PRELIMINARY SETUP

The preliminary setup can be made either before the sensor is installed on the tank or after it is installed. Use the buttons on the PLICSCOM module (Figure 3) to make the settings. Set the sensor according to the settings shown in Figure 4. Do not change any settings other than the ones shown in Figure 4. These are the settings we use for preliminary setup of the sensors at the Heatec factory. They are the only settings we change from the original Vega factory settings.

HINT: Before trying to set the PLICSCOM module be sure to get familiar with its four keys (refer to 6.5 Adjustment system in the Vega manual). When navigating the menu on the module of the sensor, make sure the menu numbers (which appear in the upper right-hand corner of the display) match the menu numbers shown in Figure 4. The menu terminology shown in Figure 4 should match the menu terminology that appears on the PLICSCOM module.

NOTE: If you refer to 6.5 Menu schematic in the Vega manual you may find minor differences in terminology shown there and the terminology that appears in the display of the PLICSCOM module. Please disregard these differences because they should not affect your setup procedure.

FINAL SETUP

Final setup of the sensor can only be done after the sensor is installed in the tank. During final setup the sensor creates an electronic profile of the inside of the tank. It senses obstructions, such as ladders, mixing blades, etc. It stores the profile in memory and uses it to eliminate false echoes from those components. This procedure is known as False echo memory.

We normally run the false echo memory procedure on empty tanks equipped with sensors at the Heatec factory. At that time the tanks are new and have never been filled with asphalt. The profile we create should enable the sensor to provide fairly stable and accurate indications of level. However, the sensor will provide greater stability and accuracy if the procedure is repeated after the inside of the tank is coated with asphalt. The sensor can be set to update the profile that was originally made at Heatec.

We recommend that you update the profile after the tank has been used for a while. Do this when the asphalt level is barely above the heating coils or at the lowest level before you would normally refill the tank. If the tank has a mixer, make sure it is running while performing this procedure.

Basic instructions for creating false echo profiles are in the Vega manual under 6.4 Set-up procedure. See the steps under the heading False echo memory.

Here’s how to build an accurate profile: Set the sensor module to menu 4.1 False echo memory. You will see the word: Change? Press the OK button and you will be presented with three choices: Delete, Update, Create new. Be sure to choose update. Otherwise, you will delete the profile that was created at Heatec.

NOTE: While you are running the false echo memory procedure you will be prompted to enter the distance from the sensor to the surface of the asphalt. So, be prepared to make actual measurements through the manway in the top of the tank. You will need to measure from the surface of the asphalt to the mounting flange of the sensor.