MassaSonic® SonAire® Series M3 and M3is Sensors from Massa are battery-operated wireless level sensors that intercommunicate using ZigBee RF Modules. The M3is versions are intrinsically safe rated for zone Ø, CIDI and CID2 environments. These sensors have detection ranges between 4" (100 mm) and 35' (10.7 m).
The sensors use modern ultrasonic technology to provide precision non-contact distance measurement for liquid level solid stockpiles or hazard zones and remote locations. Compared with other systems, the M3 sensors do extremely well due to their affordability, effortless operation, and ability to be installed and calibrated without any need for a target.
The sensors pass on narrow beam sound pulses. It then reports the distance to the target and processes return echoes. The sensor housing material is Kynar (PVDF), which is used to provide excellent chemical resistance in highly rough industrial surroundings. The short range version is suitable for totes, small tanks, horizontal tanks, and tallow pond monitoring.
The RoHS compliant SonAire Sensors® is used to measure and store data such as temperature, battery voltage, range, and several other parameters at user-determined time intervals. The sensor is commissioned onto the ZigBee network using an internal pushbutton, and the operating mode can be identified using an LED.
The package is rated for both high pressure and immersion washing in compliance with IP67. Widely used lithium AA type batteries are used, which are easy to replace. The typical battery life is four years.
All sensors in the SonAire® Series are provided in two variants. Standard SonAire M3 Sensors are custom designed, making them suitable for operation in typical industrial applications. Intrinsically safe SonAire M3is Sensors can also be employed in unsafe environments. The SonAire M3is Sensors are certified by Factory Mutual as meeting the demands for Class 1 Div 1 (C1D1), All Groups, which is the highest rating.
Key Features
The key features of the SonAire® M3 150 kHz Sensor are as follows:
- Cost efficient
- Narrow beam
- Wireless, 10 sensors/gateway
- Chemically resistant PVDF construction
- Low power
- Integrated temperature/sound speed compensation
- Easily replaceable long-life batteries
- Enable set-up where power lines are not present
Applications
The key applications of the SonAire® M3 150 kHz Sensor are as follows:
- Flood zone monitoring and waste basins
- Outdoor stockpiles
- Oil patch, mine and chemical operations
- Fast, remote set-up sites
- Danger zones
- Solid and liquid level monitoring
- Totes, tanks, and drums
Specifications of SonAire® M3 150 kHz Sensors
The key specifications of the SonAire® M3 150 kHz Sensors are as follows:
| Model |
M3 (standard)
150 kHz |
| Minimum Detection Distance |
4 inches
(100 mm) |
| Maximum Detection Distance |
7 feet
(2.1 m) |
| Class |
General Purpose |
| Wireless |
Yes |
| Output |
Zigbee |
| Housing Material |
PVDF |
| Mount |
2 inch NPT |
| Radio |
100 mW |
| Operating Temperature |
-30°C to 70°C |