INSTRUCTION

MANUALCAPACITANCE TYPE LEVEL SENSORSMODEL： TSS

Meanings of indications for safety used in this Instruction Manual are as follows.
WARNING: Indicates that improper handling assumes the risk of a fatal or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates that improper handling assumes the risk of injury or damage to property
only.

TOWA SEIDEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
HEAD OFFICE

Phone: 81-6-6340-5522, Fax: 81-6-6340-5519

OSAKA PLANT

Phone: 81-6-6340-2831, Fax: 81-6-6349-6551

URL http://www.towa-seiden.co.jp
No.ETSS1000-1
2019.08.30.

Introduction
1.

This instruction manual explains how to use and adjust the product properly. Please be
sure to read this manual before using the product. Keep this manual in a convenient
location for easy reference as required.

2.

This instruction manual describes the standard specifications. If the product you
purchased is based on special specifications, the details may differ from the product.

3.

The instructions in this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

4.

If you have any questions or notice any errors in this manual, please contact our sales
representatives.

5.

We may modify the product to improve product quality. In the event of such modifications,
we may sometimes offer alternative parts rather than original parts or an alternate productto our customers. For more details, please contact our sales representatives.
Safety indications used in this instruction manual have the following meanings.
Warning: This means that improper handling of the product may lead to death orserious injury.
Caution: This means that improper handling of the product may result in personal
injury or damage to property or equipment.

Table of Contents
Introduction······································································································ 1

1. Precautions on Handling the Product · ································································· 2
2. Product Outlines··························································································· 2

3. General Specifications
4. Outline Drawings···················································································· 3························································································· 4

5. Type Description Table ······················································································ 5
6. Precautions on Mounting
7. Wiring················································································· 6······································································································· 10

8. Panel Description························································································ 13

9. Adjusting Sensitivity······················································································· 14

10. Setting Delay Timer····················································································· 15

11. Troubleshooting························································································· 15

12. Maintenance····························································································· 17

１1. Precautions on Handling the ProductWarning This product has no explosion-proof structure. Do not use the product in aplace where flammable or explosive gas is generated.
1) Check the identification plate after unpacking to confirm that the product is what youordered. In the event the product is not what you ordered, please contact us.
2)

Check the product for any damage. In the event of any damage, please contact us.
Damage may be due to an accident during transportation.

3)

Do not apply excessive force the product. Impacts from dropping or tipping the productmay cause damage.

4)

Do not place any object on the product. Doing so may create excessive force on the
product leading to damage.

5)

When applying paint to the product, if paint is applied on the identification plate,
information on the plate will be covered by the paint, hindering maintenance.

6)

Do not use or store the product in a corrosive atmosphere (such as NH3, SO2, and Cl2).
Corrosive gas may penetrate the product, causing corrosion or damage to internal parts.

7)

Avoid using or storing the product in a place where large vibration exists. In the event of
exposure, remove the source of the vibration or prevent the vibration from beingtransmitted to the product.

2. Product Outlines
2.1 Product objectives
This product is a sensor for measuring liquids, powder, grains, and slurry in a tank orhopper at the level where the detector is mounted by means of the static capacitance(C) of the measuring instrument.
2.2 Operation Principle
A static-capacitance type level sensor is composed of electrodes (a ground electrodeand detection electrode) and electronic circuits, with the electrodes constituting acapacitor. With the ground electrode contacting a tank, a capacitor including the tank isformed. Conditions such as shape, dimensions, layout, and peripheral situations
determine the capacitance of the capacitor. If conditions other than the specificpermittivity (*1) of the measured objects are the same, the capacitance of the capacitor
depends on the specific permittivity of the measured objects. If we take the capacitancefor air as a reference, we can distinguish the difference in capacitance created bymeasured objects with different values of specific permittivity. In addition, by taking
either one of the two measured objects with different specific permittivity as a reference,
we can distinguish the two objects. This product detects the static capacitance ofmeasured objects and outputs signals.
*1

Specific permittivity is the ratio of the static capacitance of a capacitor where an insulating substance(dielectric) fills the space between its electrodes to the capacitance of the capacitor where a vacuum exists
between its electrodes with the dielectric removed. Specific permittivity is a constant depending on thetypes of materials.

