Level Sensors for Liquids: Compact Non-Contact Radars

2021-12-23 07:49:18 By : Ms. Joyce Yang

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to browse this site you agree to our use of cookies. More info.

80 GHz narrow beam technology is used by the CNCR series of compact non-contact radar level sensors to provide an accurate measurement of simple and aggressive liquids. Using Bluetooth on a phone ensures an easy setup, which can then send level measurement data to a local display, a PLC or a BinView® software.

A measuring range of up to 98 feet is offered by these sensors, which install in existing vessel openings or, alternatively, non-intrusively when measuring levels in plastic vessels.

A continuous 80 GHz radar signal is transmitted through the face of the antenna by the sensor, which is then reflected off the surface of the material and subsequently received as an echo by the antenna.

The difference in frequency between the received and sent signals is then converted to a measurement which is the distance to the material surface.

Using the vessel height, which is then programmed into the unit when it is set up, the distance is calculated. Setup can then be performed without the requirement to empty the vessel, which saves time. The distance from the face of the antenna to the material surface is recorded as the measurement output, and measurements can be displayed in either inches, feet, or meters.

A Bluetooth app downloaded to a phone or tablet enables easy setup of CNCR sensors, which can also be done using a Bluetooth USB adapter on a PC.

In addition, changes to bin parameters and viewing of level measurements can be done up to 80 feet from the sensor via the app. This then means the level monitoring and parameter adjustments can be made without climbing tanks.

The CNCR suite of radar level sensors functions as an alternative to the use of pressure transmitters or ultrasonic sensors to measure liquid levels in open-air applications or tanks. These radar level sensors use 80 GHz technology which gives the radar signal a narrow focus in an eight-degree beam angle.

This technology is a reliable method to use in turbulence, condensation and foam. The narrow beam is suitable for use in standpipes or confined vessels and aimed to avoid structures or pipes which have the potential to interfere with the signal.

Extremely high measurement accuracy is delivered by non-contact radar technology (+/-0 .2 inches). These accurate measurements will not be affected in any way by changes in process conditions like fluctuating pressures or temperatures.

The CNCR series of compact radar level sensors developed by BinMaster is used for non-contact level measurement of a wide range of simple and aggressive liquids of a variety of densities. These sensors are ideally suited to use in both drinking and process water applications along with wastewater applications and a range of water-soluble chemicals.

These continuous level sensors offer reliable measurements in excessive steam, humidity and vapor, and the measurements are unaffected by noise. Thanks to the 80 GHz technology, the sensors perform accurately despite any potential buildup or condensation occurring on the sensor face.

With the use of a bracket made of stainless steel that extends either 3.25 or 8.0 inches into the vessel. The CNCR can be wall-mounted. The bracket is available with an opening of either 1.0 or 1.5-inches. A stainless-steel bracket which is ceiling-mounted is also available with a 1.5-inch opening.

If aiming is required, customers can choose a 1.5-inch swivel mount created from impact-resistant plastic, which can swivel up to 40° in one direction.

Each of the CNCR sensors, with the exception of the CNCR-190, can also be used in conjunction with a carbon steel, powder-coated 1.5-inch NPT mounting plate in 0°, 5°, 10° and 30° angles. The CNCR-190 has a 1.0-inch flat mounting plate.

The distance you need to measure and/or the height of the vessel will determine the model best suited to your application, along with whether or not you need a 4-20 mA or Modbus output and indicate how to mount the sensor.

A polyurethane pigtail connection cable is required to install the CNCR-110, 120, 130 and 190 models – the former of which is available in lengths of 16, 32, or 82 feet. These sensors are rated to IP66/IP68 (3 bar) with durable PVDF housings and have excellent chemical, abrasion and flame resistance as well as UV stability.

Long-lasting durability is provided by the FKM seal, thanks to the heat and chemical resistance.

The 190 model is ideally suited for use in measuring non-contact liquid levels at distances up to 98 feet in applications that are unclassified and where a high level of protection from the environment and elements is needed.

It is available with either a two-wire 4-20 mA or fourwire Modbus output, as well as featuring a 1.0-inch threaded or straight NPT connection.

The top of the sensor features the cable outlet. For unclassified areas, the 190 has general-purpose FM/CSA/CE approvals or are offered with optional ATEX/ICEx zone 1, 1/2 or FM/CSA/ATEX/ICEx Class I, II, III approvals.

Ideally suited for non-contact liquid level measurement at distances up to 49 feet in applications requiring a high level of environmental protection, the 120 and 130 sensors are offered with either a two-wire 4-20 mA or four-wire Modbus output and the option of a 1.5-inch threaded or a straight NPT connection.

