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28 <strong>19.3</strong> The benefits of 80 GHz radar in level measurement applications A radar beam with 80 GHz only reflects from the product surface. A 26 GHz beam also reflects signals from agitators and internal fixtures.(picture of Tank) Small process fittings make 80 GHz sensors effective on small tanks.(Fig 4 FA) Two of the process control industry’s most recognizable names recently announced plans to launch 80 GHz radar instruments for liquid level measurement. This development signals a brave new world in level measurement, one where radar can go where it has never gone before. This is truly an exciting era in automation. With highfrequency devices on the rise, now is a good time to examine why radar technology is coming into its own and the benefits of using these new sensors in automated processes. Advancements create availability The availability of 80 GHz radar sensors is a function of cost and innovation. Microwave development has advanced to the point that it’s comparatively affordable, and the decreased expense has led to increased use across multiple industries. Just as computer hardware prices dipped low enough to put a PC in every home, it is now possible to put 80 GHz radar in every plant. This was thought impossible a mere 20 years ago. Yet cost wasn’t the only thing stopping plant operators from using high-frequency radar before now. On their own, high frequency sensors don’t stand up to harsh process conditions as well as their lower-frequency cousins, which are adept at penetrating foam and performing through condensation and buildup. However, modern radar instruments are engineered to overcome these obstacles with large dynamic range and software algorithms that filter out interference. These innovations have made the affordable technology relevant to real applications. Now that 80 GHz radar is available and practical for liquid level measurement, users should get accustomed to sensors with better focus, versatile size, and enhanced resolution. Focus This is the alpha benefit of 80 GHz radar; the one that makes the others possible. In every process, signal focus is crucial to accurate level measurement, and these new instruments emit the most focused signals on the market. Plant operators have struggled with unfocused radar for decades. The wide beam angle of 26 GHz sensors (and 6 GHz sensors before them) made it difficult for radar signals to miss agitators, heating coils and other vessel internals. The reflections from these installations distorted the echo curve and users were forced to make adjustments to monitor the true liquid level. The new high-transmission models have narrower beams that miss vessel installations—it’s as if they aren’t even there. That is welcome news in chemical and food production, where obtrusive internals are the norm and space is at a premium. Superior focus makes for accurate measurement without adjustment, but it also opens the door for two other major benefits. Size Because their focus is amped up, 80 GHz sensors have small antennas. The new VEGAPULS 64, for example, has the world’s smallest antenna and doesn’t require a large horn to focus its beam at the measured material. The instrument’s small size makes a huge impact, particularly as it applies to retrofitting. Plants can now integrate the most advanced radar devices into their process without shelling out thousands for modifications to their vessels. Smaller instruments, however, aren’t just good for old vessels; they can also help manufacturers stay nimble and marketresponsive. There’s a trend in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries toward batch production. Batching allows operators to produce seasonal and low-volume products with less financial investment. Small batches are produced in small vessels, where conventional wisdom says using radar is impossible due to small process connections. Thanks to the compact design of 80 GHz radar sensors, that is no longer true, and operators no longer have to sacrifice accurate measurement in the name of space. Resolution Imagine looking at the picture on a standard definition television next to that of an HD TV. The high definition picture would be clearer, sharper, and more detailed due to enhanced resolution. Users will see a similar difference switching from low-frequency to high-frequency radar sensors. When the level of liquid in a vessel gets low enough, 26 GHz radar reads the echo from the material and the echo from the tank bottom as one echo. This tells the user the vessel is empty when it isn’t and presents a natural handicap to process efficiency. 80 GHz devices measure liquid down to the last millimetre, giving users accurate data they can use to optimize their processes. Greater resolution is particularly important for shipbuilders, who count on precise level in large ballast tanks. Conclusion High-frequency radar sensors are the next big thing in level measurement. They are the proverbial giant leap, a marker in time after which the process industry will never be the same. Their excellent focusing makes them perfect for vessels crowded with internals, their small size makes them ideal for retrofitting and batch production, and their unrivalled resolution allows users to get every last drop of space from their tanks. The future of level measurement is here. chantal.groom@vega.com NEWLY UPDATED WEBSITE ONLINE MAGAZINE www.whatsnewinprocessing.co.za
29 <strong>19.3</strong> Pressure transmitters for any application Adding more pressure transmitter versions to a range of fluid sensors - the compact PT series was developed to meet the demanding pressure measuring requirements in the machine building sector. Their robust design allows high-precision wear-free pressure measuring and long term stability even in harsh operating conditions. The entire PT series is UL certified and approved for Ex areas, as well as drinking water applications and maritime applications. The units are available with the typical process connections, various output signal types, ceramic and metal measuring cells and in the standard measuring ranges between -1 to 1,000 bar as well as in the low pressure ranges up to 600 mbar. With this range of variants from Turck, RET offers an optimum solution for monitoring pressures in fluids and gases in many applications. With the development of the new PT Series pressure transmitters, Turck was not only able to optimise technical features but also to design to cost making these sensors very good value for money. brandon.topham@ retautomation.com Narrow switches for large distances The particularly narrow Smart Managed Narrow Switches are now available with fiberglass ports for covering medium and large distances. Thanks to two integrated FO ports (multimode or single mode), the switches for use in Profinet or EtherNet/IP applications cover distances of up to 15 kilometers. They therefore also enable the connection of widely distributed network parts. Thanks to the integrated Profinet device, the switches are ideal for use in control environments in Profinet applications. This enables the user to configure and diagnose the switch via the controller. Furthermore, easy device replacement is also possible thanks to automatic detection of the neighborhood relationships and transfer of the configuration settings. When switching to EtherNet/ IP mode, the switch automatically activates the relevant multicast functions for EtherNet/IP. This minimizes multicast traffic in the network. patrickr@phoenixcontact.co.za
Page 1 and 2: 1 19.3 OPTIQUAD-EOF 4050 W - Inline
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Page 5 and 6: 5 19.3 HVAC multi-probe anemometer
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Page 9 and 10: 9 New SIL-certified signal conditio
Page 11 and 12: 11 19.3 New cable and pipe locator
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Page 17 and 18: 17 A sensor for any situation singl
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Page 21 and 22: 21 Stroke measurement in hydraulic
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Page 31 and 32: 31 BRILLIANT DESIGN. WIDE SELECTION

WNIP May June 19.3 Digital

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