BASI BULT200 User Manual

ULTRASONIC LEVELMETER

BULT200 MANUAL

Used for process control in the liquid/solid level and other objects position measurement

Compact 2-wire Series

V 1.0 -2018

Safety instructions

The instrument for low voltage DC power supply (DC24V),
power supply should meet the technical requirements

The metal housing should be connected with the earth

Please read the manual of this instrument carefully before
putting the instrument into operation

All operations described in this manual must be carried out
only by trained specialist personnel

All rights reserved

This manual is for products that have the appearance
of the following electronic units:

Table of contents

1

1. Introduction

Uses:

Liquid level, solid level or object position measurement.

Application：

The liquid level surface , material surface or solid surface
that the ultrasonic can transmission effectively. Such as:
storage tanks, troughs, measuring boxes, ponds, tanks,
wells, drains, granaries, silos, moving objects.

Features:
 Two-wire connection, strong ultrasonic emission, stable and

reliable measurement

 Optional HART output function, HART7.5 version, and

backward compatible

 Without HART hand-held Communicator, HART parameters

can be simply set by the instrument itself

 Large LCD display, easy to debug and observe
 Over-voltage and over-current protection, lightning

protection

 Intelligent signal processing technology to ensure that the

instrument to adapt to a variety of working conditions

 All plastic probe,good acid and alkali anti-corrosion, to

adapt to harsh environments

The measuring range:

The meter has the following range specifications:
Liquid level: 4m、6m、8m、12m、15m、20m、30m
Solid Level: 3m、5m、7m、10m、15m

Note:

1. The above range is only for relatively calm liquid level
measurement, for the liquid level fluctuations, liquid volatile
easy to make the ultrasonic probe surface
condensation,solid level measurement and other conditions,
the effective range of about 50% of the above data, it is
recommended to select a larger range (higher power) .

2. Outdoor installation in cold areas, should prevent the
probe surface frost or icing.Probe lengthened type is
optional, the probe can enter into the container inside.Or
select the four-wire with probe heating function type.

2

2. Structure:

4m、6m、8m 12m、20m、30m

20m、30m Horn Type （Small beam angle）

3

3. Measuring principle

Level meter consists of an ultrasonic probe and an
electronic unit.Level meter is mounted on top of the container,
under the control of the electronic unit, the ultrasonic probe
transmitting ultrasonic pulses to the measured object.Sound
waves are reflected by the surface of the object, part of the
echo received by the probe and converted to electrical
signals.The meter measures the time between pulse
transmission and reception. The time is proportional to the
distance from the probe to the measured object. The
electronic unit detects this time and calculates the measured
distance based on the known sound velocity. Level value can
be obtained by the subtraction.

The speed of ultrasonic wave in the air is affected by the air
temperature, therefore, the Ambient temperature needs to be
detected when the level meter works, and the sound speed is
compensated to ensure the measurement accuracy
.Blind zone: Span F may not extend into the blind zone B.
Level echo from the blind zone cannot be evaluated due to the
transient characteristics of the sensor.

4

4. Technical data

The measuring range:

The blacking distance:(From the sensor surface)

Type

Condition

4m

6m

8m

12m

20m

30m

Relatively calm

liquid, flat solid

4.00m

6.00m

8.00m

12.00m

20.00m

30.00m

Drastic fluctuation,

strong volatile liquid

3.00m

4.00m

6.00m

9.00m

16.00m

25.00m

Blocky, particles

solid

4.00m

6.00m

12.00m

20.00m

MODEL

4m

6m

8m

12m

20m

30m

Blacking
distance

0.20m

0.25m

0.30m

0.50m

0.80m

1.00m

Accuracy

0.2% of full span (in air,stationary
plane, standard signal strength)

Display resolution

1mm (Less than 10m type)
1cm (more than 10m type)

Display

4 digit LCD

Output current

4-20mA (HART function is optional)

Output load

0-500Ω

Parameter set up

3 Membrane buttons

Temperature range

Electronic unit : -40℃~+75℃
( LCD: -20℃~+70℃ )
Sensor(PVC/ABS): -40℃~+75℃
Sensor(PTFE/PVDF): -40℃~+100℃

Temperature
compensation

Full range automatically.

