GENERAL INSTRUMENTATION | LEVEL MEASUREMENT
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
Non-contact level measurement with intelligent echo analysis that needs no commissioning steps—install it and it’s reading. Built for straightforward level duty up to 15 m, where radar’s longer range and higher cost aren’t needed.
0 – 15 m
Range
1 mm
Resolution
0.45 – 0.6 m
Blind Zone
IP65
Ingress Protection
DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
What is an Ultrasonic Level Transmitter?
An ultrasonic level transmitter measures level by timing a sound pulse reflected off the surface of the material below, a non-contact method with no moving parts and no wetted electronics, which is why it carries a low failure rate compared to float or contact-based level instruments.
John Finlay's unit covers a 0 to 15m range at 1 mm resolution, with a blind zone of 0.45 to 0.6m near the transducer face where measurement isn't possible a normal characteristic of ultrasonic sensing that needs to be accounted for in mounting height, not a defect.
Intelligent echo analysis processes the reflected signal automatically and needs no commissioning steps, which is the practical difference that matters on a straightforward tank or bin-level application: fit it, power it, and it's reading no configuration menu to work through first.
No Commissioning Steps
Intelligent echo analysis processes the return signal automatically; no setup menu required before the unit is reading correctly.
Low Failure Rate
Non-contact measurement with no moving parts and no wetted electronics in the material being measured.
1 mm Resolution
Fine resolution across a practical 15m range, suited to tanks, bins and process vessels rather than large storage silos.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Range | 0 – 15 m |
Blind Zone | 0.45 – 0.6 m |
Resolution | 1 mm |
Output | 4–20 mA |
Power Supply | 24 V DC |
Ingress Protection | IP65 |
Commissioning | None required—intelligent echo analysis |
KEY FEATURES
Key Features & Performance Highlights
Built for level duty where straightforward, low-maintenance measurement matters more than extreme range or process temperature.
Intelligent Echo Analysis
The unit processes the reflected ultrasonic signal automatically, filtering out false echoes without requiring a commissioning or setup procedure, a genuine time saving on installations with many level points.
Low Failure Rate by Design
Non-contact measurement means no moving parts and no wetted electronics exposed to the material; the mechanical failure modes of float switches and contact probes simply don't apply here.
Practical Range for Process Vessels
A 0 to 15m range at 1 mm resolution covers the tanks, bins and process vessels most common across a washery, without paying for radar's longer range where it isn't needed.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
How the Ultrasonic Level Transmitter Works
Ultrasonic level measurement times a reflected sound pulse rather than relying on contact with the material.
Pulse Emission
The transducer emits an ultrasonic sound pulse toward the material surface.
Surface Reflection
The pulse reflects off the surface and returns to the transducer.
Intelligent Echo Analysis
Onboard processing analyzes the returned signal automatically, distinguishing the genuine surface echo from false reflections; no manual commissioning step is required.
Level Calculation
Level is calculated from the time taken for the pulse to travel to the surface and back to 1 mm resolution.
Signal Output
Level data outputs via 4–20 mA for direct integration into plant control and monitoring systems.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter | Full Specification
Specifications sourced directly from John Finlay’s instrumentation documentation.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Range | 0 – 15 m |
Blind Zone | 0.45 – 0.6 m |
Resolution | 1 mm |
Output | 4–20 mA |
Power Supply | 24 V DC |
Ingress Protection | IP65 |
Commissioning | None required—intelligent echo analysis |
COMPARISON
Ultrasonic vs. Radar Level Measurement
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
Radar Level Transmitter
Applications of the Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
Ultrasonic level measurement is a straightforward, cost-effective choice wherever the environment is relatively clean and the range requirement is within 15m.
Tank and Bin Level Monitoring
Covers the common tank and bin level duty found throughout a coal washery without paying for radar's longer range.
Process Vessel Level Control
1 mm resolution supports tighter level control on process vessels than a coarser measurement method.
Retrofit-Friendly Installations
No commissioning steps are needed, making this a fast retrofit onto existing vessels with minimal setup time.
Clean-Air Environments
Best suited to areas without heavy dust or vapor, where ultrasonic performance isn't degraded for dustier duty, see our Radar Level Transmitter.
Multi-Point Level Installations
The lack of commissioning steps makes deploying several units across a plant significantly faster than instruments requiring individual setup.
General Plant Level Monitoring
A cost-effective default for level measurement wherever extreme range or process temperature isn't the deciding factor.
About John Finlay
Level Measurement Instrumentation Supplier in India
Why John Finlay?
1mm
ResolutionÂ
Fine-resolution level measurement across a practical 15m range.
130+
Coal Washery Projects
Completed EPC projects worldwide, including Asia’s largest coking coal washery at 30 MTPA.
EPC
Full Circuit Supply
Supplied as part of a complete instrumentation and automation offering across the coal preparation flowsheet.
IN
India-Based Support
Manufactured at Hefei John Finlay Mining Equipment Co., Ltd. and supported locally in India for installation, commissioning, spares and service.
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter | Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from engineers in coal washery processes evaluating non-contact ultrasonic level measurement.
Ultrasonic measurement is a lower-cost option suited to clean-air environments within a 15m range. Radar costs more but is unaffected by dust or vapor and covers up to 120 m; see our Radar Level Transmitter page for that comparison in more depth.
No, intelligent echo analysis processes the return signal automatically, so the unit is reading correctly as soon as it’s installed and powered, without a setup procedure.
0.45 to 0.6m near the transducer face, where measurement isn’t possible. This area is a normal characteristic of ultrasonic sensing and needs to be accounted for in mounting height, not a fault.
Heavy dust or vapor can affect ultrasonic performance. For those conditions, our Radar Level Transmitter is the better-suited instrument.
1 mm across the full 0 to 15m range.
Not sure if ultrasonic or radar is the right fit for your level point?
Our engineers can help you match the instrument to your actual environment and range requirement.
Talk to an Expert