Optical Vapor Eliminator

Resources in this Guide

This manual provides technical details on installation, hardware, setup, operation, and regulatory information for the Liquid Controls Optical Vapor Eliminator.

For convenience, the PDF edition can be downloaded. Liquid Controls recommends reading the introductory and safety information before proceeding to the Installation chapter.

NOTICE

A8302 LPG metering systems use specific materials for high performance, longevity, and safety. Systems designed for LPG should not be used for other products without replacing necessary metallurgical and seal materials. Conversion kits are available from Liquid Controls.

Publication Updates

Current versions of Liquid Controls publications are available on the Liquid Controls website. For questions about language or interpretation of LC manuals, contact your local distributor. For service issues, contact the Liquid Controls Corporate Office:

Phone: +1 847 295-1050
Toll-free: 800 458 5262
Address: Liquid Controls LLC, 105 Albrecht Drive, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 USA
Website: www.LCmeter.com

Safety Procedures

BE PREPARED

• Read and understand instructions before using the product.
• Work must be performed by qualified personnel trained in proper application, installation, and maintenance, adhering to all applicable codes and ordinances.
• Use proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) equipment and procedures when handling electronic components.
• Ensure all necessary safety precautions are taken.
• Provide for proper ventilation, temperature control, fire prevention, evacuation, and fire management.
• Ensure easy access to appropriate fire extinguishers.
• Consult local fire department, state, and local codes for adequate preparation.
• Read this manual and all provided literature.
• Save these instructions for future reference.
• Failure to follow instructions can result in personal injury, death from fire/explosion, property damage, or other hazards.

SAFELY EVACUATE PIPING SYSTEM

Before disassembling any meter or accessory component: ALL INTERNAL PRESSURES MUST BE RELIEVED AND ALL LIQUID DRAINED FROM THE SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE PROCEDURES.

• Pressure must be 0 (zero) psi.
• Close all liquid and vapor lines between the meter and liquid source.

[Warning] Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury, or death from fire and/or explosion, or other hazards.

OBSERVE NATIONAL & LOCAL CODES

Power, input, and output (I/O) wiring must comply with area classification (Class I, Div 2). For North America, installations must follow the U.S. National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) or the Canadian Electrical Code to maintain Class I, Division 2 ratings. This may require specific connections or adaptations per the authority having jurisdiction.

Peripheral equipment must be suitable for the hazardous location where it is installed.

[Warning] Explosion Hazard: When in hazardous locations, turn power OFF before replacing or wiring modules. Do not disconnect equipment unless power is OFF or the area is known to be Non-Hazardous.

[Warning] Use 3.5 in·lb (0.4 N·m) torque when tightening terminal block screws.

IN THE EVENT OF A GAS FIRE

IN THE EVENT OF A LARGE FIRE OR FIRES THAT ARE SPREADING

• Evacuate the building and notify your local fire department.
• Stop the leakage only if you can safely reach the equipment.

IN THE EVENT OF SMALL, CONTAINED FIRES THAT YOU CAN SAFELY CONTROL

• Stop the leakage, if you can safely reach the equipment.
• Use the appropriate extinguisher (e.g., Class B, water, or fog).
• If in doubt, call your local fire department.

IN THE EVENT OF A GAS LEAK

IN THE EVENT OF A LARGE GAS LEAK

• Evacuate the building and notify your local fire department.

IN THE EVENT OF A SMALL, CONTAINED GAS LEAK

• Stop the leak and prevent accidental ignition.
• Prevent gas entry into other building portions. Note that some gases (like LPG) seek lower levels, while others seek higher levels.
• Evacuate all people from the danger zone.
• Ensure gas dispersion before resuming business and operating motors.
• If in doubt, notify your local fire department.

General Information

The Liquid Controls Optical Vapor Eliminator (A8302) is designed for use with LectroCount® electronic registers and requires a solenoid-operated valve. It is compatible with Liquid Controls MA5 and MA7 meters measuring liquid propane gas. Its mounting dimensions are the same as Liquid Controls mechanical vapor eliminators, allowing minimal plumbing changes for retrofitting to existing meter installations. Electronic registers require CPU board part number 81920 for LCR and LCR-II, or CPU board part number 81924 for LC³.