Unlike the 120 model, which has the cable outlet on the top (for mounting on the top of the vessel), the 130 model features the cable outlet on the side.

The 120 and 130 both have approvals of general-purpose FM/CSA/CE level for unclassified areas or are available with optional ATEX/ICEx zone 1, 1/2 or FM/CSA/ATEX/ICEx Class I, II, III approvals.

The ideal sensor for non-contact liquid level measurement, the 110 sensor, can operate at distances up to 26 feet in applications, which require a significant level of environmental protection.

The CNCR-110  features a two-wire 4-20 mA output and is available for use with either a 1.5-inch threaded connection or straight NPT connection.

The cable outlet is located on the sensor’s top, and the CNCR-110 model is perfect for use in unclassified areas as well as non-EX environments along with general-purpose FM/CSA/CE certifications.

Table 1. Source: BinMaster 

The 210, 220 and 230 models all mount using a 1.5” threaded NPT connection or 1.5” threaded straight NPT connection; their enclosures are rated IP66/IP67, Type 4X in order to act as protection from both water damage and dust.

As a result of these features, the 200 Series act as perfect sensors for taking non-contact level measurement in simple liquid level applications.

These models are also ideal for use in storage tanks with acids, lye, water treatment and additives in all industrial areas, in addition to taking measurements of levels in plastic tanks or IBC containers through the tank walls.

An LED display on the sensor housing is offered on the 230, which makes level readings accessible from the sensor. Additionally, the sensor can therefore be used to take measurements at a range of up to 49 feet.

The sensor offers a two-wire 4-20 mA output and is available with either a straight NPT connection or a 1.5-inch threaded. The sensor can be used to measure liquid levels through the tank wall when being used on an IBC container or a plastic storage tank.

Otherwise, much like the 210, the 220 offers an extended measuring range of up to 49 feet. The 220 features a two-wire 4-20 mA output and is available with either a 1.5-inch threaded or a straight NPT connection.

The 220 can also be used for measuring liquid levels through the tank wall when using on a plastic storage tank or an IBC container.

A continuous liquid level sensor, the compact 210 boasts a measuring range up to 26 feet with a two-wire 4-20 mA output and is available with either a straight NPT connection or a 1.5-inch threaded connection.

As with the 220, the 210 can be used for measuring liquid levels through the tank wall when being used on a plastic storage tank or an IBC container.

Table 2. Source: BinMaster 

Food ingredients: Liquid ingredients can present in a multitude of forms which include: sugars, extracts, along with oils that can either be translucent, transparent or opaque.

Beverages: Manufacturers of beverages use juices, water, colorants and additives in the production process, including that of beer, energy drinks, soft drinks or seltzers.

Animal fat: Animal fat is used in the production of lubricants, soap and fatty acids, as well as being a primary ingredient at feed mills used for feedstuffs for pet foods and livestock.

Milk and dairy products: Raw milk storage, pasteurization tanks and processing.  

Oil and fat processing: Animal fats and oilseed processing are used for margarine and shortening production along with corn, canola, sunflower and other oils for human consumption.

Egg processing: Processes of chilling, cleaning, pasteurizing and liquid egg processing, all use tanks for storing water.

Liquid food processing: Chocolates, sauces and condiments measured as raw ingredients as well as finished products in storage tanks.

Springwater containment: Drinking water from springs is monitored to ensure sufficient supply.

Purified water tanks: Tanks that store purified water at facilities to ensure efficient plant operations and supply for periods of peak demand.

Process water: By monitoring the levels in open basins or storage tanks, pressure pumps are able to deliver a continuous supply of process water.

Bulk industrial containers: Measuring levels in drums, IBCs, or totes, installing a lid sensor or measuring or opening through a plastic wall.

Industrial fluids: This is used in the production of coolants, solvents, detergents, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, cleaners, degreasers, defoamers, brighteners, metalworking fluids, cutting oils, inhibitors and rust and scale removers.

Industrial manufacturing: Cooling towers, RO Storage, process and day tanks and waste sumps.

Wastewater: Lift stations, storage tanks, neutralization tanks and open channels.  

Cement additives: Measure tanks containing retarders, accelerators, dispersants, extenders and other characteristic control agents which are used to modify cement slurries’ properties.

Plasticizer tanks: Take measurements of liquid resins like polyurethanes, epoxies, polyester and silicones or other types of liquid resins.

Frac or silica sand: Monitoring process water tanks, fracture fluids and flocculants used in sedimentation ponds, dredge pump mining methods and wastewater used for washing and processing.

Water-cooled chillers: By monitoring the level in holding tanks, a continual water supply is ensured in industrial and batch water-cooled chillers.

