Introduction

Notes:

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• This product is intended for use in industrial areas. Operation of this equipment in a residential

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area may cause interference to several frequency based communications.
• The Probe is to be used only in the manner outlined in this instruction manual.

The Probe is an ultrasonic level monitor combining sensor and electronics in a single package. It is
designed to measure liquid levels in open or closed vessels. The process part (sensor) is PVDF or
ETFE, allowing The Probe to be used in a wide variety of industries, especially food and chemical.
The sensor houses the ultrasonic transducer and temperature sensing element. The Probe emits a
series of ultrasonic pulses from the transducer. Each pulse is reflected as an echo from the material
and sensed by the transducer. The echo is processed by The Probe using Siemens Milltronics proven
‘Sonic Intelligence’ techniques. Filtering is applied to help discriminate between the true echo from
the material, and false echoes from acoustical and electrical noises and agitator blades in motion.
The time for the pulse to travel to the material and back is temperature compensated and then
converted into distance for display, mA output.

Installation
Environmental
The Probe should be mounted in an area that is within the temperature range specified and that is
suitable to the housing rating and materials of construction. The front lid should be accessible to
allow programming, wiring and display viewing.
It is advisable to keep The Probe away from high voltage or current runs, contactors and SCR control
drives.

Location
Locate the Probe so that it The Probe’s sound path
will have a clear sound path should not intersect the fill
perpendicular to the liquid path, rough walls, seams,
surface. rungs, etc.
fill

sanitary ferrule

pipe

rungs

seams

A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 1

 Mounting
Note: Mount the Probe so that the face of the sensor is at least 25 cm above the highest
anticipated level.
English

Threaded
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hinged lid

The Probe is available in three 7 mm 34 mm

(0.3”) (3.3”)
thread types: 2” NPT, 2” BSP or max.
PF2. 117 mm
(4.6”)
Note: Before inserting The
Probe into its mounting hole,
ensure that the threads are of cable entry
the same type to avoid ‘knock out’
electronics
damaging The Probe threads. 279 mm
(11”)
87 mm
(3.4”) ø mounting
thread
thread type
identification 74 mm
(2.9”) sensor

61 mm 53mm
(2.4”) (2.1”)
ø max

Flange Adapter (optional)

optional The
flange Probe
The Probe can be fitted with the optional 75 mm adapter
(3") flange adapter for mating to
3" ASME, DIN 65PN10 and JIS 10K3B flanges.

Sanitary (Non Intrinsically Safe)

7 mm
Notes:• Mount The Probe so that the face of hinged lid (0.3") 84 mm
(3.3") max.
the sensor is at least 25 cm above 117 mm
(4.6")
the highest anticipated level.
• The sanitary Probe is suitable for
chemical clean-in-place cable entry
electronics
’knock out’
applications to 60 °C (140 °F) only. 279 mm
(11")
Ensure your cleaning chemicals are 87 mm
mounting
(3.4") ø
compatible with PVDF. thread

integral 76 mm sensor
sealing ring (2.9")

61 mm 53 mm
(2.4") (2.1")
ø max.

Page 2 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL A5E32243983

 The Probe 4” Sanitary Ferrule
• mount The Probe onto the top of
the tank’s sanitary ferrule
• secure mating by surrounding clamp*

the joint with the clamp

English
adjusting

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• tighten adjusting wing nut wing nut

ferrule
tank
119 mm (4.68")
Note: Inside of sanitary 97 mm (3.83")
ferrule must be smooth, free of dimensions
burrs, seams or ridges. *supplied with the Probe are approximate

Interconnection
Cable Entry

A. With lid closed, remove cable entry ’knock out’ on either side as required.
B. Open lid by loosening the lid screw.
C. Run cable to The Probe.
D. Connect loop wiring.
E. Close lid. Tighten screw to 1.1 to 1.7 N-m (10 to 15 in-lb) of torque

System Diagram

The Probe loop

instrumentation

The Probe loop instrumentation

R max

R max = V supply – 12 V
20 mA

V supply
12 to 30 V DC

Note: Power supply is reverse polarity protected.

A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 3

 Operation
Start Up
English

program mode
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alphanumeric

• With The Probe correctly installed (or

aimed at a wall 0.25 to 5 m away), apply ‘20’ key

power.
• The Probe starts up displaying the units

following: ‘4’ key

LOE / fault

operation status

• It then defaults to the Run mode, which is the measurement

reading of the distance from the transducer face to the
material level in the units indicated:
• If the default display differs from that shown, refer to
Operation Status on page 5.

Calibration
The calibration of the mA output may be done such
that its span will be either proportional or inversely
proportional to the material level.
Note: The 4 and 20 mA levels may be calibrated in
any order.

proportional span inversely proportional span

high level = 20 mA high level = 4 mA
low level = 4 mA low level = 20 mA

Calibration: Reference Method

• Adjust the material level (or target) to the desired distance from the sensor face.
• Press the “4” or “20” key (as appropriate) to view the stored distance associated with that mA
output value.
• Press the key a second time to set the new distance reference.
• After viewing or calibrating, Probe operation automatically reverts to the Run mode (6 sec). The
calibration value is referenced from the face of The Probe sensor, in the units displayed.

