Dinel ULM–53L, ULM–53L–02, ULM–53L–06, ULM–53L–10, ULM–53L–20 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Ultrasonic level meters Ulm–53l

Read carefully the instructions published in this manual before the rst use of the level meter. Keep

the manual at a safe place. The manufacturer reserves the right to implement changes without prior notice.

CONTENT

1 .  Safety .........................................................................................................................................4

2 .  Packing, transportation and storage ..........................................................................................4

3 .  Measuring principle ....................................................................................................................5

4 .  Range of application ..................................................................................................................5

5 .  Features of variants ...................................................................................................................5

6 .  Dimensional drawings ................................................................................................................6

7 .  Installation instructions ...............................................................................................................7

8 .  Electrical connection ..................................................................................................................10

9 .  Level meter setting .....................................................................................................................11

10 .  Status signalization ..................................................................................................................11

11 .  Order code ...............................................................................................................................11

12 .  Accessories ..............................................................................................................................11

13 .  Safety, protection and compatibility .........................................................................................12

14 .  Use, manipulation and maintenance ........................................................................................12

15 .  General conditions and warranty .............................................................................................12

16 .  Specications ...........................................................................................................................13

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

4

All operations described in this instruction manual have to be carried out by trained personnel
or by an accredited person only. Installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance
of the capacitive level sensors has to be carried out in accordance with this instruction
manual; the provisions of regulations in force regarding the installation of electrical equip­ment have to be adhered to.

Improper use, installation or set-up of the sensor can lead to crashes in the application,

(overlling of the tank or damage of system components).

The manufacturer is not responsible for improper use, loss of work caused by either direct

or indirect damage, and for expenses incurred at the time of installation or during the period
of use of the level sensors.

1 . 

SafETy

2 . 

Packing, transPortation and storage

Equipment ULM– 53 L is packed in a cardboard wrap and the whole consignment is placed in a card­board box. The cardboard box is suitably lled to prevent mechanical damage during transport. Let 
the device packed up till the use to prevent possible damage.

Transport to the customer is realized by forwarding company. Upon receipt, please check whether 
the shipment is complete and corresponds to the extent of the order, or whether during the transport 
did not occurred the damage of the packaging or the equipment. The device apparently damaged 
during transport do not use and contact the manufacturer to resolve the situation.

If  the  device  is  transported  further,  then  only  wrapped  in  the  original  packaging  and  protected 
against shocks and weather. Store the device in its original packaging in a dry place, sheltered from 
the weather, with humidity up to 85% without the effects of chemically active substances. Storage 
temperature range is from -20°C to +60°C.

Level meters variants ULM–53_–02, 06, 10 are tted with protective caps at the ultrasonic

transducer to prevent damage. Before commissioning, remove the caps!

Used symbols

To ensure maximum safety of control processes, we have dened the following safety instructions 
and information. Each instruction is labeled with the appropriate pictogram.

Alert, warning, danger

This symbol informs you about particularly important instructions for installation and op­eration of equipment or dangerous situations that may occur during the installation and 
operation. Not observing these instructions may cause disturbance, damage or destruc­tion of equipment or may cause injury

Information

This symbol indicates particularly important characteristics of the device.

5

© Dinel, s.r.o. ULM–53L

3 . 

measUring PrinciPle

The ULM® ultrasonic  level meters  are  compact  measurement  devices  containing  an  ultrasonic 
transmitter  and  an  electronic  module.  Using  an transmitter, level  meters  transmit the series  of 
ultrasonic  pulses  that  spread  towards  the  level  surface.  The  transmitter  recuperates  reected 
acoustic waves that are subsequently processed  in  the electronic module. Based on the period 
during which the individual pulses spread towards the level and back, this period is averaged by 
the  electronics  that  performs  temperature  compensation  and  subsequently  a  conversion  to  an 
output current (voltage) or Modbus communication.