２

3. General Specifications
Converter
Type number
Power sourcePowerconsumption
OutputOperation
indication
Delay time

TSS-RB1/TSS-RB2
Type: TSS-RB1

AC100/200 -10 to +20% (50/60Hz)

Type: TSS-RB2

DC 24V ±10%

2.0VA
AC 250V 3A (Resistance load)

Relay output (1C Contact)

DC 30V 3A (Resistance load)

Red LED turns on upon detection.
On-delay timer timeabout 0.1 – 10 seconds (variable)

Ambient
temperature-10°C to 60°C (No condensation or congelation)

during use
Cable length
Protective
structure
Chassismaterial
Painting color

Max 100m (between Detector and Converter)
In-house installation type
Steel plate
Yellow Munsell 10YR7.5/14

Detector
Type number

TSS-A1SA-025

Stabledetection

2 to 500 pF (depending on electrode shapes)

range
Ambient
temperature-10°C to 60°C (No condensation or congelation)

during use
Protective
structure
Chassismaterial
Painting color

Drip-proof type
Cast aluminum
Yellow Munsell 10YR7.5/14

３

4. Outline Drawings

Type number: TSS-A1SA-025 Dimensional outline drawing

Rubberbushing

Material : Steel plate
Painting : Yellow
TSS-RB1/TSS-RB2 Dimensional outline drawing
Individual dimensional outline drawings are provided separately.
Please contact our sales representatives.

４5. Type Description Table
5.1 Detector*L dimension column is blank forflat types

TSS－□□□－□□□

L dimension
025

L-250 mm200

L-2000 mm

A00

L-10 mStatic-capacitance level sensor Discrete type
Temperature inside the tank
A

MAX

80°C

B

MAX

150°C

C

MAX

200°C

D

Special heat-resistance
Mounting

1

Threaded mounting

R 1”

2

Threaded mounting

R 3/4”

3

Slide

screw

type R 1”

mounting
4Standardflange 5K65A aluminum

mounting
5

Ferrule mounting

2S

6

Threaded mounting with other sizes

7

All slide type mounting with other sizes (including theflange type)8

Flange mounting with other sizes and materials

9

Ferrule mounting with other sizes
Electrode

SAStandard rod-type electrode

WA

Standard wire electrodewire diameter Φ 5 mm

WB

Standard wire electrodewire diameter Φ 8 mm

XA

Standard flat electrodeFA

Rod-type electrode

SZ

Special rod-type electrodeGA

Load-bearing rod-type electrode

WZ

Special wire electrode

XZ

Special flat electrode

FZ

Special coated electrode

GZ

Special load-bearing rod-type electrode５

Teflon coated5.2 Converter

TSS－RB□
Static-capacitance level sensor Discrete type
Converter
Power supply specifications
1

AC 100/200 V -10% to +20% (50/60 Hz)

2

DC 24 V ±10%6. Precautions on Mounting
6.1 Checking detector mounting
1)

In mounting the detector, secure space for mounting and an area for maintenancearound the periphery of the tank to maintain workability. The space must be secured
after mounting the detector, taking subsequent maintenance into consideration. (Space
corresponding to at least the total length of the product is required.)2)

When mounting the detector using a short pipe, be sure to have the ground electrodeprotrude from the inner wall of the tank by 10 mm or more.

3)

When using detectors placed side by side, mount the detectors apart at a distance of
250 mm or more.

4)

Mount the detection electrode at a distance of 100 mm or more from the tank wall.

