High-precision hydrostatic level measurement for water resources, wastewater, and industrial applications. Direct immersion design with 316L stainless steel construction.
Specifier’s note. Before you finalise the HM21 base model, cross-check the six field failure modes in our Submersible Level Transmitter Field Guide. If lightning, chemistry, or long cable runs dominate your site, a variant may be the safer call.
200m Max Depth±0.25% AccuracyIP68 Rating4-20mA Output
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:
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.