1. Product Overview
The Kacise KUS-W series underwater ultrasonic sensors are specialized for underwater distance measurement, obstacle avoidance, and liquid level detection, with four core models (KUS-W33/W36/W50/W80) covering measurement ranges from 0.1m to 300m. All models feature IP68 protection, Modbus-RTU communication, and temperature compensation, adapting to diverse underwater environments such as marine, industrial tanks, and underwater robot operations.
2. Core Model Parameter Comparison
| Feature | KUS-W33 | KUS-W36 | KUS-W50 | KUS-W80 |
| Measurement Range | 0.1~8m (direct in clean water); up to 2m through 3mm steel plate | 2~15m (standard); up to 20m (customizable) | 0.6~100m | 50~300m |
| Blind Zone | 50~200mm | 0.05~0.4m | 0.6m | 0.5~1.0m |
| Operating Frequency | 1MHz/2MHz | 300KHz/500KHz/1MHz | 200KHz | 88KHz/200KHz/300KHz |
| Key Features | Compact size, patch-type option, supports non-contact measurement | Narrow emission angle, high precision, dual communication modes (response/active upload) | Long range, short response time, reverse polarity protection | Ultra-long range, corrosion-resistant options, suitable for deep water |
| Protection Level | IP68 (50~150m water depth) | IP68 (≤100m water depth) | IP68 | IP68 (100m water depth) |
| Casing | Aluminum/PPSU | Cylindrical metal | ABS/PC | ABS/304 stainless steel/316 stainless steel |
3. Step-by-Step Selection Process
Step 1: Match Model to Measurement Range
- Short-range (0.1~8m): KUS-W33 – Ideal for small tanks, pool cleaning robots, or ROV close-range obstacle avoidance.
- Medium-range (2~15m): KUS-W36 – Suitable for hull-to-seabed distance, underwater robot operations, and drain pipe detection.
- Long-range (0.6~100m): KUS-W50 – Perfect for offshore water depth surveys, underwater gate monitoring, and unmanned boat applications.
- Ultra-long range (50~300m): KUS-W80 – Designed for offshore wind power pile scouring, bridge pier scouring, and deep-water buoy measurement.
Step 2: Adapt to Underwater Environment
- Corrosive Environments (seawater/chemicals): KUS-W80 (316 stainless steel) or KUS-W33 (PPSU) – Resists corrosion from saltwater and chemicals.
- High-Sediment Water: KUS-W80 – Maintains performance in water with up to 15kg/m³ sediment (range adjusted based on concentration).
- Low-Temperature Environments (-20~0℃): All models (operating temp -20~60℃), avoid petroleum jelly coupling agent for KUS-W33/W80 (risk of freezing).
- High-Pressure Scenarios (＞50m depth): KUS-W33 (long version, 150m), KUS-W80 (100m) – Customizable for deeper depths.
Step 3: Select Based on Installation & Integration Needs
- Non-Contact Measurement: KUS-W33 – Supports measurement through 3mm steel plates with coupling agents (704 silicone, automotive grease).
- Direct Immersion: All models; KUS-W36/W50/W80 feature fixed threads/flanges for stable installation.
- PLC/Host Integration: All models support RS485 (Modbus-RTU); KUS-W33 offers optional 4-20mA analog output.
- Active Data Upload: KUS-W36/W80 – 5~10 uploads/second for real-time monitoring.
Step 4: Consider Special Functional Requirements
- Obstacle Avoidance: KUS-W33/W36 – Narrow emission angles (2.9°~4.6°) for precise obstacle detection.
- Spectrum Analysis: KUS-W80 Ultrasonic Spectrum Analyzer – Provides raw underwater signal data for R&D.
- Multi-Directional Detection: Pair with Kacise multi-beam sensors (4/5/6/8/10-beam) for 360° coverage (compatible with KUS-W series).
4. Typical Application & Model Matching
| Application Scenario | Recommended Model | Key Reason |
| ROV/Underwater Robot Obstacle Avoidance | KUS-W33/KUS-W36 | Short blind zone, narrow beam, fast response |
| Industrial Tank Liquid Level (through steel plate) | KUS-W33 | Non-contact measurement, supports 3mm steel plate penetration |
| Unmanned Boat Depth Survey | KUS-W50 | 0.6~100m range, lightweight, reverse polarity protection |
| Offshore Wind Power Pile Scouring Detection | KUS-W80 (316 stainless steel) | 300m range, corrosion-resistant, stable in deep seawater |
| Ship Draft Detection | KUS-W80 | Ultra-long range, high precision (2cm±0.5%D) |
| Sewage Treatment Tank Level | KUS-W36 | Resists suspended solids, IP68 protection |
| Bridge Pier Scouring Monitoring | KUS-W80 | Multi-point installation, real-time depth change tracking |
5. Customization Options
- Range Extension: KUS-W36 (up to 20m), KUS-W80 (customizable beyond 300m).
- Casing Material: KUS-W80 offers ABS/304/316 stainless steel; KUS-W33 optional PPSU for strong corrosion.
- Cable Length: Standard 2~5m; custom lengths available for deep-water/remote installations.
- Communication: Baud rate adjustment (4800~115200), custom register addresses.
6. Ordering Information
Specify the following when ordering to ensure accuracy:
- Model (e.g., KUS-W33/KUS-W80)
- Core Parameters: Measurement range, operating frequency, water depth rating.
- Custom Requirements: Casing material, cable length, output type (4-20mA/RS485).
- Application Scenario: Marine/industrial, corrosive/high-sediment environment.
Example Order Code: KUS-W80 GM316 300m RS485 10m Cable (316 stainless steel, 300m range, RS485, 10m cable)
For technical support or personalized solutions, contact Kacise via email (support@kacise.com) or phone (+86 18066719659).
7. Selection Summary
- Short-range (≤8m): KUS-W33 – Compact, flexible installation.
- Medium-range (2~15m): KUS-W36 – Balanced precision and range.
- Long-range (0.6~100m): KUS-W50 – Cost-effective for general long-distance use.
- Ultra-long range (≥50m): KUS-W80 – Industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant, deep-water capable.
By aligning range, environment, integration, and functionality with the above guide, you can select the optimal KUS-W sensor for your underwater measurement needs.
