Non-Contact Radar Level Transmitter: How it Works, Uses, Benefits
Process industries require level controls to monitor and evaluate the amount of material in vessels. Although, there are many different level measurement offerings, including level switches, density level measurement, displacer level measurement, point level measurement, magnetic level indicators, and continuous level measurement. This guide covers non-contact radar level measurement and devices.
What is a non-contact radar level transmitter?
A non-contact radar level transmitter is an instrument that uses radar to measure the level of material in a vessel. With the non-cont radar technology, the instrument does not come in contact with the material when collecting data.
What is non-contact radar level measurement?
Non-contact radar level measurement is a technique used to calculate the level of media in a container like a pit, sump, or glass-lined tank. Non-contact radar level measurement describes the distance from the device to the surface of a liquid, slurry, sludge, and some solids. Conditions with varying dielectric, visible vapors, high fill/empty rates, turbulence, and low to moderate foam buildup do not interfere with the measurement.
Operating Principle of a Non-Contact Radar Level Transmitter
There are two non-contact radar level transmitters: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) and Pulse Burst Radar. Each version has distinct operating principles, applications, and advantages.
Non-contact radar level transmitters that use the pulse burst radar technique send a microwave signal to the product's surface. The signal bounces off the material and travels back to the sensor. The transmitter measures the time it took for the signal to travel from the sensor, to the surface of the product, and back again. The following equations determine the material level:
(Speed of light x time day) / 2 = distance traveled
Tank height - distance traveled = material level
Non-contact radar level transmitters that use FMCW radar work similarly but with one crucial distinction. The transmitted signal is disseminated continuously and at varying frequencies. When the signal travels down to the liquid and back to the sensor, it mixes with the signal that was just dispersed. The difference in frequency between the sent and the received signal is directly proportional to the distance to the liquid.
Uses of the Non-Contact Radar Level Transmitter
A non-contact type radar level transmitter are used in several different industrial applications, including:
Chemical
- Deionization tanks
- Neutralization
- Mixing and blending systems
Crude Oil
- Drilling fluid tanks
- Production fluid storage
- Process and field storage tanks
Petroleum Refining
- Diesel fuel storage
Hydroelectric Generation
- Intake, reservoir, and tailrace level monitoring
- Surge tank level monitoring
- Leak and flood detection in draft tubes, sumps, pits, and more
Power Generation
- Deionization tanks
- Fuel oil storage
- Water services
Renewable Energy
- Biofuel
- Geothermal
- Hydroelectric
Pulp & Paper
- Black, green, and white liquor
- Mill water storage
- Mixing and machine chests
- Turpentine recovery
Water and Wastewater
- Carbon slurry level
- Clarifier level
- Digester level
- Influent/effluent flow
- Lift station pump control
- Splitter box level
- Water storage tanks
- Sludge level
- Water services
Advantages of Using a Non-Contact Radar Level Transmitter
Non-contact radar level transmitters offer numerous benefits, including:
- Equipped with proactive diagnostics to troubleshoot and resolve issues
- Adapts to changes in material density, dielectric, and conductivity
- It is not impacted by changes in temperature, pressure, and most vapor space qualities
- Does not include any moving parts, so the maintenance requirements are minimal
- Does not come in contact with the process
Introducing the 80 GHz Non-contact Radar Level Transmitter
The Pulsar® Model R80 radar transmitter is the latest generation of Magnetrol® 24 VDC, loop-powered, non-contact radar transmitters. Utilizing Frequency modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar technology, this transmitter offers enhanced performance, proactive diagnostics, and various configuration wizards to simplify an often complex technology.
This device features a multivariable two-wire, 24 VDC loop-powered transmitter. It can be used to measure level, volume, or flow. Changes in specific gravity and dielectric do not affect the performance of this device. The 80 GHz operating frequency offers superior performance, smaller antennas, better accuracy, and enhanced resolution. The device range extends up to 100 feet, the antenna can withstand temperatures as high as 400 °F, and the pressure ranges from -14.5 to 1000 psi. A 4-button keypad and graphic LCD screen conveniently present configuration parameters and echo curves. As a bonus, SIL 2 suitable, PACTware™ PC program, enhanced DTMs for advanced configuration and troubleshooting, and also HART® digital output.
For more information regarding non-contacting radar or to discuss your specific application requiring not-contacting radar, contact your TechStar expert by clicking on this link.
TechStar is your local manufacturer representative for all your instrumentation, automation, and analytical products, along with service, and training. For a selection of high-quality non-contact radar level transmitters, visit TechStar today.