NOTICE

A8302 LPG metering systems use materials specifically intended for their application to ensure high performance, longevity and above all safety. Under no circumstances should a system designed for LPG be used to deliver another product without first replacing the necessary metallurgical and seal materials specified for the application. Conversion kits are available from Liquid Controls.

How the Optical Vapor Eliminator Works

The Liquid Controls Optical Vapor Eliminator removes vapor from the metering system, ensuring only liquid passes through the meter for measurement.

An optical sensor, installed in the wall of the vapor eliminator housing, activates and deactivates a solenoid valve (S3) located at the top of the vapor eliminator. The solenoid valve is either open or closed.

Operation Sequence:

• When liquid level is below the optical sensor (and a delivery is initiated): The solenoid valve (S3) opens to vent vapor to a supply or storage tank. Simultaneously, an electronically actuated control valve at the meter outlet closes to stop product flow. This is illustrated in Figure 1 (Liquid Level below Optical Sensor) and Figure 3 (Solenoid and Port Open).
• When liquid level is at or above the optical sensor: The solenoid valve (S3) closes the vent path, and the control valve remains open, allowing product flow. This is illustrated in Figure 2 (Liquid Level at or above Optical Sensor) and Figure 4 (Solenoid and Port Closed).
• During an active delivery with liquid level at or above the sensor: The optical vapor eliminator solenoid valve remains closed, and the control valve remains open.
• If liquid level drops below the optical sensor during an active delivery: The optical vapor eliminator solenoid valve opens to vent vapor, and the outlet control valve closes, blocking product flow.
• When the delivery is complete: Both the outlet control valve and the optical vapor eliminator solenoid valve close until activated for a new delivery.

Figure 5 (Optical Air Eliminator operating sequence) illustrates the timing of these events, showing the states of Solenoid 3, the Optical Sensor, Solenoid 1, Solenoid 2, and Product Flow from initiation to end of delivery.

Specifications

Bill of Materials

The following table lists the components for the A8302 Optical Vapor Eliminator (LPG). Refer to the diagram for assembly visualization.

Dimensions

The following diagrams illustrate the dimensions of the Optical Vapor Eliminator. Dimensions shown are not for construction use; consult factory for certified engineering drawings.

Top View

Overall width: 3.938 inches.

Side View

Overall height: 12.704 inches. Depth: 9.006 inches. Mounting hole pattern dimensions: 4.188 inches by 5.6 inches.

Rear View

Overall height: 9.975 inches. Depth: 7.7 inches. Includes a 1/2" NPT connection.

Installation

New Installations

When ordered with a new meter, the optical vapor eliminator is mounted atop a strainer on the inlet side of the meter. An example assembly includes a high-capacity strainer, two-stage valve, and Lectro-Count LCR-II® Electronic Register (Figure 6).

A vent line must be connected from the output port of the optical vapor eliminator using a 1/2" NPT connection. This vent line should connect to an appropriate receptacle on a supply or storage tank.

The optical vapor eliminator solenoid valve and optical sensor are supplied pre-wired to the LectroCount Electronic Register.

Retrofit Installations

Retrofitting an optical vapor eliminator may require modification of vent piping, the outlet valve, or the register, depending on the existing configuration.

The optical vapor eliminator requires the following components to operate:

• Lectro-Count LCR/LCR-II Electronic Register (with specific CPU board part numbers: 81920 or 84040m for LCR/LCR-II, 81924 for LC³, or 84040 for LCR 600).
• Electronically-controlled outlet valve.

Refer to the accompanying manuals for proper installation and configuration. Read the warning below before proceeding with retrofitting instructions.

RELIEVING INTERNAL PRESSURE

[Warning] All internal pressure must be relieved to zero pressure before disassembly or inspection. Serious injury or death from fire or explosion could result from performing maintenance on an improperly depressurized and evacuated system.

Strictly follow this procedure for LPG and NH3 Meters:

1. Close the belly valve of the supply tank.
2. Close the valve on the vapor return line.
3. Close the manual valve in the supply line on the meter's inlet side. If no manual valve exists, consult the truck manufacturer for depressurization procedures.
4. Slowly open the valve/nozzle at the end of the supply line.
5. After product has bled off, close the valve/nozzle at the end of the supply line.
6. Slowly crack the fitting on top of the differential valve to relieve system pressure. Product will drain from the meter system.
7. While product is bleeding, slowly reopen and close the valve/nozzle on the discharge line. Repeat until product stops draining from the differential valve and discharge line valve/nozzle.
8. Leave the discharge line valve/nozzle open while working on the system.