4 . 

range of aPPlication

The level meters are suited to continuous non-contact level measurement of liquids (water solu­tions,  sewerage water, etc.), mash and paste materials (sediments, sticks, resins etc.) in closed 
or open vessels, sumps, reservoirs and open channels. In case the level of bulk-solid materials is 
measured, the measurement range is reduced.

ULM–53L–_ _–I  and  ULM–53L–_ _–U  level  meters  has  no  customer  accessible  adjusting  ele­ments. Customer choice of the maximum measurement range (factory settings), The outputs can 
be current (4 ... 20 mA) or voltage (0  ...  10  V).  ULM–53L–__–M level meters has no customer 
accessible adjusting elements. Two-way communication (parameterization) by RS–485 Modbus 
RTU protocol.

ULM –53L –02 Measuring range from 0.25 m to 2 m (customer congurable), plastic 

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) transmitter and plastic body, process 
connection with thread G 1”.

ULM –53L–06 Measuring range from 0.25 m to 2 m (customer congurable), plastic 

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) transmitter and plastic body, process 
connection with thread G 1½".

ULM – 53L–10 Measuring range from 0.5 m to 10 m (customer congurable), plastic 

PVDF transmitter and plastic body, process connection with PP 
(Polypropylene) ange.

ULM–53L–20 Measuring range from 0.5 m to 20 m (customer congurable), plastic 

PVDF transmitter and plastic body, process connection with 
aluminium ange.

5 . 

featUres of variants

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

6

6 .  DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS

ULM–53L–02–_

ULM–53L–06–_

ULM–53L–10–_

ULM–53L–20–_

Al ange

Ground
terminal

Polypropylene

DN65

7

© Dinel, s.r.o. ULM–53L

Fig. 2: Level meter dead zone

a)  Install the level meter in a vertical position into the upper lid of the tank (vessel) or reser voir 

using a lug, a fastening nut or a ange in such a way that the ULM axis is perpendicular to the 
level of the measured liquid (Fig. 1).

b)   Minimum dimension parameters when installing into 

a lid or a ceiling of a tank are listed in Fig. 3.  

c)    When installing in an open channel (r e s e r v o i r ,  d r a i n  

and the like), install the level meter onto a console to 
the expected maximum level as close as possible.

d)    In  compliance with the measurement principle,  no 

signals reected in the area directly below the level 
meter (the so-called dead zone) can be evaluated. 
The  dead  zone  (Fig.  2)  determines  the  minimum 
distance possible between the level meter and the 
highest  surface  level.  Medium  minimum  distance 
parameters  are  listed  in  chapter  on  „Technical 
specications“.

e)    It is necessary t o  i n s t a l l  t h e  l e v e l  m e t e r  i n  s u c h  a  w a y  

that  the  bin  level  does  not  interfere  with  the  dead 
zone  when  lled  up to  the  maximum. If  measured 
level interferes with the dead zone, the level meter 
will not work properly.

Fig. 1: Recommended installation

in the tank

Fig. 4: Possible installation of the installation neck

a – Neck heigh

b – Neck width

m – Dead zone

Fig. 3: Installation distance from the tank wall

d – Distance from tank wall

c – Measuring range

m – Dead zone

f)  In case the maximum surface level in the tank interferes with the dead zone, the level meter 

has to be mounted into a higher installation neck. Subsequently, the tank can be lled nearly up 
to the maximum volume. The neck’s inner surface has to be even and smooth (without edges 
and welded joints), the inner edge should be rounded in the position point where the ultrasonic 
waves leave the pipe. Choose the largest possible neck’s diameter, but keep the neck’s height 
as low as possible. Recommended dimensions of the neck are listed in Fig. 4.