Automotive oil and fluids: Levels of new and waste fluids are monitored, such as radiator, oil, radiator, power steering, transmission, brake and washer fluids, and air conditioning coolant.

Diesel storage: Transfer tanks, bulk and on-site fuel storage.

Fuel tanks: Provision of an accurate measurement of oils and fuels ensure that an adequate supply is on hand for continuous operation.

Industrial Oil & Fuels River level measurement: Used to measure the levels of rivers that have safe drinking water or in the detection of flooding conditions that are caused by inclement weather or dam releases.

Open air applications: These sensors can be utilized on bridges or ships in order to measure the distance to the water.

Chemical processing: Levels monitored in bulk storage tanks, as well as industrial bulk containers (IBCs) or drums.

Chemical tanks: In chemical tanks, measuring the level where water is undergoing chemical treatments or clarifiers in order to make sure tanks are filled at levels for optimum dosage.

Conditioning tanks: Used to ensure the correct and proper application of chemicals and precipitants in optimal, low concentrations.

Glues and adhesives: Taking the measurement of synthetic or animal-based adhesives which contain ethanol, acetone, PVA and other substances.

Sewer overflows: In order to prevent capacity overloads during heavy rain, level monitoring is performed, in addition to preventing too much water from entering the treatment processes.

Dam levels: At dams, a continuous level measurement of the water levels can be taken and coupled with wireless data transmission, either for flood control or drinking water supplies.

Flood control: It is essential to detect and alert when water levels are reaching flood stage, so monitoring river levels at gauge stations is key.

Municipal water treatment: It is essential to monitor levels in lagoons, canals, sediment tanks, clarifiers, lift stations, along with chemical feeding tanks.

Pumping stations: Running of the pumps is controlled by level measurement at the inlet shaft, by alerting when they need to be turned on or off.

Elevated storage tanks: It is important to undertake level monitoring in order to ensure that water pressure and supply are sufficient during periods of peak demand.

Overflow basins: Overflow protection for sewage treatment plants can be provided by sensors during flooding, as well as for stormwater during heavy rainfall.

Flocculant storage tanks: It is key to monitor the level of flocking agents and coagulants to remove organic particulates and minerals from water.

Gravel bed filters: It is necessary to ensure that a consistent level of water is passed into gravel filtration beds used in order to remove sediment matter.

Open channels: Monitoring flow rate in a stream, irrigation channel, or unpressurized sewage pipe.

Vacuum sewerage system: Measurements of wastewater tanks at pumping stations that use a vacuum system. Measures accurately in foam and turbulence.

Sludge receiving stations: Used in order to take measurements of the sewage sludge level pumped from trucks (used in the processing of septic systems) into receiving tanks in order to retain control of the input of sludge within the plant.

Equalization basins: A consistent flow to downstream processes in wastewater treatment is ensured by measuring levels.  

Chemical tanks: Measurement of tanks that store chemicals that are used in the water treatment process.

Thanks to the 80 GHz technology, narrow 8° beam works reliably even in challenging conditions  

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by BinMaster.

For more information on this source, please visit BinMaster.

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

BinMaster. (2021, June 11). Level Sensors for Liquids: Compact Non-Contact Radars. AZoSensors. Retrieved on December 23, 2021 from https://www.azosensors.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2246.

BinMaster. "Level Sensors for Liquids: Compact Non-Contact Radars". AZoSensors. 23 December 2021. <https://www.azosensors.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2246>.

BinMaster. "Level Sensors for Liquids: Compact Non-Contact Radars". AZoSensors. https://www.azosensors.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2246. (accessed December 23, 2021).

BinMaster. 2021. Level Sensors for Liquids: Compact Non-Contact Radars. AZoSensors, viewed 23 December 2021, https://www.azosensors.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2246.

Do you have a question you'd like to ask regarding this article?

AZoSensors talks to Dr. Marta Tessarolo about new ‘smart bandages’ which use sensor technology to non-invasively monitor wound healing.

In this interview, AZoSensors talks to Glen Ahern and Arnaud Crastes from Teledyne Dalsa about infrared imaging, the current technology and the recent advances.

We speak with David Johnson, Sales Director of South Coast Science about the significance of monitoring air quality and their UN partnership here.

The ZephIR Deeply Cooled InGaAs Camera1.7 is a high-end, scientific-grade, 640 x 512 pixels resolution, InGaAs camera that marries performance with reliability.

The PID NEO is one of the most advanced portable VOC gas detectors available.

The SMP21 is a Spectrally Flat Class A pyranometer that combines the sensor technology from the CMP21.

AZoSensors.com - An AZoNetwork Site

Owned and operated by AZoNetwork, © 2000-2021