4 mA calibration
Press “4”

Press “4” again 4 mA calibration

calibration invalid if
new 4mA calibration
retry

Page 4 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL A5E32243983

20 mA calibration
Press “20”

Press “20” again 20 mA calibration

English
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calibration invalid if
new 20 mA calibration
retry
Note: Calibration bypasses the measurement response rate.

Operation Status

The graphic portion of the display gives the user a visual

indication of The Probe's operating status. Viewing the
graphic can assist the user in properly locating and
installing The Probe to achieve optimum performance.

GOOD WAITING LOE / FAULT

The logo will change from full to partial to indicate operation status. After the `Waiting' period, the `?'
icon will appear for an `LOE / FAULT' indication. When a valid echo is again received, a `Good'
indication will resume. Refer to Troubleshooting on page 9.

Adjustments
There are several operating adjustments that can be made to The Probe.
To access the operating adjustments, simultaneously press the "4" and "20" keys until the desired
adjustment is obtained. A viewing sequence of the stored value is automatically initiated. During this
time the value can be changed by pressing either the "4" or "20" key. After viewing or changing,
operation automatically reverts to the Run mode (6 sec).

4 mA calibration, scrolling fail-safe

20 mA calibration, scrolling fail-safe timer

blanking units

speed of response

Calibration, Scrolling Method

The 4 and 20 mA calibration values can be selected where reference levels, either from the material
in the vessel or from a target, cannot be provided. This method can also be used to trim the output
levels obtained by the Reference Method (see page 4).
To change the stored calibration value, obtain the `c 4' or `c 20' display. The calibration value may be
increased by pressing the "20" key or decreased by pressing the "4" key. When the display has
scrolled to the desired value, stop pressing the key. The display automatically reverts to the Run
mode (6 sec).

A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 5

 4 mA calibration
4 mA calibration initiated
English

view stored 4 mA calibration value i.e. 4.50 m

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press”20” to increase to new calibration value i.e. 4.60 m

new calibration value

20 mA calibration
20 mA calibration initiated

view stored 20 mA calibration value i.e. 0.50 Note: For faster scrolling, hold the
m
key depressed during the
press “4” to decrease to new calibration calibration adjustment and release
value i.e. 0.45 m when desired value is obtained.

new calibration value

Blanking
The Probe
Blanking is used to ignore the zone in front of the
transducer where false echoes are at a level that blanking

interfere with the processing of the true echo. It is

measured outward from the sensor face. The minimum
recommended blanking value is 0.25 m (0.82 ft) but can
be increased in order to extend the blanking.

• To change the stored blanking value, obtain the `bL' display.

• Press the "20" key to increase or the "4" key to decrease the blanking value.
• When the display has scrolled to the desired value, stop pressing the key. The display
automatically returns to the Run mode (6 sec).

3 sec blanking

stored blanking value i.e. 0.25 m

press “20” to increase blanking i.e. 0.36 m Note: For faster scrolling, hold
the key depressed during the
press “4” to decrease to desired blanking blanking adjustment and release
value i.e. 0.35 m when desired value is obtained.

6 sec new blanking value

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Speed of Response
The speed of response adjustment allows the user to collectively set a number of operating
parameters.
measurement response: is the limit to which The Probe will be able to keep up with rates of change.

English
If The Probe measurement cannot keep up with the rate of level change, set the

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adjustment from `1' to `2'. If The Probe still cannot keep up with the rate of level
change, set the adjustment option to `3'. Avoid choosing an option that is too fast for
your application.

agitator discrimination: discriminates between agitator blades in motion, and the material (target) surface.

filter: discriminates between false echoes from acoustical and electrical noise and the
material (target) surface.

fail-safe timer: establishes the `Waiting' period from the time a loss of echo or operating fault
condition starts until the fail-safe default is effected. Adjusting the speed of
response will set the fail-safe timer to the default values in the chart. If a different
response is required, adjust the ‘FSt’ option (see page 8).

SP measurement response agitator discrimination filter fail-safe timer

1* 1 m/min (3.3 ft/min) on on 10 min
2 5 m/min (16.4 ft/min) on on 3 min
3 immediate off off 3 min
4 0.03 m/min (0.1 ft/min) on on 10 min

* = factory setting
• To change the speed of response, obtain the `SP' display.
• Scroll forward through the options (1-2-3) by pressing the "20" key. Scroll backward through the
options (3-2-1) by pressing the "4" key.
• When the desired option is displayed, stop pressing the key. The display will automatically return
to the Run mode (6 sec).