ULM–53L–02 ; 06

a < 3 b
b > 100 mm

ULM–53L–10

a < 1,5 b
b > 100 mm

ULM–53L–20

a < 1,5 b
b > 150 mm

ULM–53L–02 ; 10

d > 1/12 c
(Min. 200 mm)

ULM–53L–06

d > 1/8 c
(Min. 200 mm)

ULM–53L–20

d > 1/10 c
(Min. 200 mm)

7 . 

installation instrUctions

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

8

g)  Foam on the level absorbs the acoustic wave re-

ection which might cause malfunction of the level 
meter.  For  mounting  nd  the  location  where  the 
foaming is as low as possible (Fig. 5).

h)  Emitted acoustic signal must not be affected by near 

objects (ladders, mixers, propellers, etc.), stream 
of lling, air ow, etc. (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Minimum distance of the level meter to nearby objects

in the tank

i)  Do not install the level meter in or above the lling point (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7: Level meter installation outside the inuence of lling circulation

x – Distance to the edge of the longest object

c – Measurement range of the level meter

Fig. 5: Thick foam on the surface

!

j)  In case the level of bulk-solid materials is measured, the measurement range is reduced. We 

recommend to consult the use with the manufacturer.

ULM–53L–02 ; 10

x > 1/12 c
(min. 200 mm)

ULM–53L–06

x > 1/8 c
(min. 200 mm)

ULM–53L–20

x > 1/10 c
(min. 200 mm)

9

© Dinel, s.r.o. ULM–53L

Fig. 9: Reection board

H + L = Dead zone

Fig. 11: Intensely stirred

surface

!

Fig. 8: Direct solar radiation shielding

cover

k)  The  level meter must  not be installed in  places 

with  direct  solar radiation  and  must be  protected 
against weather conditions.

l)  In case  the installation at places with direct  solar 

radiation  is  inevitable,  it  is  necessary  to  mount 
a shielding cover above the level meter (Fig. 8).

m)  To  l o w e r  t h e  m i n i m u m  d i s t a n c e  t o  t h e  m e d i u m  m e a s -

ured, a reection board m a d e  f r o m  s o l i d ,  e v e n a n d  
smooth material can be installed together with the 
level meter (Fig. 10). Subsequently, the tank can be 
lled nearly up to the maximum volume. The solution 
is suitable for open tanks and reservoirs.

n)  S c a t t e r i n g  o r  a t t e n u a t i o n  o f  t h e  u l t r a s o n i c  s i g n a l  c a n  

r e s u l t  i f  t h e  s u r f a c e  l e v e l  h a s  b e e n  m o d e r a t e l y  s t i r r e d  
or rippled as a consequence a stirrer’s operation, 
inow of liquid and the like. Consequently, measuring 
range or unreliable level meter’s functioning might
follow (Fig. 11).

o)  False  surface  reections  of  the  ultrasonic  signal 

might result as a consequence of rotating mixer’s
blades that ri p ple th e  s u r f ace l eve l  a n d thus c ause 
unreliable level meter’s functioning (Fig. 12).

p)  The  level meter should not  be installed at places 

where ultrasonic signal false reections caused 
by stirrer blades might occur (Fig. 13).

!

Fig. 10: Moderately stirred

surface

Fig. 12: False reection caused by

mixer blade

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

10

Fig. 14: Level meter connection diagram

(Variant – I)

Fig. 15: Level meter connection diagram

(Variant – U)

Legend:

BK – Black WH – White
BU – Blue YE – Yellow
BN – Brown GN – Green

Make the electric connection in voltage-free state!

In case of strong electromagnetic interferences (EMI), parallel cable ducting with power lines, or when
cable length exceeds 30 m we recommended to use shielded cable (for “I” and “U” variants only).

q)  Horn  adapter ST–G1 (ULM–53L–02) and 

ST–G1,5  (ULM–53L–06)  for  improved 
transmitted signal reception can be used in 
open channels, sumps, tanks, etc.

r)  Horn adapter increases the radiation direc-

tivity of acoustic waves, improves reception 
of weak echoes  (unstable  level  surfaces, 
solid materials, etc.) and reduces  the risk 
of false reections.

s)  The horn adapter is installed to level meters 

via  process  connection  G1”  (ST–G1)  or 
G1½” (ST–G1,5).

