Water level sensor is smart.

A new water level sensor, the OTT PLS 500, which combines robust reliability and accuracy with the advantages of smart sensor technology has been introduced. Building on decades of experience, the redesigned PLS 500 retains key elements of the trusted, robust, and reliable OTT PLS, while enhancing the sensor to be intuitive and user friendly.

The OTT PLS 500 is a vented water level and temperature sensor with a stainless-steel body and a robust ceramic pressure cell for improved accuracy and reliability. As a smart sensor it includes built-in QA/QC and metadata to verify sensor performance and validate data. This means that the sensor is ideal for extended deployment in remote locations. 

“This new technology is all about long-term accuracy and reliability,” explains Greg Koch, Global Product Manager, OTT HydroMet. “The PLS 500 is fitted with a humidity sensor and an inclinometer to provide insight to mitigate condensation in the vented line and sensor movement or misalignment. The result is a smart sensor that continually checks itself to ensure that measurements are being taken correctly, with the ability to raise alarms if necessary.”

In addition to pressure (water level), the device also measures temperature to facilitate the automatic compensation of level measurements based on variation in water density. An important feature of the PLS 500 will be a new capability to conduct data processing to improve the efficiency of data reporting and eliminate manual data post-processing/ analysis. For example, the probe will be able to automatically undertake internal calculations such as averages, minima and maxima, as well as discharge calculations from either a user-defined rating table or an ISO 1100-2 exponential formula set-up via SDI-12 commands.

Communication with the PLS 500 has also been enhanced, with the standard/simple communication protocols of SDI-12 or Modbus RTU (via RS-485). Neatly summarising the main advantages of the PLS 500, a Device Beta Tester with the State of Colorado Natural Resource Agency said: “The metadata and sensor flags are a game changer to ensure quality data remotely.”

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