Explosion Proof Magnetostrictive Level Sensor

MPX-E

Precision Level Monitoring for Demanding Environments

The MPX-E is a high-accuracy magnetostrictive level sensor engineered for performance in hazardous environments. This explosion-proof sensor provides precise, repeatable measurements of both interface levels and total volume—making it ideal for monitoring complex liquids in oil & gas, petrochemical, water treatment, and other critical industries. Its lightweight, compact build makes it easy to install in tight or confined spaces.

The MPX-E offers versatile output options, including Modbus RTU (RS-485) and 4–20 mA, and integrates seamlessly with any Modbus controller or PLC. It’s also fully compatible with Settler and Explorer, allowing for reliable remote monitoring over the Internet.

Built for high-turbidity environments, the MPX-E features multiple stem and float material options to ensure chemical compatibility and long-lasting durability in harsh applications.

  • Low-Level Fuel-Water Interface Detection: Utilizes high-precision technology to accurately detect minimal fuel and water levels, ensuring reliable interface measurement in tanks and industrial systems.
  • Hazardous Area Certification: Certified for Class I Divisions 1 & 2, Groups C & D, Class I Zone 1, and Class I Zone 2, ensuring safe operation in hazardous environments with combustible gases or vapors.
  • Versatile Output Integration: Offers 4-20 mA and RS-485 (Modbus RTU) outputs for seamless integration into PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial automation platforms.
  • Durability & Longevity: Rugged design measures up to 12.75 feet (3.9 m), ensuring reliable performance in diverse industrial environments with minimal maintenance.
  • Comprehensive Measurement:  Enables dual level (interface) measurement and calculates tank volumes using strapping tables, supporting accurate inventory management and operational planning.
  • Precision & Consistency: Delivers highly accurate and repeatable readings, crucial for precise tank level monitoring and interface detection between liquids.

  • Resolution:
    • 4-20 mA: 14 bit DAC (1 mm)
    • Modbus: 0.04 in. (1 mm)
  • Distance Accuracy:
    • 4-20 mA Modbus: Greater of ±0.05% of FS or 1 mm
  • Temperature Accuracy: RTD—1k Ohm: ±1°C
  • Probe Operating Temperature: -40º–85ºC (-40º–185ºF)
  • IP65
  • Electrical Connection: Terminal Block, 12–24 VDC
  • Typical current draw:
    • 4-20 mA: (single) 4-22 mA, (dual) 8-44 mA
    • Modbus (RS-485): 25 mA
  • Reverse polarity protection
  • Surge protection (output 4 only)
  • RS-485: optional RST-6001 USB to RS-485 converter
  • 4-20 mA: factory set or optional RST-4100 programming module
  • Output:
    •  Single or dual loop-powered 4-20 mA
      • Set points:
        • 4 mA, probe bottom.
        • 20 mA, 6 in. below probe zero point or at customer specified point
    • Modbus RTU (RS-485), optional temperature output
  • Housing: Cast aluminum, epoxy coated, blue
  • Stem: 0.5” Ø 316L SS
  • Stem Length: 1–12.75 ft. (0.3–3.9m)
  • CSA:
    • Rated 12-24 VDC; 4-20 mA or 80 mA; Ta 85°C
    • Class I, Division 1 & 2, Groups C & D T4
    • Ex d IIB T4
    • Ex nA IIB T4
    • Class I, Zone 1; AEx d IIB T4
    • Class I, Zone 2; AEx nA IIB T4
What is the difference between the MPX-E and MPX-R models?
  • MPX-E: Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for tight spaces.
  • MPX-R: Features larger, more robust floats and stems, making it well-suited for harsh environments prone to fouling or buildup.

The MPX-E is designed for precise liquid level and interface measurement in hazardous environments. It is ideal for applications such as storage tanks, oil/water interface measurement, industrial effluent, and high-turbidity environments in industries like oil and gas, petrochemical, water treatment, and more.

The MPX sensor utilizes Modbus RTU (RS-485 output), allowing seamless integration with any Modbus-compatible controller or PLC.

Industries that benefit from the MPX-E include:

  • CI, D1 Hazardous Locations
  • Storage Tanks
  • Fuel Tanks
  • Oil/Water Interface Measurement
  • Industrial Effluent
  • Power Generation
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment
  • Biotech
  • Oil and Gas
  • Petrochemical
  • Chemical

The MPX-E is designed for various fluids, including:

  • Storage and fuel tanks
  • Oil/water interface measurement
  • Thick, viscous, or sludgy fluids
  • Industrial effluent and wastewater

Increase the sensitivity settings on your sensor.

Here are the steps to get the sensor communication back as sensor #1 using the APG Modbus software and the RST-6001 (USB to RS485 converter). 

It’s essentially the same process below to establish communication. 

Establishing Communication:

  1. On the APG Modbus software, go to Configure>Communication.
  2. Make sure the USB box is checked; the Sensor Type is MPX-1/4 RS485 and the Sensor# ID is showing 1.
  3. Click Save Configuration and then click Save.
  4. Click on the Green “Start Communication” Button.

After communication has been established, use the second procedure to change the sensor address. 


Here are the steps to follow to change the MPX-E4 address:

Establishing Communication:

  1. On the APG Modbus software, go to Configure>Communication.
  2. Make sure the USB box is checked; the Sensor Type is MPX-1/4 RS485 and the Sensor# ID is showing 1.
  3. Click Save Configuration and then click Save.
  4. Click on the Green “Start Communication” Button.

 

Changing the Sensor Address:

  1. Change Register 400 from 1 to the desired address number.
  2. Click Send. At this point, you will see a Comm Bad. That’s ok, go to Step 3.
  3. Click again on Configure>Communication.
  4. Change the Sensor ID from 1 to the new address number.
  5. Click Save Configuration and then click Save.
  6. Click on the Green “Start Communication” Button.

Your MPX-E4 should be communicating to the software with its new address. 

MOUNT

Flange, No Mount, NPT

OUTPUT

4-20 mA, Modbus

CERTIFICATION

CSA – General, Explosion Proof

ENCLOSURE PROTECTION

IP65

INDUSTRY

Chemical, Food & Beverage, Industrial Automation, Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater

PROBE LENGTH

1' – 12.5', 4' – 32'