E&H D9HB Ultrasonic concentration meter

E&H D9HB Ultrasonic concentration meter

1. Product Overview

The E&H D9HB Ultrasonic Concentration Meter, marketed under the Teqwave H product line, represents a class of inline acoustic waveguide devices engineered for real-time liquid analysis in hygienic environments. The D9HB series operates on surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology, where transducers mounted on the pipe exterior generate high-frequency sound waves that propagate through the process medium. By simultaneously measuring sound velocity, acoustic density, and temperature at nanosecond resolution, the instrument calculates concentration values with exceptional repeatability, independent of flow profile disturbances. The full‑bore, crevice‑free sensor geometry eliminates dead zones, enabling CIP/SIP compatibility without disassembly. Endress+Hauser validates the hygienic design through 3‑A Sanitary Standards and EHEDG certification, making the D9HB series suitable for pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and beverage production lines-7-8.

The product family comprises two main variants: D9HB22 and D9HB26. The D9HB22 typically serves smaller nominal diameters (DN 8 to DN 25) for skid‑mounted and compact process lines, while the D9HB26 addresses larger pipe diameters and extended temperature/pressure ranges for industrial‑scale hygienic processes. Both share the same acoustic measurement core, differing primarily in mechanical envelope and connectivity options.

2. Complete Technical Specifications

2.1 Measuring Performance

The D9HB22 ultrasonic concentration meter delivers the following guaranteed performance metrics under reference conditions (20 °C, deionized water, fully developed flow):

The concentration measurement is application‑specific; Endress+Hauser provides separate concentration apps (up to 25 per transmitter) containing medium‑specific sound velocity and acoustic density characteristics across defined temperature ranges. Each concentration app includes compensation values for cross‑interfering components. The maximum concentration range extends from 0 to 100 % by mass or volume, depending on the installed application package-7-8-.

2.2 Measuring Ranges

The D9HB22 operates within the following measurement envelopes:

For D9HB26 variants, the maximum process temperature extends to 150 °C (302 °F) with high‑temperature sensor options, and the acoustic density upper limit increases to 2.0 g/cm³ for concentrated sugar solutions and fermentation broths. Contact Endress+Hauser sales for extended range availability-7-8.

2.3 Pressure Ratings

The pressure derating curve is linear between 20 °C and 120 °C. The D9HB26 high‑pressure variant (order code suffix Px) extends the 20 °C rating to 25 bar (363 psi). All pressure‑containing components comply with Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU for fluid group 1 and 2 gases/liquids-7-8.

2.4 Wetted Materials and Surface Finish

All wetted components conform to FDA and EU 1935/2004 food contact regulations:

The electroplished wetted surface prevents biofilm adhesion and facilitates rapid cleaning validation. For pharmaceutical applications requiring full material traceability, Endress+Hauser offers 3.1 material certification per EN 10204 for all wetted stainless steel components-7-8.

2.5 Nominal Diameter and Flow Ranges

The D9HB22 supports the following line sizes and corresponding flow velocity ranges:

The D9HB26 variant accommodates DN 32 (1¼”), DN 40 (1½”), and DN 50 (2″) line sizes. The acoustic measurement principle remains accurate down to zero flow, making the D9HB series suitable for batch and filling applications where flow intermittently stops. Maximum measurable flow velocity is 10 m/s for all sizes-1-5.

2.6 Environmental and Operating Conditions

The D9HB22 transmitter contains no moving parts and employs solid‑state electronics rated for continuous operation. The sensor and transmitter may be separated up to 100 m using the optional extension cable kit (order code option Cx)-1-5.

2.7 Ingress Protection and Hazardous Area Classification

The D9HB22 is available with ATEX, IECEx, and NEC/CEC approvals for Class I, Division 2 / Zone 2 hazardous locations (gas groups IIA, IIB, IIC). The intrinsically safe version (order code suffix XA) limits sensor power to Ex ia IIC T4 standards. Non‑incendive field wiring options are available for North American installations. The D9HB26 hazardous area variant includes flameproof enclosure certification-1-5.

2.8 Electrical Specifications

Power supply must comply with limited energy circuits per IEC 61010‑1. The D9HB26 variant optionally accepts 100‑240 V AC 50/60 Hz power supply for panel‑mounted transmitter configurations (order code suffix P2).