Pressure range

-0.04~+0.1MP(Except for the following
models)
4m/6m/8m,4m/6m/8m-F:-0.04~+0.2MP

5

Mounting dimensions

4m-S、6m-S 4m 、6m 、8m、

12m（Standard） 12m-D（Small beam

angle）20m、30m

Power supply

DC24V(±10%)，30mA

Cable diameter

6~12mm

Single
wire diameter

0.5~1.78mm

Cable gland

PG13.5/M20

Measure cycle

1.5 second (changeable )

Beam angle

5º(3db) for range :12m-D and 20m,30m
horn probe
8º(3db) for any other range probe

Housing material

Aluminium,Plastic(ABS)、

Sensor material

ABS/PVC/PTFE/PVDF

Protect grade

IP67

Fix

Thread ,flange or bracket

ABS/PVC Probe

6

4m-F、6m-F

4m-S-F、6m-S-F 8m-F、12m-F 20m-F、30m-F

20m、30m Horn type

Horn probe with a
smaller beam
angle, suitable for
narrow space level
measurement

PTFE/PVDF Probe

Horn Probe

7

Probe launch surface dimensions：

PTFE/PVDF probe is a flat probe, the front of other materials
probe structure is horn.

Note:
The detection
distance and the
dead zone value
should be
calculated from
the launch surface
of the probe.

8

Panel layout of the electronics unit

Wiring diagram

Note:
The power supply for the level meter is DC24v, please note
the wiring marked, and the actual wiring marking on the level
meter. The external loop should have a current supply
capability of 30mA.
Outdoor use, the metal housing should be connected to the
earth, in order to ensure the instrument lightning protection
capability.

Use a small slotted

screwdriver

Insert the wire as

shown above

9

HART Communications and Settings (Optional).

 Comply with the HART 7.5 standard ,backward compatible.
 Have been tested by the HART Foundation accredited

laboratory.

 Part of HART settings can be setup by the instrument’s

button.

 Support the common functions of the HART Communicator.
 Support all HART 7 Universal Command and some

Common Practice Command.

Common features:

 Read and Write Identifier,Tags or Messages.
 Read Primary Variable(Level Value),Loop Current and

Percent Of Range.

 Read Secondary Variable (Distance Value).
 Read Tertiary Variable (temperature Value ) .
 Write Polling Address(0~63).
 Set Range Value.
 Trim Loop Current.

Connection with the HART Communicator.

10

Operation

Display and keys

The series is displayed with 4 digit LCD.

The series has 3 keys, with its functions as follow:

SEL

Selection of the display content or parameter

INC

Changing the value of the certain digit from 0 to 9

in turn

MOV

Selection of the digit to be changed

Two working mode

The instrument has two working mode:

Measurement mode
Program mode.

Press SEL and MOV simultaneously to switch between
these two mode. After entering the Program mode, the
corresponding indicator will change.

Measurement mode

The level value、the distance value and the temperature
value will be shown in turn by pressing the SEL key in
measurement mode. Please pay attention to the indicate
symbol:

Display Value

LCD

Description

Level Value

Flashing arrows point
to L(Level)

Distance

Value

Flashing arrows point
to D (Distance)

Temperature

Flashing arrows point
to T (Temperature)

11

POWER ON Power on the instrument shows the boot symbol.
After a few seconds, the level or distance value is displayed.

The▲symbol flashes on the left of the screen, indicating that
an echo is received.At the same time, the symbol ▲ point to

the variable abbreviation (L, D, T) on the panel to indicate the
corresponding current display value.

When the meter is powered on, reset or exited from the
parameter setting status, the level or distance value is first
displayed, which is determined by the currently selected
measurement variable (selected in the parameter setting).

KEYS Press the SEL ，the level meter can switch to select the
display level value, distance value, temperature value.

Press the button should be released immediately.

In running state, INC/MOV key is invalid.

