FlowLine EchoBeam LR81 Series User manual

Flowline, Inc. | 10500 Humbolt Street, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 p 562.598.3015 f562.431.8507 wflowline.comQS310270 Rev A
LR81 Series Quick Start Guide
©2023 Flowline, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
EchoBeam
®
80 GHz Radar Liquid & Solid Level Transmitter

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WELCOME TO THE ECHOBEAM®QUICK START GUIDE
The EchoBeam®Quick Start Guide provides the basic configuration, installation and wiring instructions to
get EchoBeam®up and running quickly in most level applications. If you have a question or subject that
is not addressed here or wish to set up EchoBeam®with an advanced configuration such as open channel
flow, please refer to the EchoBeam®Manual or visit the Flowline website at www.flowline.com.
WE DO YOUR LEVEL BEST
Thank you for purchasing EchoBeam®. We appreciate your business and look forward to reliably serving your
level requirements, now and in the future.
TRANSMITTER MODELS
Offered in different models, EchoBeam®is a general-purpose 80 GHz FMCW radar level sensor that provides
a continuous signal output that is proportional to the measured liquid or solids media. Before you start,
please refer to the table below and make sure that the model purchased is correct for your intended
application.
SIGNAL OUTPUT CONFIGURATION
EchoBeam®is offered in three signal output versions including 4-20mA with HART, Modbus RS485 or SDI-12
serial interfaces. Each is configured differently. Refer to the below overview for configuring your sensor
output:
• 4-20mA with HART Configuration - When configuring EchoBeam® for 4-20mA with HART, first
connect the sensor to LevelTap™.
• Modbus RS485 Configuration- When configuring EchoBeam® for Modbus, first connect the sensor to
LevelTap™.
• SDI-12 Configuration- When configuring EchoBeam®for SDI-12, first connect the sensor to
LevelTap™.
Once connected, configured, and installed, you can then access the sensor via Bluetooth, view the level and
further adjust your configuration using LevelTap™.
Series
Max
Range
Liquids
Max
Range
Solids
Beam
Angle
Material
Mounting
Application
LR81
98.42
(30m)
49.21’
(15m)
8°
PVDF
1½” NPT(G)
LIQUID
Bulk storage, day tank, skid or
machine, IBC or drum, process
tank, waste sump, neutralization
tank, open channel, lift station,
clarifier, canal, reservoir
SOLIDS
Medium silo, bin, conveyor, transfer
station, stockpile

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RADIO COMPLIANCE
See the Radio Addendum Supplementary Instructions for radar level measuring instruments with radio
approvals at www.flowline.com regarding the safe and regulatory compliant use of this device.
SAFETY AND USE
The sensor is a general-purpose device and should not be used in classified hazardous environments
with or near flammable or explosive media.
Only properly trained and plant authorized personnel wearing the appropriate personal protective
equipment, following all applicable national, state or local safety regulations, codes and best practices
should work on and with this sensor.
The sensor’s operational reliability can only be ensured when properly used in accordance with its
specifications, instructions and intended applications.
Inappropriate or incorrect use of the sensor can cause vessels to overflow and damage property,
persons, or the environment.
Always install and use an independent high- and low-level safety switch control system, which in the
event of sensor power loss or failure, will prevent the vessel from overflowing or emptying.
The operator is responsible for the safe and trouble-free selection, installation, configuration, use,
removal and disposal of the sensor.
USING THE LEVELTAP™ BLUETOOTH APP
EchoBeam® is configured through the LevelTap™ App, an application-based
software program that uses Bluetooth to communicate with EchoBeam® via your
smartphone or tablet. LevelTap™ is downloaded via the App Store for iOS and
iPadOS operating systems, and Google Play for the Android operating system.

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STARTING THE LEVELTAP™ BLUETOOTH APP
When first starting the LevelTap™ App, you will need to CREATE AN ACCOUNT. Please enter the required
information and press CREATE ACCOUNT. Once you have created an account, thereafter you will access
LevelTap™ by pressing LOG IN from the Home Screen.
CONNECTING ECHOBEAM®TO LEVELTAP™
When accessing LevelTap™, you will initially see a list of sensors that are connected or paired, as well as any
unpaired sensors. Prior to your first sensor configuration, the screen will only show powered sensors that are
unpaired. If there are no sensors powered on, the screen will not show any sensors. After installing
LevelTap™, the next step is to power on the sensor you want to pair with the App. Wait until the sensor
appears under Unpaired Sensors, then tap on the sensor shown. Finally enter the Sensor PIN code located
on the sensor label to pair the sensor with the App. The sensor will then appear under Paired Sensors.
Note: The Sensor PIN Code is the
manufacturer’s date code located on the
label of EchoBeam® (see below).