2.9 Outputs and Communication Protocols

The D9HB22 provides the following standard and optional electrical interfaces:

Analog outputs (standard):

1× 4‑20 mA (active/passive, HART 7.5 protocol)

Load capacity: 500 Ω (active mode)

Resolution: 0.5 µA

Update rate: 100 ms

Digital communication (optional):

Modbus TCP (Ethernet RJ45)

PROFIBUS DP (RS‑485, order code suffix PB)

PROFINET (Ethernet, order code suffix PN)

EtherNet/IP (order code suffix EP)

Binary outputs:

1× open collector (max 30 V DC, 200 mA)

Configurable for status, limit switch, or frequency output

Diagnostic interface:

USB‑C (service port, configuration only)

Service protocol: Endress+Hauser Commubox FXA291 compatible

The D9HB26 model adds two additional 4‑20 mA outputs as standard (total 3× analog outputs) and includes a galvanically isolated relay output (30 V DC / 250 V AC, 3 A) for direct pump or valve actuation-8-1-5.

2.10 Display and User Interface

The user interface presents up to 8 user‑configurable process variables simultaneously on the trend screen. A local data storage buffer retains up to 7.5 years of measurement history at a 1‑second logging interval. The display is readable under direct sunlight and includes automatic temperature compensation for outdoor installations. The D9HB26 offers an optional LED bar graph indicator (order code suffix Lx) for remote visibility in large plants-7-8.

3. Order Code Breakdown: D9HB22-AADBAABAABFAACAA1

The complete order code D9HB22‑AADBAABAABFAACAA1 is decoded below according to Endress+Hauser‘s feature configuration matrix. Each position specifies a hardware or software option selected at order entry. To validate any order code, use Endress+Hauser’s online Product Tools portal, which displays the exact configuration, spare parts list, and operating instructions for the configured device-29.

The D9HB22‑AADBAABAABFAACAA1 is therefore a DN 25 Tri‑Clamp unit with integral 1.4404 stainless steel transmitter housing, EPDM seals, 4‑20 mA HART plus Modbus TCP outputs, 3.5″ color touch display, and basic concentration app package. This configuration is optimized for food and beverage applications where Modbus TCP integration into PLC systems is required alongside analog process variable transmission. For pharmaceutical applications requiring electropolished surface finish documentation, replace position 8 with code B (enhanced documentation package) and position 24 with code D (3.1 material certification included).

4. Series Comparison: D9HB22 vs D9HB26

Select D9HB22 for compact process skids, pilot plants, and applications where line size is DN 25 or smaller. Select D9HB26 for main process lines, high‑throughput production, and environments requiring maximum documentation and hazardous area coverage. Both models share the same acoustic measurement core and are interchangeable at the software level, simplifying spare parts inventory across multiple production lines.

5. Measurement Principle and Concentration Calculation

The D9HB22 measures concentration through acoustic waveguide technology. Two piezoelectric transducers—one transmitting, one receiving—are mounted on the external surface of the measuring tube at precisely defined positions. When the transmitter generates a high‑frequency electrical pulse, the transmitting transducer converts it into a surface acoustic wave that propagates along the tube wall and through the liquid column. The receiving transducer captures the wave after a known travel distance.

The device simultaneously determines three independent parameters:

Sound velocity (c): Calculated from the measured time‑of‑flight (Δt) and known transducer separation distance (d): c = d / Δt. Endress+Hauser achieves nanosecond‑resolution time measurement, yielding sound velocity accuracy of ±2 m/s.

Acoustic density (ρ): Derived from the acoustic impedance (Z) measured via signal amplitude attenuation and phase shift analysis: Z = ρ × c. Acoustic impedance is determined from the ratio of transmitted to received signal energy, compensated for temperature effects.

Temperature (T): Measured by an integrated Pt1000 sensor embedded in the acoustic waveguide, providing the reference temperature for concentration calculation.

The concentration app loaded into the D9HB22 contains a lookup table or polynomial model correlating sound velocity and acoustic density to concentration at each temperature point within the specified range. For binary mixtures where the relationship is monotonic, the device outputs concentration directly. For multicomponent mixtures, the D9HB22 uses multivariate regression to compensate for known interfering substances-.

