SENSVISION HLC 400 – An Equivalent to the BD Sensors LMK 458
The BD Sensors LMK 458 is a submersible hydrostatic level probe built for marine and offshore service, using a capacitive ceramic sensing element to measure level from the pressure of the liquid column above the diaphragm. It covers nominal ranges from 0 … 40 cmH₂O up to 0 … 200 mH₂O in gauge and absolute references, at a standard accuracy of 0.25% FSO.
The SENSVISION HLC 400 is a directly equivalent marine level probe covering the same 0.4 mH₂O to 200 mH₂O range, corresponding to nominal pressures from 0.04 bar to 20 bar, with matching accuracy of up to ±0.25% of span as standard and up to ±0.1% of span optionally for nominal pressures from 0.6 bar. Gauge, sealed gauge and absolute references are available.
What distinguishes both probes is marine classification. The LMK 458 carries Lloyd’s Register, DNV▪GL, ABS and CCS certification, and the HLC 400 is supported by the same Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS and CCS approval options, with electromagnetic compatibility to EN 61326 and DNV requirements – the paperwork that lets a level probe be fitted to a classed vessel or offshore structure.
Seawater is the other design driver. Both probes offer a CuNi10Fe1Mn copper-nickel housing alongside the standard stainless steel 1.4404 (316L) for enhanced resistance in saltwater service, with a ceramic Al₂O₃ diaphragm in 96% or optional 99.9% purity and FKM, EPDM or FFKM seals. The suspension cable is shielded TPE-U at 7.4 mm diameter with an integrated atmospheric reference tube, and the probe is sealed to IP 68 with a removable POM C protection cap.
Whether you are replacing an installed BD Sensors LMK 458 or specifying a classed level probe for a new ballast, draught or offshore storage application, the SENSVISION HLC 400 delivers equivalent measurement performance, material options and approval coverage as a dependable, cost-effective alternative.
BD SensorsTM and associated part numbers (e.g., LMK 458) are trademarks or registered trademarks of BD Sensors GmbH. Diversified Technologies is an independent distributor and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BD Sensors GmbH. References to BD Sensors and associated part numbers on this website are used strictly for informational, comparative, and cross-referencing purposes to assist customers in finding functional alternatives. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Further Information on the HLC 400
The SENSVISION HLC 400 has been engineered to provide the same fit, form, function and performance as the BD Sensors LMK 458, making it an ideal replacement for existing installations and new OEM applications.
Key Features:
Nominal level ranges from 0.4 mH₂O up to 200 mH₂O across 15 standard steps
Nominal pressure ranges from 0.04 bar to 20 bar
Marine approval options from Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS and CCS
Gauge, sealed gauge and absolute pressure references, the latter two from 1 bar
Standard accuracy up to ±0.25% of span, optional up to ±0.1% of span from 0.6 bar
Long-term stability up to ±0.1% of span per year
4 … 20 mA, 2-wire output, 9 … 32 VDC supply, 14 … 28 VDC intrinsically safe
Seawater-resistant CuNi10Fe1Mn housing option alongside stainless steel 1.4404 (316L)
Ceramic Al₂O₃ diaphragm, 96% standard with optional 99.9%
Seal options in FKM, EPDM and FFKM, POM C protection cap
Shielded TPE-U cable, 7.4 mm diameter, with integrated atmospheric reference tube
Overpressure resistance from 2 to 45 bar; maximum ambient housing pressure 40 bar
Mean response time under 200 ms, maximum 380 ms; 5 measurements per second
Optional Pt100 temperature element, 3-wire, for cable lengths up to 5 m
Storage temperature -40 °C to 125 °C
IP 68 ingress protection, 39.5 mm housing diameter, from 650 g without cable
EMC to EN 61326 and DNV requirements; optional Ex ia for gas hazardous areas
Screw-in, flange and stainless steel pipe mounting arrangements
The SENSVISION HLC 400 is manufactured to deliver equivalent performance, reliability and installation compatibility to the BD Sensors LMK 458, allowing users to transition to the HLC 400 with confidence while maintaining the same standard of marine and offshore level measurement.