Choosing the Right Radar Level Sensors for Solids Materials.

When it comes to measuring the level of solid materials, there are many options available. But radar level sensors have become one of the most popular choices. This is due to their accuracy, reliability, and ability to measure the level of materials in various storage containers, including tanks and silos. However, with so many different radar level sensors on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your specific needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a radar level sensor for solid materials.

Radar Level Sensors for Solids

This is based on our many years of experience in level measurement. Hope this helps.

1. Operating Frequency

Radar level sensors use radio waves to measure the level of solid materials. And the frequency of these radio waves determines the accuracy and reliability of the measurement.

There are two main types of radar level sensors – pulse radar and frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. Pulse radar operates at a higher frequency and provides more accurate measurements, but it is also more expensive. FMCW radar operates at a lower frequency and is less expensive, but it is less accurate.

When choosing a radar level sensor, consider the level of accuracy required for your application, as well as your budget.

Our most common ones are 6GHz-26GHz-80GHz-120GHz. You can refer to more 26GHz-80GHz-120GHz radar level meter parameter comparison. List of Radar Level Sensors

2. Material Properties

The properties of the solid material you are measuring will also impact your choice of radar level sensor.

The dielectric constant of the medium is also easy to be ignored, and attention should be paid to the medium with a small dielectric constant.

The problem of antenna hanging can not be ignored. Due to the strong adhesion of steam belt material and most mud, the radar level gauge will encounter the problem of antenna hanging.

The coating has no effect on the medium with small dielectric constant, but it will affect the medium with large dielectric constant. Influence of Dielectric Constant on Radar Level Meter

Introducing high-pressure wind to blow the antenna near the antenna can prevent material hanging. Some devices can be optionally equipped with a dust cover. At normal temperature, just cover the antenna with plastic film and clean the hanging material regularly.

Also, if the material is very dense or has a high moisture content. It can affect the accuracy of the measurement. If the material is very abrasive, it can wear down the sensor over time.

Consider the properties of the material you are measuring when choosing a radar level sensor.

3. Environment

The environment in which the radar level sensor will be installed can also impact its performance.

For example, if the sensor will be installed in an area with a lot of dust or steam. This can affect the accuracy of the measurement.

If the sensor will be installed in an area with high temperatures. Make sure the sensor is designed to operate in these conditions. Consider the environment in which the sensor will be installed when choosing a radar level sensor.

Radar level sensor for tank level gauging

4. Storage Containers

The type of storage container in which the solid material is stored will also impact your choice of radar level sensor.

For example, if the container is very large, a long-range radar level sensor may be required. If the container is very tall, a high-level radar level sensor may be required.

Consider the size and shape of the storage container when choosing a radar level sensor.

The first is the range problem. When choosing a radar, there is often a misunderstanding, that is, the selected range should only be greater than the height of the tank. In fact, the range marked on the radar may be its maximum range.

The type selection also depends on the characteristics of the container. For example, whether the surface of the storage tank is smooth or corrugated, or even stirred.

The actual level that can be measured by the same radar level gauge is very different in different situations. For example, a certain liquid level gauge has a range of 30m. It is only a smooth surface liquid that can be measured to 30m. Once it is used in a non-stirred and rippled On the buffer tank, the result is different. When using it to measure the material level of more than ten meters of stirring, the low material level is often not measured. This is actually because the selection range is not enough. After increasing the range, the problem is solved.

5. Safety Considerations

Finally, safety considerations must also be taken into account when choosing a radar level sensor.

For example, if the material being measured is flammable, make sure the sensor is designed for use in hazardous areas.

If the material is toxic, make sure the sensor is designed to prevent contamination. Consider the safety requirements for your application when choosing a radar level sensor.

Selection of Radar Level Sensors under special working conditions

For example, in open pools, water tanks, and natural water. The working conditions are not complicated. There are no disturbance sources such as agitation, bubbling, steam, and vacuuming. The liquid level is relatively stable. Generally, a radar level gauge with a high cost performance is used.

It is recommended to use a radar level gauge with a rod antenna. The radar is small in size and easy to install, with a range of 10m or 30m. The communication interface can be HART or MODBUS, which is convenient for long-distance signal transmission.

The guided wave radar level gauge is used in the application of sealed small tanks. High measurement accuracy and fast response. To monitor rapidly changing liquid levels.

Installation should pay attention to avoid close to the warehouse wall and obstacles.

If there are stirring blades inside, it is recommended to use a bypass pipe for installation.

For the working conditions with severe liquid level fluctuation, it is recommended to use coaxial guided wave radar level gauge.

For liquids with high viscosity, guided wave radar level gauge is not recommended. It is recommended to use a non-contact high-frequency radar level gauge with purge.

