HM21 Submersible Level Transmitter

High-precision hydrostatic level measurement for water resources, wastewater, and industrial applications. Direct immersion design with 316L stainless steel construction.

200m Max Depth ±0.25% Accuracy IP68 Rating 4-20mA Output

Product Overview

The HM21 is a submersible (throw-in) liquid level transducer utilizing fluid static mechanics with a high-sensitivity silicon piezoresistive element. This proven technology features micro-machining construction, special cable with air-venting conduit, and advanced water-tightness technology.

Available in both integrated (sensor + amplifier) and split (sensor and junction box separate) configurations, the HM21 delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability for water supply, wastewater treatment, groundwater monitoring, and industrial tank level control applications.

Key Characteristics:

  • Direct immersion design—simply throw into water to measure level
  • 316L stainless steel membrane and enclosure for corrosion resistance
  • IP68 submersion rating with optional Ex-proof certification
  • Multiple signal outputs: 4–20mA, 0–5V, 1–5V, or RS485
  • Measuring range: 0–0.5m to 0–200m H₂O
  • Accuracy classes: ±1.0%, ±0.4%, or ±0.25%

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Measuring Range 0–0.5m to 0–200m H₂O or 0–5kPa to 0–2MPa
Permissible Overload 2× full-scale
Overall Accuracy ±0.25% FS, ±0.4% FS, ±1.0% FS (selectable)
Long-Term Stability Typical ±0.1% FS/Year; Max ±0.2% FS/Year
Operating Temperature Integrated: –20 to 70°C; Split: –20 to 80°C
Compensated Temperature Integrated: –10 to 55°C; Split: –10 to 70°C
Temp Drift (Zero Point) Typical ±0.02% FS/°C; Split: ±0.05% FS
Temp Drift (Sensitivity) Typical ±0.02% FS/°C; Split: ±0.05% FS/°C
Power Supply 12–36V DC (24V DC standard)
Signal Output 4–20mA, 1–5V DC, 0–5V DC, RS485
Load Resistance ≤(U–12)/0.02 Ω
Enclosure Material SS 1Cr18Ni9N (stainless steel)
Membrane Material 316L stainless steel
Seal Material Fluorubber
Cable Spec Φ7.2mm PVC with air-venting conduit
Insulation Resistance 100 MΩ at 500V DC
Protection Rating IP68 (sensor), IP65 (junction box)
Explosion-Proof Ex ia II CT5 (optional)
Response Time ≤2ms
Weight ~250g
Thermal Lagging ±0.1% FS (typical)
Resolution 1/100,000

Key Features

IP68 Submersible Design

Fully submerged operation with cast aluminum junction box and sealed stainless steel enclosure for complete water immersion.

High-Precision Silicon Sensor

Advanced piezoresistive element with micro-machining technology delivers ±0.25% accuracy and exceptional long-term stability.

Split/Integrated Options

Choose integrated (sensor + amplifier) or split (separate sensor and junction box) configurations to match your installation requirements.

Wide Measurement Range

0.5m to 200m water column or 5kPa to 2MPa equivalent pressure range. Selectable accuracy classes for various applications.

Low Power Consumption

Operates on 12–36V DC with standard 24V configuration. Multiple output options: 4–20mA, 0–5V, 1–5V, or RS485 digital.

Corrosion-Resistant 316L

Premium stainless steel membrane and enclosure resist saltwater, chemicals, and aggressive media. Optional corrosion-proof coating available.

Typical Applications

Water Supply & Distribution

Real-time monitoring of water tanks, reservoirs, and distribution networks with high accuracy and minimal maintenance.

Wastewater Treatment

Durable sensor for harsh treatment plant environments. IP68 rating handles submersion in aeration tanks and clarifiers.

River & Lake Monitoring

Environmental monitoring for flood warning systems, hydrological surveys, and water resource management projects.

Reservoir Level Control

Automated dam and reservoir management with precision level measurement for flow control and water allocation.

Groundwater Monitoring

Borehole and well level monitoring for hydrogeological surveys, groundwater resource assessment, and contamination tracking.

