Echotel
®
Model 300/301
Ultrasonic Non-Contact
Transmitter For Level/
Volume/Open Channel Flow
Software version 1.x
Instruction Manual and Parts List
DESCRIPTION
The Model 300/301 is a full-featured, powerful ultrasonic
system for measurement of liquid level, volume, or open
channel flow. Available as an integral or remote mounted
transmitter, this extremely versatile system is simple to
install and calibrate.
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The Model 300/301 is a versatile system that utilizes non-
contact ultrasonic technology to measure liquid levels in a
variety of applications. The system consists of a transmitter
and an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer contains a
piezoelectric crystal that has the ability to convert electrical
signals generated by the transmitter into ultrasonic pulses.
The unit operates by directing ultrasonic pulses, or sound
waves, through the air toward the liquid surface. They are
then reflected off the liquid surface as an echo, and returned
to the transducer. The piezoelectric crystal then converts the
returned echo into an electrical signal which is analyzed by
the transmitter. The elapsed time between the generation of
the ultrasonic pulse and the return echo is proportional to
the distance between the face of the transducer and the liq-
uid surface.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Model Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Measurement Range Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Transducer Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Transmitter Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Handling Procedure . . . . . .6
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10
Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-23
Pre-configuration Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Complete Menu Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-14
Measured Values Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
System Configuration Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-21
I/O Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-24
Advanced Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-26
Diagnostics Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Modbus Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-32
Functions and Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-31
RS-485 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33
Agency Approvals/
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Dimensional Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
CAUTION:
Please read the entire installation section
carefully prior to starting installation.
UNPACKING
Unpack the instrument carefully, making sure all components
have been removed from the packing material. Inspect all
components, and report any damage to the carrier within 24
hours. Check the contents of the carton, making sure it
agrees with the packing slip and the purchase order. Verify
that the model number imprinted on the nameplate matches
the number on the packing slip and the purchase order.
Report any discrepancies to the factory. Check and record
the serial number for future reference when ordering parts.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
Each Model 300/301 Ultrasonic Transmitter has a nameplate
which shows the model number of the unit. Each model
number is coded to identify the options in that specific unit.
Listed below are definitions of each digit of the model num-
ber. By referring to these charts, the installer can determine
exactly which options the unit contains.
INTEGRAL MOUNT MODEL 300 TRANSMITTER
TRANSDUCER PART NUMBER
300
-R
Transmitter type
300 -
Integral mount transmitter
Transmitter housing
R -
Aluminum die cast with dual
1" NPT conduits
Input power
0 -
120 Vac, 50/60 kHz
1 -
240 Vac, 50/60 kHz
2 -
24 Vdc
Process output signal
1 -
4-20 mADC
3 -
RS-485 with Modbus
5 -
4-20 mADC & RS-485 with Modbus
-
45
Transducer type
384 -
38 kHz Transducer
Process connection
2 -
1" NPT
5 -
2" NPT
384
-
K
-
Kynar transducer material
Transducer housing
0 -
No housing (35' of cable potted
into the transducer)
1 -
Cast aluminum, NEMA 4X/7/9
housing with 3/4" NPT single conduit
(cable ordered separately)
Y -
316 SS, NEMA 4X/7/9 housing with
3/4" NPT single conduit (cable
ordered separately)
Relay output
0 -
No relays
C -
Two 10-amp SPDT relays w/ gold flash contacts
D -
Four 10-amp SPDT relays w/ gold flash contacts
Transducer type
G -
2" NPT Kynar with 3" insertion length
L -
2" NPT Kynar with 10" insertion length
Transducer mounting bracket
0 -
No mounting bracket
3 -
Wall mount bracket for 2" NPT process
connection transducer
4 -
Floor mount bracket for 2" NPT process
connection transducer
Transducer insertion length
003 -
3" (76 mm) length
010 -
10" (254 mm) length
REMOTE MOUNT MODEL 301 TRANSMITTER
1" NPT not available with Transducer housing codes 1 or Y
Transducer mounting brackets not available with 1" NPT
transducers.
301
-R
Transmitter type
301 -
Remote mount transmitter
Transmitter housing
R -
Aluminum die cast with dual
1" NPT conduits
Input power
0 -
120 Vac, 50/60 kHz
1 -
240 Vac, 50/60 kHz
2 -
24 Vdc
Output signal
1 -
4-20 mADC
3 -
RS-485 with Modbus
5 -
4-20 mADC & RS-485 with Modbus
-
400
CONNECTING CABLE PART NUMBER
037 - 3176 -
Cable length in feet
10 feet (3 m) minimum, 500 feet (152 m) maximum length.