To retrofit an optical vapor eliminator:

Step 1 - Remove Old Vapor Eliminator and Baffel Cup

After relieving internal pressure and draining the assembly, remove the four bolts and washers fastening the old vapor eliminator to the strainer. Inspect and replace the O-ring if necessary (Figure 7).

Step 2 - Mount the Optical Vapor Eliminator

Fasten the optical vapor eliminator to the strainer using the four bolts and washers. The orientation can be adjusted in 90° increments for ease of wiring and vent piping installation. Tighten bolts to 27 lbf-ft (37 Nm) (Figure 8).

Step 3 - Connect the Control Piping/Tubing for LPG

Make plumbing connections from the 3-way solenoid valve assembly to the vapor eliminator and differential valve assembly, following the lettered designations shown in Figure 10 (LPG Plumbing Connections). Figure 11 shows the Optical Sensor and Solenoid Valve.

Step 4 - Wire the Solenoid and Sensor to the Register

[Warning] Incorrect wiring can damage the optical sensor.

For North American Installations, wiring must comply with the National Electrical Code (US) or Canadian Electrical Code for hazardous location ratings, potentially using rigid conduit for all connections.

The electrical installation involves connecting the S3 solenoid and optical sensor to the LectroCount register. The optical sensor has a 24" cable; one end is potted, the other has a cord grip for the register. The S3 solenoid requires a 12 AWG, two-wire, braided cable (approx. 24-36" long).

The S3 solenoid requires a LectroCount LCR/LCR-II register with specific CPU boards (81920, 84040, or 81924 for LC³). Replacement CPU boards can be ordered if the register lacks a compatible board. CPU boards 81920 and 84040 have an additional terminal (J15, or J11 on LC³ 81924 CPU board) vital for the optical vapor eliminator's operation.

Wiring Steps:

• Step 1 - Remove Cable Plug: Loosen screw, remove cable plug from solenoid coil, remove cover and terminal block. Note orientation. Leave gasket in place.
• Step 2 - Connect Cable to Cable Plug: Route cable through conduit fitting into housing. Connect BLACK wire to Terminal 2 and RED wire to Terminal 1 on the terminal block.
• Step 3 - Reassemble Cable Plug: Reinstall terminal block in original orientation. Tighten strain relief strap and cable gland. Reconnect cable plug to coil, replace cover, and fasten with screw (8.8 in-lbs / 1 Nm torque).
• Step 4 - Connect to Lectro-Count Electronic Register: Route cables from sensor and solenoid to the register and connect to appropriate ports.

Wiring Diagrams:

LC³ Wiring:

• Optical Sensor Connection (J11 Pin): Red to 33, White to 34, Black to 35.
• S3 Solenoid Connection (J11 Pin): Terminal 1 (Red) to 31, Terminal 2 (Black) to 32.

LCR Wiring:

• Optical Sensor Connection (J15 Pin): Red to 56, White to 55, Black to 54.
• S3 Solenoid Connection (J15 Pin): Terminal 1 (Red) to 52, Terminal 2 (Black) to 53.

Maintenance

RELIEVING INTERNAL PRESSURE

[Warning] All internal pressure must be relieved to zero pressure before disassembly or inspection. Serious injury or death from fire or explosion could result from performing maintenance on an improperly depressurized and evacuated system.

Strictly follow this procedure for LPG and NH3 Meters:

1. Close the belly valve of the supply tank.
2. Close the valve on the vapor return line.
3. Close the manual valve in the supply line on the meter's inlet side. If no manual valve exists, consult the truck manufacturer for depressurization procedures.
4. Slowly open the valve/nozzle at the end of the supply line.
5. After product has bled off, close the valve/nozzle at the end of the supply line.
6. Slowly crack the fitting on top of the differential valve to relieve system pressure. Product will drain from the meter system.
7. While product is bleeding, slowly reopen and close the valve/nozzle on the discharge line. Repeat until product stops draining from the differential valve and discharge line valve/nozzle.
8. Leave the discharge line valve/nozzle open while working on the system.

Disassembly (S3 Solenoid)

The optical vapor eliminator consists of a housing, optical sensor, and control solenoid valve. Only the solenoid valve is serviceable. If the solenoid is damaged, order a new solenoid assembly (Part Number 502011). The optical sensor has potted internal components and is not serviceable; if it fails, the complete assembly (Part Number 81947) must be replaced.

