Chemical Technology July 2016

COVER STORY COVER STORY

A radar beam with 80 GHz only reflects from the product surface. A 26 GHz beam also reflects signals from agitators and internal fixtures.

switching from low-frequency to high-frequency radar sen- sors. 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 is not in fact empty 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 optimise 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.

small antennas. The new VEGAPULS 64, for example, has the world’s smallest antenna and does not 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, are not just good for old vessels; they can also help manufacturers stay nimble and market-responsive. There is a trend in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries toward batch production. Batching allows opera- tors 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

To learn more, visit: vega.com/radar

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Chemical Technology • July 2016