Radar level sensors provide precise level measurement in various industrial applications. This page provides an in-depth exploration of how these sensors function effectively in different environments, from storage tanks to pressurized and agitated systems.
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Radar is well suited for the level in storage tanks as it has a large measuring range up to 33 ft (10m) and is very accurate. In large tanks, even a small difference in level height can represent a large change in volume. An accurate level measurement is therefore very important as even small deviations can translate to large differences in the inventory cost of products.
Tanks are often pressurized with inert gas for blanketing to protect the product from oxidizing with the atmosphere. The radar level measurement is not influenced by pressure which provides a simple and accurate level solution. Other level technologies like hydrostatic pressure, which are influenced by head pressure, either need a two-sensor solution or some other connection to the top and bottom of the tank. This is a more complex setup and often less accurate.
Free radar is a non-contact solution that can ignore the presence of agitators or obstructions in the radar path. This makes it a great solution where guided radar cannot be used, if there are no ports on the bottom of the tank for hydrostatic pressure, or if the media is very viscous.
Free radar is not in direct contact with the media and therefore less influenced by quickly changing media temperatures. Radar can measure accurately in applications, like CIP for instance, where the media changes from hot to cold very quickly that would impact other measurement technologies. Spray balls are also frequently used to clean process tanks and either the spray ball itself or the high-pressure water spray will negatively influence the measurement. ifm free radar sensors can ignore the spray giving you the ability to measure level when you might otherwise lose feedback.