NOHKEN INC Rotating Paddle Level Sensor

Model R7 Rotating Paddle Level Sensor

Ideal for powders, solids, and granular material
Product Overview

R7 is a solid level measurement sensor that is ideal to incorporate in

plastic processing machinery or cereal processing machinery.
The sensor has a paddle that is projected to the tank and rotates slowly.
Without material around the paddle, it keeps rotating. When material
reaches
the paddle, the rotation stops and the output signal is given.

Principle of Operation
1) Without material around the paddle
Spindle and paddle, connected to the motor via the slip mechanism, slowly rotates as the motor rotates.
2) With material around the paddle
Paddle rotation is impeded by the material, and the motor revolves with the spindle as its axis.
The motor revolution causes the pin on the motor to actuate the microswitches; turning on the signal output
and turning off the motor rotation, to give an output signal and stop the motor revolution simultaneously.
3) Reset
When the material descends and the paddle is no longer covered by it, the pin on the motor returns to its
original position by the spring force, causing the microswitches to reset and thus the motor and the paddle
to resume rotation.
4) Slip mechanism
When downward flow or other excessive force causes the spindle to rotate, the slip mechanism on
the connection of the motor shaft and the spindle makes the spindle ‘slip’. This prevents constrained
rotation of the motor, and protects the motor from damage.

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 Features
● Compact and Low Cost
R7 utilizes a miniature motor and plastic devices for main components, making itself a compact, lightweight,
and low cost sensor.
● Easy Torque Adjustment
Remove the cover, and change the spring position. That’s all you have to do to achieve the best torque.
● Slip Mechanism
The durable magnetic “slip” mechanism of R7 prevents excessive force applied on the paddle from damaging
the motor.
● Easy Maintenance
Maintenance is easy as the internal components can be removed while the sensor is mounted on a tank.

Specifications
Model R7-Z (Standard) R7-ZL (Long Type)
Object Plastic pellet, Powder, Grain etc.
Principle Rotating Paddle ( CE Marked )

Drawing

PC, 304SS, Brass(C3604BD), Aluminum Die Casting(ADC12), NBR, PTFE

Temp. Material

Process side
Housing/Body ABS, Aluminum Die casting (ADC 12)
Process side -10 to 70 ℃ (no-freeze)
Ambient -10 to 45 ℃ (no-dew condensation)
Power supply 24/100/110/115/120/200/220/230/240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Specified with order)
Revolution 1 rpm at 50 Hz(power freq.) / 1.2 rpm at 60 Hz(power freq.)
Switch rating Microswitch, 250 V 3A AC, 30V 4A DC (Restive Load)
Detection torque Approx. 50 mN･m
Protection class IP65 or equivalent
Mounting G 3/4" ※1
Cable entry G 1/2" or equivalent ※2
Color Munsell 10B 5/6
L length 93 mm 1,000 mm Max. ※3
Mass Approx. 0.7 kg Approx. 1.8 kg ※4

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 Model R7-X (Standard) R7-XL (Long Type) R7-XT (High Temp.)
Object Plastic pellet, Powder, Grain etc.
Principle Rotating Paddle

Drawing

304SS, Brass(C3604BD), NBR,

Process side PC, 304SS, Brass(C3604BD), NBR, PTFE
Temp. Material

PTFEDie casting
PC, Aluminum
Housing/Body PC, Aluminum Die casting (ADC 12) (ADC 12), Aluminum
Alloy(A2017BD)
Process side -10 to 70 ℃ (no-freeze) -10 to 120 ℃ (no-freeze)
Ambient -10 to 45 ℃ (no-dew condensation)
Power supply 24/100/110/115/120/200/220/230/240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Specified with order)
Revolution 1 rpm at 50 Hz(power freq.) / 1.2 rpm at 60 Hz(power freq.)
Switch rating Microswitch, 250 V 3A AC, 30V 4A DC (Restive Load)
Detection torque Approx. 50 mN･m
Protection class IP40 or equivalent
Mounting G 3/4" ※1
Cable VCTF 5×0.5 mm2 ( φ10.5 × 300 mm)
Color Munsell 10B 4.5/5
L length 89 mm 1,000 mm Max. ※3 100 mm
Mass Approx. 0.5 kg Approx. 1.6 kg ※4 Approx. 1.5 kg

Notes: Stainless paddle (304SS, 2-vane) is optionally available.

