When should you use Ultrasonic? And when is Radar more suitable? Thanks to our industry leading technology, and built-in DATEM echo discrimination algorithms in our software, you can usually count on ultrasonic level sensors to get the job done for you. However, there are some instances where you want to consider using a radar sensor.
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
With applications that are likely to exhibit steep temperature changes, this could affect the quality of the measurement when ultrasonic is used . As temperature increases, the sound waves travel faster to and from the target, while the target may not have shifted, it will seem to the sensor that the target is closer due to the increase in the speed of the waves. Our ultrasonic technology compensates for these temperature changes with a built-in temperature sensor so in most cases you can use either Ultrasonic or Radar, however, if the process temperature rapidly changes it can cause a lag in the measurement readings. Therefore, if absolute accuracy is important for the measurement, you should strongly consider using radar technology.
GAS & VAPOR
The speed of sound will change if the composition of gas above the measurement level changes. Ultrasonic transducers usually cannot ordinarily compensate for this. If the gas is not air, you can set the speed of sound to a different value to compensate, but this is only helpful if the gas composition remains at a constant. In these situations, the application would be more suited to a radar sensor. Our REFLECT™ 2-wire radar level sensor is well equipped for this type of application and with minimal skill requirement and human intervention could be the solution you're looking for!
INTRINSICALLY SAFE SENSORS
At Pulsar Measurement, the large range of both ultrasonic and radar technology are all Intrinsically Safe certified, so you can be sure that the measurement instrumentation you choose can safely be installed in hazardous areas. Contact our team with a brief outline of your application, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the options
NO MATTER THE APPLICATION - WE HAVE THE PERFECT FIT!
Pulsar Measurement offers both ultrasonic and radar sensors and are experts in both technologies. Our team works with you to ensure we support your choice in technology both before and after installation. The knowledge of our team is second to none, so it doesn’t matter to us what technology you need, we are experts in both! We believe in giving the buying power back to you, our customers, and will support and advise you based on your application needs.