Press the SEL, MOV key together and instantly release
the key to enter or exit the parameter setting state.
RESET Press SEL and MOV at the same time and hold for
more than 4s can reset the meter and enter into the parameter
setting state, press the SEL, MOV key at the same time and
instantly release to exit.

DISPLAY AND CURRENT OUTPUT

Level and distance unit is the meter(foot can be set in the
inner setting), the temperature is °C.

The distance value is directly obtained by the level meter,
level value is the installation height value to subtract the
measured distance value obtained. Therefore, the distance
value must be accurate, the installation height must be
accurately set.

Ambient temperature affects the accuracy of sound
velocity, temperature values should be displayed correctly.

Without HART function, the current output corresponds to
the measured variable (level or distance) selected in the
parameter. With HART function, the current corresponds to
the level only.

Installation height must be accurate and should be
greater than or equal to the distance measurement value.If it

12

is less than the distance measurement value, then the left two
symbols flashing at the same time,the level value and the
corresponding current value does not change, but the
distance value changes(If the PV is set as the distance value,
the current output changes).

If the level meter displays only the boot symbol for a long
time after power on, or if the SEL key is pressed, the
instrument level and distance measurement display 0.000
while the symbol do not flashing that the level meter fails to
work normally.

Program mode

When SEL and MOV keys are pressed simultaneously,
the instrument can enter or exit of the mode.

Press SEL key to select the content in turn in program
mode, please pay attention to the symbol in the following
examples.

Parameters

Significance

Installation

height

The distance from the surface of the probe to the
bottom of the container;unit is m(ft can be choose
from the inner setting).

Full span

The 20mA output corresponding to the maximum
value of the PV.
Can also be programmed by the hart hand-held
programmer.

Zero span

The 4mA output corresponding to the minimum
value of the PV.
Can also be programmed by the hart hand-held
programmer.

PV select

Select the 4-20mA corresponding to the level or the
distance value.When the setting is HL99 the
current corresponding to the distance value. The
any other value the current corresponding to the
level value.(This parameter is not available with

13

With HART function Without HART function

SET PARAMETERS

1. In Measurement mode, press SEL、MOV simultaneously

into program mode。 The LCD displays the value of
Installation height:

2. press MOV，to select a certain bit, the bit will be dark, then

press INC to change the digit:

HART function, the current output corresponds to
the level value.)

Address

select

Setting the local HART polling address (00~63)
(This parameter is only available with HART
function)

Inner

password

The password for inner parameters setting. Users
do not need to set up this parameter.

Parameters

LCD

Installation

height

Full span

Zero span

Address

select

Inner

password

Parameters

LCD

Installation

height

Full span

Zero span

PV Select

Inner

password

14

3. press MOV，to selcet other bits, and press INC to change

the digits:

4. press SEL to save the value and select next parameter, full

span:

5. as the same way, to change the value of full span.

6. press SEL to save the value and select next parameter,

zero span:

7. as the same way, to change the value of full span.

8. press SEL to save the value and select next parameter,

pv select or address select:(If there is no HART function,
the parameters is pv select.)

9. as the same way, to change the value of pv selet.

10. the last parameter is inner password, it needn’t to be

change.

11. press SEL back to preceding parameters, check the

values.

12. press SEL and MOV simultaneously, the instrument can

exit of the operating mode.

15

The current output correspondence

Current = [(PV(Primary Variable)-Zero span) / (Full span- Zero

span)] *16mA + 4mA
e.g:
①The Primary variable is Level (the variable is selected as

HL00), the Level value is 3.626m, the Full scale is set to

6.000m, the Zero scale is set to 0.000m, the current output is:
[(3.626-0.00)/(6.000-0.000)] *16mA +4mA = 13.67mA

PV is level value (HL00)

② The Primary variable is distance (the variable is selected
as HL99), the distance value is 2.365m, the Full scale is set to

6.000m, the Zero scale is set to 0.500m, the current output is:
[(2.365-0.500)/(6.000-0.500)] *16mA +4mA = 9.43mA

16

PV is distance value (HL99)

Instrument inspection

1.Power supply should be correctly connected by the
identification . The voltage of Level meter is DC24V. External
power supply should have a 30mA current supply capability to
meet the startup current requirements.