3 sec speed of response

current option i.e. 1 m/min

press “20” for option 2 i.e. 5 m/min

6 sec option 2 selected

Fail-Safe
In the event a loss of echo or fault condition exceeds the `Waiting' period (see Speed of Response
above or Fail-safe Timer on page 8), the ` ? ' icon appears and one of the following fail-safe defaults
is immediately effected.
FLS default mAp mAi reading
1 full 22 4 hold
2 empty 4 22 hold
3* hold hold hold hold
p = proportional span i = inversely proportional span * = factory default
• To change the fail-safe default obtain the `FLS' display.
• Scroll forward through the options (1-2-3) by pressing the "20" key. Scroll backward through the
options (3-2-1) by pressing the "4" key.

A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 7

 • When the desired option is displayed, stop pressing the key. The display will automatically return
to the Run mode (6 sec).

3 sec fail-safe
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current option i.e. full

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Press “20” for option 2 i.e. empty

6 sec option 2 selected

Fail-Safe Timer
The fail-safe timer allows the user to vary the ‘waiting’ period from the time a loss of echo or
operating fault condition begins, until the fail-safe default is effected. The ‘waiting’ period is
adjustable from 1 to 15 minutes, in 1 minute increments.
The fail-safe timer value will default to settings determined by the speed of response (see page 7). If
a different value is desired, the fail-safe timer should be adjusted after the speed of response is set.
• To change the fail-safe timer, obtain the ‘FSt’ display.
• Increase the ‘waiting’ period by pressing the “20” key, and decrease it by pressing the “4” key,
stopping when the desired value is displayed.
• The display automatically reverts to the Run mode (6 sec).

Units
The units of the measurement reading can be selected as follows:
1 = metres, m (factory setting)
2 = feet, ft
The selected units are also applicable to the `Blanking' adjustment.
• To change the units obtain the `Un' display.
• Scroll forward through the options ( 1 - 2 ) by pressing the "20" key. Scroll backward through the
options ( 2 - 1 ) by pressing the "4" key.
• When the desired option is displayed, stop pressing the key. The display will automatically return
to the Run mode (6 sec).

3 sec units

current option i.e. m

Press “20” for option 2 i.e. ft

6 sec option 2 selected

Page 8 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL A5E32243983

Supplement
Measurement Interval

English
mmmmm
seconds
interval

mA loop current

Troubleshooting
The echo is not reliable and The Probe is waiting for a valid echo before updating the
measurement.
Probable causes are:
• material or object in contact with sensor face
• The Probe is too close to the fill point
• The Probe is not perpendicular to the liquid surface
• change in level too fast
• measurement out of range
• foam on liquid surface
• high level of vibration in the mounting structure
• level inside the blanking zone
The `Waiting' period has expired. Investigate the probable causes listed above.
Refer to Speed of Response on page 7 or Fail-safe Timer on page 8 for duration of
`Waiting' periods.
Patents
Instrument Housing Design:
• Canada: 70345
• U.S.A.: 07/858/707
• Germany: M92022723
• U.K.: 2021748
• France: 921873
• Japan: 966217
Electronics / Sensor:
• U.S.A.: 5,267,219
5,339,292
• U.K.: 2,260,059
• patent applications in U.K., Canada, Europe, Africa, Australia

A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 9

 Specifications
Power:
• 12 to 30 V DC (at Probe), 0.1 A surge
English
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• loop current 4 to 20 mA max

Environmental:
• location: indoor / outdoor
• altitude: 2000 m max.
• ambient continuous: -40 to +60°C (-40 to +140°F)
temperature -20°C (-5°F) if metal mounting
• relative humidity: suitable for outdoor (Type 4 / NEMA 4X / IP65 enclosure)
• installation category:II
• pollution degree: 4
Range:
• 0.25 to 5 m ( 0.8 to 16.4 ft ) (liquids only)
Beam Angle:
• 10° at -3 dB boundary
Memory:
• non-volatile EEPROM, no battery required
Programming:
• 2 tactile keys
Temperature Compensation:
• built-in to compensate over the operating range.
Display:
• liquid crystal
• three 9 mm (0.35") digits for reading of distance between sensor face and material
• multisegment graphic for operation status
mA Output
• range: 4 to 20 mA
• span: proportional or inversely proportional
• accuracy: 0.25% of full scale
• resolution: 3 mm (0.125")
• loading: 600 ohms max loop load at 24 V DC supply
• cable: Belden 8760, shielded, twisted pair, 28 AWG (0.75 mm2) or equivalent
Construction:
• combined sensor and electronics package
• sensor housing: material: PVDF or EFTE
mounting:
threaded: 2" NPT, 2" BSP PF2
optional: flange adapter
• electronics material: PVC
• housing: access: hinged lid
22 mm (0.87") dia. `knock out' for conduit entrance, 2 places
2 screw terminal block for 2.5 mm2
(14 ga) solid wire / 1.5 mm2 (16 ga) stranded wire max
Enclosure Rating:
• Type 4 / NEMA 4X / IP65

Page 10 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL A5E32243983

Weight:
• 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Approvals:
• CE, UKCA, RCM (EMC performance available on request)

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A5E32243983 The Probe – INSTRUCTION MANUAL Page 11