At the June technology evening, Lita Mpahlwa of Aveng ACS presented on radar level measurement. There are many physical and application variables that affect the selection of the optimal level monitoring method for industrial and commercial processes.
Mike Banda (right) presents Lita Mpahlwa with the SAIMC presenter’s certificate.
Radar level instruments are widely used to measure the level of liquids, slurries as well as many solids in storage tanks in refineries and tank terminals. These instruments operate in a wide range of temperatures, pressures, vapour gas mixtures and various process conditions.
Radar level instruments measure the distance from the transmitter /sensor to the surface of a process material. They use radio waves rather than sound waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic in nature (comprised of alternating electric and magnetic fields) with very high frequency in the microwave frequency range – GHz.
Radar sensors are executed in a wide variety of techniques. Two basic signal processing techniques are applied, each offering its own advantages: pulsed or time-domain reflectometry (TDR), which is a measurement of time of flight divided by the speed of light, similar to an ultrasonic level sensor; and Doppler systems employing frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) techniques. The two main applications for radar sensors are in high precision bulk storage and custody transfer and in process tanks with harsh measuring conditions where faster update rates are required.
Some other topics covered were:
• The radar spectrum.
• High and low dielectric constant.
• Pulse radar measurement principle.
• FMCW measurement principle.
• Antenna selection considerations.
• Ambient temperature influence.
• FMCW leading safety innovation.
• Advantages of FMCW.
The SAIMC would like to thank Lita for his informative presentation, which was well received. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Dates to diarise:
The JHB branch will be hosting the Annual SAIMC Golf Day on 21 October 2016 at the Kempton Park Golf course.
The SAIMC annual banquet will be held on 30 September 2016.
Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...Getting your OT data into the cloud – the why and the how
SAIMC
As users recognise the benefits of a digital transformation strategy for their industrial plants and systems and start to adopt it, they soon face the challenge of getting operational technology data securely and reliably to a cloud service provider of their choice.
Read more...SAIMC training at AATF 2025 empowers engineers to register, comply and advance SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC) will deliver a powerful series of training sessions and technical workshops during the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025, providing engineers, technologists and technicians with the tools they need to register professionally, stay compliant, and lead industrial innovation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg March technology event was hosted by Comtest, the Fluke agent in southern Africa. The topic was Renewable Energy Resources.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch March technology evening was held on 5 March at the Premier Splendid Inn, and as is always the case with Paul Sikhakhane’s presentations, it drew a large audience.
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Reality check SAIMC
SAIMC
“Never have so many owed so much to so few.” This phrase is a famous quote by Winston Churchill, referring to the efforts of the Royal Air Force pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain during World War II. It highlights the immense gratitude owed to the relatively small number of pilots who played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom from the German Luftwaffe.
printer friendly version