Horn adapter ST

Fig. 13: Horn adapter installation

8 . 

electrical connection

ULM–53L–__–I and ULM–53L–__–U

The ultrasonic level meter is designed to 
be connected to supply unit or to control­ler  through  two  or  three-wire  5  m  long 
cable.  Connection  diagram  as shown  in 
Fig. 14 and 15.

„ULM–53L–__–M“

The  connection  is  done  by  means  of 
shielded  four  wires  cable  directly  into  a 
binary input of control system (RS–485). 
Connection diagram as shown in Fig. 16. 
Shielded cable length is 5 m.

Fig. 16: Level meter connection diagram

(Variant – M)

11

© Dinel, s.r.o. ULM–53L

9 . 

level meter setting

10 . 

statUs signalization

There are no setting elements on the level meters. ULM–53L–__–M type adjusting (parameteri­zation) by RS–485 Modbus RTU protocol.

Modbus RTU commands are shown i separate appendix.

ULM–53L–_ _–I and ULM–53L–__–U type are produced without optical LED indication. No echo 
reection or  dead zone indication via current or voltage change in output. See “Technical data” 
table.

ULM–53L–_ _– M  type  are produced  without optical LED  indication.  No echo  reection  or dead 
zone indication via RS–485 Modbus RTU protocol.

11 . 

order code

Variant:

02 – Max. range 2 m
06 – Max. range. 6 m
10 – Max. range. 10 m
20 – Max. range. 20 m

ULM – 53L – – – –

Customer maximum range (in dm) – “I” and “U” output type only

0005 ... 0020 – 0.5 ... 2 m (Variant “02”)
0008 ... 0060 – 0.8 ... 6 m (Variant “06”)
0020 ... 0100 – 2.0 ... 10 m (Variant “10”)
0020 ... 0200 – 2.0 ... 20 m (Variant “20”)

Type of output:

I – Current (4 ... 20 mA)
U – Voltage (0 ... 10 V)
M – RS–485 (Modbus RTU)

Electric connection:

G – Cable outlet PG11

Optional

(for extra charge)

•  Fixing nut G1” and G1 ½”

•  Horn adapter ST–G1 and ST–G1,5

Standard

(included in the level meter price)

•  1pc of seal (for ULM–53L–02; –06)

•  5 m of cable

12 . 

accessories

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

12

The level meter ULM–53L is equipped with protection against reverse polarity and output current 
overload.

Protection  against  dangerous  contact  is  secured  by  low  safety  voltage  that  complies  with 
EN 33 2000-4-41. EMC according to EN 55022/B, EN 61326/Z1 and EN 61000-4-2 to 6.

Supplied electrical equipment matches the  requirements of valid  European  directives for safety 
and electromagnetic compatibility. The declaration of Conformity for the above mentioned product 
was issued.

The device must be installed in such a way, to prevent mechanical damage of sensor face.

It is forbidden to perform any modications or interventions into the ULM–53L level meter

without manufacturer’s approval. Potential repairs must be carried out by the manufacturer
or by a manufacturer authorized service organization only.

Installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the ULM–53L level meter has to
be carried out in accordance with this instruction manual; the provisions of regulations in
force regarding the installation of electrical equipment have to be adhered to.

The level meter  does not require any personnel for its  operation. Follow-up displaying device is 
used  to  inform  the  technological  entity  operating  personnel  on  the  measured  substance  level 
height during the operation. Maintenance of this equipment consists in verication of integrity of 
the level meter and of the supply cable. Depending on the character of the substance measured, 
we recommend to  verify at least once per  year the clarity  of the ultrasound  transducer emitting 
eld and to clean it, respectively. In case any visible defects are discovered, the manufacturer or 
reseller of this equipment must be contacted immediately.

