Low Cost Intelligent Immersion Ultrasonic Transducer with Non-Contact Measurement and Modbus Protocol Support

1. How do ultrasonic level sensors work?

An ultrasonic sound pulse is pulsed periodically from the base of the transducer. The pulse travels through air, reflects against the process medium below and returns to the transducer. The sensor measures the pulse time of flight between sound generation and receipt, and translated this into distance or liquid level height within the vessel.

2. What are the advantages of ultrasonic level sensors?

Many application liquids have challenging characteristics that negatively impact contact type sensor performance, maintenance and/or replacement costs. Examples include corrosive, coating, scaling, viscous and dirty liquids. Ultrasonic sensors are non-contact, and therefore impervious to these characteristic.

3. What should I avoid with ultrasonic level sensors?

The application variables to avoid with ultrasonic are extreme foam, vapor, turbulence or installation in tall fittings with narrow risers. Foam, vapor and turbulence can absorb and/or deflect away a substantial portion of the return signal. Tall riser fittings can disrupt the acoustic signal path. Appropriate product selection and installation is important.

4. How do I select the best GXUM series intelligent ultrasonic sensors level meter range for optimum performance?

Select a range of GXUM series intelligent ultrasonic sensors level meter range that covers the tank height with at least 25% margin. In challenging applications with light foam, vapor and/or turbulence, select a sensor range that is double the tank height. The additional sensor will improve performance in such conditions.

5. What does the 4-20 mA signal represent?

The 4-20 mA represents the sensor's measurement distance. The 4 mA set point is normally placed near the bottom of the empty tank, or the greatest measurement distance from the sensor. The 20 mA set point is normally placed near the top of the full tank, or the shortest measurement distance from the sensor. The sensor will proportionately generate a 4 mA signal when the tank is empty and a 20 mA signal when the tank is full.