<<Contents>>

Technical
Information SENCOM 4.0 Platform
Grounding
TI 12A06S01-01EN-P

Yokogawa Process Analyzers Europe B.V. TI 12A06S01-01EN-P

Euroweg 2, 3825 HD Amersfoort, The Netherlands © Copyright 24 June 2021
www.yokogawa.com 1st Edition June, 2021
<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................3

1. General.....................................................................................................................................................4

1.1 What is grounding?...................................................................................................................................4

1.2 Why is Electrical grounding important?....................................................................................................4

1.3 SENCOM and grounding..........................................................................................................................4

2. Wiring and installation.............................................................................................................................6

2.1 Wired connection......................................................................................................................................6

2.2 Connection in daisy chain concept..........................................................................................................6

2.3 Connection concept UM33A-S.................................................................................................................7

2.4 Wireless connection..................................................................................................................................7

3. Typical installations.................................................................................................................................8

3.1 Installation SA11 with IB100 in a laboratory environment......................................................................8

3.2 Typical installation SA11 with FLXA402...............................................................................................8

3.3. Typical installations FLXA402 (multiple parameters)..............................................................................9

4. Grounding..............................................................................................................................................10

4.1 Grounding with wired HOST system......................................................................................................10

4.2 Grounding when having different ground potentials (Ground loop currents).......................................10

4.3 Grounding when having no different ground potentials..........................................................................11

4.4 Grounding with wireless HOST system.................................................................................................12

5. Related documents................................................................................................................................13

5.1 General Specifications............................................................................................................................13

5.2 User’s Manual.........................................................................................................................................13

5.3 Technical Information..............................................................................................................................13

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 3
INTRODUCTION

This technical information will focus only on the grounding of the

SENCOM smart adapter SA11 installations and various hosts.

SENCOM 4.0 PLATFORM

Yokogawa is a recognized leader for providing reliable and creditable

measurement solutions for process control applications. Building on this
experience, Yokogawa has developed a new analyzer solutions platform
featuring superior measurement technology to deliver enhanced value
throughout the product lifecycle.
To facilitate optimal processes and improve efficiency of personnel,
Yokogawa has placed a strong focus on our Digital SMART Sensor
SENCOM 4.0 Platform.
This innovative analyzer platform provides full visualization and enhanced
process uptime by optimizing maintenance, reducing configuration time,
and simplifying in-field maintenance and calibration.
Following Yokogawa’s commitment to co-innovation, this generation of
process control solutions was made in collaboration with our customers.
Yokogawa’s nextgeneration solutions combine measurement, control,
and information for more connected technologies that achieve results
like never before.

Sencom Smart adapter SA11

Conventional SMART sensors come with integrated electronics on top

of an analog sensor. Once the sensor reaches the end of its lifetime,
the still functioning electronics must also be thrown away, adding to
global waste.
The SENCOM 4.0 platform consists of a reusable SMART adapter,
requiring only the analog sensor to be disposed of when it reaches the
end of its lifetime. With the SENCOM 4.0 platform, Yokogawa delivers
reduced costs and waste while contributing to its long-term business
goals of a sustainable future for all.
The reusable smart adapter, SA11, offers full measuring parameter
functionality of analog sensors equipped with a Variopin connector and
Yokogawa ID chip. The SA11 automatically recognizes the installed
sensor and prepares the right configuration.

NOTE
No part of the Technical Information may be transferred or reproduced without prior written consent from Yokogawa.
Yokogawa reserves the right to make changes in the Technical Information and product at any time without notice or obligation.

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 4
1. GENERAL
1.1 What is grounding?
Grounding is a common term used in the electrical industry to mean both “equipment grounding” and “system
grounding”. Equipment grounding means the connection of earth ground to non-current carrying conductive
materials such as conduit, cable trays, junction boxes, enclosures, and motor frames.
Electricity describes the flow of electrons through metal circuits and wires. This electricity is always following
the shortest possible route to ground. Grounding refers to and electrical contact directly to ground. It prevents
undesired potential differences and prevents power surges causing electrical hazards.
Electrical grounding is a backup pathway that provides an alternative route for the current to the ground if there
is a fault in the wiring system.

1.2 Why is Electrical grounding important?

One of the most important reasons for grounding electrical currents is that it protects the equipment and those
working with it from surges in electricity. Additionally, to this, grounding facilitates current flow directly to earth
preventing damage to the equipment and helps stabilize voltage levels ensuring a stable measurement
a. Protect against electrical overloads
In the case of a power surge high electrical currents can damage instruments. Grounding facilitates current flow
directly to earth instead of damaging the equipment connected to the system.
b. Stabilizes the voltage levels
The earth can be considered as a common reference for the voltage sources in any electrical system. This
helps in providing stabilized voltage levels throughout an electric system. Fluctuating voltage levels may result
in unstable (pH-, Conductivity-, etc.) measurements and the process control will be difficult.
c. Earth conducts with Least resistance
The Earth is a great conductor and it can conduct electricity with least resistance. When an electrical system is
grounded undesired current flows through the instruments are prevented.
d. Prevents damage and Death
Unwanted high voltages or current flows may damage instruments beyond repair. Even worse, it can result in
fire- or explosion hazards, putting property and life’s at risk.

