The working frequency band of Radar Tank Level Sensor is 24G~26GHZ. Radar Tank Level Sensor is a non-contact radar transmitter based on the principle of FM continuous wave.
SIRD-902 Drop antenna Radar Tank Level Sensor is an integral PTFE drop antenna type radar level sensor. It is used to measure the distance and level of strongly corrosive liquids, pastes and solid media. Compared with the radar level sensor that adopts the pulse measurement principle, it can measure stably, reliably and with high precision even in dusty, foamy, and highly corrosive applications. Compared with pulse radar or GWR, there are many features they don’t have.
Sino-Inst offers a variety of Radar Level Sensors for industrial level measurement. If you have any questions, please contact our sales engineers.
Features of SIRD-902 Drop Antenna Radar Tank Level Sensor
- Non-contact measurement;
- 4-20mA standard output;
- HART bus communication;
- K band, high precision, high reliability;
- Solve the measurement problems of liquid, slurry, paste and other stirring, foam or liquid level fluctuation and violent stirring;
- The drop-type antenna can be used in harsh working conditions such as severe condensation or strong corrosive media.
Specifications of SIRD-902 Drop Antenna Radar Tank Level Sensor
| Application： | Temperature, pressure, slightly corrosive liquid; Storage container, process container or agitating occasion with severe fluctuation; occasions with severe condensation or strong corrosive medium |
| Measuring Range： | 30 meters |
| Process Connection： | Thread, flange |
| Process Temperature： | -40～130℃(standard type) / -40～250℃(high-temperature type) |
| Process Pressure： | -0.1～4.0MPa |
| Accuracy： | ±3mm |
| Protection Grade： | IP67 |
| Frequency Range： | 26GHz |
| Supply： | Two-wire system (DC24V) / Four-wire system (DC24V/AC220V) |
| Signal Output： | Exia ⅡC T6 Ga / Exd IIC T6 Gb |
| Outer Covering： | Aluminum Single Chamber / Aluminum Dual Chamber / Plastic / Stainless Steel Single Chamber |
| Explosion-proof Grade： | 4…20mA/HART (two-wire/four-wire) / RS485 Mod bus |
| Antenna Material | Stainless Steel / PTFE |
Radar Level Sensor Application
SIRD-902 Drop Antenna Radar Tank Level Sensor is equipped with a drop antenna.
The water drop antenna is also called a spherical antenna.
This antenna has strong signal processing capabilities. Not only can measure liquid media. It can also measure slurry media. It is used to measure the distance and level of strongly corrosive liquids, pastes and solid media.
Others Radar Level Sensor Applications
- The steel industry
Production processes:
Coal coking: coal storage bins, coking bins, gas tanks, coal tar and crude benzene tanks
Sintering plant: sintering material mixing silo, cold return ore, pellet silo
Ironworks: intermediate warehouse for ironmaking, blast furnace material level, etc.
Working condition characteristics:
Solid material measurement, strong dust, low dielectric constant, long range.
Volatile crystals of tar and crude benzene
High temperature and dust adhesion of blast furnace material level
Selection application:
The solid measurement is mainly based on high-frequency pulse radar level meter.
Guided wave radar level gauges can be used for crude benzene and coal tar.
- Coal industry
Production processes:
Raw coal bunker, pulverized coal bunker, coal gangue storage material level, coal washing pool.
Working condition characteristics:
Typical solid material measurement, strong dust, low dielectric constant, long range.
Selection and application:
The high-frequency pulse radar level meter is mainly used.
- Cement industry Production processes:
Raw material warehouse, raw meal homogenization warehouse, clinker warehouse, finished product warehouse, fly ash warehouse, raw coal warehouse, gypsum warehouse, cement slag warehouse Working condition characteristics:
Typical solid material measurement, strong dust, low dielectric constant, long range. Selection application:
The high-frequency pulse radar level meter is mainly used. - Power industry Thermal power, hydropower, and biological power generation
Production processes:
(Thermal power) raw coal and pulverized coal silo, circulating pool, low-elevation water level, limestone powder silo, ash hopper level, ash silo, slag silo, desulfurization tower liquid level
Working condition characteristics:
Solid material measurement, strong dust, low dielectric constant, long range.
Low water level. High temperature and high pressure;
Desulfurization tower liquid level foam, water vapor, crystallization, spray interference, side installation
Selection application:
The measurement of solid materials is based on high-frequency pulse radar level meters.
Guided wave radar for high and low water level applications;
Low-frequency radar level meters are commonly used for liquid level in desulfurization towers.