2. Place the the level meter perpendicular to the wall, the
measured distance must not within the blind distance and
there should no obstacles. Power up the level meter.

3. The level meter first shows the boot symbol and then shows
the level value.

4. Press the SEL key, the meter can switch display distance
value, temperature value and level value.

5. Slowly move the level meter, the level or distance value
displayed on the meter should be changed accordingly.

When moving within close range (1m), speed should not exceed 0.1m / s.
There is a detection window inside the level meter. The target beyond
the detection window needs to have a judgment time of about 5s. The
measurement window below 10m is usually ± 0.5m, and the window
above 10m is ± 1.2m. Due to the detection window, the distance sudden
change from far to near about 1/2 of the distance , errors may be occur.
The sudden change of distance usually does not exist in the actual
measurement.

6. Press SEL and MOV keys simultaneously to enter the
program mode, set the installation height, full scale, zero scale
and other parameters

17

The installation height must be greater than or equal to the
maximum distance value of the level meter. If the distance
value is greater than the installation height, the left symbol
flashes, the level value does not change, and the current
output does not change if PV is set as the level value. But if
the PV is set as the distance value ,the current will change.

7. Use ammeter to measure 4-20mA current output.

8. Connect the HART hand-held communicator to the level
meter to test the functions related to HART communication.
The full scale , zero scale and POLLING address via the

HART hand-held communicator is the same as the result set by
the keys on the meter.
Installation height can not be set by the HART hand-held
communicator.

18

5. Installation

Reasonable installation is critical factor of the

instrument’s normal working.

Level meter installed in the top of the container. Probe
launch surface perpendicular to the liquid or material surface.
If a sealed container mounting flange should be used. Other
cases can be mounted bracket.

Flange mounting, plastic flange recommendations
formulated according to the size of the thread on the level
meter. 20m, 30m horn type level gauge has been directly
equipped with flange (DN200).

Flange mounting Bracket mounting
Mounting measures

■ Ultrasonic emission, having a small spread angle. If other
objects within the spread angle obstruct and form equal to or
less than 90°reflection angle, reflection will occur. If the
reflection is very strong, measurement errors will result. The
smooth and flat side of the container does not reflect the
ultrasonic waves coming from above. The installation

distance between the meter and the side wall should be

19

more than 10% of the measuring range and not less than

0.4m.

■ When flange mounting,plastic material flange is
recommended. It is best to specify the size of the installation
flange when ordering, direct preparation by the manufacturer.

If installed on metal flange or metal thread, please install

as above. To avoid resonance, resulting in measurement
errors (large measure liquid level than actual value)

■ In the case of a closed container, the flanges and short
tube on the container shall meet the following requirements:

■Install the installation as far away from the uneven container
wall, away from the ladder in the container, sprue, mixing

Type

4m、6m、8m

12m、20m、30m

20m、30m Horn

Requirement

Flange diameter
should not be less
than 65mm,short
socket of the inner
wall is smooth and
large diameter,the
length should be
short, < 400mm.

Flange diameter should
not be less than
100mm, flange socket
length should be less
than 150mm and the
inner wall is smooth.
The probe should
extend from the
mounting opening.

Flange diameter
should not be less
than 200mm, flange
socket length should
be less than 200mm,
the probe should be
extended from the
mounting opening.

20

blades and other things that can block the sound waves.

■Installation port, flange socket too long, will affect the sound
wave propagation,reduced effective range. The probe should
be extended from the mounting opening or close to it

■ If there is fluctuation in liquid level,
or if there are float balls, foam, strong
liquid volatility, probe easy
condensation, objects that block sound
waves, etc., which can be solved by
adding a plastic tube to the
container,so that the sound waves
spread only in the plastic pipe,to
ensure the stable and reliable of the
measurement .It requires plastic pipe wall is smooth, flat,
seamless.The pipe should from the flange to the bottom of the
container. Two small holes must open in upper and lower ends
of each side of the tube , to ensure consistent level of inner
and outer tube. If the plastic tube can not be down to the
bottom of the container, a oblique truncated short tube can be
used to shield false signal .