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BASIC CONFIGURATION OVERVIEW
Below are the six basic steps to configure the transmitter for operation. Each step is described in detail on
the following pages.
1) Measure the Tank
Measure the significant tank and fitting dimensions.
2) Install the Transmitter
Review the installation requirements to locate and install the sensor on the tank.
3) Wire the Transmitter
Follow the wiring information based on your sensor model and the signal output type.
4) Adjust the Dimensions
Based on the sensor’s final installed position, adjust the dimensions if necessary.
5) LevelTap™ Step-by-Step Configuration
Screen 1
• Sensor Name - Input a unique name or identifier for each sensor or application.
• Application - Select whether the sensor is measuring liquid or solids media.
• Units of Measurement - Select the units of measurement applied in this configuration.
• Fail-Safe Output - Select the signal output if the sensor cannot measure a valid level.
Screen 2
• Sensor Height (4mA) – Set the bottom of the measurement span or the tank empty setting.
Screen 3
• Fill-Height (20mA) - Set the top of the measurement span or the tank full set setting.
Screen 4
• Display Value – Set the sensor and App to indicate height, distance, current or percent.
If after properly installing, configuring, and testing the sensor, you find that it is not functioning as expected,
use the below diagnostic step.
6) Check the Echo Curve
• This tool allows you to view the echo signal returns and filter any that may be problematic.

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STEP 1 – MEASURE THE TANK
Properly locating the sensor and correctly measuring the
tank sets the foundation for sensor configuration. In doing
so, consider the sensor’s mounting location with respect
to relevant fittings, risers, dome tops or cone bottoms,
and identify where the measurements are taken from the
sensor. The required measurements for basic sensor
configuration, including Sensor Height and Fill-Height, are
reflected in this diagram.
MEASURING CONE BOTTOM TANKS
When installing EchoBeam® on a tank with a cone shaped bottom, the sensor’s mounting location and tank
geometry may influence the sensor’s configuration setting. If your requirement is to measure into the cone,
location of the sensor is critical. However, if your requirement is only to measure the straight side of the tank,
the location of the sensor is not critical.
Measuring the Straight Side
Measuring into the Cone
Measuring to the Bottom
The sensor location is not critical
because the lowest level reading
is within the straight side wall of
the tank.
The sensor can read into the
cone, but only to where most of
the energy reflects to the sensor
versus away from it.
The sensor location is critical. The
sensor must be installed over the
lowest part of the tank to measure
into the cone and to the bottom.

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TOP OF TANK CONSIDERATIONS
When installing EchoBeam®on an enclosed tank top, the installed position of the sensor’s antenna or
measurement location, above or below the top, must be taken into consideration when determining your
sensor configuration settings.
Tank Top Installation
Short Riser Installation
Tall Riser Installation
SENSOR OUTPUT TO LOCAL DISPLAY/CONTROLLER
The 4-20mA output is the most common signal that can connect to
a local display/controller or to remote devices such as PLCs,
SCADA, DCS. The 4-20 mA signal is set relative to the Sensor
Height and Fill-Height settings. These settings create an
operational range that can be translated into a level reading in
defined units (i.e., inches, feet, gallons, meters, liters, etc.).
In the example to the right, the Sensor Height sets the 4mA to the
bottom of the tank. Fill-Height sets the 20mA to a level close to
the top of the tank. The 4-20mA sensor range correlates to actual
units of level measurement. The operational range now will have
engineering values of 0 to 10 feet, or 0 to 1000 gallons, or 0 to 120
inches.
Note: If your tank has markers or ticks indicating a specific
volume along one side of the tank, set your Fill-Height to one of
these ticks / markers for easy conversion to known volume.

