FlowLine EchoPro LR11 Series User manual

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Flowline, Inc. | 10500 Humbolt Street, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 p 562.598.3015 f 562.431.8507 w flowline.com QS301900 Rev B
EchoPro®
Radar Liquid & Solid Level Transmitter
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LR11, LR16, LR21, LR26 & LR31 Series Quick Start
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©2018 Flowline, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Made in USA 
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| 2 QS301900 Rev B
WELCOME TO THE ECHOPRO® QUICK START
The EchoPro® Quick Start Guide is meant to show the basic configuration settings to get the EchoPro® up
and running quickly. If you run into an issue that is not addressed here or wish to install or set up with a non-
standard configuration, please address the EchoPro® Manual or refer to the Flowline website at
www.flowline.com.
WE DO YOUR LEVEL BEST
Thank you for purchasing EchoPro®. The sensor provides level measurement for your tank application. This
Quick Start includes everything you’ll need to get the sensor up and running.
SENSOR MODELS
Offered in five different models, EchoPro® a general-purpose, two-wire, pulse radar level sensor that provides
a continuous 4-20 mA current output proportional to the liquid or solid level in a tank or sump. Make sure that
the model purchased is appropriate for your application.
LIQUID LEVEL TRANSMITTERS
Series Max
Range Beam Angle Material Mounting FCC
Compliance Application
LR11 32.81’
(10m) 22° PFA 1-1/2” NPT Part 15.209, Class A
Corrosive liquids under
simple process
conditions
LR16 98.42’
(30m)
18° (2” horn)
316L SS 1-1/2” NPT
Part 15.209,
Class A
Storage tanks & process
tanks under difficult
process conditions
12° (3” horn) Part 15.256,
Class B
8° (4” horn) Part 15.256,
Class B
LR21 65.61’
(20m)
12° (3” Flange) 316L SS
with
PTFE
cover
3” ANSI flange Part 15.256,
Class B
Aggressive liquids under
extremely difficult
process conditions
8° (4” flange) 4” ANSI flange
LR26 114.83’
(35m) 20°
316L SS
with
PTFE
cover
4” ANSI or
6” ANSI flange
Part 15.209,
Class A
Storage tank & process
tanks under extremely
difficult process
conditions
LR31 98.42’
(30m) 12° PA66
Bracket or top
mounted (1”
conduit)
Part 15.256,
Class B
Water processing, lift
stations, storm water and
sump process conditions

QS301900 Rev B 3 |
FCC CONFORMITY
This instrument complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this instrument may not cause harmful interference, and; (2) this instrument must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Warning: User must keep a safety distance of at least 20cm from the antenna.
Note: LR11, LR16 (2” horn) & LR26 Series: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
 This equipment is not allowed to be connected to public utility power lines.
NOTE: LR16 (3” & 4” horn), LR21 & LR31 Series: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