Example: 12-foot cable length = 037-3176-012
Relay output
0 -
No relays
C -
Two 10-amp SPDT relays w/ gold flash contacts
D -
Four 10-amp SPDT relays w/ gold flash contacts
2
MEASUREMENT RANGE CALCULATIONS
MEASUREMENT RANGE PARAMETERS
Ultrasonic non-contact devices are typically rated for a
maximum range in ideal conditions. Experience has shown
that maximum range must be reduced for certain factors.
Although the maximum range rating is somewhat conser-
vative, each application must be evaluated for specific
conditions.
The operating parameters listed below can impact the max-
imum range of measurement:
• Surface agitation
• Vapors and steam (as measured by temperature
difference between liquid and air)
• Beam spread interference
• Transducer alignment
• Foam
• Dust
• Air movement
• Ambient temperature
• Pressure
Beam interference:
Transducer alignment:
HOW TO CALCULATE
To estimate how successful a
particular
application may be,
using the chart on page 4:
1. Select
one
condition from each of the operating
parameters that best describes your application.
2. Enter the corresponding performance multiplier value
in the application column.
3. Multiply all of the selected values together.
4. Multiply step 3 by 30' (maximum potential range);
this yields a value that is the maximum allowable
measurement range for this application.
Example:
The vessel is a closed-top tank, noninsulated, 22-feet tall.
Surface agitation:
Vapor and steam:
Expect slight agitation from fill
line. Performance multiplier 0.9.
The process temperature is
+130° F, slight vapor is expected.
Performance multiplier 0.9.
No interference exists.
Performance multiplier 1.0.
The transducer will be perpendi-
cular to the liquid surface.
Performance multiplier 1.0.
None.
Performance multiplier 1.0.
None. Performance multiplier 1.0.
None. Performance multiplier 1.0.
0 to +120° F.
Performance multiplier 1.0.
Atmospheric pressure.
Performance multiplier 1.0.
Sensor alignment
Foam:
Dust:
Air movement:
Beam spread
interference
Air movement
Beam spread
interference
Ambient temperature:
Pressure:
Will the Model 300/301 work for this application?
Calculation:
Vapors
Surface
agitation
Dust
Foam
Multiply all values in the application column:
0.9 x 0.9 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x
30 feet (maximum) =
24.3 feet
The calculation yields 24.3 feet as the new maximum range.
Since the tank is 22 feet tall, this application will give satis-
factory results.
NOTE:
The performance multipliers provided are conser-
vative estimates. Since these factors are subjective, the
values have been designed to provide very high confidence
of system success. Contact the factory if there are any
questions concerning the interpretation of any of these per-
formance multipliers.
3
MEASUREMENT RANGE CALCULATIONS, cont.
Operating Parameter
SURFACE AGITATION:
Surface agitation or waves can degrade the
performance. Moderate agitation results in only slight degradation
of performance. The worst case is when the surface is a good
reflector, but in the wrong direction. (See also transducer alignment.)
VAPORS AND STEAM:
Vapors in the air space, above the process,
become apparent, and cause problems when the liquid process
temperature is well above the temperature of the airspace. The
greater the difference, the more expected vapor problems. The
problems result from condensation or layering in the sound path,
both of which attenuate the sound signal, degrading performance.
Avoid steam if possible.
To avoid these problems, ensure that the vessel is insulated so that
vapors are less likely to condense. If a vent is used, be sure that the
vent, which is where condensation will form, is well away from the
transducer.
BEAM SPREAD INTERFERENCE:
It is strongly recommended that
nothing be allowed within the transducer’s beam, except the liquid
which is being monitored. Often, the signal from the liquid will be
strong, compared to the signal from other sources, such as ladder
rungs, filling process material, support struts, etc. For that reason,
some applications may provide satisfactory results, even with
interference. Interference from agitator blades is only an intermittent
interference that usually has little effect on performance.
It is recommended there be no interference within the 6° half angle
of the transducer beam. If interference is unavoidable, make the inter-
ference as far as possible from the transducer so that the real signal
at the longest distance is stronger than the interference signal.
Condition
Smooth, glasslike surface
Slight agitation, choppiness
Heavy agitation
Slight vortex (6°)
No condensation
Performance
Multiplier Application
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
1.0
Little condensation
0.9
Much condensation/
foggy appearance
No interference
Agitator at speed less than 60 RPM
Agitator at speed greater than 60 RPM
Interference outside 4°, far from
transducer (in bottom third of range)
Interference outside 4°, near to
transducer (in top third of range)
0.8
1.0
1.0
Consult
Factory
0.8
0.5
1.0
0.5
1.0
0.8
0.5
0.1
1.0
0.7
0.4
0.1
1.0
0.8
0.7
1.0
0.9
0.9
1.0
Consult
Factory
TRANSDUCER ALIGNMENT:
Optimum performance is obtained when Beam perpendicular to liquid surface
the transducer is perfectly aligned. If the process is not perpendicular
to the sound beam, the sound will not reflect properly back to the
Beam 4° off from perpendicular
transducer. The effect is significant.