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STEP 2 – INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER
EchoBeam®measures the air gap distance between the bottom edge of the sensor’s antenna and the liquid
or solid media surface. To properly install the sensor, adhere to the following installation best practices:
1) Locate the sensor where there are no obstructions between the bottom edge of the sensor’s installed
antenna and the bottom of the empty tank, including its measurement beam angle. Obstructions such as
ladders, tank walls or seams, liquid or solids inflow streams, piping, mixer blades, other sensors, heating
coils, submersible pumps, struts or apparatus, can disrupt the sensors measurement signal.
Structures or Apparatus
Pipes or Inflow Streams
Mixers, Pumps or Heaters
Note: EchoBeam®transmits a conical shaped RF measurement signal that spreads over a distance based on
its beam angle. The below charts indicate the beam diameter or minimum free space required for each model
at various measurement heights. If the sensor cannot be located away from obstacles that partially intrude
into the beam diameter, perform a False EchoCurve configuration as described in Step 6.
Beam Angle
8°
Height
Dia.
10’
1.40’
20’
2.80’
30’
4.20’
40’
5.59’
50’
6.99’
60’
8.39’
70’
9.79’
80’
11.19’
90’
12.59’
100’
13.99’
Beam Angle
8°
Height
Dia.
5m
0.70m
10m
1.40m
15m
2.10m
20m
2.38m
25m
3.50m
30m
4.20m
2) While adhering to the applicable radio license requirements, in liquid and short-range solids applications,
install the sensor with the antenna perpendicular to the media surface. In longer range solids applications,
point the sensor to the lowest location in the silo, which is generally in the center.
3) Make sure that all parts of the sensor that will be exposed to the liquid or solids level media, and in
particular, any portion inserted into the tank, are compatible with the media, the temperature and
pressure.
4) Install the sensor in a location or way that it will not come into contact with filling, rising or splashing liquid
or solids level media.

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5) Install the sensor in accordance with all
applicable national, state or local safety
requirements such as the United States
National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70) or
the Canadian Electrical Code.
6) While adhering to the minimum free space
requirements, based on the model, install the
sensor with the following minimum distances
away from the tank side walls:
LR81: > 7.9” (200mm)
7) The shield wire must be connected to electrical ground.
8) Avoid operation of the sensor on a vehicle moving on a public highway.
CONE BOTTOM TANKS (SOLIDS)
EchoBeam®can be used in solids applications.
The maximum range for solids with the LR81
series is 24.61 feet (7.5m).
To measure as much of the solids volume as
possible, the antenna must be aimed at the lowest
point within the tank. With any cylindrical shaped
tank with a cone bottom, the sensor should be
mounted half the radius (½R) from the side wall. If
½R cannot be met, it is preferred to mount the
sensor closer to the side wall and away from the
center of the tank.
STEP 3 – WIRE THE TRANSMITTER
Supply Voltage – 4-20mA and HART Wiring: The sensor power supply and current signal share the same
two-wire shielded cable. The sensor supply voltage should never exceed 30 VDC and be greater than 12
VDC. Always provide complete electrical and physical separation between the transmitter supply circuit and
the main circuit.
Note: Remember that the output voltage of the power supply can be lower under nominal load with a sensor
current of 20.5 mA or 22 mA, and/or with the addition of other instruments placed within the circuit. If voltage
spikes or surges are expected, adequate isolation protection must also be provided.
4-20mA Wiring: The Red Wire or Positive (+) and
Black Wire or Negative (-) terminals are for
connection to a 12-30 VDC power supply or to a
4-20 mA loop power source. The wire to the
terminals can be extended up to 1,000 feet using
16–22-gauge wire.

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Note: The sensor should be wired with shielded 2-conductor cable (16 to 22 AWG) to protect from
electromagnetic interference. If using a liquid tight connector, select a cable with an outer diameter that is
designed to ensure an effective seal with the connector [typically between 0.20” to 0.35” (5 to 9 mm)].
HART Wiring: An advantage of the HART protocol is that it can communicate over existing 4–20 mA analog
current loops. HART shares the two wires used by the 4-20mA signal wires.
Supply Voltage – Modbus/RS485 Output
The power supply is connected on 2 wires and the RS485 communication is connected on two separate
wires. A single 4-conductor shielded cable, or two separate 2-conductor cables can be used.
Note: The RS485 communication must always use a shielded cable and must be grounded. The sensor
supply voltage should never exceed 26.4 VDC and be greater than 9 VDC. Always provide complete electrical
and physical separation between the sensor supply circuit and the main circuit.
Note: If voltage spikes or surges are expected, adequate isolation protection must also be provided.
Modbus Wiring
Supply Voltage – SDI-12 Output
Serial Digital Interface at 1200 Baud (SDI-12) is an asynchronous, serial data transmission protocol. It is often
used as a communication platform between data loggers and transmitters in environmental applications.
Transmitter power is supplied through power (Red) and the ground is through ground (Black). The SDI-12
output is provided through Data (White).
Note: If the power supply is not tied to the input card ground, then a jumper wire may be required. The
transmitter’s supply voltage should be greater than 9 VDC, but not exceed 30 VDC.
Note: If voltage spikes or surges are expected, adequate isolation protection must also be provided.