| 4 QS301900 Rev B
USING THE DISPLAY
The display module features a dot matrix LCD display with 4 push buttons on a
removable puck. Out of the box, the display indicates level in feet and depicts
the level within the 4-20mA span on a bar graph at the right side of the display.
The four buttons perform the following functions:
 ESC
o Exit configuration mode
o Return to a higher menu level
o Display Echo Curve
 Up Arrow
o Modify parameter values
o Choose display mode
 Right Arrow
o Choose configuration options
o Choose parameter digits to edit
o Display contents of parameters
 OK
o Enter Menu and Options
o Confirm configuration options
o Confirm changes to parameters
MENU INTRODUCTION
1) To enter the Main Menu (from the Main Screen), press the OK button.
2) Use the Right Arrow button to scroll through the Main Menu options.
a) Configuration - Below are the configuration menu functions:
i) Empty Configuration
ii) Full Configuration
iii) Medium
iv) Dampening
v) Output Mapping
vi) Scaled Units
vii) Scaling
viii) Range
ix) Dead Band
x) Sensor ID
b) Display - This menu function sets the display mode and contrast.
c) Diagnostics - Below are the diagnostic menu functions:
i) Measurement of Peak Values
ii) Measurement Status
iii) Echo Curve
iv) Simulation
d) Service - Within the service menu functions, you can store a False
Echo Curve, set units of measurement, change output settings, reset
configuration settings, set language or set a PIN for the sensor.
e) Info - This item provides information on the sensor’s type, serial
number, date of manufacture and software version.
3) To select one of the functions, press OK.
4) To exit the programming mode, press ESC.
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QS301900 Rev B 5 |
BASIC CONFIGURATION OVERVIEW
Below are the 9 basic steps to configure the sensor for operation. Each step is described in detail on the
following pages
1) Measure the Tank
a) Begin by measuring the key tank and fitting dimensions. Correct tank dimensions will result in accurate
sensor measurement.
2) Set the Units of Measurement
a) Units can be configured in basic engineering units of length including Feet or Meters.
3) Set the Sensor Height
a) This is the empty setting (4mA) for the tank.
4) Set the Fill-Height
a) This is the full setting (20mA) for the tank.
5) Set the Range (Maximum Range or MaxR)
a) This is the maximum measurement range for the sensor. The sensor will ignore all echo returns
beyond this setting.
6) Set the Dead Band (Minimum Range or MinR)
a) This is the minimum measurement range for the sensor. The sensor will ignore all echo returns closer
than this setting.
7) Check the Echo Curve
a) This is a quick diagnostic tool to determine if the sensor is reading the correct level.
8) Install the Sensor
a) Review the installation requirements to assist in the mounting of the sensor.
9) Wire the Sensor
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| 6 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 1 – MEASURE THE TANK
Measuring the tank is one of the most important aspects
in configuring the sensor. When measuring the tank,
take into account the location of the sensor with respect
to fittings, risers, dome tops and bottoms, and identify
where the measurements are taken from the sensor.
Note: The location for measurement may be different
among different sensor Series, based upon the type of
antenna. Refer to the Measurement Reference Chart for
the measurement location of your sensor. The basic
measurements for configuration are described below:
1) Distance from the sensor’s measurement location to
the bottom of the tank is the Max. Range value. The
Range value is typically set at the bottom of the tank.
2) Distance from the sensor’s measurement location to
the empty or lowest liquid level in the tank is the
Sensor Height.
a) Sensor Height = 4mA setting.
b) With flat bottom tanks, the Range and Sensor
Height values can be the same.
3) Distance from the sensor’s measurement location to
the full or highest liquid level in the tank is the Fill-
Height.
a) Fill-Height = 20mA setting.
Measurement Reference Chart
LR11 Series LR16 Series
(Threaded Version)
LR21 Series LR26 Series
LR31 Series

QS301900 Rev B 7 |
CONE BOTTOM TANKS
When installing the EchoPro® on a tank with a cone bottom, the geometry of the bottom part of the tank can
influence the sensor’s configuration. If your requirement is to measure into the cone, location of the sensor is
critical. However, if your requirement is only for the straight side of the tank, the location of the sensor is not critical.
Straight Side Only Reading into the Cone Reading to the Bottom
The location of the sensor is not
critical because the lowest level
reading is within the straight side of
the tank.
Sensor can read into the cone, but
only to where the majority of
energy reflects back to the sensor
and not away from the sensor.
Sensor must be installed over the
lowest part of the tank in order to
provide the best path allowing
energy to travel down to the tank
bottom.
TOP OF TANK CONSIDERATIONS
Below are some considerations with respect to how the sensor can be installed on top of a tank. EchoPro®
has a dead band that extends from the measurement location of the sensor. As a result, the height of the
sensor above or below the top of the tank will affect the dead band and 20mA settings.
Directly on Top of Tank Small Riser, Horn within Tank Tall Riser, Horn inside Riser

| 8 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 2 – SET THE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
This function sets the units for all measurement values to be entered into the sensor. The choices for units are
feet and meters. The unit is shipped with a default setting of feet.
1. From the Main Screen, press OK to advance
into the Main Menu.
2. Press Right Arrow repeatedly until the arrow is
next to Service.
3. Press OK to advance into the Service menu
(Echo curve will appear).
4. Press Right Arrow repeatedly until the menu
shows Units of Measurement.
5. Press OK to advance into Units of
Measurement.
6. Press Right Arrow to change the setting
between feet [ft (d)] and meters [m (d)].
7. When the units are correct, press OK to save the setting.
8. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu, and press ESC a
second time to return to the Main Screen.