Tools necessary for disassembly:

• Flat blade screwdriver
• 14mm box end or open end wrench

Step 1

Loosen the thin hex nut holding the solenoid using a 14mm wrench. Remove the nut and coil from the armature guide post.

Step 2

Remove the plastic bonnet from the armature guide post. This should be easy to remove without tools.

Step 3

Using a screwdriver, loosen the upper-left and lower-right screws of the valve body. These two screws hold the valve body in place. The upper-right and lower-left screws fasten the armature guide post and valve body together. Remove the valve body from the housing.

Step 4

Place the valve body on a flat surface. Remove the two screws holding the armature guide post and valve body together. Lift the armature guide post off the valve body. The internal components are a plunger and a spring; inspect the spring for damage.

Step 5

The armature guide post has four components: two O-rings, the guide post, and the flange. Inspect these for damage. The valve body has two identical O-rings on the face that contacts the housing; inspect them for damage. Inspect ports for blockage.

Reassembly (S3 Solenoid)

Step 1

Place the spring inside the plunger, then insert the plunger (spring end first) into the armature guide post. Place the armature guide post assembly onto the valve body. Fasten the armature guide post to the valve body using the two previously removed screws. Ensure screws insert into the threaded holes (two holes are threaded, two are not).

Step 2

Align the solenoid valve body so the stamped number faces the housing assembly. The valve body can be fastened in two orientations; only one is correct. [Important] If the stamped numbers face away from the housing, the eliminator will not function properly, and the port will be blocked.

Fasten the valve body to the housing with the two screws, tightening to 15 to 18 in-lbs (1.7 to 2.0 Nm).

Step 3

Place the plastic bonnet over the valve body and snap it into place.

Step 4

Place the coil over the armature guide post and fasten with the thin hex nut. Tighten the nut with a 14mm wrench to 4.5 in-lbs (0.5 Nm).

Optical Sensor

[Warning] Excessive torque may damage the sensor.

Replacing the optical sensor (PN 81947): Use a 1” open end wrench to remove the sensor. When installing a new sensor, do not exceed a torque of 75 in-lbs (8.5 Nm). A light coating of grease or anti-seize lubricant should be applied to the sensor threads prior to assembly.

Troubleshooting

Customer Service

Contacting the Factory

Before contacting the factory, note the component's model and serial number. The serial number helps Liquid Controls staff access specific material specifications and test data. When ordering parts, consult the Liquid Controls Group technical manual for proper part numbers. Always include the model and serial number when ordering.

Model and serial numbers are located on the unit's nameplate. Record this information for future reference.

Record Keeping Fields:

• MODEL NO.: [Blank Field]
• SERIAL NO.: [Blank Field]
• DATE PURCHASED: [Blank Field]
• DATE INSTALLED: [Blank Field]
• PURCHASED FROM: [Blank Field]
• INSTALLED BY: [Blank Field]

Liquid Controls Return Material Authorization Requests

When returning Liquid Controls products for repair, warranty evaluation, or calibration, follow these directions:

1. Remove all residue from the component(s) to be returned, ensuring grooves, corners, seals, and crevices are cleaned. This is especially important if the component contacted hazardous materials. Refer to the Remove Hazardous Material Warning.
2. Complete the Return Material Authorization request form.
3. If necessary, include special handling instructions, such as MSDS forms or certifications.
4. Attach the completed Return Material Authorization request form, MSDS form, and packing slip to the outside of the box.

RMA Forms

Return Material Authorization request forms are included in product literature packets and available at www.lcmeter.com under the Publications menu.

REMOVE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

[Warning] Do not return a Liquid Controls component until all traces of hazardous substances have been removed, including those diffused through plastic or remaining in crevices. Costs incurred for waste disposal and injuries due to poor cleaning of returned components will be charged to the originator of the return.

Returned Material Authorization Handling Procedure for Hazardous Materials

All returned parts must be cleaned by customers before shipment. The cleaner must complete the Return Material Authorization form. If the component is contaminated, an M.S.D.S. sheet must accompany the return. If proper paperwork is missing, the service department will contact the sender. If paperwork is not received within ten days, parts will be returned to the customer. Liquid Controls employees handle returned components and are exposed to residual substances. These precautions are necessary to protect employees, despite any inconvenience.