Sensor Installation

The sensor should be located so that the acoustic signal path is free of obstructions from side-walls, ladders, pipes, mixers and other instruments. The sensor should be mounted level and/or perpendicular to the liquid surface. Click to view ultrasonic white paper. If substantial foam, vapor and/or turbulence are present, install the sensor in a stand-pipe. Click to view stand pipe installation tech-tip.

The sensor can be broadly installed in tank adapters, couplings, flanges, brackets and stand pipes of appropriate size relative to the transducer. Generally, select a fitting type that will allow the installed transducer to extend through or ideally be flush with the opening to the tank. Avoid fitting types that substantially recess the transducer into the fitting, or compress the transducer against an inner wall or pipe stop.

In most applications, the sensor is hand tightened only within the fitting. If you use a wrench or tool, be careful not to over-tighten the sensor within the fitting.

The sensor can be elevated up to a maximum of 12 high in a 6" diameter riser 8" high in a 4" diameter riser 8" high in a 4" diameter riser 6" high in a 3" diameter riser and 3" high in a 2" diameter riser.

Sensors with a 1 transducer should be installed in 2" stand-pipes. Sensors with a 2" transducer should be installed in 3" stand-pipes.

On a plastic tank, use a self-aligning bulk head fitting that enables the sensor to be rotated to the level and/or perpendicular position relative to the liquid surface. On a metal or fiberglass tank, a flange fitting with a riser that accommodates for the slope is typically the best option.

The LM50-1001 (2 NPT) or LM50-1061 (2" G) side mount bracket is a good choice. Add a 2" to 1" reducer bushing for use with 1" transducer sensors. Users often fabricate equivalent brackets based on their custom size or material requirements.

If the tank has an enclosed top, to avoid signal cross talk interference, only one sensor may be installed unless the second sensor is mounted in a stand-pipe. If the tank has an open top, then two sensors can typically be applied assuming that they are installed on opposing sides of the tank with at least 10' (3m) distance between one another.

NEMA 6 enclosure sensors are designed to resist infrequent submersion for short periods of time. NEMA 4 enclosures are designed to resist frequent splashing the equivalent of direct hose spray and should never be submerged.

The sensor can be installed up to 1000 feet away from its point of termination using a shielded, 18-20 gauge twisted pair cable and 24 VDC power supply. The total loop resistance should not exceed 900 ohms.