FOAM:
Even small thicknesses of foam can attenuate the ultrasound
and render the system inoperative. If possible, moving the transducer
to an area in the tank where there is less foam will improve the
performance. Thick, heavy-density foams can sometimes produce
a reflection from the top of the foam. The multipliers shown at right
are general guidelines. For further assistance consult the factory.
DUST:
Dust attenuates the sound and results in poor performance.
Even barely perceptible haze in the air can cause significant
attenuation.
AIR MOVEMENT:
The movement of air, as possible in an open top
vessel, can create a layer from which the sound will reflect. This will
be most noticeable in applications where vapors or steam tend to
form.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE:
The ambient temperature can have a
significant effect on the sound and on the transducer’s capability to
transmit and receive sound. The most noticeable effect on the
transducer is at the temperature extremes.
PRESSURE:
Sound requires air molecules to be able to travel. Sound
will not travel in a vacuum. Likewise, higher pressures will allow
the sound to continue without decay, which can cause problems with
multiple echoes.
No foam
Light froth, less than 0.25" thick
Light foam, less than 0.5" thick
Light foam, more than 1" thick
No dust
Haze, barely perceptible
Slight dust
Heavy dust
No air movement
Open vessel, but transducer below rim
Open air movement in sound path
-20° to +140° F (-29° to +50° C)
-40° to -20° F (-40° to -29° C)
+140° to +160° F (+50 to +70° C)
-10 to +50 psig (0.689 to +3.45 Bar)
Pressures outside above rating
Multiply all values together in the application column
Maximum Potential Range for Model 300/301
Maximum allowable measurement range for this application
X 30'
4
TRANSDUCER MOUNTING
CAUTION:
Please read the entire installation section carefully prior to starting installation. Also read the Measurement
Range Calculations section on pages 3-4 to make sure that you have selected the proper level system for your application.
CAUTION:
If equipment is used in a manner not specified by manufacturer, protection provided by equipment may be impaired.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The unit can be provided as an integral mount Model 300
with the transducer connected to the transmitter housing, or
as a remote mount Model 301 with the transmitter mounted
as far as 500' (152 m) away from the transducer. Both the
transducer and the transmitter are approved for Class
I,
Division 1, Groups B, C, & D areas.
TRANSDUCER MOUNTING LOCATION
Proper mounting of the ultrasonic transducer is very critical
to the operation of any non-contact ultrasonic application.
Both the accuracy and the reliability of the Model 300/301
can be adversely affected if the transducer is mounted
improperly. This section must be followed carefully to make
sure that the optimum mounting location is chosen, and that
proper mounting techniques are used for the transducer.
Several factors should be considered when selecting the
transducer location:
• Inherent dead band of the transducer
• Standpipes
• Application difficulties (foam, turbulence, vapors)
• Ultrasonic beam angle
TRANSDUCER DEAD BAND
The transducer must be mounted directly over the liquid sur-
face, as shown in Figure 1. Non-contact ultrasonic instru-
ments require a “dead band” or “blind space” between the
face of the transducer and the maximum liquid level. The
minimum dead band for the Model 300/301 is 18" (457 mm).
This dead band should be taken into consideration when
mounting the transducer. If the level must be measured all
the way to the top of the tank, the transducer should be
mounted in a standpipe as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
STANDPIPES
In applications where the material level may come into the
dead band, the transducer must be mounted in a standpipe.
The diameter of the standpipe should be at least 8" (203
mm); and its length should be limited to 11" (279 mm) from
transducer face. Refer to Figure 2.
2" NPT
Stand
pipe
Maximum 11"
(279 mm) or less
Transducer
8" (203)
Minimum I.D.
This end welded
or flanged
Figure 2
Transducer Mounting in Standpipe
Figure 3
Transducer Mounting for Tanks with Exhaust
APPLICATION DIFFICULTIES
Model 300
Flange
Air
Maximum range 30.0' (9.1 m)
Dead band
18" minimum
(457 mm)
Typically the liquid surface is most turbulent at the fill point.
Foam on the other hand, is most likely to accumulate at the
opposite end of the fill. Since foam and turbulence can both
create difficulties in reflecting a strong ultrasonic signal back
into the transducer, it is best to pick a mounting location
away from these areas in the vessel.
Avoid installing the transducer in tank top openings that
exhaust heated air or vapors. The boundaries between the
vapors and the outside air often represent acoustic imped-
ance gradients that can cause troublesome sound reflec-
tions. In those installations, the transducer should be mount-
ed well away from the opening inside the tank, or in a stand-
pipe as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
Liquid
Maximum span
28.5' (8.7 m)
Figure 1
Typical Transducer Mounting
5