5)

Mount a wire-type electrode at a position where the electrode does not touch the innerwall or a stay of the tank due to swinging of the wire or electrode upon input or output of
the measured object.

６

Caution: Failure to meet these conditions may result in abnormal use due to adhesion of
the measured object to the electrode, deterioration of sensitivity, and inability tomake adjustments.
6)

When mounting the product onto a tank, be sure to establish electrical conductivity
between the ground electrode (flange and mounting screw portion) and the tank. In thecase of a non-metallic tank, establish a grounding wire to ground the ground electrode(Class D grounding work, 100 Ω or less). In establishing a grounding wire, use theamplifier panel plate, which is electrically conductive to the ground electrode or one of
the screws that secure the terminal block.

7)

Avoid mounting the product near the motor, pump, or inverter that generates noise or
an ultrasonic cleaner or a transceiver that generates high-frequency electrical fields.
Failure to do so may cause the product to malfunction.

8)

In detection of powder and grains, pay
attention to the angle of repose. Do notmount the detector in a position where
powder does not move around the detector
due to the angle of repose. Doing so may
cause the product to malfunction.

9)

Pay attention to dead stock. Do not mountthe detector in a place where powder
remains creating dead stock. Doing so may
cause the product to malfunction.

10) In detecting powder or grains, mount thedetector in a place where no bridge iscreated. Creation of a bridge may cause thedetector to malfunction and damage thesensor when the bridge collapses.
11) Do not mount the detector in a place where alump may hit the detector directly. Failure not
to

do

so

may

cause

the

product

tomalfunction and damage the detection unit of
the sensor. Protect the detection unit with aguard plate, as required. In establishing aguard plate, place it at a distance of 100 mm
or more from the detection electrode.
12) Do not mount the product in a place where it is exposed to vibration or impact.
Mounting the product close to a vibrator or an air knocker may damage or cause theproduct to malfunction .
13) When mounting the product in a place where the temperature may rise, be sure toobserve the allowable temperature range for the electrode (inside the tank) and theallowable temperature range for the instrument (60°C). Failure to do so may cause the７product to malfunction.
14) Do not mount the product in a place where it is exposed to direct sunlight. When thetemperature exceeds the allowable range for the instrument, it may cause a
malfunction. Provide a protective cover as required.
15) Take the precautions described below when using the product in a place where thehousing may be exposed to water drops. The housing of the product is provided withdrip protection (drip-proof type) for water intrusion. However, inadequate tightening of
the cover or improper handling of the conductor outlet may allow water to enter, causing
a malfunction or damage to the product. Be sure to handle each portion properly.
16) When mounting the detector in a horizontal position, be sure that the conductor outlet isoriented downward.
6.2 Checking converter mounting
1) Check that the place where the converter is going to be mounted is free from vibration
or mechanical shocks. Failure to do so may cause malfunction or damage of the
product.
2) The converter is specified for indoor use. Mounting the converter outdoor may cause
failure due to intrusion of rain water and dust. When mounting the converter outdoor,
be sure to provide an outdoor box or other means to store the converter in.
6.3 How to mount the detector and converter
Caution Do not try to screw in or take out the detector by holding the chassis. The
housing may come apart causing damage.
1)

In the case of a threaded mounting, secure the product by applying force to its
hexagonal portion with the appropriate tool. Provide sealing processing, as required,when pressure is generated inside the tank. Do not try to screw in or take out the
product by holding the chassis. The housing may come apart causing damage.

2)

In the case of a flange mounting, check that nominal designations for the companion
flange at the tank match those for the flange of the product. If the check result is in order,
put the gasket in-between and secure the product with a bolt conforming to thestandards using the appropriate tool. Bolts and gaskets are not attached to the product.
Please contact our sales representatives as required.

3)

The converter is to be mounted with four M5 screws.

