Selecting the correct radar level transmitter
A
Magnetrol International product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 16, 2004
Awareness of the exact process parameters can save money when specifying radar level transmitters, says Kevin Martyn.
Measurement of liquid level can be challenging, as the sensor involved is fully exposed to process conditions inside the vessel.
Mechanical instrumentation was once the bedrock of level control, but gradually gave way to technologies such as differential pressure, RF, magnetostrictive, ultrasound and others - technologies that offer improved accuracy and reliability without complex and costly mechanical operating systems.
However, over time it has become apparent that many of these newer electronic technologies have significant application sensitivities that can be both difficult to work around and result in unnecessary cost.
This concern was a key factor leading to the development and increased usage of radar (microwave based) level transmitters, as they handle tough and changing process conditions well.
There are two basic types of radar level measurement.
The first, air radar, was originally developed for storage or inventory applications.
The second, guided wave radar or GWR, is generally used in process applications.
However there are exceptions to the rule for both types.
This article will focus on the product features of guided wave radar that match lesser or greater process conditions, to help readers select the most cost-effective unit for their installations.
GWR level transmitters start at Eur 1100 and range to over Eur 2500, so how should one choose?.
First, consider process conditions such as temperature and range.
Inexpensive GWR transmitters are generally limited to applications under 150C and ranges of 5m or less.
They can come in plastic enclosures (Valox) and do not have digital indicators.
They are primarily simple loop-powered transmitters that transmit an industry standard 4-20mA signal to a remote device.
Transmitters in this price range also usually require reference points on the probe or antenna for calibration.
This means users must either move the level, and calibrate the 4 and 20mA points with a pushbutton, or use a device known as a shorting bar to simulate the level in order to change from the factory settings.
This approach is great for OEMs and other light-duty applications where the level can be moved for setup.
It is also a good choice in the water and wastewater industry, where low price is a major factor.
In this category the designer is usually replacing capacitance or ultrasonic transmitters.
The Magnetrol Horizon 703 is an example of this type of radar transmitter.
Next up the ladder are calibration-free units that require no reference points on the probe for setup.
They also have integral digital displays and easy menu-based configuration.
Hart communications allows easy and remote setup from a handheld device.
Enclosures with windows are available in easy-clean plastic and metal.
They can be used in general-purpose or hazardous applications.
A useful feature is the ability to add true sanitary sensors (3A and EHEDG approved) for the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industry at very reasonable cost.
Models like the Magnetrol Horizon 704 fall into this category.
At the top of the ladder are products such as the industry-standard Eclipse 705, that offer dual-compartment aluminium or stainless-steel enclosures.
These enclosures can be rotated and offer a quick disconnect feature.
Flexible settings like field-selectable fail-safe mode and adjustable dampening complement better than 2.5mm repeatability.
Advanced applications such as interface level measurement are fully supported.
Temperature tolerance is to 400C, pressure to 345bar, and the range is to 15m.
It is even rated for critical SIL (safety integrity level) shutdown applications.
It is an intrinsically safe or explosion proof device, ideally suited to critical refinery applications.
A local remote-mount electronics feature gives installation flexibility.
Awareness of the exact process parameters can save money by helping to ensure that you select the correct radar level transmitter for your needs and price range.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact Magnetrol International
Tel +44 1444 871313
Other Magnetrol International stories
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Magnetrol launches E3 Modulevel transmitter
Magnetrol has launched the E3 Electronic Modulevel Configurable Displacer Transmitter. -
Magnetrol Eclipse GWR probe for dirty liquids
Magnetrol presents the first overfill-safe Eclipse Model 705 Guided Wave Radar (GWR) 7MG probe for dirty liquids, designed for heavy-duty use on hydrocarbons, with viscosity up to 10,000 cP. -
Eclipse 705 type approved to European norms
The second-generation Eclipse 705, two-wire guided wave radar from Magnetrol has been type approved to the European norms for steam drums as a 'primary safety' and 'secondary safety' device. -
Magnetrol celebrates Eclipse Model 705's 10 years
It has been 10 years since Magnetrol released the Eclipse Model 705, the first two-wire guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitter to measure liquid level independent of liquid characteristics. -
Level transmitter allows easy fitting
Magnetrol's Jupiter 200 uses the electro-magnetic field of the float inside the bypass cage of the MLI to determine the liquid level.
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