21

Add plastic tube effectively eliminate Add inclined plastic tube shielding
all kinds of interference and improve produce false signal location
detection ability

Add plastic tube to make level Level measurement instrument
measurement stable installation position and angle signal
position

■Make sure the distance between the probe surface and the
maximum level exceeds the blind distance.
Instrument can be properly increased the height of
installation. When using the closed container, the inner wall of
the the tube should be smooth, and its inner diameter should
not be larger than the inner diameter of the flange of the
container. The increased height installation will reduce the
effective range.

22

Level meter higher installation, Probe lengthened, to avoid

eliminate blind effect frosting, icing

■ When install to the cold area, such as measuring the

level of liquid in a closed container, should choose the
lengthen probe of the level meter ，make the sensor extend

into the container to avoid frosting or freezing.

Or select a four-wire level meter with electric heating
function.

■ level meter probe launch surface should be as vertical

as possible

to the liquid or material surface.

23

Level meter installation is not vertical, the measurement level
value may be smaller than the actual value or impossible to
measure

Irregular openings, easy to produce false signals, plastic
short tube can be mounted or choose the lengthen probe type.

Power work

The meter will first appear the boot logo after it is powered
on. The level value will be displayed after a few seconds, while

the ▲ symbol on the left side of the display flashes, indicating

that an echo has been received.

The actual measurement of the level meter is the distance
from the probe to the liquid surface or material surface, then
converted to the level value, which is very important principle.

Press the SEL key to view the distance value and
temperature values. If the distance value is the same as the
actual value, it indicates that the level meter status is good
state and the relevant parameters can be set.

24

Press SEL and MOV keys simultaneously to enter the
program mode, set the installation height, full scale, zero scale
and other parameters, then press the SEL button to save.
Then press MOV, SEL simultaneously to return to
measurement status. The meter will display the correct level
value while outputting the correct current signal.

The relevant HART communication parameters can also
be set via the Hart hand-held Communicator.

If there is a measurement error, please refer to the
section "Troubleshooting" below and read through the "
Installation" section again to identify the problem and resolve it,
or consult the manufacturer.

Instrument seal

After the instrument setting is completed and working ,
Tighten the water proof cable gland, the cable is preferably to
bend downwardly , to prevent water infiltration.

Incorrect Correct

25

6. Troubleshooting

The failure of the meter should be judged from the
following aspects:

1.First of all, to determine whether the instrument power

supply is normal.

2. After that, confirm that the instrument itself has no

trouble.

Align the meter with the ground or wall to see if the meter
can be properly tested.

3. Check the parameter settings to confirm that the

parameters are set correctly.

4. Compare the mounting requirements, check the

mounting.

5. Check the application environment, whether there are

adverse factors affecting the measurement.

6. Check whether the level metre had been water

damaged, causing corrosion of the electronic circuit.

7. Refer to the next page of the symptoms and solve the

problem.

8. Consult the the level meter supplier or manufacturer.

26

Trouble-shooting

Trouble Phenomenon

Trouble Reason

Solution

The level meter does not display

Power supply error.

Wiring error.

Instrument water, corrosion of the corridor line

Check the power supply and the current output

Check the wiring.

Return to factory maintenance

The meter is display but it does not work

Or sometimes impossible to measure

The sensor doesn’t aim at the liquid or the material.

The surface has great fluctuations or large volatile liquid

Liquid surface with lots of foam.

The container is empty and the bottom is not flat.

Over the range.

Adjust the sensor and aim at the material.

Add a tube to the container or switch to a larger

range of level meter

Add a tube to the container or use radar level meter

Use instrument with a lager range.
Use instrument with a lager range.

The instrument shows unstable or the

measured value has a great deviation.

The level enters the blanking distance.

There is strong electromagnetic interference

There is Obstruction of the ultrasonic wave.

Increase the installation height of the instrument. or

prevent the level too high.

Increase shielding to the instrument.

Change the installation site or using a plastic tube.