6.4 Detector mounting orientation
1)

In the case of a horizontal (transverse) mounting, the electrode is parallel to themeasured object, providing a larger electrode area to for detection. This generates agreater change in capacitance even with a small change in the measured object,providing high-accuracy detection. However, if the measured object is an adherent, thestability of detection may deteriorate. Mounting electrodes downward will reduce８accumulation and adhesion of the measured object.
2)

In the case of a vertical (longitudinal) mounting, adhesion of the measured object to theelectrode is less likely, providing stable operation. However, the part of electrode that is
effective for detecting the measured object becomes smaller, resulting in reduced
accuracy. For detection of the lower limit of a tank, the lengthened electrode is a
disadvantage.

９

7 Wiring
7.1 Precautions on wiring
Warning When implementing wiring, be sure that the supply power sources andpower sources applied to the output are shut off. Failure to do so may resultin danger of electric shock, electric leaks, and short circuits or combustion.

Warning Converter TSS-RB1 is specified to AC 100/200 V, whereas converter
TSS-RB2 is specified differently to DC 24 V. Pay attention because theycannot share the same power source.

Warning Do not connect 200 V to the 0 – 100 terminal. Doing so may cause damage
or accidents resulting in injury or death.

Warning When a 0 – 100 V connection is implemented, 200 V is generated at the
200 V terminal. Therefore, pay attention to avoid touching the terminals.
Touching terminals may cause electric shock or short circuits.

Caution Do not connect a load that exceeds the ratings for the relay contacts. Thismay cause damage or deterioration of the relay contacts. In the case whereload capacity exceeds the ratings for contacts, install a relay that meets theload capacity between the load and the output terminal of the product. Do
not connect the relay output terminal with only the power source involved.
Be sure to connect a load. Failure to do so may cause a short circuit ordamage the product.
7.2 Wiring procedure
1) Remove the covers of the detector and converter to check correct wiring to each terminal
before starting any wiring work. As for terminal screws, M3 screws are used for thedetector and M3.5 for the converter. Be sure to use a driver compatible with each screw.
As for crimp terminals, use one with the size equivalent to R □ -3 for the detector andsize equivalent to R □ -3.5 for the converter. (The cross section of the wire used isspecified in □)2) Use a two-core shielded wire (0.5 sq or more) for connection between the converter andthe detector. Recommended cable: (MRC UL20276SBAWG20x1P manufactured by
Hanshin Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.) For other wiring, a cable with an outer
diameter of φ6 to 12 mm is recommended.
3) For the connection to the detector, use a cable gland or wire tube compatible with the size

１０

of conductor outlet (G1/2”) for the cable to run through. For the connection to theconverter, create an opening in the center of the rubber bushing and have the cable run
through it. When the cable weight applies directly onto the terminal block, replace therubber bushing with a cable gland or fix the cable to prevent weight from being applied
directly.
4) For the converter with AC specifications (TSS-RB1), when used at 90–120 V, set up aconnection to the 0 and 100 terminals, and when used at 180–240 V, set up aconnection to the 0 and 200 terminals. For the converter with DC 24 V specifications(TSS-BR2), connect 24 V to terminal 24 and 0 V to terminal 0. In connecting theconverter and detector, connect P to P and E to E, respectively. Connect the shielding
wire to E on the detector side.
5) No-voltage contact output is provided by a relay. With terminal c shared, terminals c and aare open in a no-detection status and conducting in a detection status, whereas
terminals c and b are conducting in a no-detection status and open in a detection
status.
6) After finishing the wiring, be sure to attach the cover. Be sure that the cover is tightly
mounted by screws.
Converter（TSS-RB1）

Detector

AC100V
AC200V

NO

NC

Power
supplyRelay
outputConnect the shielding
wire to the detector side.

Converter（TSS-RB2）

Detector

No
conn
DC24V
ection NO NC

Power
supplyConnect the shielding
wire to the detector side.

