Product category:
Level Sensors and Leak Detectors
News Release from: Magnetrol International | Subject: Eclipse Model 705
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 26 August 2005
Radar transmitter passes Dutch level
test
The Eclipse Model 705 two-wire loop-powered guided wave radar transmitter is probably the worlds' most popular replacement for displacer level transmitters in the oil and gas industries.
The Eclipse Model 705 two-wire loop-powered guided wave radar transmitter from Magnetrol is probably the worlds' most popular replacement for displacer level transmitters in the oil and gas industries Its advantages and performance are now confirmed by one of the largest test surveys ever carried out for level process controls
WIB (Working party on Instrument Behaviour) in the Netherlands, has investigated for its members whether radar technology (free space and TDR) offers a robust, drop in replacement for displacer transmitters and float systems installed in side cages and stillwells.
WIB has partnerships with EI (Evaluation International) in the UK and EXERA (Association des Exploitants d'Equipements de Mesure, de Regulation et d'Automatisme) in France, and exchanges data and experiences with the German NAMUR group.
The test was conducted by an independent test team, consisting of a level control expert and a team member of the WIB "level" working group.
The test rig built for these tests consisted of three cages/stillwells, equal in length (230cm range) but with varying pipe size diameters (2, 3 and 4in).
The liquids used for the test were cold and hot water, Pentane (Er of 1.8) and transformer oil (Er 2.2).
The three Eclipse units were evaluated for accuracy and repeatability in varying liquids, dynamic behaviour versus changing fill and drain rates, sensitivity to small level variations, behaviour against disturbed conditions such as bubbling inside the cages, wrong installation (simulated by inclined cages), condensation and water spray on the GWR probes, and the effect of six different foams.
For the environmental and long-term stability test, the test team gathered 14,500 datasets while changing the ambient temperature from -60 to +60C, at a fixed level.
Simulating with a decreasing power supply, the team tested the safety behaviour of the device.
The Eclipse scored well within its specifications but the test particularly highlighted the safety, accuracy, and ease of configuration.
To prove the ease of configuration, Magnetrol, uniquely among the suppliers on test, suggested that it was unnecessary to provide support to the test team during setup.
Even when the power voltage was dropped as low as 9.7V DC, the unit still reported correctly via its digital communication.
The accuracy and repeatability were so well received that the test team used the Eclipse as reference for other repeatability tests.
The WIB tests far exceeded the testing capability of process plant operators and offers guidance to manufacturers on how to further improve their design.
Magnetrol took the WIB recommendations into the design of our next generation Eclipse.
The new enhanced Eclipse incorporates level, volume and interface measurement within one single amplifier.
By extending diagnostics, the SIL2 (1oo1 - HWFT of 0) unit has a SFF score of 90% - the highest for any TDR product on the market today.
The new Eclipse adds Pactware communication to the existing protocols of Hart, AMS and Foundation Fieldbus.
Pactware further simplifies the installation and offers via signal curving the ideal basis for troubleshooting.
The Eclipse can be used for HTHP applications up to +400C/345bar, steam applications up to 155bar at +345C, hot and cold ammonia applications, liquefied gases, and cryogenic applications down to -196C.
Without any doubt it is one of the most popular TDR transmitters on oil/gas platforms, refineries and petrochemical and chemical sites. Request a free brochure from Magnetrol International ...
• Magnetrol International: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
