When Dust and Distance Threaten Process Reliability

A tank farm level measurement point is exposed to windblown dust, temperature swings, and constant vibration. The existing sensor drifts, forcing operators to verify readings manually and adding risk to every shift. The SICK DT50-N2123 is a direct diffuse distance sensor engineered to hold repeatable measurements in exactly these conditions. It combines HDDM™ optical time-of-flight measurement with a zinc die-cast housing and a visible red laser diode rated Class 1 eye-safe.

The SICK DT50-N2123 (part number 1047400) belongs to the Dx50 DT50 Hi sub-series. It measures natural objects from 200 mm up to 13,000 mm at 90% remission, with a repeatability of ≥ 1 mm and typical accuracy of ± 7 mm. Because the measurement principle is optical time-of-flight, the sensor does not depend on surface color or reflectivity in the same way as triangulation sensors.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

• Measurement principle: HDDM™ optical time-of-flight for stable distance readings on natural objects.
• Measuring range: 200 mm ... 13,000 mm at 90% remission; 200 mm ... 5,800 mm at 18%; 200 mm ... 3,400 mm at 6%.
• Repeatability: ≥ 1 mm supports consistent position feedback.
• Measurement accuracy: Typ. ± 7 mm across the working range.
• Light source: Visible red laser diode, 658 nm, Class 1 eye-safe per IEC 60825-1:2014.
• Response time: Fast 15 ms, Medium 30 ms, Slow 80 ms via averaging setting.
• Supply voltage: DC 10 V ... 30 V with reverse-polarity protection.
• Power consumption: ≤ 2.1 W without external load.
• Outputs: 1x NPN digital output (≤ 100 mA) and 1x 4 mA ... 20 mA analog current output (≤ 300 Ω, 16-bit).
• Electrical connection: Male connector M12, 5-pin.
• Enclosure protection rating: IP65 per EN 60529.
• Housing material: Zinc die-cast (ZNAL4CU1) with acrylic glass (PMMA) optical window.
• Dimensions: 36.1 mm x 62.7 mm x 57.7 mm.
• Weight: Approx. 200 g.

The operating temperature range is a critical parameter for oil and gas installations. The standard range is -30 °C ... +65 °C. With two cooling plates, operation extends to -30 °C ... +80 °C. With two cooling plates and a protection filter, the range reaches -30 °C ... +140 °C when the supply voltage is ≤ 24 V. Storage temperature is rated -40 °C ... +75 °C.

How Does This unit Handle Harsh Oil and Gas Environments?

The zinc die-cast housing and IP65 rating protect the sensor from dust and water jets, which are common in wash-down and outdoor installations. The optical window is acrylic glass (PMMA), and the laser is Class 1 eye-safe, so no additional laser safety measures are required for normal operation. Because the sensor uses HDDM™ time-of-flight technology, it maintains measurement stability under varying ambient light. This makes it suitable for outdoor tank monitoring, conveyor positioning, and crane anti-collision where sunlight and shadow change throughout the day.

For high-temperature locations such as near steam lines or flare stacks, the cooling plate options allow the sensor to operate beyond the standard +65 °C limit. The 4 mA ... 20 mA analog output integrates with existing PLC analog cards, while the NPN digital output can drive a relay or indicator. The M12 5-pin connector simplifies replacement and reduces wiring errors.

Installation and Setup Guidance

Mount the sensor so the laser beam strikes the target surface at a near-perpendicular angle. Avoid aiming directly at reflective surfaces that could deflect the beam away from the receiver. Use the LC display and menu buttons to set the response time (Fast, Medium, or Slow) according to the dynamics of your process. For analog output, configure the 4 mA and 20 mA endpoints to match your PLC input range. Verify that the supply voltage is within DC 10 V ... 30 V and that the power supply can deliver the required current without exceeding the 8 A short-circuit limit. When using cooling plates, ensure the supply voltage does not exceed 24 V for the extended temperature range.

Maintenance and Reliability

Inspect the optical window periodically for dust, oil film, or condensation. Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild lens cleaner. Check the M12 connector for tightness and corrosion. Because the sensor has no moving parts, wear is minimal; however, the laser diode and electronics are sensitive to overvoltage. Confirm that the power supply is stable and protected against transients. The IP65 rating requires that the connector is properly mated and the optical window is intact. In high-temperature installations, verify that cooling plates are clean and free of debris to maintain airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the measuring range of This unit?

