1. Introduction

To give the best performance, KROHNE level meters must be installed in a correct way. Important instructions should be taken into consideration, like the mounting position, shape of the tank, obstacles within the tank, etc. Depending on the measuring principle of each device, the guidelines will differ. In this article we will explain the installation instructions for Contact Radar Level meters (OPTIFLUX 1100 & OPTIFLEX 2200 & OPTIFLEX 1300). 

The article cover the following topics:

  • OPTIFLEX 1100
  • OPTIFLEX 1300/2200


2. OPTIFLEX 1100

  • Make sure that the minimum distance from metallic walls and other metal objects is more that 300 mm.
  • Do not install the probe near to a product inlet.


  • Use a standpipe if there are too many other objects in the tank or the liquid is turbulent.
  • For stilling wells and bypass chambers follow bellow installation requirements:
    • The standpipe must be made of metal.
    • The standpipe must be straight. There must be no changes in diameter from the device process connection to the bottom of the standpipe. 
    • The standpipe must be vertical.
    • Recommended surface roughness: <±0.1 mm / <±0.004¨. 
    • Stilling well only: The bottom of the stilling well must be open.
    • Adjust the probe to the center of the standpipe.
    • Make sure that there are no deposits at the bottom of the standpipe which can cause blockage of the process connections. 
    • In case of installation in tanks that contain one liquid make sure the stilling well has a vent above the maximum level.
    • In case of installation in tanks that contain one liquid, If the probe has a counterweight, make sure that there is enough space between the counterweight and the wall of the stilling well.
    • The bypass chamber must have a process connection that is above the maximum level of liquid.
    • The bypass chamber must have a process connection that is below the lowest measured level of liquid.


3. OPTIFLEX 1300 & 2200
  • Do not put the process connection near to the product inlet. If the product that enters the tank touches the probe, the device will measure incorrectly.

  • If product particles are likely to collect in holes, a nozzle is not recommended. Attach the flange directly to the tank or use a threaded connection to attach the device directly to the tank.

  •   For single cable and single rod probes install as shown in below picture.

  • If the device is installed on a high nozzle, make sure that the probe does not touch the side of the nozzle (attach the probe end etc.)

  • For double cable and double rod probes install as shown in below picture.

  • If your device has a coaxial probe, you can ignore these installation recommendations.
  • Install coaxial probes in clean liquids that are not too viscous.
  • In case of installation for concrete roofs, install as shown in below picture.


Recommendations for liquids
  1. The electromagnetic (EM) field generated by the device has a radius of Rmin. Make sure that the EM field is clear of objects and product flow. Refer to the table that follows
  2. If there are too many objects in the tank, install a bypass chamber or stilling well.
  3. Keep the probe straight. If the probe is too long, shorten the probe length. Make sure that the device is configured with the new probe length.

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Standpipes 

  • The standpipe must be electrically conductive.
  • The standpipe must be straight.
  • There must be no sudden changes in internal diameter greater than 1 mm / 0.04¨.
  • The standpipe must be vertical. 
  • Recommended surface roughness: <±0.1 mm / 0.004¨.
  • Stilling well only: The bottom of the stilling well must be open.
  • Adjust the probe to the center of the standpipe.
  • Make sure that there are no deposits at the bottom of the standpipe.
  • Make sure that there is liquid in the standpipe.


Installation in tanks containing one liquid and foam:

  • Drill a pressure equalization hole in the stilling well above the maximum level. 
  • If the probe has a counterweight, make sure that there is enough space between the counterweight and the wall of the stilling well.
Installation in tanks containing more than one liquid:
  • Drill a pressure equalization hole in the stilling well above the maximum level of the top liquid. 
  • Drill more holes along the length of the stilling well. Distance between holes ≥ 25 mm / 1¨ (depends on the minimum layer to be measured). These holes help the liquids to move freely.
  • If the probe has a counterweight, make sure that there is enough space between the counterweight and the wall of the stilling well.


Installation recommendations for solids
  • Install the device at the correct location to measure level correctly and prevent too much bending and traction. If necessary, attach the probe to the bottom of the tank.

  • Do not install the probe near to a product inlet.