Echotel® 961/962 single- and dual-point ultrasonic level switches

Single Point

ECHOTEL Model 961 offers the ultimate solution to reliable single-point liquid level measurement. This advanced switch uses pulsed signal technology for superior performance in difficult process conditions, and to provide excellent immunity from sources of electrical noise interference. Extensive self-testing of the electronics and transducer make this advanced switch suitable for use in Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 loops.

The ECHOTEL Model 961 is equipped with advanced diagnostics that continuously check the sensor and electronics. The diagnostics also alarm for electrical noise interference from external sources.

Dual Point

ECHOTEL Model 962 is a dual-point switch that can be used as a level controller, or to control pumps in an auto fill or auto empty mode. The tip sensitive lower gap performs well in aerated or foamy liquids, and can measure to within 1.4" of the vessel bottom. The rigidity of the unique flow-through upper gap allows separations of up to 125" (318 cm) between the upper and lower transducer gaps.

Ultrasonic contact technology

Ultrasonic contact switches use a pair of piezoelectric crystals that are encapsulated in epoxy at the tip of the transducer for level measurement. The crystals are made of a ceramic material that vibrates at a given frequency when subjected to an applied voltage. The transmit crystal converts the applied voltage from the electronics into an ultrasonic signal. When liquid is present in the gap, the receive crystal senses the ultrasonic signal from the transmit crystal and converts it back to an electrical signal.

Features

• No calibration
• Loop current or relay output
• Advanced diagnostics: sensor, electronics and electrical noise interference
• LED indication for alarm status and error
• Pushbuttons for manual testing of output
• Metal and plastic sensors
• Adjustable time delay for turbulent aerated liquids
• Pulsed signal technology
• Extensive FM, CSA and ATEX explosion proof and intrinsically safe approvals
• Suitable for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 loops

Options

• Relay output or mA current shift with separate malfunction indication
• Integral or remote mount
• Glass window housing cover
• Cast aluminum, cast stainless steel or deep drawn stainless steel housings
• Transducer materials of 316/316L stainless steel, Hastelloy, Monel, Kynar, CPVC or 316/316L SS with 20 Ra sanitary finish
• ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3 and NACE construction

Operating principle

Model 961/962 switches utilize ultrasonic energy to detect the presence or absence of liquid in a single or dual point transducer. Ultrasonic contact level technology uses high-frequency sound waves that are easily transmitted across a transducer gap in the presence of a liquid media, but are attenuated when the gap is dry. Model 961/962 switches use an ultrasonic frequency of 2 MHz to perform this liquid level measurement in a wide variety of process media and application conditions.

The transducer uses a pair of piezoelectric crystals that are encapsulated in epoxy at the tip of the transducer. The crystals are made of a ceramic material that vibrates at a given frequency when subjected to an applied voltage. The transmit crystal converts the applied voltage from the electronics into an ultrasonic signal. When liquid is present in the gap, the receive crystal senses the ultrasonic signal from the transmit crystal and converts it back to an electrical signal. This signal is sent to the electronics to indicate the presence of liquid in the transducer gap. When there is no liquid present, the ultrasonic signal is attenuated and is not detected by the receive crystal.

Approvals

ATEX	Ex d, Ex ia
CCOE	Ex d, Ex ia
CSA	XP, IS, NI
FM	XP, IS, NI
EAC (GOST)	Ex d, Ex ia
IEC	Ex d
Inmetro	Ex d, Ex ia
SIL	SIL 2 (1oo1)
TÜV/DIBt	WHG § 63, overfill prevention

Other approvals are available. Consult factory for more details