The flange and waveguide rod or waveguide cable of the guided wave radar level gauge are generally made of SS316L material. Suitable for common corrosive liquids. PTFE material can be used when encountering strong corrosive liquids such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.

The standard flange of the radar level gauge is made of SS304. 316L can be used for common corrosive liquids. When encountering strong corrosive liquids such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, PTFE can be used. As for the material of the antenna, a PTFE rod antenna or a full PTFE sealed convex lens antenna is generally used.

Level measurement in liquids containing foam. The type selection needs to be selected according to the size and density of the foam and the thickness of the foam layer:

In general, the higher the foam density, the thicker the foam layer. The radar wave emitted by the radar level gauge is less likely to penetrate the foam layer. Most of the transmitted waves and reflected waves are lost during the penetration process, resulting in extremely weak echoes reaching the real liquid level surface. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a high-energy high-frequency radar. And a convex lens antenna with strong focusing ability to make up for the energy loss in the penetration process.

Of course, if the foam layer is particularly thick, even high-frequency radar level gauges are difficult to penetrate. Therefore, if the radar level gauge is used to penetrate the foam to measure the liquid level, it is suitable for the working conditions of large foam and thin foam layer. If it is used to measure the liquid level on the surface of the foam without penetrating, you can choose a conventional radar level gauge or a guided wave radar level gauge.

For working conditions that require measuring the interface between foam and liquid, it is generally recommended to use a guided wave radar level gauge. The premise of selection is that the dielectric constant of the upper layer of foam needs to be much lower than that of the lower layer of liquid. It is recommended that the difference is more than 10, and the thickness of the foam layer must be <100mm.

In the steam environment, it has a great influence on the guided wave radar level gauge. Especially the working conditions of high temperature and high pressure will cause the propagation speed of the radar wave transmitted along the probe rod to slow down during the measurement process of the guided wave radar level gauge. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a guided wave radar level gauge with steam compensation.

The guided wave radar level gauge has a maximum temperature resistance of +450°C and a pressure resistance of 160bar. For the selection of radar level gauges, the frequency of high frequency radar level gauges is higher. The stronger the penetration, the energy loss in the process of penetrating steam is relatively small.

At the same time, the convex lens antenna is used to resist the interference of steam condensation on the antenna, and the performance is more stable and reliable.

In the high temperature working condition, there is a working condition with thick dust interference. It is recommended to use high frequency 120GHz, continuous frequency modulation wave FMCW, convex lens antenna radar level gauge.

For high temperature conditions, it is recommended to use a high temperature isolation device. With nitrogen cooling interface, the maximum temperature resistance is 1200°C. Moreover, the radar level gauge is completely isolated from the inside of the tank, making inspection and maintenance safer.

If you cannot find an answer to your question in Selection of Radar Level Sensors for Solids, you can always contact us and we will be with you shortly.

Featured Radar Level Meters

Frequently
Asked
Questions

A level sensor for solid materials is a handy device designed to measure the amount or height of solid materials, such as grains, powders, or pellets, within a storage container or bin. These sensors help manage inventory levels, prevent overfilling, and ensure the smooth functioning of various industrial processes.

To measure the level of solids, you can use a variety of devices, such as ultrasonic, radar, capacitive, and vibrating rod level sensors. Each type of sensor has its own advantages and is best suited for specific applications or materials, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential.

Measuring solid levels involves using a level sensor that sends out a signal, such as sound or radio waves, and then receives the reflected signal back. By calculating the time it takes for the signal to return, the sensor can determine the distance between itself and the solid material’s surface. Different types of level sensors may use different methods to achieve this, but the underlying concept remains the same.

The choice of sensor for controlling the level of solids in a bin depends on factors such as the type of solid material, the size and shape of the bin, and the desired level of accuracy. Common choices include ultrasonic, radar, capacitive, and vibrating rod level sensors. Each sensor has its own benefits and limitations, so it’s important to select the one that best fits your specific application and requirements.

Extended Reading: Case: High Temperature Radar Level Transmitter for Melted Salt-Solar Photovoltaic Power Station

Conclusion

Usually level measurement media include water, slurry and powdery materials. The environment has a good static liquid level as well as a liquid level where a lot of vapor builds up. There are materials with severe dust and more steam environment. There is also pressure. There are also open ones. In short, all kinds of complications abound. So if you want to make good use of the radar level gauge and maximize its value, you must pay attention to these issues.

Choosing the right radar level sensor for solid materials requires consideration of several key factors. Including operating frequency, material properties, environment, storage container, and safety considerations. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a specific me radar level sensor that you needs and provides accurate and reliable measurements.

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