※1 Special mounting flange for R7 is optionally available.
※2 Cable gland, JIS F 20a (G3/4), is optionally available.
※3 Point load for L=1,000 model: 134 N Max for EX, 94 N Max. for ZL
※4 When L=1,000

Part Name

Paddle and body shapes vary with

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 Mounting Options
Sandwich mounting
1) Remove the split pin fixing the paddle.
2) Disassemble the paddle, mounting nut, washer and gasket.
3) Mount the sensor on the hopper.
4) Fit the gasket, washer and mounting nut in this order on the threaded
connection. Tighten the mounting nut with a wrench.
5) Mount the paddle on the spindle. Insert the split pin, and bend the tines
apart with a plier to secure the paddle.

Thread mounting
1) Remove the split pin fixing the paddle.
2) Disassemble the paddle, mounting nut, washer and gasket.
3) Apply sealing compound on the threaded connection.
4) Fit the mounting nut on the threaded connection.
Mount the sensor on the hopper, and secure it with the mounting nut.
5) Mount the paddle on the spindle. Insert the split pin, and bend the tines
apart with a plier to secure the paddle.

Simple flange mounting(Optional)

1) Remove the split pin fixing the paddle.
2) Disassemble the paddle, mounting nut, washer and gasket.
3) Fit the flange, gasket, washer and mounting nut in this order on the
threaded connection. Tighten the mounting nut with a wrench.
4) Mount the paddle on the spindle. Insert the split pin, and bend the tines
apart with a plier to secure the paddle.
5) Mount the flange on the hopper with bolts and nuts.
※ Special flange for R7-X is optionally available.

Threaded flange mounting (optional)

1) Remove the split pin fixing the paddle.
2) Disassemble the paddle, mounting nut, washer and gasket.
3) Apply sealing compound on the threaded connection.
4) Fit the mounting nut on the threaded connection.
5) Mount the sensor on the flange and secure it with the mounting nut.
6) Mount the paddle on the spindle. Insert the split pin, and bend the tines
apart with a plier to secure the paddle.
7) Mount the flange on the hopper with bolts and nuts.

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 Torque Adjustment
R7-X. R7-XL, R7-XT
Follow the instruction below that suits your application to achieve best torque .
Spring and holes used for adjustment are located on the switch plate. See below.
1) Standard
Spring is fitted to the hole B. Torque will be approximately.
55 mN･m in this state
2) Small solid load
If small solid load causes error, use the hole C or D. The torque will
be approximately 46mNm for the hole C and 38mNm for the hole D.
3) Excessive vibration
If hopper vibration causes error, use the hole A. The torque will
be approximately 62mN･m.

R7-Z, R7-ZL
Follow the instruction below that suits your application to achieve best torque .
Spring and notches used for adjustment are located on the switch cover. See below.
1) Standard
Spring is fitted to the notch B. Torque will be approximately
38 mN･m in this state.
2) Small solid load
If small solid load causes error, use the notch C or D. The torque
will be approximately 30.9 mN・m for the notch C and 26 mN･m for
the notch D.
3) Excessive vibration
If hopper vibration causes error, use the notch A. The torque
will be approximately 50mN･m.

Wiring Example
Alarm circuit

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Control circuit for filling

Control circuit for discharge

Note
Ensure ample space around the mounting location Consider the angle of repose and mount the sensor
for mounting and maintenance. so that the material will reach the paddle. Be extra
careful when the sensor is used for high alarm.

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Ensure deposit will not affect operation. Ensure bridge formation will not affect operation
or damage the sensor when it breaks.

If the material level exceeds the sensor location Ensure falling material will not damage the sensor.
by 1 meter or more, provide a guard to protect If such a location is inevitable, provide a guard to
the sensor. protect the sensor.

Troubleshooting
Sensor does not trip alarm with material at the alarm point.

<< Causes >> << Corrective Action >>

The paddle is not covered by the material due

Relocate the sensor.
to the angle of repose.

Solids density is too low. Adjust torque (change spring position).

Coefficient of friction of the material is so low

that solid resistance applied on the paddle is Adjust torque (change spring position).
too small.

Microswitch is faulty. Replace with a new one.

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 Paddle does not resume rotation even after
the material descends below the detection point.

<< Causes >> << Corrective Action >>

Paddle is in the material (deposit). Relocate the sensor.

Spring is too weak to return to the original

Adjust torque (change spring position).
position.

Microswitch is faulty. Replace with a new one.

Paddle does not start rotation at startup.

<< Causes >> << Corrective Action >>

Wiring is incorrect. Ensure no incorrect connection.

Motor is faulty. Replace with a new one.

Microswitch is faulty. Replace with a new one.

NOHKEN INC.
Overseas Dept. Export sales section
15-32, Hiroshiba-cyo, Suita-city, Osaka, 564-0052, Japan
Tel:06-6386-8149 / Fax:06-6386-8307
E-mail:overseas.dept@nohken.co.jp
URL:http://www.nohken.com
February, 14, 2014 Rev.0
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