SONO VARIO Xtrem Coarse Aggregate Moisture Sensor
Hardened-steel head for coarse gravel, crushed stone and RAP. The abrasive-service probe.
- Replaceable wear head — rebuild instead of replace
- Abrasion does not change the measuring distance, so accuracy holds as the head wears
- Variants: V4A stainless, Carbide, ES and EX (ATEX) versions
- Mounts under the silo flap, on the dosing belt, at conveyor discharge or in the hopper
Built for material that destroys sensors
Coarse gravel, crushed stone and RAP do not treat an instrument face kindly. The Xtrem answer is a replaceable probe head in hardened steel with a rectangular window in special ceramic — a wear part that is meant to be consumed and swapped rather than a sensor that is meant to be replaced.
That single design decision changes the economics of instrumenting an abrasive line. The recurring cost becomes a head, not a probe.
Accuracy that survives the wear
The more interesting property is what happens between head changes. Because the measuring distance is unchanged by abrasion on the probe surface, measurement quality and accuracy are not affected by wear in challenging environments — and wear and tear does not require recalibration.
Practically, that means a head that is half worn reads the same as a new one. You change it on condition rather than chasing drift, and you are not rebuilding confidence in the number every few months.
The defined measuring field produces exact measurements with minimal material coverage, which is what gives you flexibility in where the probe can be mechanically integrated — a real constraint on a plant that was not designed around a sensor.
Variants and where they apply
The Xtrem exists in several head materials and certifications. V4A is the stainless version; Carbide is the harder-wearing option for the worst material; ES and EX variants cover installations with additional requirements including explosive atmospheres.
Constructionally the sensor comes as a round body, a rectangular sensor (normal, high-temperature and Ex) and a rod sensor, so the same measurement fits the mounting point rather than the mounting point being built around the sensor. A high-temperature version extends the range to 248 °F.
Mounting hardware follows the position: clamping rings for round and rod sensors, sliding carriages in stainless, plasma-hardened steel or highly wear-resistant WIDIA for belt installations, and a three-axis adjustable universal bracket for mounting under a silo discharge.
How the SONO VARIO Xtrem connects to your plant
SONO probes connect to the PLC through an analog interface at 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA or 0–10 V, as with any other moisture probe. Fifteen typical product calibrations — aggregates, sand, gravel, crushed stones — ship as standard.
For parameterization and initial commissioning, SONO VIEW gives you a wired display for up to 16 probes, or the probe can be configured wirelessly. Either route can select, change or create calibrations and display the probe's measurements directly. Over long cable runs the IMP bus is the robust option and requires a display unit; a serial connection over RS 485 is also feasible.
SONO VARIO Xtrem technical data
Materials: Sand, gravel, coarse gravel, crushed stone, RAP up to 32 mm
| Measurement technology | TRIME TDR |
|---|---|
| Max grain size | 32 mm (1-1/4 in) |
| Probe head | Replaceable hardened steel, special ceramic window |
| Temperature range | 32 °F to 158 °F (0–70 °C) |
| High-temperature version | 32 °F to 248 °F (0–120 °C) |
| Power supply | +12 V to +24 V DC, approx. 3 W |
| Signal output | 2 × analog 0(4)–20 mA |
| Output 1 / Output 2 | Moisture % / temperature, conductivity or std. deviation |
| Interfaces | RS 485 or IMP bus |
| Dimensions | Ø108 mm × 71 mm (without plug) |
| Weight | 2.46 kg |
| Protection class | IP67 |
Other versions of this probe
Head material and certification change with the service. Confirm the variant with us before ordering — the right one depends on your material and, for ES and EX versions, on your area classification.
| SONO VARIO Xtrem Carbid | SZ00308090 |
|---|---|
| SONO VARIO Xtrem V4A | SZ00308101 |
| SONO ES VARIO Xtrem | SZ00308076 |
| SONO ES VARIO Xtrem Carbid | SZ00308121 |
| SONO ES VARIO Xtrem V4A | SZ00308120 |
SONO VARIO Xtrem — frequently asked
What is the difference between VARIO Standard and VARIO Xtrem?
Head material and particle size. Standard uses a stainless steel head for normally abrasive sand and gravel up to 8 mm. Xtrem uses a replaceable hardened-steel head with a special ceramic window for coarse gravel, crushed stone and other highly abrasive material up to 32 mm.
Is the wear head replaceable in the field?
Yes — the head is designed as a replaceable wear part, which is the point of the Xtrem design. Replacement wear heads are available as a spare.
What is the temperature range?
32 °F to 158 °F (0–70 °C) standard, and 32 °F to 248 °F (0–120 °C) in the high-temperature version.
Can it be used in an explosive atmosphere?
ES and EX variants are available. Confirm the certification required for your area classification with us before ordering.
Confirm the SONO VARIO Xtrem fits your material
Send your material, particle size and installation point. We will confirm the probe, the calibration and the output configuration before you order.
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