QS301900 Rev B 9 |
STEP 3 – SET THE SENSOR HEIGHT (4mA)
This function sets the Sensor Height point corresponding to an empty position in the tank. The measured
distance of Sensor Height from the sensor will set the 4mA location as well as establish the 0% span of the
sensor.
1. From the Main Screen, press OK to advance
into the Main Menu.
2. Press OK to advance into the Configuration
Menu.
3. Press OK to advance into Empty
Configuration. The first percentage segment
will be highlighted.
4. Press OK again to switch to the distance (d)
setting.
5. Press Right Arrow to move one segment to
the right. Right Arrow will scroll left to right
and then back to the first segment.
6. Press Up Arrow to increase the value of the
number highlighted. Up Arrow will scroll
from 0 to 9 and back again.
7. When the value is correct, press OK to save
the setting.
8. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu, and press ESC a second time to return to the
Main Screen or; if you want to advance directly into Full Configuration, press Right Arrow.
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| 10 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 4 – SET THE FILL-HEIGHT (20mA)
This function sets the Fill-Height point corresponding to a full position in the tank. The measured distance of
Fill-Height from the 0% or empty position will set the 20mA location as well as establish the 100% span of the
sensor.
1. From the Main Screen, press OK to advance
into the Main Menu.
2. Press OK to advance into the Configuration
Menu.
3. Press Right Arrow to advance into Full
Configuration.
4. Press OK to advance into Full Configuration.
The first percentage segment will be highlighted.
5. Press OK again to switch to the distance (d)
setting.
6. Press Right Arrow to move one segment to the
right. Right Arrow will scroll left to right and
then back to the first segment.
7. Press Up Arrow to increase the value of the
number highlighted. Up Arrow will scroll from 0
to 9 and back again.
8. When the value is correct, press OK to save the setting.
9. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu, and press ESC a second time to return to the Main
Screen or; if you want to advance directly into Range, press Right Arrow repeatedly until Range
appears.
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QS301900 Rev B 11 |
STEP 5 - SET THE MAX. RANGE (MAXIMUM RANGE)
This function sets the maximum operational range for the sensor. This setting defines the maximum distance
that the sensor will detect valid echo returns.
1. From the Main Screen, press OK to advance
into the Main Menu.
2. Press OK to advance into the Configuration
Menu.
3. Press Right Arrow repeatedly until the menu
shows Range.
4. Press OK to edit Range value. The first
segment will be highlighted.
5. Press Right Arrow to move one segment to the
right. Right Arrow will scroll left to right and
then back to the first segment.
6. Press Up Arrow to increase the value of the
number highlighted. Up Arrow will scroll from 0
to 9 and back again.
7. When the value is correct, press OK to save the setting.
8. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu, and press ESC a second time to return to the Main
Screen or; if you want to advance directly into Dead Band, press Right Arrow repeatedly until Dead
Band appears.

| 12 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 6 - SET THE DEAD BAND
This function sets the Dead Band for the sensor. This setting defines the minimum distance that the sensor
will detect valid echo returns. While the Dead Band setting is typically configured to be equal with or slightly
above (higher in the tank) the Full Configuration setting (20 mA), its functions independently of Full
Configuration. Note: If the Dead Band setting is placed below the Full Configuration setting, then the sensor
will not measure above the Dead Band.
Dead Band Equals Full Config. Dead Band Below Full Config. Dead Band Above Full Config.
1. From the Main Screen, press OK to advance
into the Main Menu.
2. Press OK to advance into the Configuration
Menu.
3. Press Right Arrow repeatedly until menu
shows Dead Band.
4. Press OK to edit Dead Band value. The first
segment will be highlighted.
5. Press Right Arrow to move one segment to
the right. Right Arrow will scroll left to right
and then back to the first segment.
6. Press Up Arrow to increase the value of the number highlighted. Up Arrow will scroll from 0 to 9
and back again.
7. When the value is correct, press OK to save the setting.
8. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu, and press ESC a second time to return to the
Main Screen.

