Fundamentals of radar level measurement from Endress+Hauser.
The use of radar level measuring technology has proven itself over the years and since its introduction the popularity of this method has increased over conventional technologies. The term radar is an acronym for radio detecting and ranging; this measurement method determines the location and movement of an object using electromagnetic waves.
The emitted waves propagate at a known velocity of 300 000 km/s (the speed of light) in vacuum and unlike ultrasonic waves they do not require a propagation medium such as air. Radar level transmitters from Endress+Hauser use microwave pulses emitted by the antenna and reflected from the product surface whether it is liquid or bulk solid. The time of flight of the reflected radar pulse being directly proportional to the distance travelled. If the tank geometry is known, then the level can be calculated from the result.
Users demand safe and reliable measurement, particularly in the area of process instrumentation when using radar. Endress+Hauser offers two different instrument variants with operational frequencies of 6 GHz (C-band) and 26 GHz (K-band). These two variants offer optimal solutions for numerous applications, each frequency having its own specific advantages.
If high accuracy, reliability and limited vessel access is required, then the K-band with its horn antenna is appropriate for small storage, buffer and process tanks. Furthermore, the K-band (26 GHz) device can be used to achieve measurement ranges of up to 70 m for solids. The lower frequency or C-band devices offer advantages in applications where condensation or build-up might be present due to its lower susceptibility to interference.
Something to consider when using radar is that the reflection of the pulses occurs as a result of the change in the relative dielectric constant from air to the medium under measurement. The reflective properties of the medium are determined by the dielectric constant (DC) value. The table shows the allocation of DC values to various media.
The DC value of a medium is crucial since it can be a limitation to electromagnetic level measurement techniques. The higher the DC value, the better the reflection off the surface of the medium.
Non-contact radar level transmitters can be used in demanding applications where temperatures reach 400°C pressures up to 400 bar. An accuracy of 1 mm can be attained using specially calibrated radar transmitters for precision requirements in fuel tank farms – for instance, custody transfer.
A fresh approach to dairy processing VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Ensuring the quality and safety of milk throughout the production process is of the utmost importance in the dairy industry. The VEGABAR pressure transmitters are suitable for hygienic applications. They are an asset in the dairy industry and have been used with success for measuring the milk level and the process pressure in storage tanks.
Read more...Keeping a close eye on product quality and purity Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Colour measurements are necessary in many processes to avoid product losses and ensure safe production and batching. The Memosens Wave CKI50 process spectrometer from Endress+Hauser is a compact, robust and process-friendly device allowing quality, batching and phase checks to be performed by a single instrument for the entire visible colour spectrum.
Read more...Where simplicity meets reliability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The new iTEMP TMT31 temperature transmitter from Endress+Hauser combines simplified selection, ordering, installation and operation with the highest reliability and long-term stability in one product.
Read more...Simple and efficient level measurement in the mining, minerals and metals industries Endress+Hauser South Africa
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Measuring devices in the mining, minerals and metals industries face the challenge of varying material states and long distances in measurement height. Endress+Hauser’s answer to these challenges is the new Micropilot family.
Read more...Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter
Read more...Powering sub-Saharan Africa’s energy future VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Crude oil storage plays an important role in the energy infrastructure of sub-Saharan Africa. The management of crude oil storage in comes with numerous challenges, including safety concerns, environmental conditions and infrastructural limitations.
Read more...Enhancing process efficiency Endress+Hauser South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial process automation, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. The Endress+Hauser FieldPort SWA50 is a game-changer, offering a seamless integration of Bluetooth and WirelessHART communication for HART field devices.
Read more...Level measurement of leachate from sewage sludge humification
Level Measurement & Control
A municipal utility in eastern Germany operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant with sustainable sludge treatment. The ultrasonic signal was being partially deflected by the wind, leading to frequent false measurements and inefficient process workflows. The problem was solved by replaced the ultrasonic level sensor with KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 non-contact radar.
Read more...Groundbreaking measurement system Mecosa
Level Measurement & Control
Berthold Technologies has launched the LoopSeries LB 430, an innovative, industry-leading measurement system designed to enhance operational efficiency with advanced level, density, and level switch capabilities.
printer friendly version