Magmeter Troubleshooting Reference Guide

Gather Basic Information: Sensor Full: Take readings at the terminal block if possible. Use a DVM
1) Complete model numbers of transmitter and sensor for the coil tests. Use the LCR for the electrode tests.
2) Serial numbers of transmitter and sensor Record results – Full Sensor Verification Result Form (Intranet Link)
3) New Installation / Old installation
a. New Installation: Answer the question “What is wrong with installation?”
b. Old Installation: Answer the questions “Did it ever work? What has
changed?”
4) What is the customer issue? Is the system reading
High/Low/Erratic/Nothing? Electrode measurements will depend on sensor and process fluid.
5) What is the process fluid? Look for 17-18 and 17-19 values to be stable and relatively the same.
(Conductive/Coating/Solids/2-Phase/Chemical Injection) Sensor Empty: Take readings at the terminal block if possible. Only a
Troubleshooting: DVM is needed for these tests.
Work from easiest to hardest: Record results – Empty Sensor Verification Result Form (Intranet Link)
#1 Transmitter – #2 Wiring – #3 Sensor – #4 Process/Application
#1 Transmitter Troubleshooting Basics:
1) Verify configuration (Calibration Number, Sensor Size, Units, Output
Scaling)
2) Look for error messages on the transmitter
3) Use 8714D to verify transmitter performance/calibration
a. Link to 8714D manual
4) Use ANALOG OUTPUT TEST and PULSE OUTPUT TEST to verify
communication with control system
#2 Wiring/Grounding Troubleshooting Basics:
1) Verify process ground option are they using – Ground Straps,
Ground Electrode, Ground Ring(s), Lining Protector(s)
a. What is the pipe material – conductive or non-conductive, unlined or lined?
2) Only use twisted shielded pair or Rosemount combination cable
connecting sensor and transmitter

8705 Coil Resistance Chart 8707 Coil Resistance Chart

a. Max length of individual cables = 1000 ft, Combo cable = 330 ft, don’t use
Combo with High-Signal
3) Ensure the cables are correctly terminated – all connections at both
ends (especially terminal 17)
4) Minimize the amount of shielding/sheathing stripped back (ideally
less than 1-inch)
5) Check for moisture in the terminal blocks. Were proper conduit
plugs used?
6) Only one set of coil drive and electrode cables in one conduit. No
8711 Coil Resistance Chart 8711 Coil Resistance Chart
other cables allowed.
7) If in doubt run new cable. It does not need to be pulled through the
conduit just let it lay on the ground.
#3 Sensor Troubleshooting Basics:
Link to full Troubleshooting Guide (Intranet Link)
1) Visual inspection to check for damage to terminal block, liner, Calibration Number Breakdown:
electrodes, housing, flanges
2) Is flow arrow pointing in correct direction?
3) Perform sensor tests

November 2011 Rev A

 Magmeter Troubleshooting Reference Guide
Magmeter Sizing: 8732E Hardware Switches (on Electronics Board):
Sizing Guidelines:
4-20mA Power Default:
Internal (Active)

Security Default: OFF

Alarm Default: High

Velocity Conversion:
Pulse Output Power Default:
External (Passive)

8732E Terminals:

8712E Terminals:

The factor on the table is the flow rate at 1 ft/sec or 1 m/sec

Liner and Electrode Material References:

or

THINGS THAT CAUSE SMALL ERRORS

1) Insufficient upstream / downstream straight pipe
2) Transmitter not Auto Zeroed after switching to 37 Hz
3) Multiple cable in the same conduit
4) Incorrect calibration number
THINGS THAT CAUSE LARGE ERRORS
1) Insufficient or no process grounding
2) Transmitter electronics failure
3) Connection between transmitter and control system is not properly configured
4) Transmitter not wired to the correct sensor
5) Incorrect calibration number (0-40% error)
THINGS THAT CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO READ HIGHER THAN EXPECTED
1) Moisture in the terminal block
2) Air entrained in the line
3) Incorrect sensor size entered into the transmitter
4) Incorrect Analog output or Pulse output range selected
5) Control system incorrectly configured
6) Unshielded cable used
THINGS THAT CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO READ LOWER THAN EXPECTED
1) Shorted electrodes
2) Shorted coils
3) Incorrect sensor size in transmitter
4) Incorrect calibration number
5) Fluid conductivity is low
6) Unit not auto zeroed after switching to 37 Hz
7) Coated electrodes
THINGS THAT CAUSE A NOISY OUTPUT
1) Bad grounding
2) Solids in the process fluid
3) Air entrained in the fluid
8712E Hardware Switches (on Electronics Board): 4) Chemicals injected upstream of the sensor
THINGS THAT CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO READ FLOW WHEN THERE IS NO FLOW
1) Bad process ground
Security Default: OFF 2) Moisture in terminal block
Alarm Default: High 3) Incorrect cable used
4) Multiple cables in same conduit
5) Line is empty and EMPTY PIPE DETECTION not active
6) There really is flow (leaking valve, unexpected flow)
THINGS THAT CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO READ UNEXPECTED REVERSE FLOW
1) Bad process ground
2) Moisture in the terminal block
4-20mA Power Default: 3) Electrode or Coil wires are reversed
Internal (Active) 4) Sensor installed backward
5) Fluid moving backward once pumping has stopped
6) Incorrect cable used

November 2011 Rev A

 Magmeter Troubleshooting Reference Guide
7) Line is empty and Empty Pipe Detection not active

November 2011 Rev A