LLT100
Very narrow laser beam for level, distance and position measurement. Suited to solids, silos, mining and geometries with obstacles.
0.5–30 mLiquids
Up to 100 mSolids
ABB and VEGA · Level measurement
ABB and VEGA level transmitters
Different technologies solve different problems. Correct selection starts with the product, vessel geometry, physical properties, process conditions and maintenance, not just the range.
LWT310 / LWT320
Guided wave radar with LevelExpert™ to distinguish level from false echoes. LWT310 is intended for liquids; LWT320 for solids and greater pull forces.
±2 mmTypical accuracy
Up to 60 mRange
LST200 / LST300 / LST400
LST200 is intended for water/wastewater; LST300 is a compact 2-wire/HART instrument with waveform display and diagnostics; LST400 reaches 15 m and integrates open-channel flow, relays and pump control.
LMT100 / LMT200 / LMT300
High-accuracy measurement based on magnetic float position. LMT100 for direct insertion, LMT200 externally on a magnetic gauge/chamber, and LMT300 for hygienic applications.
0.01% FSAccuracy class
Level + interfacePlus temperature / ullage
Non-contact radar transmitters
VEGA level transmitters for radar measurement without product contact. Selection considers the liquid or solid, tank geometry and process conditions.
Measurement without an immersed probeWe check the range, connection, internal obstacles, pressure and temperature to define a suitable configuration.
Capacitive level transmitters
VEGA capacitive level transmitters with a probe in contact with the product. Probe and coating selection depends on the measured material and tank conditions.
Probe selected for the processWe assess length, material compatibility, product electrical properties and potential deposits.
When to use it / when to consider alternatives
Technical selection of the measurement principle
Non-contact radar
Use it when
- process contact is undesirable
- pressure, temperature or vapour are significant
- a narrow beam is needed near vessel internals
Consider carefully when
- a very long or narrow nozzle is present
- agitators or obstacles are in the beam
- the dielectric constant is very low or the product is difficult to measure
Guided wave radar
Use it when
- interface measurement is required
- a chamber or bypass is available
- vapour and pressure make ultrasonic measurement difficult
Consider carefully when
- heavy coating on the probe
- solids with high tensile forces
- a probe close to vessel internals
Ultrasonic
Use it when
- Water and wastewater
- Open tanks and wet wells
- Open-channel flow
- Competitive budget
Consider carefully when
- Vacuum or significant pressure
- Very thick foam
- Heavy vapour or temperature gradients
- Persistent condensation
Laser
Use it when
- An extremely narrow beam is required
- Solids and long distances
- Measurement through narrow spaces
Consider carefully when
- Deposits on the optical window
- Persistent fog or dust
- No direct line of sight to the surface
Magnetostrictive
Use it when
- High accuracy is required
- interface measurement is required
- An existing KM26 or chamber is available
Consider carefully when
- Insufficient density
- Fluids may obstruct the float
- Chamber pressure is not equalised
Capacitive
Use it when
- A simple contact probe is required
- Predictable dielectric constant
- Pastes or powders that challenge other technologies
Consider carefully when
- Build-up changes capacitance
- Product properties vary widely
- Unstable grounding
Installation best practice
The details that determine measurement performance
Keep the beam clear of ladders, agitators and filling streams. Avoid unsuitable nozzles and use aiming accessories where required.
The probe must not touch walls or internal structures. Chambers require a suitable diameter and correctly selected spacers and end weights.
Mount perpendicular to the surface, away from the filling stream. Check the dead zone and temperature limits.
Correct aiming is essential. Dust tubes, heated windows and cooling tubes can help manage deposits, condensation and temperature.
Size the float for the actual density and interface. Keep the chamber vertical, clean and correctly connected to the vessel.
Avoid unpredictable build-up and check the dielectric constant, grounding and clearance from walls.
ABB details
Useful features to know
LWT300 · LevelExpert™
ABB's algorithm distinguishes the actual level from false echoes, reducing the need for baseline mapping and manual echo selection associated with older platforms.