Each D9HB22 transmitter can store up to 25 concentration apps, allowing rapid switching between different products or recipes without recalibration. The concentration app data sheet supplied with each app specifies the valid measuring ranges, accuracy figures, and compensation values for the specific medium. Switching between apps is performed via the local display or digital communication command; no recalibration or process interruption is required-.

6. Hygienic Design Features

The D9HB22 series complies with the following hygienic design standards:

The full‑bore sensor geometry has no internal obstructions, gasketed joints, or dead legs where product could accumulate. When installed vertically or with a downward slope, the D9HB22 drains completely under gravity. CIP cycles at 85 °C (185 °F) with 1.5 % NaOH followed by 1 % HNO₃ acid rinse achieve log reduction values exceeding 6 for typical foodborne pathogens. For pharmaceutical applications requiring SIP, the device withstands saturated steam at 135 °C (275 °F) for 60 minutes without gasket degradation (FKM/FFKM seal option required). The electropolished wetted surface (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) prevents biofilm adhesion and passes the visual inspection requirements of ASME BPE-7.

7. Electrical Connections and Wiring

The D9HB22 with M12 connector (order code position 17 = A) uses an 8‑pin male M12 connector with the following pinout:

For Modbus TCP operation, category 5e or higher shielded Ethernet cable is recommended, with maximum cable length of 100 m between device and switch. The M12 connector provides IP67 sealing when mated with a corresponding M12 female cable gland. For applications requiring separate power and signal wiring, use the terminal block version (order code position 17 = T), which provides screw clamp terminals for 0.2 to 2.5 mm² (AWG 24‑14) conductors.

8. Physical Dimensions and Weight

For remote mount configurations (order code position 12 = R), the sensor connects to the transmitter via a 5‑meter (16 ft) shielded cable with IP68 rated connectors at both ends. Extension cables are available in 10 m, 25 m, and 50 m lengths. The remote sensor measures 75 mm width and 90 mm height, enabling installation in tight pipe racks.

9. Certifications and Approvals

The D9HB22 carries the following global certifications:

Safety:

CE mark (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive, 2011/65/EU RoHS)

UKCA mark (UK legislation SI 2016/1091, SI 2016/1101)

EAC (Eurasian Conformity) for Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan

Hazardous area:

ATEX: II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc (Zone 2, gas)

ATEX: II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80 °C Dc (Zone 22, dust)

IECEx: Ex ec IIC T4 Gc

NEC/CEC: Class I, Division 2, Groups A–D (North America)

Hygienic:

3‑A Sanitary Standard 74‑07 (certificate number: 1552)

EHEDG Type EL Class I (certificate number: EHEDG 22‑08)

FDA (manufacturing facility registered)

Pressure equipment:

PED 2014/68/EU Category 2 (fluid group 2 liquids)

CRN (Canadian Registration Number) for all provinces

ASME B31.3 (process piping compliance)

Functional safety:

SIL 2 capable for concentration monitoring (per IEC 61508:2010, hardware assessment completed)

SIL 2 systematic capability (SC 2) for transmitter electronics

Quality management:

ISO 9001:2015 (manufacturing)

ISO 14001:2015 (environmental)

Certificates are available for download from the Endress+Hauser Product Tools portal by entering the device order code or serial number.

10. Ordering Examples

The following complete order codes illustrate typical configurations across different industries:

Example 1: D9HB22‑AACBACAABFAACAB1
DN 15 (½”), sanitary clamp connection, integral transmitter, 4‑20 mA HART only (no Ethernet), EPDM seals. Suitable for small‑scale syrup blending skids where analog signal transmission suffices.

Example 2: D9HB22‑AADBAABAABFAACAA2‑PN
DN 25 (1″), Tri‑Clamp, PROFINET communication, integral display, extended warranty (3 years). Optimized for automated breweries requiring real‑time density data over industrial Ethernet.

Example 3: D9HB26‑BBEBAABAABFAACAA1‑XA
DN 40 (1½”), 1.4404 with enhanced material traceability, ATEX Zone 1 approval (Ex ia), 3× 4‑20 mA outputs plus relay. Specified for pharmaceutical buffer preparation in classified areas.

