warnings in particular, must always be read and
adhered to.

CAUTION! Refers to a possible limitation of functionality or risk in usage.

NOTE! Contains important information about the product and provides further tips.

The person responsible for operation must commit to adhering to all the legislative
requirements, preventing accidents, and doing everything so as to avoid damage to people
and materials.

Intended use, conditions of use. The HBLC-R-IP level switch is designed for level indication of refrigerant in
industrial refrigeration systems. If the HBLC-R-IP is to be used in a different way and if the operation of the
product in this function is determined to be problematic, prior approval must be obtained from HB
Products.

Prevention of collateral damage Make sure that qualified personnel assess any errors and take necessary
precautions before attempting to make replacements or repairs, so as to avoid collateral damage.

Disposal instructions: HBLC-R-IP is constructed so that the modules easily can be removed and sorted for
disposal.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 3 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Introduction
HBLC-R-IP is an intelligent microprocessor The temperature compensation also prevents ice
controlled sensor with integrated temperature formation on the switch and ensures that the
compensation. It is specially designed for electronic circuit works trouble free, even at very
refrigerant level detection in low temperature low temperatures.
applications, in such as flow, blast and spiral
freezers or other low temperature applications.

Measurement Principle
The sensor is a capacitative sensor. The capacitative measurement principle is based on the electrical
properties in the proximity of a capacitor. A capacitor is an electrical component that is capable of building
and sustaining an electrical charge.

A capacitor basically consists of two plates.

When a charge is applied to a plate, the other
plate will be charged with the opposite polarity
and retain the charge until it has been grounded.
The magnitude of the charge (the capacitance)
that can be generated depends, among other
things, on what is found between the plates.
The substance between the plates is referred to
as a dielectric. .
The conductivity of a material can vary depending
Rather than two plates, the sensor for level on temperature, chemical composition, and the
measurement is shaped as a cylindrical rod. homogeneity of the material, and therefore it can
When liquid covers the sensor, the measured in some cases require a different factory
capacity is changed. calibration.

HB Products sensors are calibrated so that they differentiate between conductive and non-conductive
liquids.
In refrigeration systems, oil, HFCs and liquid CO2 are not regarded as conductive fluids, whereas
refrigerants such as ammonia and brine are regarded as conductive fluids.

Design
The sensor consists of a mechanical part and an electronic part. These can easily be separated by loosening
the union on the housing. The sensor is designed in accordance with IP68 waterproof rating and materials
used allows (Clean-in-place) CIP cleaning. This makes the sensor the sensor suitable for installation on food
processing facilities, dairies, breweries ect.

The mechanical part is produced in AISI304/PTFE and tested to withstand high pressure.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 4 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Technical Data
Supply: Thread connection: ¾” NPT
Voltage: 24 V DC ±10% Matr. – mechanical parts: AISI304/PTFE
Current draw: Max 600 mA Matr – electronic parts: PA46-GF30
Plug: M12, 5 pins Housing design: Front

Output: Indication:
Function NO or NC LED indication Green, yellow, and
Permitted load on potential red
free contactless set 1A (24V DC)
Configuration tool:
Installation conditions: USB connection and
Ambient temperature: -50…50°C Windows based: HBLC-R-IP Tool
Refrigerant temperature: -50…+100°C
Max. operational pressure: 100 bar Accessories:
Waterproof rating: IP68 Low temp supply cable: HBxC-R-IP-M12/5
5 meters with M12 plug
Approvals – EMC Test: supplied with the sensor
EMC Emission EN61000-3-2
EMC Immunity EN61000-4-2 Configuration cable: HBxC-USB
Torque screwdriver: HBxC-Torque
for supply cable fixation (0,6Nm)

NOTE! All terminals are protected against improper termination with a supply voltage up to 40 V.
Mechanical
If the supplyspecifications:
voltage is greater than 40 V the electronics will be damaged.

Function
HBLC-R-IP is a single point switch for level detecting of refrigerants, such as NH3, HFC and brine.

The IP68 rating and the temperature compensation allows the sensor to be installed in harsh environments
with low ambient temperatures and frequent defrosting cycles.

The sensor differentiates between refrigerant and gas, such that the electrical signal from the sensor
changes when the liquid level drops below or rises above the level it was installed at.

The sensor switches in the centre of the sensor's cylindrical part, with a configurable hysteresis.
Once the refrigerant is on the same level or above this point, the 3 green LEDs illuminate.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 5 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Application Examples
HBLC-R-IP is a low temperature switch, which is well-suited for the detection of refrigerants at ambient
temperatures as low as -50°C, such as for:

- Indication of high and low refrigerant level in liquid separators, pump separators, economisers, etc.
- on/off control of liquid injection in liquid separators, pump separators, economisers, etc.
- refrigerant level detection inside flow, blast or spiral freezers.
- Hot gas defrost safety sensor allowing only defrost when liquid line is drained.

Installation Instructions
The following applies during installation:
1) In case the sensor is installed in a threaded sleeve/pipe stub, this should be welded at a
5-10° upwards angle relative to the horizontal, so as to prevent the formation of liquid
pockets.
2) The installation length of the sensor must be taken into account, since there must be at least
2mm between the sensor's mechanical part and other fixed or moving parts.
3) Sufficient space for service and removal of sensor must be provided

CAUTION! In case of welding work on the system, the electronic part must be removed. Welding
work can damage the electronics.

NOTE! The sensor element must not touch the vessel or other metal parts in its mounted
position. If so, the sensor will not give out a correct signal.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 6 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Accessories:
a) HBxC-R-IP-M12/5, the sensor is supplied with this special low temp. cable of 5 meters length with a pre-
mounted M12 connection plug.
b) HBxC-USB, for configuration purposes the HB USB communication cable is required
c) HBxC-Torque, for correct fixation of the supply cable this 0,6Nm torque screwdriver is needed

Power Connection
The sensor must be wired with the cable included. This is a special low temp cable with 4 cords. Length is 5
meters In case of replacement or damage, this can be orderet with spare part no HBxC-R-IP-M12/5.
The supply voltage is limited to 24V DC

Installation Guide
The HBLC-R-IP is installed in a vessel or (stand)pipe.

To install HBLC-R-IP, you must use a poly grip pliers, Apply liquid gasket to the thread.
SW 32 (or shifting spanner), liquid gasket and a torque
screwdriver.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 7 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

SW 32

Mount the mechanical part in the vessel or standpipe You may re-position the electronics for easy reading
and tighten with a torque corresponding to the thread by loosening the union that secures the electronic
type (80-150 Nm). part to the mechanical part.

0,6Nm

After eventually re-positioning of the electronics it is
important to tighten the union with a poly grip pliers.
This in order to protect against moisture.
Mount supply cable (HBxC-R-IP-M12/5) to the
electronics.
In order to seal correctly the plug must be mounted
with a torque screwdriver (0,6Nm) (part no HBxC-
Torque)

NOTE! When connecting the supply cable make sure to tighten the nut appropriately
This in order to seal the connection and protect against moisture.
It is strongly recommended to use a 0,6Nm torque screwdriver (part no HBxC-Torque)

NOTE! In case of de-mounting the electronics completely

do not wipe off any silicone grease. This holds a gasket and protects against moisture.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 8 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

LED Indication
LED indication:

1) 3 x green LED indicate refrigerant level

2) 1 x red LED indicates alarm (ALARM)
3) Yellow LED – calibration signal (CONTROL)
4) Green LED indicates 24 V DC supply (POWER)

LED signal ON/OFF Functionality

Green (3x) ON Refrigerant detected
Green (1x) Flashes Supply
OFF No supply
Yellow (1x) Flash Indicate magnet activation at calibration procedure
Red (1x) OFF No alarm
Flashes Mechanical rod not installed or missing connection to the
rod or one times flash indicate calibration achieved.

Calibration and change of parameters

The switch comes pre-calibrated for ammonia with relay function set to normally closed (NC).

NOTE! It should only be considered to change any parameters if the sensor is:
• Used with other refrigerants than ammonia
• Change of relay function is required (factory default: NC)
• Switching signal is fluctuating

If calibration is required this can be done by means of a magnet or a pc with a configuration tool installed

NOTE! The switch must be 100% immersed in the medium during calibration!

If calibration is carried out de-mounted form the system, check illustration of how this can be done under
“test and troubleshooting” on page 12.

No matter if the calibration is done with the sensor mounted or de-mounted, it can be carried out in two
different ways:
• With a magnet. This is done by 5 activations with a magnet in the area below the plug.
The Yellow LED turns on during each activation. After 5 activations, the red LED illuminates to
confirm successful calibration. Factory default settings allows this way of calibration (if however the
“calibration function” intentionally has been turned OFF, calibration can only be carried out by
following below procedure
or
• With the sensor connected with a USB cable to a PC running the HBLC-R-IP Tool
(see page 11 for further details).

For change of any parameters a PC Tool is required. Check below of how to install and use this.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 9 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Software
The sensor is supplied with the latest firmware.
In order to change any parameters a configuration tool and cable is needed. Check the following pages.

NOTE! To change the control parameters, it is necessary to have a special USB configuration
cable (part no HBxC-USB), as well as a configuration tool installed on a PC.

Installation of the Configuration Tool

PC Program

1) The tool can be downloaded for free.