- Non-ferrous metallurgy industry: aluminum, nickel, zinc, and titanium industries
Production processes:
(Aluminum) slurry tank, dissolution tank, flash tank, post-dissolution tank, flocculation tank, settling tank, decomposition tank, alumina powder silo
Working condition characteristics:
Various chemical reaction environments have high temperature, strong water vapor, stirring or corrosion factors
Selection application:
In view of the influence of high-temperature water vapor, refer to factors such as corrosion, range, stirring, hanging material, etc.
Choose guided wave radar or low-frequency radar level meter.
High-frequency radar level meters are still preferred for solid measurement.
- Water conservancy industry
Application range:
Hydrological monitoring, flood control alarm, farmland irrigation
Working condition characteristics:
The signal transmission is far, the power supply voltage is low, and the installation location is affected by the river embankment and dam. The radar wave with a small beam angle is preferred
Selection application:
Choose high frequency radar level meter with MODBUS protocol
- Food and medicine industry
Production processes:
Edible oil tank, soybean meal storage tank
Working condition characteristics:
The tank environment is simple, or has accuracy requirements, and antenna hygiene requirements in the pharmaceutical and food industries
Selection application:
A high-precision measurement environment gives priority to high-frequency radar level meter
If there are sanitary requirements, an antenna with a sealed material that meets sanitary conditions should be selected
- Industrial petrochemical industry, coal chemical industry
Production processes:
Petrochemical industry: crude oil storage, gasoline tank, diesel tank, natural gas tank, etc.
Coal coke chemical industry: refer to the coal industry
Calcium carbide chemical industry: coal bunker, calcium carbide bunker, etc.
Working condition characteristics:
Solid material measurement, strong dust, low dielectric constant, long-range.
The measurement environment of various oil depots is simple, and accuracy requirements may be required
There is pressure in the natural gas spherical tank, and the dielectric constant is small
Oscillation interference echo exists in gas tank level measurement
Various chemical reactor conditions are different
Selection application:
The measurement of solid materials is based on high-frequency pulse radar level meters.
For various oil depots with precision requirements, high frequency radar is preferred for spherical tanks
Gas tanks that are prone to oscillating interference signals also have a limited choice of high-frequency radars
Selection of chemical reactor according to actual conditions and parameters
- Environmental protection and water treatment industry
Processing link:
Collection wells, coarse grids, fine grids, biochemical reaction tanks, mud flushing tanks, sludge tanks, well-dissolved medicine tanks
Working condition characteristics:
Except for the ultra-long range and narrow space such as collection wells, other environments are relatively simple
Selection application:
Guided wave radar or high-frequency radar level meter can be selected for collecting wells according to the range requirements. Generally, ultrasonic level meters are more commonly used in simple environments.
- Semiconductor industry
Production link: Silica powder warehouse
Working condition characteristics: very low dielectric constant, strong dust
Selection application: high frequency radar level meter
Extended reading: FMCW Radar Level Transmitter 120GHz
Radar Antenna Types
- Horn antenna for radar level gauge:
26G high-frequency radar-type level measuring instrument. Output 4-20mA analog signal. The maximum measuring distance can reach 70 meters. This antenna has been further optimized. The new and fast microprocessor can perform higher-speed signal analysis and processing. The instrument can be used for particularly complex measurement conditions in reactors or solid silos. - Rod antenna for radar level gauge:
Suitable for measuring liquids. Corrosive media. The maximum measuring distance can reach 20 meters. The antenna is further optimized. The new and fast microprocessor can perform higher rate signal analysis and processing. The instrument can be used for very complex measurement conditions in the reactor or solid silo. - Parabolic antenna for radar level gauge:
This is a new type of antenna launched in China. It is mostly used in high-frequency transmitting radars. It is especially suitable for measuring targets and avoiding obstacles. 26G high frequency radar type level measuring instrument. Output 4~20mA analog signal. The maximum measuring distance can reach 70 meters. The antenna is further optimized. The new and fast microprocessor can perform higher rate signal analysis and processing. The instrument can be used for very complex measurement conditions in the reactor or solid silo. - Radar level gauge casing antenna:
The casing has a focusing effect on radar waves. Therefore, when the dielectric constant is small or the liquid level produces continuous eddy currents or the device in the container causes false reflections, this type of instrument is suitable. But the measured medium is required to have good fluidity. It is not easy to hang the material. - Lens radar liquid level antenna:
Transmits narrow microwave pulses and transmits downward through the antenna. The maximum measuring distance can reach 70 meters. The antenna is further optimized. The new and fast microprocessor can carry out higher-speed signal analysis and processing. The instrument can be used for some complex measurement conditions such as reactors and solid silos.
