Level sensor brings radar to the masses
A
Gems Sensors product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Nov 26, 2003
The new MIR level sensor opens up new markets with the introduction of low-cost radar technology.
Affordable micropower impulse radar technology (or guided wave radar) is now available to both end users and OEMs with the first-generation launch of Gems Sensors' 800 and 900 series level sensors.
The sensors are suitable for continuous measurement in applications where many other technologies fail - particularly where there is foam, dust, turbulence or vapour.
Performance is also unaffected by changes in temperature, dielectric, pressure and density.
The 800 series is based on a rigid dual rod, stainless steel design and is suitable for use in very small tanks.
It can penetrate right down to the bottom of the vessel and has a dead band of just 7mm from the top and only 1mm at the bottom.
Two versions are available, 800 series rigid rod to 2m measuring length and the 900 series flexible system to 5m.
Incorporating dependable, solid-state technology, the MIR 800 has a pressure range of 7bar(g), temperature range to 65C and resolution within 1mm.
As the radar signals travel within a waveguide that is physically in contact with the media, signal loss is minimised.
In fact, the sensor offers high accuracy of 1% of full range, as well as repeatability of 1mm.
Pulses are generated every 2us, which means an impressive 193 reading updates are produced every minute.
The output into the waveguide is also extremely small compared with conventional radar.
This can be achieved as the waveguide offers a highly efficient path for the signal to travel down to the surface of the liquid and back.
As signal degradation is reduced, liquids that have a low relative permittivity down to 3.0 can be measured effectively.
As the signal is contained within the waveguide, turbulence, foam and tank obstructions present no problems.
Media build-up and coating also have negligible effect.
MIR has further benefits over other technologies, such as ultrasonics as they cannot operate in a vacuum (since the sound waves cannot travel) or in foamy liquids, which affect the signal.
The MIR 800 and 900 are therefore able to cope with a much wider range of applications - combining the benefits of versatility and economy with high-performance solid-state technology.
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