Relay
outputTerminal alignment and wiring diagram

１１

7.3 Conductor outlet
The cable runs through the conductor outlet of the detector and is secured either with acable gland or with a cable tube that is connected to the housing. In either case, besure to prevent water coming along the cable or cable tube from directly entering the
housing by configuring the connection of the cable and flexible tube downward first andthen upward. Improperly securing the cable with a cable gland or inadequate
connection of the cable tube may allow foreign material, such as dust and dirt, or waterto enter the housing, resulting in a malfunction. Be sure to mount the conductor outlet in
the downward direction.

１２

8. Panel Description
Pilot lamp

Delay timer

Main adjusting dial

Panel diagram<Description of each unit>- ADJ (Main adjusting dial)This dial is used to adjust the sensitivity according to measured objects. The effective
range of adjustment is provided by 10 rotations.
- PL (Pilot lamp

color in red)

The lamp turns on upon detection.
- DELAY (Delay timer)
Time from detection to output can be varied between 0.1 and 10 seconds. The effective
range of adjustment and range of rotation is about 250°.
- Terminal block
Terminals for the power supply, relay output, and connection to the detector

１３

9. Adjusting Sensitivity
Use the ADJ dial to adjust the sensitivity according to the property of measured objects.
Adjustment is done by checking the values at the maximum and minimum adjustment
positions and then setting the dial value to the middle point. For details, refer to sections 9.1
to 9.3. Conduct sensitivity adjustment in an actual measurement condition.
9.1 Checking the maximum adjustment position
Check this value when the tank is empty (no measured object exists in the electrode
portion). Turn the power on and turn the ADJ dial clockwise until the pilot lamp turns on.
This position corresponds to the maximum value of the adjustment range. Be sure to
remember the adjusting dial value corresponding to this position.
9.2 Checking the minimum adjustment position
Check this value when the tank is filled with the measured object up to the measuring
position. Be sure the electrode is buried in the measured object. (See the figure below.)
Check that the pilot lamp has turned on. Turn the ADJ dial counterclockwise until thepilot lamp turns off. Be sure to remember the dial value corresponding to this position.
This position corresponds to the minimum value of the adjustment range. The minimum
position varies depending on the properties of the measured objects. Check the value
every time the measured object or sensitivity category is changed.

9.3 Determining the adjustment position
The middle point between the two values checked in 1 and 2 described above is thesensitivity adjustment position. Turn the ADJ dial from the minimum adjustment position
clockwise until the sensitivity adjustment position is reached to finish the procedure. Do
not move the adjustment position up or down more than necessary. Doing so may
cause the product to malfunction.
Confirm that the range of values checked at 1 and 2 described above exceeds 0.2. If
the range is 0.2 or less, the operation may be unstable and the product cannot be used.
In a situation where the measuring object
Turn the dial clockwise until the
１．時計方向にＰＬが点灯するまで
２．電極が隠れるまで測定物をいれ
is filled enough to cover the electrode,pilot
lamp turns on. In this example,
回す。ここでは点灯した時の数た状態で反時計方向にＰＬが消
turn
the dial counterclockwise until thepilot
lamp turns off.
thevalue for the pilot lamp to turn on
値を８.８０とします。
灯するまで回す。消灯した時のThe value for turning off the pilot lamp
is assumed to be 8.80.
数値を８.４０とします。
is assumed
to be 8.40.

７

０ ８０

５

０ ６０

０

９０

８

０

７
０

９
０

０

８

６０

２

８.４０

１０

１

３０

０

０

１４

４ ０

６０ ５

４

１

４

８.８０

８

０

０

０

０

５０

８０

８

４０ ３

２

６０

８

０

０

０

９

８

８０ ７

０

８

０

Adjust the３．１と２の数値の中間点である
Adjustthe dial
dialtotothe
themiddle
middle point
８.６０にあわす。
Between
1
and
2,
which
is 8.60.
point between 1 and 2, whichis 8.60.

