The MassaSonic® SonAire® Series M3 and M3is Sensors consist of battery operated wireless level sensors that are capable of intercommunicating using ZigBee RF Modules. The M3is versions are intrinsically safe rated for CIDI, zone Ø and CID2 environments These sensors produce detection ranges from 4" (100 mm) to 35′ (10.7 m).
The sensors incorporate state-of-the-art ultrasonic technology to provide precision non-contact distance measurement for tank or silo level monitoring, liquid level control and remote monitoring.
Compared to other systems, the M3 stands out due to its affordability, exceptional smooth operation, and the ability to be installed and calibrated without using a target. These sensors convey narrow beam sound pulses, process return echoes, and provide the distance to the target. The sensor housing material is entirely Kynar (PVDF) to offer the ultimate in chemical resistance even in the toughest industrial environments.
The SonAire® Sensors measure and store data such as range, battery voltage, temperature, and other sensor parameters at user-planned time intervals. An inner pushbutton switch is used to commission the sensor onto the ZigBee network, and an LED is used to detect the operating mode.
The SonAire® Sensors are RoHS compliant, and the package is rated for immersion and high pressure washing in compliance with IP67. The batteries used are lithium AA type, which are commonly available and are easily accessible for replacement. The typical battery life is 4 years.
The SonAire® Series Sensors are offered in two versions. The Standard SonAire M3 Sensors are meant for operation in general applications. For use in harmful environments, intrinsically safe SonAire M3is Sensors are also available. The SonAire M3is Sensors are certified by Factory Mutual as matching the stipulations of Class 1 Div 1 (C1D1), All Groups, which is the maximum rating.
Key Features
The main features of the SonAire® M3 50 kHz Sensor are as follows:
- Cost efficient
- Chemically resistant PVDF construction
- Narrow Beam
- Built-in temperature/sound speed compensation
- Effortlessly replaceable long-life batteries
- Wireless, 10 sensors/gateway
- Low power
- Enable set-up where power lines are not available
Applications
The key applications of the SonAire® M3 50 kHz Sensor are as follows:
- Quick, remote set-up sites
- Flood zone monitoring and waste basins
- Mine, oil patch and chemical operations
- Solid and liquid level monitoring
- Tanks, Cisterns, Silos
- Danger zones
- Outdoor stockpiles
Specifications of SonAire® M3 50 kHz general use Sensors
The following are the key specifications of the SonAire M3 50kHz general use Sensors:
| Model |
M3 (standard)
50 kHz |
| Minimum Detection Distance |
14 inches
(356 mm) |
| Maximum Detection Distance |
35 feet
(10.7 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 |