Example 4: D9HB22‑AADBAABAACFAACAA1
DN 25 (1″), remote transmitter mounting (separated up to 50 m), FKM seals for solvent‑containing beverages, Modbus TCP. Used in distilleries where the sensor installs in the process line while the transmitter mounts in a control room.

Each order code can be entered into the Endress+Hauser Product Tools page to generate a complete datasheet, dimensional drawing, and operating instructions tailored to the specific configuration.

11. Recommended Applications

The D9HB22 ultrasonic concentration meter is validated for the following specific applications:

Food and beverage:

Brix measurement of soft drinks – Continuous inline monitoring of sugar/invert sugar content during filling. The D9HB22‑AADBAABAABFAACAA1 configuration provides the necessary concentration app for sucrose solutions with temperature compensation from 2 to 40 °C.

Alcohol content in spirits – Distilleries monitor ethanol/water concentration to verify proof before bottling. The device compensates for the non‑linear sound velocity relationship in ethanol‑water mixtures-7.

Juice concentrate blending – Real‑time Brix measurement at the blending skid ensures final product consistency without laboratory sampling delays.

Dairy standardization – Fat and solids‑non‑fat (SNF) concentration in milk prior to pasteurization.

Pharmaceutical and biotech:

Cell culture media preparation – The D9HB22 confirms osmolality and nutrient concentration in bioreactor feed streams. The 3‑A and EHEDG certifications satisfy GMP requirements for clean‑in‑place validation-.

Buffer dilution verification – Inline confirmation of buffer concentration before delivery to chromatography skids.

Viral inactivation adjustment – Real‑time monitoring of solvent/detergent concentration during viral clearance steps.

Perfusion culture harvest – Continuous concentration measurement of harvested product prior to downstream purification.

Chemical and specialty:

Surfactant concentration – Monitoring active ingredient concentration in cleaning agent manufacturing.

Acid/base dilution stations – The D9HB22 verifies diluted acid concentration (e.g., 30 % to 35 % HCl) before distribution to process points.

Solvent recovery systems – Distillation column feed and bottoms concentration monitoring for solvent recycling.

Cleaning validation:

CIP concentration control – Real‑time measurement of caustic (NaOH) and acid (HNO₃/H₃PO₄) concentrations during cleaning cycles. The D9HB22 detects concentration drift before cleaning effectiveness degrades-.

For applications outside the standard range (e.g., concentrated slurries, highly viscous media, or gas‑liquid mixtures), consult the Endress+Hauser application engineering team. Custom concentration apps can be developed for proprietary formulations, subject to sample submission to the Endress+Hauser application laboratory.

12. Installation Requirements

For accurate measurement with the D9HB22, observe the following installation conditions:

Upstream straight run: Minimum 5 × DN (5 pipe diameters) upstream of the sensor. For DN 25, this equals 125 mm (5 inches) of straight pipe before the device. No flow conditioner required.

Downstream straight run: Minimum 3 × DN (3 pipe diameters) downstream of the sensor. For DN 25, this equals 75 mm (3 inches).

Orientation: Any orientation is acceptable (horizontal, vertical, inclined). For horizontal pipes, the standard M12 electrical connection should be oriented at 90° to the vertical plane to avoid moisture pooling on the connector. For vertical pipes, installation in upward flow direction reduces gas bubble accumulation.

Bypass lines: Not required. The D9HB22 operates across the full flow range from zero to 10 m/s without pressure drop or flow disturbance.

Vibration isolation: Not required for vibration levels below 2 g (10 to 500 Hz). For reciprocating pump installations exceeding 2 g, install flexible hoses or vibration dampers upstream and downstream of the sensor.

Magnetic fields: The device withstands static magnetic fields up to 400 A/m (5 Gauss) without performance degradation. Do not install adjacent to MRI equipment or high‑power electromagnets without magnetic shielding.

Temperature gradients: For high‑temperature applications exceeding 80 °C (176 °F), the transmitter must be mounted remotely (separated by at least 200 mm / 8 inches) or protected by a thermal barrier. The remote mount option (order code position 12 = R) provides a 5‑meter cable for transmitter placement in ambient‑temperature areas.

13. Concentration App Configuration

Each D9HB22 transmitter ships with a base concentration app package selected at order entry (order code position 18). Available packages include: