New guided radar level transmitters
February 2023
Editor's Choice
Level Measurement & Control
OPTIFLEX 3200 is the first choice for applications with hygienic requirements in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. It features a CIP/SI-suitable hygienic design for liquid level and interface measurement in small vessels with process conditions up to 150°C and 40 barg. Insensitive to steam, foam and condensation, the device offers a measuring range of 0.6-4 metres with an accuracy of ±2 mm.
OPTIFLEX 6200 is designed for solids, from granulates to powders, in the chemical, agri-food, metals, and minerals and mining industries. It can be used for level measurement in silos up to 40 metres, with a measuring accuracy of ±2 mm. Designed to withstand high traction loads and process conditions up to 200°C and 40 barg, it is insensitive to dusty atmosphere or deposits on the probe.
OPTIFLEX 7200 aims at the chemical, and oil and gas industries for level and interface measurement of liquids in process and storage applications with ±2 mm. It offers an extensive choice of probes for measuring distances up 60 metres and dielectric constants down to 1,3, and can be used with aggressive media in process conditions up to 250°C and 100 barg.
OPTIFLEX 8200 has similar features and offers a double ceramic process seal system for liquids up to 315°C and 320 barg. Both devices offer dynamic gas-phase compensation (DGC) with the coaxial probes, ensuring accurate measurement without increased blocking distance in applications where the composition of the gas above the liquid can change suddenly, for example in steam boilers.
All four new TDR transmitters feature two-wire 4-20 mA HART 7 communication with an optional second output (current or relay) and a real-time clock for event logging. They have been developed to be SIL 2/3-compliant according to IEC 61508 for safety-related systems and come with various Ex approvals. Common features also include a quick coupling system, and compact and remote converter versions up to 100 metres made of aluminium or stainless steel. All devices are rated IP66, IP68 and NEMA 4X/6P.
Together with the cost-effective OPTIFLEX 1100 for basic liquid applications and the POWERFLEX 2200 for liquids in the nuclear industry, these guided radar level transmitters represent the KROHNE guided radar (TDR) level transmitter portfolio.
KROHNE is a full-service provider for process measuring technology for the measurement of flow, mass flow, level, pressure and temperature and analytical tasks. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, the company employs over 3900 people worldwide and is present on all continents. KROHNE stands for innovation and maximum product quality, and is one of the market leaders in industrial process measuring technology.
Further reading:
The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.
Read more...
The hydrogen economy is moving from concept to industrial reality
VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Pressure Measurement & Control
Scaling the hydrogen economy requires safe, efficient and tightly controlled processes across generation, storage, distribution and end use, underpinned by accurate instrumentation for pressure, temperature, level and flow measurement.
Read more...
Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage systems
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice IT in Manufacturing
Spanish group, Power Electronics uses Beckhoff embedded PCs and TwinCAT software to achieve switching times of 110 ms across solar and battery storage systems, enabling the delivery of grid support services that command higher energy prices.
Read more...
South Africa’s battery manufacturing potential
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
A feasibility study commissioned by the Localisation Support Fund concludes that South Africa has the technical and commercial foundations to develop a competitive lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing sector, anchored by growing regional demand and favourable industrial conditions.
Read more...
Expanding visibility in mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.
Read more...
PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.
Read more...
The gender gap in South Africa’s engineering sector
Editor's Choice News
With women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals in South Africa, AvenirHoldings CEO, Tshidi Mndzebele, is calling on women engineers and graduates to pursue formal professional registration as a key step to unlocking career growth and industry leadership.
Read more...
Yokogawa digital plant to accelerate green hydrogen revolution
Yokogawa South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Yokogawa explains how a digital plant approach and autonomous operations can integrate the full green hydrogen value chain, from renewable power generation to end-use applications, and why digitalisation and system integration are central to making green hydrogen viable in South Africa.
Read more...
Next-generation autonomous mobile robots from Omron Robotics
Omron Electronics
Editor's Choice
The new LD-150 and LD-300 autonomous mobile robots from Omron Robotics offer higher payload capacity and advanced navigation in a compact footprint, with wireless inductive charging and fleet management integration to support high-throughput material transport in demanding production environments.
Read more...
ElectroMechanica reintroduces TechTop to Southern Africa
ElectroMechanica
Editor's Choice
ElectroMechanica has officially restored a vital pillar of the southern African motor market, announcing its appointment as the exclusive SADC-wide agent for TechTop.
Read more...