LST300 · waveform and false-echo filtering
A graphical echo display, a beam angle down to approximately 5° and diagnostics support commissioning in confined spaces or around obstacles.
LLT100 · optical accessories
Dust tubes, heated windows, cooling tubes, swivel flanges and pointing tools help maintain the optical path and alignment.
LMT200 · non-intrusive measurement
It can be mounted externally on a magnetic level gauge, allowing transmitters and switches to be added or serviced without opening the process.
ABB replacements
MT and AT series installed base
We check the lifecycle of each specific model code before classifying it as obsolete.
Legacy guided wave radar
ABB MT5200ABB MT5000ABB MT5100ABB MT2000
Migration is typically towards LWT300, subject to checks on the probe, length, pressure, temperature, dielectric constant and interface.
Installed magnetostrictive transmitters
ABB AT100ABB AT200ABB AT500ABB AT600
LMT100 or LMT200 may be suitable replacements. We verify the lifecycle of the individual model and code before proposing a solution.
For a replacement: Send the full code, serial number or a nameplate photograph. If available, include the probe or chamber length, density, interface, pressure, temperature, connection and material.
Level can also be measured using pressure
For open, closed or pressurised tanks, we can assess gauge or differential pressure transmitters, remote seals, wet and dry legs, and compensation.
Explore pressure measurementABB documentation
ABB datasheets and manuals
Download the documents for your model. Shared manuals, protocols and versions are identified in each document card.
LLT100 · laser
LWT310 / LWT320 · guided wave radar
LWT300 series datasheet, with separate HART and Modbus manuals to match the installed protocol.
LST200 · ultrasonic
LST300 · ultrasonic
LST400 · ultrasonic and open-channel flow
LMT100 · insertion magnetostrictive transmitter
Shared LMT100 / LMT200 manuals, with separate HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus versions.
LMT200 · externally mounted magnetostrictive transmitter
External mounting on a magnetic level gauge. Shared LMT100 / LMT200 manuals are listed by protocol.
ABB documentation
Earlier series documentation
Original PDFs for installed instruments. Check the full model code, protocol and instrument revision.
MT5000 / MT5100 / MT5200
The datasheet covers MT5000, MT5100 and MT5200. The downloadable manual is for the MT5000 4–20 mA version and does not automatically apply to other variants.
AT500
Compact insertion magnetostrictive transmitter. Dedicated AT500 datasheet and manual.
AT600
Datasheet for the magnetostrictive transmitter mounted externally on a magnetic level gauge.
Request a quotation
Tell us about your tank or silo
Technical FAQ
Questions we are often asked
Non-contact radar or guided wave radar?
Non-contact radar is ideal when immersed parts are undesirable and a clear line of sight is available. GWR is often preferable for interface measurement, bypass chambers or more controlled signal guidance in demanding process conditions.
Can ultrasonic measurement handle foam or vapour?
It can, but dense foam, vapour, strong temperature gradients, high pressure or vacuum may attenuate or deflect the signal. Radar or GWR may be more predictable in these conditions.
When is laser better than radar?
When an extremely narrow beam is needed, for solids, long distances or geometries with obstacles. A clear optical path is required, and the window must be protected against condensation and deposits.
LWT310 or LWT320?
ABB positions LWT310 primarily for liquids and LWT320 for solids, where the probe must withstand greater tensile forces.
When should I choose LMT100 or LMT200?
LMT100 is inserted into the process with a float. LMT200 mounts externally on a magnetic level gauge or chamber, keeping the electronics and sensor outside the fluid.
How is an interface measured?
GWR and magnetostrictive measurement are the most common technologies. Both require sufficient differences between the properties of the two fluids and a suitable mechanical configuration.
Can I replace an MT5000 or AT series instrument?
Yes, but the replacement cannot be selected by model name alone. We check the probe or chamber, length, density, interface, materials, connection, pressure, temperature and certifications.