Pulsar dBi Series User manual

dBi Series ( )
Intelligent Transducer
Instruction Manual
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PULSAR MEASUREMENT
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dBi SERIES (HART) (THIRD EDITION REV 1)
February 2021
Part Number M-560-0-004-1P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Measurement, 2012-21. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form without the written permission of Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery
that it will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Process
Measurement Limited if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the
defect not being due to unfair wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident,
misapplication, or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Measurement neither gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product and shall
have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Measurement
cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves
the right to amend technical details, as necessary.
The dBi shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not be
representative of the actual dBi supplied.
CONTACT
For technical support, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
If you have any comments or suggestions about this product, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
Pulsar Measurement website: www.pulsarmeasurement.com
United States
11451 Belcher Road South
Largo,
FL 33773
888-473-9546
Canada
16456 Sixsmith Drive
Long Sault, Ont.
K0C 1P0
855-300-9151
United Kingdom
Cardinal Building, Enigma
Commercial Centre
Sandy’s Road, Malvern
WR14 1JJ
00 44 (0)1684 891371

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CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Start Here… ...........................................................................................................6
About this Manual ...............................................................................................................6
About the dBi Series (HART) Intelligent Transducer ..............................................7
Functional Description .......................................................................................................7
Product Specification..........................................................................................................9
EU Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................11
Chapter 2 Installation...........................................................................................................12
Unpacking............................................................................................................................ 12
Power Supply Requirements......................................................................................... 12
Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 13
Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation ..................................................................... 15
Closed Vessel Installation .............................................................................................. 16
Cable ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Typical wiring for a Non-Hazardous location........................................................18
Preparation for Operation ............................................................................................. 19
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 20
Hazardous Area Installation.......................................................................................... 20
Chapter 3 How To Use Your dBi Sensor .......................................................................25
4-20 mA Device .................................................................................................................25
Accessing Parameters......................................................................................................26
Hart Commands................................................................................................................. 26
dBi Hart PC Lite..................................................................................................................26
Parameter Defaults...........................................................................................................31
Chapter 4 Getting Results From Your dBi Sensor.....................................................32
Setting up Your Application.......................................................................................... 32
Setting Security Passcodes............................................................................................ 33
Resetting Factory Defaults............................................................................................. 33
Checking the Information Specific to your dBi Intelligent Transducer........34
Chapter 5 Parameter Listing and Description ............................................................ 35

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Application...........................................................................................................................35
Operation ............................................................................................................................. 35
Distances .............................................................................................................................. 35
Data Logs ............................................................................................................................. 37
Volume .................................................................................................................................. 39
Conversion........................................................................................................................... 39
Conversion........................................................................................................................... 39
Breakpoints.......................................................................................................................... 44
Tables..................................................................................................................................... 45
mA Output........................................................................................................................... 46
Stability.................................................................................................................................. 49
System ................................................................................................................................... 49
DATEM...................................................................................................................................51
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting................................................................................................ 53
Chapter 7 Disposal ................................................................................................................ 54
Transducers ......................................................................................................................... 54
Controllers............................................................................................................................ 54

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 1: START HERE…
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar dBi Series Intelligent
Transducer Level Monitoring System. This quality system has been
developed over many years and represents the latest in high technology
ultrasonic level measurement and control. It has been designed to give you
years of trouble-free performance, and a few minutes spent reading this
operating manual will ensure that your installation is as simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation and
operation. There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help
or information as shown.
Tips
TIP: Look for this icon throughout your Pulsar Measurement manual to
find helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions .
Additional Information
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific things in more detail.

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About the dBi Series (HART) Intelligent Transducer
Functional Description
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer is a highly developed ultrasonic level
measurement system which provides non-contacting level measurement for
a wide variety of applications in both liquids and solids. Its unique design
gives unrivalled performance in echo discrimination and accuracy in a loop
powered device.
Easy calibration and maintenance free “fit and forget” performance mean
that you can install the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer Level Monitoring
System rapidly and with confidence, with calibration being achieved either
using a HART programmer/calibrator, or via a PC utilising the Pulsar
interface and software.

