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

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)

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.