８.６０

０

３０

２

10. Setting the Delay Timer
This product provides a delay in time between detection of the

Rotation range (about 250°)

measured object and output operation. Turning the trimmer ofthe delay timer in the direction of the arrow increases delay
time up to 10 seconds maximum for adjustment. Do not turnthe trimmer forcibly beyond its stop position. Doing so may
cause damage.
11. Troubleshooting
11.1 Trouble in adjustment
1) In checking the maximum adjustment position, the pilot lamp does not turn on however
much the ADJ dial is turned.
---Check that power is being supplied or the connections to the converter and detector(P and E) are properly implemented.
2) In checking the maximum adjustment position, the pilot lamp remains turned on anddoes not turn off.
---Check whether any stay exists close to the detection electrode.
---Check for condensation.
3) In checking the minimum adjustment position, the minimum position does not stabilize.
---Check whether the tank and the electrode are properly connected.
---Check whether the electrode is properly buried in the measured object.
4) In checking the minimum adjustment position, the range between the maximum value
and the minimum value does not exceed 0.2.
---Check whether precautions on mounting the electrode were properly observed; thedistance of the electrode from the tank wall should be 100 mm or more, and the
protrusion of the ground electrode from the short tube nozzle should be 10 mm or
more.
5) Detection works but no output is obtained.
---Check whether wiring on the output side is properly implemented.
11.2 Trouble during use
1) The product does not detect that the measured object has exceeded the measuring
position.
---Confirm the angle of repose and check for a bridge.
---Check whether the sensitivity adjustment position is too low for use.
2) The product detects that the measured object has exceeded the measuring positioneven though the object is actually still under the measuring position.
---Check whether the sensitivity adjustment position is too high for use.
3) The level of the measured object has reduced below the measuring position but thedetection status is not released.
---Check for residual measured object such as dead stock.
4) Detection performance does not stabilize.
---Check the vicinity for noise sources such as a motor, pump, or inverter.

１５5) The product is frozen in the detection status.
---Check for adhesion of the measured object to the electrode portion.
---Check for condensation inside the chassis and the electrode.
6) The product stopped outputting signals or is frozen in the output status.
---Check the contact resistance between the output terminals. (The normal value is1Ω or less.)
If check actions described above do not improve the problem, please contact our sales
representatives.

１６

12. MaintenanceWarning In implementing maintenance and inspections, be sure to shut off thepower supply and the power to the output except for checking theoperations. Failure to do so may result in danger of electric shock, electricleaks, and short circuits or combustion.
Check
point

Check
periodCheck item

WeeklyCheck for adhesion
measured object

ActionoftheCleaning

RepairCheck for parts displacement,Parts
cracks, and deformation
replacement
ElectrodeWithout anpulifier,check that theinsulation resistance between the Repair
Every 6detection electrode and the Parts
monthsground electrode is 10 M Ω or replacement
more.
Check that the cover has been
WeeklyTightening
tightly fixed.
Cleaning
Check for intrusion of dirt, water,
WeeklyActions against
Detector
dust and other objects.
intrusion paths
Converter
RepairChassis
Parts
Check
for
corrosion,Monthlyreplacement
condensation, and deformation.
Check of use
environment
Additional
Monthly
Check for loosened screws.
tightening
Check
that
the
insulation
Detector
resistance between each external
Converter
terminal and the chassis is 10M Ω
AmplifierAmplifier Every 6 or more.
monthsreplacement(TSS-RB1 excepts P,E terminals.
TSS-RB2 excepts P,E,0,24
Terminals.)
Turn on the power and check thatthe pilot lamp turns on and output
switching is operating when the
AmplifierOperation Monthly
screw at the center of detector
replacement
board is touched with a metallic
object such as a precision screw
driver.
Monthly

１７

Check method
VisualVisual
DC 500 V
Insulationresistance
meter
Visualtouching

andVisualVisualScrew driver

DC500V
Insulationresistancemeter

Screw driverand others
Tester