Dinel,  s.r.o. guarantees for the  period  of  three (3) years  that  the product  has  the characteristic 
as in technical specication is mentioned. The guarantee can be invoked only when the product 
is completed by original invoice and guarantee list. This guarantee does not cover the damages 
resulting from misuse, improper installation or incorrect maintenance.
This guarantee cease when user or the other person makes any changes on the product or the 
product is mechanically or chemically damaged, or the serial number is not readable.
In the case of rightful complaint we replace the product or its defective part.

13 . 

safety, Protection and comPatibility

14 . 

Use, maniPUlation and maintenance

15 . 

general conditions and warranty

13

© Dinel, s.r.o. ULM–53L

technical data

Measuring range 

1)

ULM–53L–02–_
ULM–53L–06–_
ULM–53L–10–_
ULM–53L–20–_

0.25 ... 2 m

0.25 ... 6 m

0.5 ... 10 m

0.5 ... 20 m

Supply voltage 18 ... 36 V DC

Current supply

ULM–53L–_ _–U
ULM–53L–_ _–M

12 mA
25 mA

Current output
Voltage output

ULM–53L–_ _–I
ULM–53L–_ _–U

4 ... 20 mA (Limit values 3.9 ... 20.5 mA)
0 ... 10 V (Limit values 0 ... 10.2 V)

Communication protocol ULM–53L–_ _–M

Galvanic separation RS–485 without 
120 Ω termination resistor

Resolution < 1 mm

Accuracy
(Within the total range)

ULM–53L–06–_  ; 10–_ ; 20–_
ULM–53L–02–_

0.2 %

0.3 %

Temperature error Max. 0.04% / K

Beamwidth (-3 dB)

ULM–53L–02–_ ; 10–_
ULM–53L–06–_
ULM–53L–20–_

10°
14°
12°

Ambient temperature range

ULM–53L–02–_ ; 06–_
ULM–53L–10–_ ; 20–_

-30 ... +70°C

-30 ... +60°C

Measuring period

ULM–53L–02–I ; –U
ULM–53L–06–I ; –U
ULM–53L–10–I ; –U
ULM–53L–20–I ; –U
ULM–53L–_–M

0.6 s

1.0 s

1.8 s

5.0 s
Setting by Modbus RTU

Averaging

ULM–53L–_–I; –U
ULM–53L–_–M

4 Measuring
Setting by Modbus RTU

Short time temperature stress resistance +90°C / 1 hod.

Max. operation overpressure (on transmission surface) 0.1 MPa

Failure indication

Echo failure
Level in dead zone

3.75 mA / 0 V / Modbus RTU
22 mA / 10.5 V / Modbus RTU

Protection class IP68

Cable

ULM–53L–_ _–I
ULM–53L–_ _–U
ULM–53L–_ _–M

PVC 2 x 0.75 mm

2

PVC 3 x 0.5 mm

2

PVC 2 x 2 x 0.25 mm2 (twisted pair, shielded)

Maximal current output load resistance (at U = 24 V DC) R

max

 = 2 7 0  Ω

Minimal voltage output load resistance R > 1 kΩ

Delay between supply power rise time and rst measurement Max. 5 s (by type)

Delay between power supply rise time and full emission Max. 45 s (by type)

Weight

ULM–53L–02–_
ULM–53L–06–_
ULM–53L–10–_
ULM–53L–20–_

0.55 kg

0.65 kg

0.95 kg

3.15 kg

1) In case the level of bulk-solid materials is measured, the measurement range is reduced.

16 . 

SpECifiCaTiONS

ULM–53L © Dinel, s.r.o.

14

Dinel, s.r.o.

U Tescomy 249

760 01 Zlín

Czech Republic

Tel.: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.dinel.cz

The lastest version of this instruction manual can be found at www.dinel.cz

Version:

industrial electronics

12/2012