QS301900 Rev B 13 |
STEP 7 – CHECK THE ECHO CURVE
This function displays the primary echo return(s) that the sensor is seeing
graphically, the location and amplitude of the return(s), and the numeric air gap
distance from the sensor’s measurement location to the liquid level below.
Note: This step should only be performed after having completed the prior six
configuration steps with the sensor installed on the tank. Additionally, if the
sensor was installed in a stand pipe or sight glass, now go forward to Section
Six and turn on the still well function (Sensor Installed in a Stand Pipe or Sight
Glass) before continuing with this step.
1. From the Main Screen, press ESC and the Echo Curve Screen will
appear. The curve graphically represents the primary echo return(s)
amplitude (Y-axis) over distance (X-axis). Above the echo return peak
is a floating arrow and triangle symbol (which under normal conditions
are often merged together or seen as a single triangle because it’s the
larger of the two symbols). The arrow represents the measured liquid
level and the triangle represents the peak amplitude location of the
echo return. Under normal conditions, expect to see a stable triangle
(or overlapping arrow and triangle) floating above a pronounced peak at
the expected air gap distance between the measurement location and
liquid level.
2. In the upper right hand corner of the screen are two lines of numbers
that represent the air gap distance from the measurement location to
the liquid level (arrow) on the top, and peak amplitude location (triangle)
of the echo return on the bottom. Under normal conditions, these values
should be relatively close to one another and consistent with the
expected air gap distance between the measurement location and liquid
level.
3. Assuming that the sensor is properly installed, if the measured liquid
level and peak amplitude location data (symbols and values) are
unstable, substantially different from one another and/or inconsistent
with the actual air gap distance, then this likely indicates that the sensor
requires additional process adjustment(s) described in the following
Section Six.
4. When done, press ESC to return to the Main Menu.
X-Axis
Y-Axis

| 14 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 8 – INSTALL THE SENSOR (INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS)
EchoPro® measures the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface below. Typically, all
measurements from the sensor originate from the bottom of the antenna. Refer to the Measurement
Reference Chart to determine the location where measurement originates on your sensor. To ensure reliable
measurement, adhere to the following minimum installation requirements:
1) There are no obstructions between the bottom edge of the installed antenna and the surface of the liquid
below including ladders, walls, tank seams, liquid inflows, rails, other sensors, mixer blades, heating coils,
pumps, struts or apparatus.
a) Note: Additionally, when the sensor transmits a microwave pulse, the RF signal spreads in a conical
shape (determined by its beam angle) over distance. Refer to the Beam Angle Chart to determine,
what if any, additional measurement space is required to be free of such obstacles. If such items are
present, then a False Echo Curve configuration must be done (refer to the product manual found at
www.flowline.com).
Beam Angle 8° 12° 18° 20° 22° 24°
Height Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia.
10’ 1.40’ 2.10’ 3.17’ 3.53’ 3.89’ 4.25’
20’ 2.80’ 4.20’ 6.34’ 7.05’ 7.78’ 8.50’
30’ 4.20’ 6.31’ 9.50’ 10.58’ 11.66’ 12.75’
40’ 5.59’ 8.41’ 12.67’ 14.11’ 15.55’ 17.00’
50’ 6.99’ 10.51’ 15.84’ 17.63’ 19.44’ 21.26’
60’ 8.39’ 12.61’ 19.01’ 21.16’ 23.33’ 25.51’
70’ 9.79’ 14.71’ 22.17’ 24.69’ 27.21’ 29.76’
80’ 11.19’ 16.82’ 25.34’ 28.21’ 31.10’ 34.01’
90’ 12.59’ 18.92’ 28.51’ 31.74’ 34.99’ 38.26’
100’ 13.99’ 21.02’ 31.68’ 35.27’ 38.88’ 42.51’
Beam Angle 8° 12° 18° 20° 22° 24°
Height Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia.
5m 0.70m 1.05m 1.58m 1.76m 1.94m 2.13m
10m 1.40m 2.10m 3.17m 3.53m 3.89m 4.25m
15m 2.10m 3.15m 4.75m 5.29m 5.83m 6.38m
20m 2.38m 4.20m 6.34m 7.05m 7.78m 8.50m
25m 3.50m 5.26m 7.92m 8.82m 9.72m 10.63m
30m 4.20m 6.31m 9.50m 10.58m 11.66m 12.97m