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer operates on the principle of timing the
echo received from a measured pulse of sound transmitted in air and utilises
“state of the art” echo extraction technology.
dBi Series Intelligent Transducer comes in four models:
1. dBi 3 with a range from 0.125m (0.41 feet) to 3.00m (9.84 feet).
2. dBi 6 with a range of 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 6.00m (19.69 feet).
3. dBi 10 with a range of 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 10.00m (32.81 feet).
4. dBi 15 with a range of 0.5m (1.64 feet) to 15.00m (49.213 feet).
All models can be mounted via a rear, 1” BSP/NPT, thread (Standard) with a
model with alternative front thread mounting being available, in addition to
this flange mount and PVDF options are also available. See Chapter 2
Installation for further details.
All model types are available for use in hazardous area installations with
either Ex mb or Ex ia ATEX certification.
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer has a 4 to 20mA output which can be
programmed to give an output proportional to level, space, distance or
volume, dependant on the measurement mode selected and provides a
‘fault condition’ alarm of either 3.8mA or 22mA.
Boot time for the dBi Series intelligent Transducer from power up to stable
reading: cold boot = 9 seconds, warm boot = 4 seconds (if within 12hrs from
last start up). For 4 to 20ma set proportional to measured level/distance.

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Product Specification
PHYSICAL
Dimensions & Mounting
dBi3: 77mm dia x 134mm high (3 x 5.31 inch) Rear
thread 1” BSP/NPT
dBi6 & dBi10: 86mm dia x 121 high (3.38 x 4.75 inch).
Rear thread 1” BSP/NPT
dBi15: 86mm dia x 134 mm high (3.38 x 5.32 inch). Rear
1” BSP/NPT
Weight
dBi3: 1kg (2.2lbs), dBi6: 1.2kg (2.7lbs)
dBi10: 1.3kg (2.9lbs), dBi15: 1.4kg (3.1lbs)
Enclosure material/description
Valox 357
Transducer cable requirements
2 core screened. Integral cable length 5, 10, 20 or 30m
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure protection (all models)
IP68
Temperature Compensation
Internal temperature sensor, ± 0.5oC
Max. & min. temperature
(electronics)
-40 ºC to +80 ºC (-40ºF to 176ºF)
CE Approval
See EU Declaration of Conformity
ATEX
II 1 G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga, II 1 D Ex ia IIIC T130OC
Da Tamb -40oC to +80oC
II 2 E Ex mb IIC T4 Gb, II 2 D Exmb IIIC
T130oC Db Tamb -40oC to +80oC
PERFORMANCE
Measurement Range
dBi3: 0.125m (0.41 ft.) to 3.00m (9.84 ft.)
dBi6: 0.3m (0.98 ft.) to 6.00m (19.69 ft.)
dBi10: 0.3m (0.98 ft.) to 10.00m (32.81ft.)
dBi15: 0.5m (1.64 ft.) to 15.00m (49.213 ft.)
Accuracy/Repeatability
dBi3: 2mm (0.08 inch)
dBi6: 4mm (0.16 inch)
dBi10: 3mm (0.12 inch) up to 6m (20ft.) range
6mm (0.24 inch) over 6m range
dBi15: 5mm (0.2 inch) up to 10m (33ft.) range
10mm (0.39 inch) over 10m range
Frequency
dBi3: 125kHz
dBi6: 75kHz
dBi10: 50kHz
dBi15: 41kHz
Beam Angle
dBi3, dBi6 & dBi10: <10o