The above content is for your reference only. When choosing the antenna of the radar level gauge, you should choose according to the actual needs of the measurement environment.
Extended reading: Magnetostrictive Hydraulic Cylinder Position Sensor
Radar Tank Level Sensor Working Principle
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Technology (FMCW)
The drop-type antenna emits radar waves, which are received by the antenna after being reflected on the surface of the medium. The radar principle used is Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW). The frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar sends out a signal in the high-frequency band. Within its measurement range, the frequency of the radar wave increases linearly (called frequency sweep).
The transmission and reception of radar waves correspond to a time difference t. The distance d between the radar and the surface of the medium conforms to the formula t=2×d/c. Where c is the transmission speed of the radar wave above the surface of the medium, that is, the speed of light.
SIRD-902 Drop Antenna Radar Tank Level Sensor performs signal processing by comparing the frequency difference between the reflected wave and the current transmitted wave. The frequency difference △f is proportional to the distance, and the greater the frequency difference, the greater the distance.
After Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), the frequency difference Δf is converted into a frequency spectrum, and the distance d is calculated from this. The height of the level is calculated by the given tank height.
Extended reading: Radar Level Meter for Corrosive Liquids
Advantages
- Measurement is not affected by temperature, pressure, or dust
- User-friendly adjustment saves time
- Non-contact, continuous level measurement over larger ranges
- Unaffected by sludge and biomass, dust, foam, oil, grease and other coatings, uneven surfaces, turbulence, pressure, and vacuum
- Single-frequency radar level sensors for liquid sensing, dual-frequency radar level sensors for level measurement of aggregates, gravel, sand, coal, asphalt, and other solids
- Simple mounting and push-button calibration
Disadvantages
- Very sensitive to build-up on the sensor surface.
- They are very expensive. Price increases with accuracy.
Extended Reading: Dielectric constant for radar level transmitter
Because the general test distance of radar level gauges is mostly 2-10m or more than 10m. It is difficult to simulate the distance required for calibration in the laboratory. Therefore, radar level gauges mostly use online calibration.
The online calibration of the radar level gauge utilizes the on-site process conditions. Through the change of the liquid level, the output value of the radar level gauge is compared with the actual gauge measurement value or other forms of liquid level measurement value.
According to the “Measurement and Verification Regulations for Level Gauges”, the radar level gauge is calibrated at multiple points or single points. Then it is debugged through the debugging software to make it meet the measurement accuracy requirements.
The conventional online calibration method of the radar level gauge can ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulations. At the same time, the online calibration will calibrate the process interference and installation error factors at the same time. Therefore, the actual measurement accuracy of the radar level gauge is higher than that of the laboratory calibration.
However, on-line routine calibration must use on-site process conditions. During the calibration period, on-site process equipment-storage tanks or reaction tanks must be shut down, which seriously affects on-site process production.
At the same time, the on-site liquid level change is affected by the process conditions, and the stabilization time is too long. Therefore, the online routine calibration time is usually longer. Gauge measurement or other forms of liquid level measurement are also restricted by on-site safety and technical influences.
Extended Reading: Guided-wave radar (GWR) level transmitter working principle
Radar Level Sensor is an advanced measuring instrument. It is suitable for solid materials, process containers or strong dusts that are easy to crystallize and dew. It has the advantages of low maintenance, high performance, high precision, high reliability and long service life. It can adapt to harsh production environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and steam.
For powdery materials, especially for the measurement of pneumatically conveyed powdery materials:
Although dust has no effect on radar in theory, a large amount of dust can also scatter and affect echo. Cable guided wave radar can be selected.
Because the microwave is transmitted in the steel cable, the dust generated during the transportation of the material has no effect on the measurement.
Cable guided wave radar can be used for the concentrate, quartz, and pulverized coal of the flash furnace, and the measurement effect is good.
For the measurement of granular or bulk materials:
The guided wave cable of the guided wave radar is easily damaged by hard materials. This problem is encountered in the level measurement of the limestone silo.
A high-frequency Radar Level Sensor must be selected. The smaller the emission angle of the microwave, the better. Because the higher the frequency of the microwave, the shorter the wavelength of the microwave. To ensure that the emitted radar wave can be reflected back to the radar to the greatest extent on the rough solid surface Probe. The smaller the emission angle, the smaller the probability of forming clutter and diffuse emission.
The high frequency Radar Level Sensor is adopted because of its small launch angle and good echo signal. Using continuous frequency modulation technology, the anti-interference ability is greatly improved. Solid and even pneumatically transmitted powders can also be accurately measured.
