The KOBOLD NEO-7 is an ultrasonic level transmitter that provides continuous, non-contact liquid level measurement using reflective ultrasonic technology and a loop-powered 4-20 mA output. It is designed for bulk tanks holding non-foaming or mildly vaporous media such as chemicals, water, wastewater, and oils, and is configured through an integral push-button display or NEOCal software. Two model families cover measuring distances up to 19.6 ft (6 m) on the NEO-7006 and up to 39.3 ft (12 m) on the NEO-7012.
How reflective ultrasonic technology works
The NEO-7 pulses an ultrasonic sound wave from the base of the transducer. The wave reflects off the process medium and returns, and the electronics translate the elapsed time of flight into the distance to the liquid. Orienting the transducer vertically lets condensation run off rather than attenuate the signal.
Transmit and receive signals are redirected to and from the liquid off a 45° reflector, which is designed to maintain reliable measurement in condensing environments where flat horizontal transducers can lose signal strength.
Models and measuring range
The NEO-7 is offered in two general-purpose models. The NEO-7006 measures 8 in to 19.6 ft (20 cm to 6 m) through a 2 in NPT connection. The NEO-7012 measures 18 in to 39.3 ft (45.7 cm to 12 m) through a 3 in NPT connection. Accuracy is 0.2% of range on both models.
- NEO-7006: 8 in to 19.6 ft (20 cm to 6 m) range, 8 in (20 cm) dead band, 3 in (7.6 cm) beam width, 0.079 in (2 mm) resolution, 2 in NPT male
- NEO-7012: 18 in to 39.3 ft (45.7 cm to 12 m) range, 18 in (45.7 cm) dead band, 6 in (15.2 cm) beam width, 0.196 in (5 mm) resolution, 3 in NPT male
Output, power, and configuration
The NEO-7 provides a two-wire, loop-powered 4-20 mA output and operates on 14 to 28 VDC. The signal can be inverted (4-20 mA or 20-4 mA), and the fail-safe output is selectable to 4 mA, 20 mA, 21 mA, 22 mA, or hold-last-value.
Configuration is handled at the push-button LCD, which shows level in inches, centimeters, or percent, or through NEOCal software using the NEO-PFOB USB fob. Settings are held in non-volatile memory, so they are retained when power is removed.
Materials, ratings, and temperature
The transducer is corrosion-resistant polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The NEO-7006 enclosure is polypropylene and the NEO-7012 enclosure is aluminum. The pressure rating is 30 psi (2 bar), and automatic temperature compensation covers a process temperature range of -40°F to 176°F (-40°C to 80°C).
The general-purpose enclosure carries a Type 6P (IP68) rating, and intrinsically safe versions are rated IP66. Materials should be confirmed as chemically compatible with the media being measured.
Intrinsically safe versions for hazardous areas
The NEO-7006-IS is an intrinsically safe version for classified hazardous locations, supplied with an aluminum enclosure and an IP66 rating. The general-purpose NEO-7006 and NEO-7012 models are not rated for use in classified hazardous environments.
US approvals include Class I, Div 1, Groups A, B, C, and D T4; Class II, Div 1, Groups E, F, G T4; Class III, T135C; Class I, Zone 0, IIC AEx ia T4 Ga; and Class II, Zone 20, IIIC AEx ia, T135C, Da. Entity parameters are Ui = 28 VDC, Ii = 100 mA, Pi = 840 mW, Li = 2.46 mH, and Ci = 0. Install the intrinsically safe version per Control Drawing 600820.
Applications
The NEO-7 is designed for continuous level measurement in bulk tanks with non-foaming or mildly vaporous media. Typical media include chemicals, water, wastewater, and oils. Listed application areas include bulk storage, neutralization tanks, clarifiers, and waste sumps.
Installation
The NEO-7 is designed to mount perpendicular to the liquid and should be hand-tightened within the fitting. It is positioned at least 3 in from the side wall, away from obstacles in the beam, and not in a vacuum or at the center of a dome-top tank. In cone-bottom tanks, position the sensor over the deepest part of the tank.
It can be supplied through 2 in or 3 in tank adapters, flanges, or standpipes, typically using a reducer bushing such as 3 in to 2 in. Where foam or turbulence is present, a standpipe of at least 3 in inside diameter (4 in for the NEO-7012) helps stabilize the reading.
Common Questions about NEO - Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
The transmitter sends an ultrasonic pulse toward the liquid surface and waits for the returning echo. Its microprocessor measures the interval between the outgoing pulse and the reflection, then converts that time of flight into a distance and a level reading. The vertical transducer keeps condensation from weakening the signal.
The NEO-7006 measures from 8 in to 19.6 ft (20 cm to 6 m) with an 8 in (20 cm) dead band. The NEO-7012 measures from 18 in to 39.3 ft (45.7 cm to 12 m) with an 18 in (45.7 cm) dead band. Liquid should never enter the dead band.
Accuracy is 0.2% of range. Resolution is 0.079 in (2 mm) on the NEO-7006 and 0.196 in (5 mm) on the NEO-7012. Beam width is 3 in (7.6 cm) on the NEO-7006 and 6 in (15.2 cm) on the NEO-7012, which suits installations with limited clearance.
The NEO-7 is a two-wire, loop-powered device with a 4-20 mA output and a 14 to 28 VDC supply. The signal can be set to 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA. The selectable fail-safe output is 4 mA, 20 mA, 21 mA, 22 mA, or hold-last-value. Leads extend up to 1,000 ft with 22-gauge or larger wire.
Two methods are available: the integral push-button LCD, which reads in inches, centimeters, or percent, and NEOCal software connected through the NEO-PFOB USB fob. Either method sets the same parameters, and configuration is stored in non-volatile memory, so it is retained when power is removed.
PVDF is chosen for the transducer because it resists corrosion. Housings differ by model: polypropylene on the NEO-7006, aluminum on the NEO-7012. The device withstands 30 psi (2 bar), and automatic compensation holds accuracy across a process temperature from -40°F to 176°F (-40°C to 80°C). Always verify chemical compatibility.
Yes. The NEO-7006-IS carries an intrinsic-safety rating for classified areas, housed in aluminum with IP66 protection. Certified US ratings cover Class I, Div 1, Groups A-D T4 and Class II, Div 1, Groups E, F, G T4. Safety entity values: Ui = 28 VDC, Ii = 100 mA, Pi = 840 mW, Li = 2.46 mH, Ci = 0.
Face the sensor squarely at the liquid and tighten it by hand in the fitting. Maintain a minimum 3 in gap from the tank wall and keep the beam path unobstructed. Avoid vacuum service and the middle of a domed top. On cone bottoms, aim the sensor at the lowest point.
Order the NEO-7006 for a 19.6 ft measuring distance with a 2 in NPT, general-purpose build; the NEO-7006-IS for the same 19.6 ft distance and 2 in NPT in an intrinsically safe build; or the NEO-7012 for a 39.3 ft distance with a 3 in NPT, general-purpose build. The NEO-PFOB USB programming fob with PC software is available as an accessory.