1.3 SENCOM and grounding

This technical information will focus only on the grounding of installations with the SENCOM smart adapter SA11
and various hosts
The SENCOM platform consists of a reusable SMART adapter, requiring only the analog sensor to be disposed
of when it reaches the end of its lifetime. With the SENCOM platform, Yokogawa delivers reduced costs and
waste while contributing to its long-term business goals of a sustainable future for all.
The reusable smart adapter, SA11, offers full measuring parameter functionality of analog sensors equipped with
a Variopin connector and Yokogawa ID chip. The SA11 automatically recognizes the installed sensor and pre-
pares the right configuration. With SENCOM, the electronics are separated from the sensor, creating reusability
of electronics and positively contributing to the sustainable of our future and lowering the total cost of ownership.

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 5
The SENCOM smart adapter can be operated as a stand-alone analyzer, connecting directly to a DCS, PLC or
data acquisition system.
To guarantee an accurate, reliable and stable measurement, the SA11 SENCOM smart adapter has been
equipped with full galvanically isolation.
Galvanic Isolation is used when two or more electric circuits must communicate, but their grounds may be at dif-
ferent potentials. It is an effective method of breaking ground loops by preventing unwanted current from flowing
between two units sharing a ground conductor.

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 6
2. WIRING AND INSTALLATION
2.1 Wired connection
A YOKOGAWA HOST system is connected to the SA11 using the WU11 type S interconnection cable with at
one end wired terminals and on the other end a M9 connector. This cable is specially designed to be installed
in heavy-duty industrial environments. It is specified for reliable transfer of digital signals in IP67 applications,
allowing it to be submerged as a whole. The double shielded cable will protect the connected devices for inter-
ferences from high voltages and currents in the surrounding environment. The WU11 type S cable is available
length up to a maximum of 100 meters (328ft).
When cable lengths other than standard specified by MS-code are required, two different WU11 types (-WP and
-CN) can be combined to any length up to 100 meters.

Table 1: Model and suffix code WU11 cable for SENCOM

Figure 1: Suffix -CN and suffix -WP dimensional drawing

2.2 Connection in daisy chain concept

The YOKOGAWA HOST system model FLXA402 can be connected to a maximum of five SA11 devices. In case
of more than two SA11 devices connected, the BA11 Active Junction Box must be used. The connection between
the FLXA402 and BA11 is made by using the WU11-WP type -S interconnection cable. The Connection between
the BA11 and the SA11 is made by using the WU11-CN type -S interconnection cable. In both cases, the maximum
length is 100 meters (328 ft) and a total length of 200 meters (656 ft).

Figure 2: Schematic overview daisy chain concept FLXA402

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 7
2.3 Connection concept UM33A-S

The YOKOGAWA HOST system model UM33A-S can

be connected to only one SA11 device. The Connection
between the UM33A-S and SA11 is made by a WU11-WP
type -S interconnection cable. The maximum cable length
is 100 meters (328ft).

Figure 3: Connection concept UM33A-S

Table 2: Model and suffix code of the UM33A-S

2.4 Wireless connection

In laboratory environments the HOST FieldMate system

can be connected to the SA11 using the YOKOGAWA
Bluetooth device Model IB100.
The connection in between the IB100 and SA11 is made
using the WU11-M9-xxx-CN-S interconnection cable.
The wireless communication between the FieldMate
system and IB100 is limited to 10 meters.

Figure 4: SA11 with wireless HOST

Table 3: Model and suffix code IB100

NOTE
The intrinsically safe model of the SA11 must be connected to the intrinsically safe model IB100 to guarentee safe installation.
For installation details see user manual IB100.

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 8
3. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS
3.1 Installation SA11 with IB100 in a laboratory environment
Problems with noise causing unstable readings are often caused by unwanted electrostatical discharges in the
environment. When this is observed it is recommended to ground the process liquid. This will for instance reduce
the effect of electrostatic interferences caused by human proximity.

Figure 5: Grounding process liquid

When there is still an issue with unstable readings, it is

recommended to ground the host as well.
This can be done by using option /UM for the SA11 (see
Chapter 4.4).
This is mandatory for meeting all statutory requirements.

Figure 6: Grounding of the liquid and HOST

3.2 Typical installation SA11 with FLXA402

A typical installation comprises of:

• FLXA402 with SENCOM module (-S5)
• WU11 cable
• SA11 - SENCOM smart adapter
• pH or conductivity sensor with ID-chip

Figure 7: Typical installation FLXA402 with SA11

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 9
3.3. Typical installations FLXA402 (multiple parameters)
The FLXA402 offers multiple connection possibilities, eliminating the need for multiple analyzers and providing
greater flexibility. This analyzer can connect up to five sensors, realizing interruption-free measurement even
during maintenance. Multiple sensor measurement offers additional functionalities including a variety of calculat-
ed data as well as the option to program the analyzer as a redundant system.
With its modular design, the FLXA402 analyzer offers a range of measurement choices with the respective sen-
sor module, including pH/ORP, resistivity/conductivity (SC), inductive conductivity (ISC), percent concentration,
dissolved oxygen (DO), and 4-20mA input. Dual sensor measurements offer additional functionalities, such as a
calculated data function that can be customized.

