WNK ATEX Explosion Proof IP68 Submersible Level Transmitter RS485 Modbus for Deep Well Agricultural Irrigation Tank
WNK ATEX Explosion Proof IP68 Submersible Level Transmitter with RS485 Modbus
The WNK8010-ATEX-RS Explosion Proof Level Transmitter combines ATEX intrinsic safety certification with RS485 Modbus RTU digital communication for multi-sensor networking in hazardous agricultural and industrial environments. Certified ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Ga for Zone 0 gas atmospheres and IP68 submersible to 200 meters, it enables up to 32 sensors on a single RS485 bus — dramatically reducing wiring costs for multi-well irrigation monitoring, tank farms, and distributed groundwater networks where explosion protection is mandatory.
RS485 Modbus Multi-Sensor Networking
- Up to 32 Sensors Per Bus: Daisy-chain multiple WNK8010-ATEX-RS transmitters on a single twisted-pair RS485 cable, monitoring dozens of wells or tanks from one controller
- Modbus RTU Protocol: Standard Modbus function codes 03/04 (read level, temperature, diagnostics) and 06/16 (write configuration) for seamless PLC/SCADA integration
- Configurable Parameters: Adjustable Modbus address (1-247), baud rate (1200-115200bps), data format, and sensor zero/span via Modbus commands
- Digital Precision: Direct 32-bit float level reading in meters eliminates analog signal drift, ground loop errors, and A/D conversion noise
- Dual Output Option: Simultaneous RS485 digital + 4-20mA analog output for mixed systems with both modern and legacy controllers
ATEX Certified for Hazardous Agriculture
- Zone 0 Gas (Ex ia IIC T4 Ga): Safe for continuously explosive atmospheres — including biogas from anaerobic decomposition in irrigation sumps, methane in groundwater, and fuel vapors near diesel pump stations
- Zone 20 Dust (Ex ia IIIC T135°C Da): Certified for combustible agricultural dusts including grain dust, fertilizer powder, and pesticide mixing areas
- Galvanic Isolation: Built-in RS485 signal isolation eliminates ground loops between hazardous and safe areas when multiple sensors share a common bus
Technical Specifications
| Model | WNK8010-TT |
| Level Range | 0-1m to 0-200mH2O |
| Output Signal | RS485 Modbus RTU (4-20mA optional) |
| Explosion Proof | ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Ga / Ex ia IIIC T135°C Da |
| Modbus Protocol | RTU mode, 1200-115200bps, address 1-247 |
| Accuracy | 0.5%FS (0.25%FS optional) |
| Power Supply | 8-32V DC (via ATEX IS barrier) |
| Protection Class | IP68 |
| Housing Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Cable Material | PUR / PTFE vented cable with Kevlar core |
| Bus Capacity | Up to 32 sensors per RS485 segment |
| Operating Temperature | -20~70°C |
| Response Time | ≤10ms |
| Overload Capacity | 200%FS |
| Long-term Stability | ±0.2%FS/year |
| Measured Media | Water, Groundwater, Irrigation water, Light chemicals |
| Certification | ATEX, CE, ROHS, ISO 9001:2015 |
Applications
- Multi-Well Irrigation Fields: Monitor water levels across dozens of irrigation boreholes simultaneously via a single RS485 Modbus network, enabling centralized pump control and water allocation
- Tank Farm Monitoring: Connect up to 32 storage tanks (water, fertilizer, fuel) on one bus with ATEX-certified safety for diesel and chemical storage areas
- Groundwater Monitoring Networks: Long-term digital aquifer monitoring with timestamped data logging, remote telemetry via Modbus-to-4G gateways
- Irrigation Canal Systems: Distributed level sensing along canal networks with digital data integrity over long cable runs (up to 1200m at 9600bps)
- Biogas & Wastewater: ATEX-certified for monitoring in biogas collection wells, anaerobic digester feed tanks, and agricultural wastewater lagoons
Modbus Register Map (Summary)
| Register | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 40001-40002 | Read (03/04) | Level value (32-bit float, meters H2O) |
| 40003-40004 | Read (03/04) | Temperature (32-bit float, °C) |
| 40005 | Read (03/04) | Sensor status & diagnostics |
| 40010-40011 | Read/Write (03/06/16) | Zero offset adjustment (32-bit float) |
| 40020 | Read/Write (03/06) | Modbus slave address (1-247, default 1) |
| 40021 | Read/Write (03/06) | Baud rate code (0-7, default 4=9600) |
Quality & Compliance
- ATEX Type Examination Certificate from EU notified body
- ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing with full material traceability
- 100% temperature compensated and individually calibrated
- 48-hour submersed burn-in test with Modbus communication verification
- Comprehensive Modbus protocol manual and register map included
- 12-month warranty for non-man-made damages
FAQ
Q: How many sensors can I connect on one RS485 network?
A: Up to 32 WNK8010-TT ATEX-RS sensors per RS485 segment without a repeater. With RS485 repeaters, networks of 247 sensors are possible — each with a unique Modbus address from 1-247.
Q: Does the RS485 need to go through an ATEX barrier too?
A: Yes. The RS485 communication lines must pass through a certified ATEX IS barrier designed for RS485 signals. We recommend barrier models that preserve the RS485 differential signal integrity for reliable Modbus communication.
Q: Can I retrofit this into an existing 4-20mA system?
A: Yes. The WNK8010-ATEX-RS can be ordered with simultaneous RS485 + 4-20mA output, allowing you to add digital Modbus monitoring while maintaining compatibility with existing 4-20mA controllers.
Q: What is the maximum cable distance for RS485 Modbus?
A: Up to 1200 meters at 9600 baud with proper twisted-pair shielded cable. For longer distances, Modbus-to-fiber or Modbus-to-4G gateways can extend the network indefinitely.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity?
A: We accept orders from 1 piece for evaluation and protocol testing. ATEX certification documentation requires 2-3 weeks lead time.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our products or want to discuss a custom order? Our team is ready to help you.