In manufacturing facilities, level is one of the process variables that is measured the most frequently. Readings of levels are employed for a variety of purposes, including process automation and visualization within control systems. In addition to this, they play an essential role in inventory management and the enforcement of safety limits for overfill, leak detection, or dry-run protection of pumps. Other applications include things like automated ordering systems and communicating low limit information to suppliers in order to streamline the logistics process.
Because there are currently so many technologies for level measurement available, gwr level transmitter can be challenging for end users to select the appropriate solution for the specific application they are working on. Alterations in parameters such as temperature, pressure, density, dielectric constant, or the material being measured can all have an impact on the technology option that is selected. In addition to these important considerations, agitation, foaming, corrosive properties, dust, and the construction of the tank should also be taken into account. Another factor that appears frequently is the need or desire to measure all levels with just one particular kind of instrument. In conclusion, the unit price, the lifecycle cost, the ease of mounting, the ease of maintenance, the accuracy, the relevant certifications, and the ease of integration into the control system are all potential deciding factors in the selection of a level measurement device.
Interest in electronic measurement technologies has been on the rise recently due to factors such as rising labor costs and the requirement for continuous production
These solutions enable lower maintenance costs and higher reliability, as they do not contain any moving parts and have diagnostics built right in
In addition to this, their overall lifecycle costs are significantly lower than those of conventional mechanical and electromechanical level instruments
Today, one of the electronic technologies for level measurement in the process industries that is growing at the fastest rate is called guided wave radar (GWR). This technology is based on time-domain reflectometry. Applications that previously relied on technologies such as capacitance, hydrostatics, or ultrasonics are now being managed by GWR sensors. Their typical accuracy specification ranges from 10 mm to 5 mm for their basic models and 3 or 2 mm for their advanced models, with a repeatability of 1 mm as the industry standard.
A GWR sensor is installed at the top of a tank with its back to the product being measured, and it transmits electromagnetic pulses in that direction. Calculating the level in the tank is accomplished by making use of the reflected signal. A waveguide carries the measured signal along its path. This waveguide can be made of a rigid metallic rod, a flexible wire, or a coaxial construction, among other possible materials. It is possible to acquire GWR sensors with certification for use in hazardous areas as well as ratings for their levels of safety integrity.
GWR technology has been shown to offer key advantages in a wide variety of industrial applications, according to the experience gained. For instance, the gwr level transmitter measuring signal and reflection are concentrated around the waveguide or within the waveguide (in the coaxial option), and this narrow path of signal propagation minimizes the potential impact of stray signals caused by construction elements or obstacles in the tank. In addition, the GWR measuring signal and reflection are centered on the waveguide. A cleaner and more powerful signal of the echo reflection is produced as a result of the concentration of the signal along the waveguide. In addition, the waveguide of the GWR can be easily installed through narrow mounting holes or nozzles because an antenna is not required for its operation.
