Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic

NorCal Tech 2005 Technical Conference

Level Measurement with Radar and
Ultrasonic

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Technologies
Through Air
Radar
Guided Wave
Radar
Ultrasonic

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
How it works


The time it takes for the instruments
signal to leave the antenna, travel to the
product, and return to the antenna is
calculated into distance.

The instrument is spanned according to
the distance the 100% and 0% points
within the vessel are from its reference
point.

The measured distance can then be
converted into the end users desired
engineering unit and viewed on the head
of the instrument or remote display.
100%
0%

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic

How do process conditions affect the
reliability and accuracy of process
level transmitters ?

density (specific gravity)?
dielectric constant?
conductivity?
temperature?
pressure?
vacuum?
agitation?
vapors and condensation?
dust and build up?
internal structures?

Process conditions that affect specification of transmitters

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Through Air
Radar



Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Radar Technology How it works

Radar is a time of flight measurement.

Microwave energy is transmitted by the
radar.

The microwave energy is reflected off
the product surface

The radar sensor receives the
microwave energy.

The time from transmitting to receiving
the microwave energy is measured.

The time is converted to a distance
measurement and then eventually a
level.


Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Function of an antenna
Signal focusing
reduction of the antenna ringing
optimization of the beam

Signal amplification
focusing of the emitted signal
amplification of the receipt signal

Signal orientation
point at the product surface
minimization of false echo
reflections


Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic

Radar level measurement

Top mounted
Solids and liquids applications
Non-contact

RADAR is virtually unaffected by the
following process conditions:

Temperature
Pressure and Vacuum
Conductivity
Dielectric Constant (dK)
Specific Gravity
Vapor, Steam, Dust or Air
Movement
Build up (depends on radar
design)

Radar Technology Why use it?

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Radar Technology - Choice of frequency
Radar wavelength = Speed of light / frequency
l = c / f
Frequency 6.3 GHz
wavelength l = 47.5 mm
Frequency 26 GHz
wavelength l = 11.5 mm
High frequency:

shorter wavelength

narrower beam angle

more focused signal

ability to measure smaller vessels
with more flexible mounting
47.5mm
11.5mm
Low frequency:

longer wavelength

wider beam angle

less focused signal

ability to measure in vessels with
difficult application variables

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
5 GHz 10 GHz
Frequency
Comparison of horn diameters that produce the same beam angle
20 GHz 15 GHz 25 GHz
Focusing at 6.3 GHz:
Horn size Beam angle
3 38
4 33
6" 21
10 15

Focusing at 26 GHz:
Horn size Beam angle
1.5" 22
2 18
3 10
4 8

Radar Technology Focusing of Frequency
30 GHz
6.3 GHz 26 GHz
(A shorter wavelength means a smaller antenna for the same beam angle)

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Major Factors in Specifying a Radar - Frequency
Frequency

Choosing a frequency depends on:

Mounting options
Customers 100% point
Vessel dimensions proximity
of connection to sidewall
The presence of foam
Agitated product surfaces
Vapor composition
Vessel internal structures
Dielectric constant (dK)

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Radar Technology Choosing a frequency
Low Frequency 6.3 GHz C-band

Better Performance with:

Heavy Agitation
Severe Build-up
Foam
Steam
Dust
Mist
Dish bottom vessels

Typical accuracy: +/- 10mm

High Frequency 26 GHz K-band


Small Process Connections
Very little near zone
Recessed in nozzles
Less susceptible to false echoes
Reduced antenna size
Perfect for small vessels

Able to measure lower dK
products without using a
stilling well.

Typical accuracy +/- 3-5mm




No single frequency is ideally suited for every radar level application.

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Guided Wave
Radar
(TDR)




Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Guided Wave Radar Measurement

Guided Wave Radar level measurement

Time of Flight
Top mounted
Solids and liquids applications
Contact Measurement

GUIDED WAVE RADAR is virtually unaffected by
the following process conditions:

Temperature
Pressure and Vacuum
Conductivity
Dielectric Constant (dK)
Specific Gravity
Vapor, Steam, or Dust Air Movement
Build up (depends on type of build up)
Foam

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Principle of Operation
A microwave pulse (2 GHz) is
guided along a cable or rod in a
20 diameter or inside a coaxial
system.

The pulse is then reflected from
the solid or liquid, back to the
head of the unit.

The travel time of the pulse is
measured and then converted to
distance.



Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Application Examples
Installation into the vessel

Installation in bridles without
worry of build-up or
interference from side leg
connections

Ideal for replacement of
displacers

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Application Examples
Interface Measurement
Oil/Water
Solvent/Water


Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Guided Wave Radar Accuracy & Dead Zones
Typical Accuracies

Cable +/- 5 mm
Rod +/- 5 mm
Concentric Tube +/- 3 mm
Typical Dead Zones or Blocking Distances

Cable
Top 6 inches
Bottom 9.8 inches
includes weight 6

Rod
Top 6 inches
Bottom 0 inches

Concentric Tube
Top: 1.6 inches
Bottom: 0.8 inches

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic


Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Level Measurement

Ultrasonic level measurement

Time of Flight
Top mounted
Solids and liquids applications
Non-contact

ULTRASONIC is virtually unaffected by the
following process conditions:

Change is product density (spg)
Change in dielectric constant (dk)

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Level Measurement How it works

Time of Flight Technology

Short ultrasonic impulses emitted from
transducer

Bursts are created from electrical energy
applied to piezeo electric crystal inside the
transducer

The transducer creates sound waves
(mechanical energy)

With longer measuring ranges a lower
frequency and higher amplitude are needed
to produce sound waves that can travel
farther

The longer the measuring range the
larger the transducer must be

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Level Technology Advantages
Can be mounted in plastic stilling wells

Narrow beam angles minimize effect of
obstructions

Swivel flange available for applications with
angles of repose

Familiar technology throughout the industry,
therefore, often a trusted technology throughout
the industry

Cost-effective

Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Level Technology When to use it
Vessels with products whose characteristics
remain constant
Water
Bulk solids

Storage Vessels
Where repeatability is not critical

Typical Accuracy +/- 5-10 mm


Level Measurement with Radar and Ultrasonic
Questions?
Questions?