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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dBi15: <8o(all beam angles are inclusive, but give an
effective beam angle of <3o)
OUTPUTS
Digital Communications
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) modulation of 1200-
2400Hz
Communication Protocol
HART 7, 4-20mA loop powered, output resolution 1µA
PROGRAMMING
PC programming (via HART
modem and 250 Ohm resistor)
HART PC Lite (setup only), Pulsar PC Suite-
and 250 Ohm resistor). HART PC (setup, installation,
echo profiles, cloning and troubleshooting).
Program security
Via passcode
Programmed data integrity
Via non-volatile RAM
PC Setup and monitoring
Compatible with Win 7, Win 8 and Win 10
SUPPLY
Power supply
10 - 28V DC
Power Consumption
Current consumption at start-up = 12mA, unit
powered every 15 minutes for 4 seconds the average
current = 53µA
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and
improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

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EU Declaration of Conformity

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer operates from a DC supply of 10 to 28V
and will typically draw less than 22mA.
The compact one-piece construction of the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer
can be mounted easily using either the 1″BSP/NPT rear mounting thread or
the integral 1.5" or 2" BSP/ NPT, nose thread, dependent on model.
When choosing a location to mount the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer,
bear in mind the following:
•The ultrasonic signal path should be free of falling material and
obstructions such as pipes, beams etc.
•The dBi 3 should be mounted at least 12.5cm (0.41 feet) above the
maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to the surface.
While the dBi 6 and 10 should be mounted at least 30cm (0.98 feet)
above the maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to the
surface. And the dBi 15 should be mounted at least 50cm (1.64 feet)
above the maximum level of the material and again should be
perpendicular to the surface.
•The ambient temperature is between -40ºC and 80ºC.
•There should be no high voltage cables or electrical inverter wiring near
the transducer cabling.
Important Notice
All shipping cartons should be opened carefully. When using a box
cutter, do not plunge the blade deeply into the box, as it could potentially
cut or scratch equipment components. Carefully remove equipment from
each carton, checking it against the packing list before discarding any
packing material. If there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to
the equipment, report it immediately to Pulsar Measurement.
Important Notice
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic shock, so follow
proper grounding procedures during installation.

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Dimensions
The dimensions of the dBiSeries Intelligent Transducer are shown below:
Rear Thread Mount
dBi 3
dBi 6 & dBi10
dBi 15
121mm (4.8”)
86mm ø (3.4”)
134mm (5.3”)
77mm ø (3”)
134mm (5.3”)
86mm ø (3.4”)

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Front Thread Mount
dBi 3
dBi 6 & dBi 10
65mm (2.6”)
160mm (6.3”)
77mm ø (3”)
1.5” Thread
(49mm (1.93”)
Clearance
65mm (2.6”)
160mm (6.3”)
77mm ø (3”)
2” Thread
(61mm (2.40”)
Clearance hole)

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Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer can be simply mounted on a bracket,
suitable for the application and secured using either the 1" BSP/NPT rear
thread or via the 1½″ or 2″ front thread, dependant on model.
Care should be taken to ensure that the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer is
not installed in direct sunlight, to avoid errors in the measurement of
ambient temperature.
Attention should also be taken, when mounting the unit, to ensure that
strong windy conditions are avoided, wherever possible, to prevent
abnormal operation.
DBI MODEL
RANGE
L = BLANKING
dBi 3
3 metres (9.84 feet)
125mm (0.41 feet)
dBi 6
6 metres (19.69 feet)
300mm (0.98 feet)
dBi 10
10 metres (32.18 feet)
300mm (0.98 feet
dBi 15
15 metres (49.21 feet)
500mm (1.64 feet)
‘L’ (Blanking) should, as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the
table above but can be greater if required.
Mounted via Rear 1″BSP/NPT
Thread
Mounted via optional Front
Thread

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Closed Vessel Installation
“L” should as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the table above but
can be greater if required. The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer can be
simply screwed into a flange and secured using the rear 1" BSP/NPT rear
thread or via the 1½″ or 2″ front thread, dependant on model.
Where possible, use a flange made of a synthetic material such as PVC, in
cases where a metal flange is used it is advisable to fit a suitable gasket
between the flange of the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer and the
connection to the vessel.
Standpipe Installations
When mounting the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer to a standpipe care
should be taken to ensure that the standpipe is of sufficient diameter with
reference to its length, see the table below for details:
DIA. (D)
MAX LENGTH
mm
inches
mm
inches
80
3
220
8
100
4
300
12
150
6
420
16
200
8
560
22
dBi Flange mounted via Front
Thread
Optional Flange Mounted dBi