Extended Reading: GWR Level Sensor for High Temperature & High Pressure
Radar level meter: Very short microwave pulses with very low transmit energy are transmitted and received through the antenna system. Radar waves travel at the speed of light. The running time can be converted into a level signal by electronic components. A special time extension method can ensure stable and accurate measurement in a very short time.
Ultrasonic liquid level meter: The high-frequency pulse sound wave emitted by the ultrasonic transducer (probe) meets the surface of the measured level (material). The reflected echo is received by the transducer and converted into an electrical signal.
Read more about: Ultrasonic VS Radar level transmitter-different applications
From the above two principles, we can see the following two differences:
- The radar level meter emits electromagnetic waves. The wave speed has nothing to do with ambient temperature, smoke, pressure, etc. It is the same even in a vacuum. The propagation speed is always the speed of light.
- Ultrasonic liquid level meter emits ultrasonic waves, which belong to mechanical waves. Like sound waves, its propagation speed is closely related to the state of the propagation medium. Ultrasonic liquid level meter is used to measure the liquid level of atmospheric vessels. The probe contains temperature measuring elements to compensate the temperature of the wave speed. Because of the material, the temperature range used is relatively not very wide.
From the difference between the above 2 points of liquid level meter, the following 2 application conclusions can be summarized:
- Ultrasonic is mostly used for meteor measurement, and radar is mostly used for liquid level measurement;
- In terms of energy, the emitted wave of radar is larger than that of ultrasonic waves. Electromagnetic waves have a stronger transmission distance and speed than mechanical waves. However, electromagnetic waves are susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Mechanical waves are easily attenuated by gaseous substances.
So its application is to detect the place where the ultrasonic gas must be opened and the gas phase is relatively clean air. Compared with the radar, it can be resealed and used in a small amount of vapor phase volatilization. But this thing is ideal when the gas phase is in the atmosphere, otherwise the maintenance amount will be increased.
Extended reading: Industrial Tank level indicators and Tank Level Gauges
Pulse Radar Level Transmitter is a transmitter that generates a 6.3 GHz pulse from the microprocessor control circuit and transmits it through the surface of the sensor.
Due to the strong penetrating power of the pulse radar, some foam, smoke, water vapor, etc. that usually interfere with the ultrasonic level gauge do not have any interference to the pulse radar level gauge.
Extended Reading: Types of Level Transmitters:
Guided Wave Radar Level Sensor for Liquid and Bulk Solids Contact level measurement.
Guided wave radar is a measuring instrument based on the principle of time travel. The radar wave runs at the speed of light. The operating time can be converted into level signals by electronic components. The probe emits high-frequency pulses and propagates along the cable or rod probe. When the pulse meets the surface of the material, it is reflected back and received by the receiver in the instrument. And convert the distance signal into level signal. SIRD-701 Guided Wave Radar Level Sensor is suitable for liquid and Bulk Solids measurement, and complex process conditions.
Extended reading: GWR Solid Level Sensor-for Cement silo-Ash powder measure
More Featured Radar Level Sensors
Level Senors for Tank Level Measurement
Tank level senor is a level sensor used to measure the tank level. The liquid level is the level of the liquid in a sealed container (such as a water tank) or an open container (water tank). The instrument that measures the liquid level is called a liquid level sensor, a liquid level gauge or a liquid level transmitter. The liquid level sensor is a kind of level instrument.
Hydrostatic, Ultrasonic, Magnetostrictive, Radar, Differential Pressure are commonly choices for tank level measurement. Liquid level sensors have been around for decades for leak detection or level measurement. Common measured mediums are: Water, Fuel, Diesel, Gasoline, diesel, liquefied gas, liquid ammonia, etc.
Read more about: 7 Level Senors for Tank Level Measurement
FAQ
Sino-Inst offers over 10 Radar Tank Level Sensors for level measurement. About 50% of these are Radar level meters, 40% is the tank level sensor.
A wide variety of Radar Tank Level Sensors options are available to you, such as free samples, paid samples.
Sino-Inst is a globally recognized supplier and manufacturer of radar level measurement instrumentation, located in China.
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Wu Peng, born in 1980, is a highly respected and accomplished male engineer with extensive experience in the field of automation. With over 20 years of industry experience, Wu has made significant contributions to both academia and engineering projects.
Throughout his career, Wu Peng has participated in numerous national and international engineering projects. Some of his most notable projects include the development of an intelligent control system for oil refineries, the design of a cutting-edge distributed control system for petrochemical plants, and the optimization of control algorithms for natural gas pipelines.