QS301900 Rev B 15 |
2) The sensor must be installed with the antenna perpendicular to the surface of the liquid.
3) The sensor must be installed with a distance ≥ 19.7” (500mm) from the side wall of the tank.
4) The liquid level must not be allowed to enter into the dead band (blanking zone) of the sensor.
5) The sensor installation must be done in accordance with relevant local or federal safety regulations.
6) The sensor must be connected to electrical ground.
7) Do not use the housing to screw the sensor into the installation fitting (LR11 & LR16 Series).
a) Applying a tightening force against the housing may damage the sensor.
8) Make sure that all parts of the sensor exposed to the application, specifically any portion installed within the
tank, are suitable for the process.
a) Consider any effects from the application temperature, pressure or media.

| 16 QS301900 Rev B
STEP 9 – WIRE THE SENSOR
Remove the Display: To access the terminal strip
and conduit ports, you first need to remove the
display. Gently twist the display counter-clockwise
until you feel the display unlock from the housing.
Next, lift the display from the housing to view the
terminal strip and wire access ports. Note: This
procedure applies to all sensors including the LR31
with its remote display.
Note: There is an internal configuration difference between displays used by
the EchoPro® sensors (LR11, LR16, LR21 and LR26 series) versus the
display used with the LR98 series. A colored dot on the back marks displays
to be used only with the LR98 series. Never swap displays between the
LR98 series and other EchoPro® sensors.
Supply Voltage: The sensor power supply and current signal share the same two-wire shielded cable. The
sensor supply voltage should never exceed 26.4 VDC. Always provide complete electrical and physical
separation between the sensor 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.
Terminal Wiring: The positive (+) and Negative (-) terminals are for connection to a 24 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 22 gauge or larger
wire.
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)].
ELECTRICAL, USAGE AND SAFETY
1. Wiring should always be done by a licensed electrician in accordance with national, state and local
codes.
2. Never use a general purpose (cTUVus) sensor (LR11, LR16, LR21, LR26, LR31 Series) in
environments classified as hazardous.
3. Where personal safety or significant property damage can occur due to a spill, the installation must
have a redundant fail-safe backup system installed which accounts for sensor and/or power failure.

QS301900 Rev B 17 |
HMI FOR LR31 SENSOR (USING LR98 DISPLAY)
The LR98 display is the HMI for the LR31 and is used to configure the sensor.
The LR98 is NOT approved for use within intrinsically safe applications and should NOT be
used within classified hazardous environments.
Use the LR98 to configure the sensor and remove after the sensor has been configured. Configuration can be
performed before installation as long as the dimensions for the installation are known. Accuracy in
measurement will result in accuracy of sensor performance.
1. Remove the display (as described previously) to access the input and output terminals within the LR98
display.
2. Referencing the below diagram, connect the appropriately colored 6-conductors (of 8 total) from the
LR31 sensor cable to Out [(+) & (-)] & terminals 1-4 on the LR98 display.
3. The remaining 2-conductors (Green and Yellow w/ Stripe) will not be used.
4. Finally, connect the 2-conductors (from the user supplied Cable) for loop power input and current
output to the (+) and (-) terminals on the LR98 display.
5. Replace the display and apply power to the sensor.
LR98 Display Removal LR98 Display Terminals
WIRING THE LR31 SERIES
The LR31 series is a loop powered device. Use the White wire as the (+) wire and the Brown wire as the (-)
wire. Refer to the following pages for wiring to Displays, Controllers and PLCs.
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Note: Always refer to the Control Drawing
301901 for further wirin
g
information.

| 18 QS301900 Rev B
ANALOG OUTPUT (4-20 MA)
The analog output of the EchoPro® is a loop powered 4-20 mA control circuit. The typical way to use this
feature is to connect a positive supply to the (+) input and to sense the current flow out of the (-) output with a
sampling resistor as shown in the following control drawing.
The cabling should be a shielded twisted pair to minimize EMI interference. Typically 20 to 24 gauge wire is
used in this application.

QS301900 Rev B 19 |
WIRING TO DISPLAYS, CONTROLLERS & PLC’s
Below are examples of how to wire EchoPro™ to common displays, controllers and PLC’s.
DataView™ LI55 Series
Level Controller
DataLoop™ LI23 Series Level Indicator
(With Backlight)
Note: Always refer to the Control Drawing 301901 for further wiring

| 20 QS301900 Rev B
WIRING TO DISPLAYS, CONTROLLERS & PLC’s
Below are examples of how to wire EchoPro™ to common displays, controllers and PLC’s.
Generic PLC
Generic Loop Powered Display
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Note: Always refer to the Control Drawing 301901 for further wiring