The SICK unit measures from 200 mm to 13,000 mm on 90% remission targets. On darker surfaces, the range is 200 mm to 5,800 mm at 18% remission and 200 mm to 3,400 mm at 6% remission.

Can This unit operate above +65 °C?

Yes. With two cooling plates, the operating temperature range extends to -30 °C ... +80 °C. With two cooling plates and a protection filter, it reaches -30 °C ... +140 °C when the supply voltage is ≤ 24 V.

What output signals does This unit provide?

The sensor provides one NPN digital output (≤ 100 mA) and one 4 mA ... 20 mA analog current output (≤ 300 Ω, 16-bit). It also has a multifunctional input.

Is This unit eye-safe?

Yes. The laser is Class 1 per IEC 60825-1:2014 and EN 60825-1:2014, with a visible red wavelength of 658 nm. No additional safety measures are required for normal operation.

What is the supply voltage requirement for This unit?

The sensor operates on DC 10 V ... 30 V with reverse-polarity protection. Power consumption is ≤ 2.1 W without external load.

For parts suited to your application's requirements, contact PetroPartsOnline.

{"@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [{"@type": "Product", "name": "DT50-N2123 | SICK 200 mm to 13 m Range Sensor", "mpn": "DT50-N2123", "sku": "DT50-N2123", "brand": {"@type": "Brand", "name": "SICK"}, "description": "When Dust and Distance Threaten Process Reliability A tank farm level measurement point is exposed to windblown dust, temperature swings, and constant vibration. The existing sensor drifts, forcing operators to verify readings manually and adding risk to every shift. The SICK DT50-N2123 is a direct diffuse distance sensor engineered to hold repeatable measurements in exactly these conditions. It combines HDDM™ optical time-of-flight measurement with a zinc die-cast housing and a visible red lase", "image": ["https://www.petropartsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1793108589-api_image__fp756157db.jpg", "https://www.petropartsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1793108617-api_image__fpc708c6e0.jpg", "https://www.petropartsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1793108668-api_image__fp979c133c.jpg"]}, {"@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question", "name": "How Does This unit Handle Harsh Oil and Gas Environments?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "The zinc die-cast housing and IP65 rating protect the sensor from dust and water jets, which are common in wash-down and outdoor installations. The optical window is acrylic glass (PMMA), and the laser is Class 1 eye-safe, so no additional laser safety measures are required for normal operation. Because the sensor uses HDDM™ time-of-flight technology, it maintains measurement stability under varying ambient light. This makes it suitable for outdoor tank monitoring, conveyor positioning, and crane anti-collision where sunlight and shadow change throughout the day. For high-temperature locations such as near steam lines or flare stacks, the cooling plate options allow the sensor to operate beyond the standard +65 °C limit. The 4 mA ... 20 mA analog output integrates with existing PLC analog cards, while the NPN digital output can drive a relay or indicator. The M12 5-pin connector simplifies replacement and reduces wiring errors."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What is the measuring range of This unit?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "The SICK unit measures from 200 mm to 13,000 mm on 90% remission targets. On darker surfaces, the range is 200 mm to 5,800 mm at 18% remission and 200 mm to 3,400 mm at 6% remission."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can This unit operate above +65 °C?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. With two cooling plates, the operating temperature range extends to -30 °C ... +80 °C. With two cooling plates and a protection filter, it reaches -30 °C ... +140 °C when the supply voltage is ≤ 24 V."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What output signals does This unit provide?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "The sensor provides one NPN digital output (≤ 100 mA) and one 4 mA ... 20 mA analog current output (≤ 300 Ω, 16-bit). It also has a multifunctional input."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is This unit eye-safe?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The laser is Class 1 per IEC 60825-1:2014 and EN 60825-1:2014, with a visible red wavelength of 658 nm. No additional safety measures are required for normal operation."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What is the supply voltage requirement for This unit?", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "The sensor operates on DC 10 V ... 30 V with reverse-polarity protection. Power consumption is ≤ 2.1 W without external load. For parts suited to your application's requirements, contact PetroPartsOnline."}}]}]}