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Aister Ultrasonic Level Meter Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Model for Accurate Level Measurement

2026-03-13

Selecting the correct ultrasonic level meter is critical for ensuring accurate measurement, stable operation, and long-term reliability. Aister ultrasonic level meters are widely used in water treatment, chemical processing, storage tanks, and industrial automation due to their high cost-performance ratio, stable performance, and flexible configuration.

However, choosing the right model requires more than just selecting a measurement range. The correct approach is to match the model to the application conditions, medium characteristics, and installation environment.

This guide explains how to select the right Aister ultrasonic level meter step by step, helping engineers and buyers quickly identify the most suitable configuration.


1. Identify Core Models and Key Technical Parameters


The first step in selection is understanding the main product series and fundamental specifications.

Aister’s mainstream ultrasonic level meters mainly include:

  • ATDS Series – Standard industrial models for most applications

  • ATUL Series – Extended measurement range models for large tanks and reservoirs

Measurement Range and Blind Zone

Choosing the correct measuring range ensures stable operation and avoids measurement failure.

Recommended rule:
Actual maximum level × 1.2–1.5 safety margin

      Series       Available Range       Blind Zone      
      ATDS       5m / 10m / 15m / 20m       ≤0.3 m
      ATUL       4m / 6m / 8m / 12m / 20m / 30m             ≤0.5 m

Important tip:
The distance between the sensor and the minimum liquid level must always be greater than the blind zone.


Accuracy and Resolution

Different applications require different accuracy levels.

Application       Accuracy Requirement       Recommended Model
      Process control       ±0.5% – ±1.0% FS       ATDS standard model
      Custody transfer / precise measurement             ±0.2% FS or ±2 mm       ATDS high-precision version      
      Municipal water systems       ±0.3% FS       ATDS regular model

Typical resolution for the ATDS series is:

  • 3 mm or 0.1% of range (whichever is greater)

This level of precision is sufficient for most industrial liquid level monitoring applications.


2. Consider Medium Characteristics


The type of liquid being measured determines the appropriate sensor material and functional configuration.

Corrosive Media

Medium Type       Recommended Sensor Material      
      Weak corrosion       316L stainless steel
      Strong acid / alkali       PVDF or PTFE
      Extreme corrosion (pH 2–13)             Hastelloy alloy

Temperature and Pressure

Standard operating conditions:

  • Temperature: -20°C to 60°C

  • High temperature option: up to 80°C

  • Pressure: ≤ ±0.1 MPa

Applications exceeding these limits usually require customized configurations.

Special Media Conditions

Certain liquids may affect ultrasonic signal reflection.

Recommended solutions include:

  • Foam or suspended solids: models with intelligent echo filtering

  • Sticky or viscous liquids: narrow beam sensors with anti-adhesion coating

  • Agitated liquids: advanced echo analysis algorithms


3. Evaluate Installation and Environmental Conditions


Installation environment directly affects measurement stability.

Installation Methods

Top mounting
The most common installation method. The sensor must be positioned vertically and away from obstacles.

Side mounting
Suitable when top installation space is limited or for horizontal tanks.

Split-type installation
Sensor and transmitter are separated. Ideal for:

  • High temperature environments

  • Strong electromagnetic interference areas

  • Confined spaces


Environmental Protection Requirements

Industrial environments may require enhanced protection.

Protection level

  • Outdoor or humid environments: IP65 or higher

  • Aister ATDS models: IP66 / IP67

Electromagnetic interference

  • Keep distance from inverters and high-power motors

  • Use shielded cables when necessary

Explosion-proof environments

Hazardous areas (Zone 0 / Zone 1) require certified explosion-proof models such as:

  • Ex d IIC T6 flameproof versions

  • ATEX certified options


4. Select Output Signals and Smart Functions


Different control systems require different signal outputs.

Standard Output Options

Output Type Application
      4–20 mA       Most industrial PLC systems      
      RS485 (Modbus)       SCADA or DCS integration
      Wireless (LoRa / NB-IoT / 4G)             Remote monitoring sites

Wireless communication is particularly useful for:

  • Remote reservoirs

  • Agricultural water systems

  • Distributed pumping stations


5. Application-Based Model Recommendations


Choosing based on industry scenarios can significantly simplify the selection process.

Industry Core Requirement Recommended Model Configuration
      Chemical / Petrochemical       Corrosion resistance and explosion protection             ATDS-P       PVDF sensor + Ex d explosion protection      
      Wastewater treatment       Anti-interference and remote monitoring       ATDS standard       316L probe + IP67 + RS485
      Food / Pharmaceutical       Hygienic design       ATDS sanitary version       PTFE sensor + CIP compatible
      Power plants / boilers       High temperature stability       ATDS high-temperature             Heat-resistant probe + IP67
      Small tanks / pump stations             Easy installation and low cost       ATDS 5m / 10m       Standard probe + 4–20 mA


6. Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid


Even the best ultrasonic level meter can produce inaccurate readings if installed improperly.

Key precautions include:

  • Avoid installation directly above inlet pipes or agitators

  • Prevent obstacles within the ultrasonic beam path

  • Avoid choosing excessively large measurement ranges

  • For closed tanks with vapor or pressure, consider guide tubes or specialized sensors

  • For foam or vapor environments, select intelligent echo processing models

Proper installation significantly improves measurement accuracy and long-term stability.


7. Quick 5-Step Selection Process


A simplified workflow for selecting the right Aister ultrasonic level meter:

  1. Measure maximum liquid level, temperature, and medium properties

  2. Determine the required measuring range and accuracy

  3. Choose the appropriate sensor material

  4. Confirm installation conditions and protection level

  5. Select output signals and additional functions

Following these steps helps ensure the instrument is technically compatible with the application.


Conclusion


A properly selected ultrasonic level meter improves measurement accuracy, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures reliable process control.

Aister ultrasonic level meters provide a flexible range of models, sensor materials, and communication options, making them suitable for applications ranging from small tanks to large industrial reservoirs.

If you need professional advice or product recommendations, feel free to contact us anytime.

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