Industrial Tank Monitoring

Chemical storage, fuel tanks, and process vessel level control. Corrosion-resistant construction for demanding industrial environments.

Ordering Guide

The HM21 series uses a standardized ordering code system. Select each parameter to configure your ideal transmitter:

Model Code: HM21 – [Range] – [Type] – [Accuracy] – [Output] – [Options]

Parameter Option Description
Type C1 Integrated (sensor + amplifier in sealed enclosure, 0–200m H₂O)
C2 Split (separate sensor and junction box, 0–10m H₂O)
C3 Inserted/Flush (0–4m H₂O)
Accuracy 0 ±1.0% FS
1 ±0.4% FS
2 ±0.25% FS (premium)
Signal Output A1 4–20mA current loop
V1 1–5V DC voltage
V2 0–5V DC voltage
S1 RS485 digital (ModBus)
Connector/Thread F1 G1½ thread (standard)
F2 DN20 flange
F0 Special custom connector
Special Options E Ex ia II CT5 explosion-proof certification
R Corrosion-proof (enhanced coating for aggressive media)

Example: HM21–100–C1–2–A1–F1 = Integrated HM21 with 100m H₂O range, ±0.25% accuracy, 4–20mA output, G1½ thread

Frequently Asked Questions

The HM21 uses a high-sensitivity silicon piezoresistive element that measures fluid pressure at the sensor tip. When submerged, the hydrostatic pressure (dependent on water depth and density) is converted into an electrical signal proportional to liquid level. The air-venting cable allows atmospheric reference, ensuring accurate depth-independent measurements. No moving parts means excellent reliability and minimal maintenance.

IP68 is the highest ingress protection rating and means the sensor is fully sealed against dust (6) and can withstand continuous submersion in water (8) to specified depths. The “8” specifically indicates protection against immersion beyond 1 meter, which makes the HM21 ideal for underwater level measurement. The junction box on split models has IP65 (water jet protection but not continuous submersion), while the sensor itself maintains IP68.

Integrated (C1): Sensor and amplifier are sealed together in one stainless steel enclosure. The entire unit is submersible, measuring 0–200m H₂O. Ideal for direct throw-in applications with no separate electronics abovewater. Simpler wiring, fewer connection points. Split (C2): Sensor cable connects to a separate junction box on shore/above water. Sensor measures 0–10m H₂O. The remote electronics allow easier adjustment and monitoring. Better for situations where you need the sensor submerged but electronics protected from splash zone. Maximum range is lower than integrated due to cable pressure limits.

Standard cable length is typically 1m to 100m depending on configuration. The Φ7.2mm PVC cable includes an air-venting conduit for atmospheric reference pressure compensation. For integrated models, cable lengths up to 100m+ are feasible. For split models, consider signal attenuation and power loss for very long cable runs. Custom cable lengths and materials (armored cable for harsh environments) are available upon request. Contact our engineers for specific requirements.

±1.0% FS (Code 0): Standard accuracy for general water level monitoring, flood warning, and tank level control. Cost-effective and suitable for most applications. ±0.4% FS (Code 1): Intermediate precision for environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, and resource management where better accuracy improves efficiency. ±0.25% FS (Code 2): Premium accuracy for precision hydrogeological surveys, dam safety monitoring, and laboratory-grade measurements. Justifies higher cost for critical applications requiring minimal error margins. Select based on your application tolerance and budget. All classes feature excellent long-term stability (±0.1% FS/Year typical).

The standard HM21 features a 316L stainless steel membrane and enclosure, which resists freshwater, wastewater, and most moderate chemical environments. 316L is superior to 304 stainless steel due to higher molybdenum content, providing better saltwater and chloride resistance. For aggressive environments (saltwater, acid, alkali), order the HM21R variant with enhanced corrosion-proof coating (Teflon or epoxy) and upgraded seals. The optional R designation ensures multi-year lifespan even in harsh marine or chemical tank applications. Fluorubber seals provide additional chemical compatibility with oils and solvents.

Ready to Measure Your Liquid Level?

Let our engineers help you select the ideal configuration for your water resource, wastewater, or industrial application. We specialize in submersible level transmitters and can provide custom solutions.