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When using a standpipe, fixed to the top of a vessel, ensure that the open
end of the standpipe is clear of any obstructions such as weld seams,
gaskets etc. to avoid unwanted signal returns.
If using standpipes which extend into the vessel, beyond the blanking
distance, but not as far as the empty level, then the open end of the
standpipe should be cut to an angle of 45o.
When using the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer to measure ‘aggressive,
materials such as ‘alkaline’ and ‘acids’ it is recommended that either a PVDF
or an optional PTFE faced Flanged Transducer is used. Please consult Pulsar
for full availability of options.
Cable
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer comes with a fitted integral cable, if this
cable is extended then the total capacitance must not exceed the limits for
the voltage applied.
Correct
standpipe
installation
Pipe should be free
of obstructions
such as weld
seams.
The maximum level
(100% of Span) is
inside the Blanking
Distance.
Important Notice
In the case of the Ex mb version the cable is fitted with an over current
protection device in the form of a fuse, please note that under no
circumstances should this fuse be removed. The fuse must be fitted in
the non-hazardous area.

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Typical wiring for a Non-Hazardous location
The HART modem and PC or HART programmer are used to set up the
operation parameters for the dBi transducer. The output can either be as a
4-20mA current giving level or distance or as a digital signal via a HART
master.
The dBi transducers cable is a twisted pair with overall cable screen. The
twisted pair are red and black, connect the red to +ve and the black to –ve.
The screen should go to signal ground.

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Loop Resistance
For two wire operation, the maximum cable resistance allowable can be
calculated from the graph below. For example, if an dBi Series Intelligent
Transducer was supplied from 24V, the maximum total cable resistance is
600 ohms, for a typical 77 ohm /km cable this would mean a maximum cable
length of 600/77 = 7.8km, remember this total cable resistance, so this
figure must be divided by 2 to give 3.9km max distance.
Maximum cable resistance vs supply voltage.
Preparation for Operation
Before switching on, check the following:
✓The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer is mounted correctly.
✓The power supply is correctly installed.
Important Notice
If the equipment is installed or used in a manner not specified in this
manual, then the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

DBI (HART) INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts inside your dBi Series Intelligent
Transducer, if you experience any problems with the unit, then please
contact Pulsar Process Measurement for advice.
To clean the equipment, wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use any solvents on
the enclosure.
Hazardous Area Installation
Information specific to Hazardous Area Installation
(Reference European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, Annex II, 1.0.6.)
The following instructions apply to equipment covered by certificate number
TRAC 12ATEX0022X (Ex ia) & TRAC 12ATEX0023X (Ex mb)
1. The equipment may be used with flammable gases and vapours with
apparatus groups IIC, IIB, and IIA with temperature classes; T1, T2, T3, T4
maximum ambient temperature range -40oC to +80oC.
2. The equipment is only certified for use in ambient temperatures in the
range -40oC to +80oC and should not be used outside this range
3. Installation shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable code
of practice by suitably trained personnel
4. Repair of this equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the
applicable code of practice.
5. Certification marking as detailed in drawing number
D-804-0957-B (Ex ia) & D-804-0994-A (Ex mb).
6. If the equipment is likely to come into contact with aggressive
substances, then it is the responsibility of the user to take suitable
precautions that prevent it from being adversely affected, thus ensuring
that the type of protection is not compromised.
Aggressive Substances - e.g. acidic liquids or gases that may attack
metals or solvents that may affect polymeric materials.
Suitable Precautions - e.g. regular checks as part of routine inspections
or establishing from the material’s data sheet that it is resistant to
specific chemicals.