ABB NTLS01

Description

Product Description

The ABB NTLS01, detailed further here, is a loop-powered, two-wire level transmitter designed for continuous level measurement of liquids in industrial process tanks and vessels. While not a PLC spare part in the traditional sense, it is a fundamental field instrument that provides the critical analog process variable (4-20 mA signal) to a PLC or DCS for control and monitoring. This compact and robust transmitter utilizes hydrostatic pressure measurement to determine liquid level, making it a reliable workhorse in various process industries. The core function of the ABB NTLS01 is to convert the pressure exerted by a liquid column into a proportional, isolated 4-20 mA current signal, which is the standard language for process automation. Its simple two-wire design simplifies installation and reduces wiring costs. For process engineers and maintenance teams, the dependable performance of the ABB NTLS01 level transmitter is essential for inventory management, batch control, and preventing overfill incidents.

Product Parameters

• Manufacturer: ABB

• Product Family: Level Transmitters (formerly part of the Fischer & Porter portfolio)

• Model: NTLS01

• Type: Hydrostatic / Submersible Level Transmitter.

• Output Signal: 2-wire, 4-20 mA DC, with HART protocol communication capability.

• Power Supply: Loop-powered, typically 12-45 V DC (compatible with standard PLC/DCS analog input cards).

• Measuring Range: Various ranges available (e.g., 0-1 mH2O up to 0-200 mH2O).

• Accuracy: Typically ±0.25% of span or better.

• Process Connection: Typically a ¾” NPT or G½ threaded connection for submersion or mounting via a mounting flange/chain.

• Sensor Material: Wetted parts commonly available in 316 stainless steel for general corrosion resistance.

• Cable: Integral polyurethane or PVC-jacketed cable with moisture seal; standard lengths are available (e.g., 10m).

• Environmental Protection: High IP rating (e.g., IP68) for continuous submersion.

Advantages and Features

• Simple and Reliable Measurement Principle: Hydrostatic measurement is a proven, direct method for liquid level, offering high reliability with no moving parts.

• Easy Installation and Commissioning: The two-wire, loop-powered design requires minimal wiring. Configuration via HART communicator is straightforward for setting range and damping.

• Robust and Maintenance-Free Design: Fully sealed sensor body and cable entry make it suitable for harsh environments, including wastewater, mild chemicals, and outdoor installations.

• Excellent Long-Term Stability: The piezoresistive sensor technology provides stable readings over time, minimizing drift and the need for frequent recalibration.

• Cost-Effective Solution: Offers a high value-to-cost ratio for standard level measurement applications where advanced diagnostics or radar/ultrasonic features are not required.

Application Cases in Application Fields

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Widely used for measuring level in clarifiers, equalization basins, storage tanks, and effluent ponds. The ABB NTLS01 provides reliable data for pump control and chemical dosing.

• Chemical Processing: Suitable for measuring level of various process liquids in storage and day tanks, providing inventory data to the PLC for batch sequencing and material reconciliation.

• Food and Beverage Production: Used in CIP (Clean-in-Place) tanks, ingredient storage tanks, and fermenters where reliable level indication is needed for recipe control and batch tracking.

• Power Generation: Monitors water level in demineralized water storage tanks, condensate tanks, and auxiliary cooling water basins within a plant’s utility systems.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Compared to other level measurement technologies and transmitters from manufacturers like Endress+Hauser (Cerabar), Siemens (SITRANS P), or Emerson (Rosemount 2051), the ABB NTLS01 has a clear positioning:

• Technology (Hydrostatic vs. Others): It is a dedicated hydrostatic transmitter. Competitors offer similar devices, but also provide radar, ultrasonic, and guided wave radar for different applications (foam, vapors, solid levels). The NTLS01 is ideal for clean, homogeneous liquids.

• Feature Set vs. Price: It focuses on core, reliable level measurement without extensive onboard diagnostics or advanced digital displays found in higher-end transmitters. This makes the ABB NTLS01 a cost-competitive choice for standard applications.

• Ease of Use: Its simplicity is a key advantage. It is often easier to install and configure than more complex technologies, requiring less specialized knowledge.

• HART Protocol: The inclusion of HART places it on par with the industry standard for smart configuration, allowing for remote range adjustments and diagnostics via a PLC or handheld communicator.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Confirm Fluid Compatibility: Ensure the wetted materials (typically 316 SS) are compatible with the process liquid to avoid corrosion. For aggressive chemicals, verify if a specialized seal material (e.g., Hastelloy) is needed.

2. Select the Correct Measuring Range: Choose a transmitter with a range that covers the full height of the tank with some headroom. The maximum pressure rating must exceed the hydrostatic pressure at the tank’s maximum level.

3. Plan for Proper Installation: For accurate measurement, the transmitter must be submerged at the tank’s lowest measurement point (zero level). Ensure the process connection is leak-proof and the cable is properly routed and secured.

4. Account for Specific Gravity: The transmitter measures pressure (head). To display correct level (e.g., in meters), the PLC or indicator must be configured with the fluid’s specific gravity. Changes in fluid density will affect the level reading.

NTLS01

0-57C411-2 PLC
0-60002-6 PLC
0-60007-2
0-60010-E PLC
0-60021-4 I/O
0-60023-5 PLC
0-60028-2 PLC
0-60029-1
0-60031-5 plc
0-60063-1