Shorting Block on Probe Tips
Titan Logix has various probes based on the liquid you are hauling.
Dual Rod and Coax probes use a shorting block, a metal cylinder at the bottom of the probe. Installation differs by probe type.
The Dual Rod Probe has 2 rods that run parallel to each other that span from the top to the bottom of the tank and joined together with the stainless steel shorting block.
ClearView: The ClearView probe has no shorting block and measures right to the bottom of the probe.
Coax probe that has a 1" tube that the carries the signal from the top of the tank to the bottom to measure the entire load from top to bottom. This probe also ends with a shorting block on the bottom end of the probe.
Choose your probe
Shorting Block Installation
To learn more about the shorting block installation steps, click on the corresponding image of the probe you are working with.
Dual Rod Probe
Two parallel rods secured by a stainless steel shorting block.
Coax Probe
A single center rod inside a tube, finished with a shorting block.
Torque is Critical
If the shorting block is not installed correctly, it may become loose or even detach completely. This problem often occurs when the setscrews securing the shorting block are not tightened to the required torque. When tightened to the specified 7 ft-lbs (84 in-lb), the shorting block can withstand considerable stress and vibration without risk of the setscrews coming out.
Dual Rod Probe
Secure Both Rods
Dual Rod Probe
The shorting block on the Dual Rod Probe is secured to the rods using two set screws--one for each rod.
The Dual Rod Probe features two parallel rods that run vertically from the top to the bottom of your tank. These rods are securely anchored into a cone that is welded at the bottom of the tank. They are joined together by a robust stainless steel shorting block, which is fastened using two set screws--one for each rod.
The Dual Rod Probe consists of two parallel rods that extend from the top to the bottom of your tank, secured into an anchor cone welded to the bottom of your tank. The Dual Rod Probe rods are connected by a durable stainless steel shorting block, using two set screws, one for each rod.
the bottom of the tank, connected by a durable stainless steel shorting block.
It is essential to apply a torque of 7 ft-lbs (84 in-lb) to each screw to prevent the shorting block from becoming loose. If the shorting block detaches from the probe, it indicates that the necessary torque was not applied.
If the shorting block is not installed correctly, it may become loose or even detach completely. This issue usually happens when the setscrews securing the shorting block are not tightened to the required torque. When tightened to the specified 7 ft-lbs (84 in-lb), the shorting block can withstand considerable stress and vibration without risk of the setscrews coming out.
Additionally, after tightening the set screws, it is crucial to verify that the rods remain straight and parallel for the Titan System to work correctly.
Welding Guidance
Some customers have taken the route of welding the shorting block in place. This does work especially if working with corrosive product where some of the metal gets thinner and the weld will hold longer than a screw.
The best way to ensure a straight Dual Rod Probe is to straighten the rods using the set screws and only tack the bottom of the shorting block to the rod. Do not over heat the tack. Doing this will warp the rod in position. This applies if you weld top and bottom of the shorting block warpage can happen or if an attempt to make a bead beyond a tack will result in warped probe that will need to be rewelded.
Make sure that you have checked on a table top for straightness. Re-weld if needed, the probe must me straight so to avoid twisting of the probe when in use.
Coax probe
Secure the Center Rod
Coax Probe
The Shorting block on the coax rod probe has 1 set screws to fasten the shorting block to the single rod. The screw needs a Torque of 7 ft-lb of torque or 84 in-lb applied to it. Proper torque needs to be applied to the screw to ensure the Shorting Block does not shake loose or lose connection. It is also important to make sure the rod is straight in the barrel of the coax tube after tightening set. The coax probe should be cut with a conventional pipe cutter so the resulting ridge provides a solid friction fit so the shoring block will need to be tapped in place when installing. Welding to the block should only be a slight tack to the bottom of the shorting block on the center rod. Do not over weld or heat the rod or it will be welded crooked in place.