Figure 8: Typical installation for FLXA02 with multiple inputs and parameters

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 10
4. GROUNDING
4.1 Grounding with wired HOST system

The measuring system must always be connected to a

class D ground (a ground resistance of 100 Ohm or less),
preferably done at the HOST side.
The SA11 is protected (grounded) against electromagnetic
and electrostatic inferences or common mode when all
wires of the WU11 type -S cable are connected at the
HOST.

Figure 9: Standard wiring with wired HOST system

To ensure correct measurements, it is strongly recom-

mended to ground the process liquid.
When having problems with unstable readings caused by
unwanted electrostatical discharges in the environment
it is recommended to ground the process liquid. This will
for instance reduce the effect of electrostatic interferences
caused by human proximity.

Figure 10: Wiring HOST and process liquid

When having different ground potentials (Ground loop

currents) special care need to be taken, for example by
using mounting bracket option /UM.
For details please see chapter 4.2.
Note: In case of a long distance between the host and
the measuring point ground potential difference can occur.
This can be caused for example by current leakage from
high voltage machines like pumps, stirrers etc.

Figure 11: Grounding Smart adapter

NOTE
In case of a long distance between the host and the measuring point ground potential difference can occur. This can be caused for
example by current leakage from high voltage machines like pumps, stirrers, etc.

4.2 Grounding when having different ground potentials

(Ground loop currents)
The HOST and SA11 may be connected to different physical
grounds. This might result in different ground potentials.
( see Figure 10, a schematic is given of this example)
To prevent ground loop currents caused by these different
potentials it is necessary to disconnect one of the ground
references.This can be done at the HOST side by:
• disconnecting wire #82 of the WU11 type S cable.
• connecting wire #82 to the NC terminal on the SA module
in the FLXA402.
Figure 12: Ground 1 ≠ Ground 2

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 11
• Connecting contact of #82 wire from terminals and metal housing, when SA11 is connected to another
host. Deze zin is volkomen onduidelijk
• Installing the SA11 device using the optional pipe and wall mounting hardware (/UM). Place a ground wire
between the ground terminal of the mounting bracket and the ground reference of the process
(see Figure 13).

An alternate way to prevent ground loop currents is to isolate the SA11 & mounting plate from ground 2 and
keep the wire to terminal 82 connected.

Figure 13: Wall mounting hardware SA11 (/UM)

Table 4: Overview description and wiring number WU11 cable

Table 5: Model and suffix code SA11 SENCOM Smart adapter

4.3 Grounding when having no different ground potentials

In case the ground references at the host side (Ground 1)

and process side (Ground 2) have no potential difference
the shield wire #82 of the WU11 cable can stay connect-
ed to the ground terminal at the HOST.

Figure 14: No potential different in ground SA11

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 12
4.4 Grounding with wireless HOST system

It may be needed to meet statutory regulations with a

HOST which does not have a grounding terminal. In such
a case it is necessary to ground either the SA11 enclo-
sure (e.g. by using the option /UM) or (if possible) ground
the shield of the cable.
( see Figure 15, which shows an example of grounding
the SA11 in combination with the IB100 )

Figure 15: Grounding SA11 with IB100

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<<Contents>> <<Index>> “SENCOM 4.0 Platform Grounding” 13
5. RELATED DOCUMENTS
NOTE
When using Yokogawa products please consult the relevant documents for those products.
They are shipped with the product or can be downloaded from the Yokogawa website.

5.1 General Specifications

Document name Document no.
SA11 Smart adapter GS 1206S01-00EN-P
IB100 Interface box GS 12B06J09-01E-E
WU11 Interconnection cable GS 12B06W02-03E-E
WU10 and WE10 VP cable and extension cable GS 12B06W02-02E
BA11 active junction box GS 12B06W03-01E-E
FLXA402 4-wire Converter GS 12A01F01-01EN
UM33A-S Digital Indicator GS 05P09D21-01EN

5.2 User’s Manual

Document name Document no.
SA11 Smart adapter Start-up Manual IM12A06S01-01EN-P
SA11 Smart adapter User's Manual IM12A06S01-00EN-P
IB100 Interface box IM12B06J09-01E-E
WU11 Interconnection cable IM 12B06W02-03E-E
WU10 and WE10 VP cable and extension cable IM 12B06W02-02E-E
BA11 active junction box IM 12B06W03-01E-E
FLXA402 4-wire Converter Installation and Wiring IM 12A01F01-02EN
UM33A-S GS05P09D21-01EN

5.3 Technical Information

Document name Document no.
SA11 Smart Adapter TI 12A06S01-00EN-P
FLXA402 4-wire Convertor MODBUS communication TI 12A01F01-62EN

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