Request access to download the tool by sending an email
to support@hbproducts.dk.
You will receive a password and download instructions.
2) Download HBLC-R-IP Tool and install it on a PC. System
requirements: Windows-based PC with Java. If Java is not
installed, it is possible to do this during the installation of
the HBLC-R-IP Tool.
Downloading requires an internet connection. Screen resolution min. 1366x768
3) Follow the instructions during program setup.
4) Connect USB cable HBxC-USB to the PC. Allow a few moments for Windows (Vista, 7 or newer) to
find a driver for the USB cable. For this to occur automatically, an internet connection is required.
If you are offline follow the instructions for the installation of drivers in the program under
"Configuration Instructions". For older versions of Windows such automatic driver installation may
not work! A special instruction for driver installation is required.
5) Search for USB com port [Search for COM port]. Select the appropriate USB COM port in the drop
down list. For example COM3. The lowermost bar indicates that the USB com port is selected and
open for communication with the sensor. The bar changes colour from red to green when there is a
connection between the program and the USB cable.
6) Connect the cable to the sensor. The software program registers the current version (see SW
xx.x.xx).
7) The connection to the sensor is established when the green, yellow, and red LEDs are flashing in a
set pattern.
8) The sensors current setup can be retrieved by pressing [Show current configuration] in the tool.
9) The sensors factory settings can be reset by pressing [Reset to default].
10) All parameters can now be setup. After your final selection, press [Set configuration]. The selected
parameters are transferred to and saved in the sensor. Once this transfer is complete, an image of
the sensor appears with a message that the configuration has been successful. Press [OK] to close.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 10 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

PC Configuration
The parameters may be set according to below table, also showing the factory settings.

Setup Setup options Factory settings

Filter function, sec 0…100 sec 5 sec
Setpoint hysteresis 0…100 2
Relay function NC or NO NC
Calibration OFF/ON ON

CAUTION! Factory settings do not guarantee safe operation since the configuration parameters
depend on the system design.

Filter function: Averages out any measurements within a certain period. It may be beneficial to increase
this value (in sec) if there are small fluctuations in the measurement which result in unstable control.

Setpoint hysteresis: Displays the value of the factor for hysteresis. See the relationship between setpoint
hysteresis and SPAN (in mm) at the bottom of the program window.

Relay function: The output function for the potential-free output can be set to NC or NO. This means the
relay will be closed I.E. NC and dry conditions. The relay will be open I.E. NO and dry conditions.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 11 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Test and troubleshooting, electronic part

Fault detection of the electronic function can be carried out without releasing pressure from the system or
disassembling the mechanical part of the sensor.

Separate the electronic part from the Do not wipe off any silicone grease. After testing it is important to tighten
mechanical part. This holds a gasket and protects the union with poly grip pliers.
against moisture. This in order to protect against moisture.

The easiest way to carry out fault detection is to have a spare mechanical part available. The electronic part
is mounted on the spare mechanical part and a cup/glass of water is used to test the function (see below).

NOTE! In case of fault, initially only the electronic part should be replaced.
This allowing the system to be pressurized.

NOTE! The electrical properties of water allows testing of the sensor electronics without using
ammonia. Re-calibration is NOT required!

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 12 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Test and troubleshooting, mechanical part

Electronic tests should be completed prior to any attempts to perform fault finding on mechanical part.
Test in situ is done by draining the vessel/stand pipe and use ohm meter to check insolation. If shorted the
mechanical part must be exchanged.

Fault Detection
Fault
No LED are ON / no function
No output (3 x green LED light up
but the output signal is not active)
Reason
No supply to the sensor or defective
cable/plug.
Check if the sensor's output matches
the control input; if it is an NO or NC
respectively.
See the output voltage instructions
below
Correction of fault
Check the power supply and the
supply cable.
Create conformity between the
sensor and the control so that the
two are identical

No contact activation
(red LED flashes)
Delay in sensor activation
There is no correlation between the
output signal and the measuring
distance.
There may be moisture between the
electronic and the mechanical parts.
Can be caused by gas and formation
of foam in the system.
The sensor is not calibrated
correctly.
Separate the two parts and clean the
spring tip. Remember to apply
silicone grease to the spring tip so as
to avoid problems with moisture.
Check if the sensor is placed optimal
so that air and gas are avoided.
Re-calibrate the sensor

Practical measurement of output signals:

NC: There should be no signal when it is in refrigerant.
NO: There should be a signal when it is in refrigerant.

Sensor Repair
In case of faults with the sensor, it will typically only be necessary to replace the electronics.
Reach an agreement with the distributor about how to handle complaints.

Further Information
For further information, please visit our website, www.hbproducts.dk, or send an email to:
support@hbproducts.dk.

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 13 / 14

 WE INCREASE
UPTIME AND EFFICIENCY
IN THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY

Declaration of Conformity

We, HB Products A/S

Hereby confirm under oath and with full responsibility that the product:

Category: Instrumentation.
Type: Level switch type HBLC-R-IP.
Description: Level sensor based on the capacitative measurement principle.
Manufactured: Developed and manufactured by HB Products A/S.

This declaration confirms that the product adheres to the standards outlined below:

EN 61000-6-2: 2005 EMC General Immunity Requirements

Industrial Environment

EN 61000-6-4: 2007 EMC General Emission Requirements

Industrial Environment

According to the European directive:

EMC directive..............................2004/108/EC

Hasselager, May 1, 2012

Michael Elstrøm
Managing & Technical Director

HB Products A/S – Bøgekildevej 21 – DK8361 Hasselager – support@hbproducts.dk – www.hbproducts.dk

Instruction manual – HBLC-R-IP – Low temp switch (HBLC-R-IP-001-UK) 14 / 14