Editor’s choice
RADAR VERSUS ULTRASONIC
For years, quarrying has heavily relied on ultrasonic sensor-based detection and monitoring equipment. However, external agents like water, temperature or dust can affect ultrasonic devices, altering measurements and putting employees and quarrying activities at risk. Here, David Strain, technical director at Technidrive, the specialist supplier of industrial drive systems, advocates for the adoption of radar sensors and explains the advantages in this sector.
which is then reflected and echoed in return to the sender. However, this technology is susceptible to pressure, humidity or extreme temperatures, which can affect readings. Due to their physical measuring principle, ultrasonic technology can register ‘false echoes,’ where signals from hard elements that surround the measuring sound interfere - modifying the results.
T
Quarrying involves multiple processes based on a series of crushers, conveyors, bins and more, that create a loud and dusty environment. If the selected sensors are unable to function effectively in this harsh environment, operational failures are inevitable. Radar sensors offer an alternative. This technology sends a quick wave that bounce off objects and create a picture of the environment while avoiding dead zones. Unlike ultrasonic sound waves, radar's electromagnetic waves react differently to certain materials as they are reflected off the surface. In fact, they are not affected by ambient conditions, maintaining their high accuracy and reliability.
Compared to ultrasonic, radar has a better speed of response. Its small size, low energy consumption and optimised frequency ranges, which make it a much better choice. Due to the volumes and technology advancements
12
raditionally ultrasonic sensors were the preferred option in quarrying operations. This type of device uses a pulse signal targeted towards an object
are can now offer 80Ghz radar competitively and in many cases much less expensive and a great substitute for ultrasonic measurement technology in virtually all applications. Moreover, modern radar systems incorporate Bluetooth. Wireless communication provides better accessibility, which allows setup, display and diagnostics from a distance of up to 50 metres. In this way, it helps operators to save time and avoid hazardous situations by simply using an app on a smartphone or tablet. System integrator Technidrive now offers products from VEGA, a company that has been developing radar-based level sensors for 30 years. Its radar technology VEGAPULS, operates at 80GHz, which enables a significantly finer focus of the transmission signal. This makes it considerably easier to distinguish actual level signals from interfering signals, rendering measurements more straightforward and more reliable. Radar sensors significantly enhance quarrying operations by offering greater accuracy and reliability than ultrasonic sensors. They are unaffected by environmental factors, avoiding issues like 'false echoes' and ensuring consistent measurements. Additionally, radar sensors are cost-effective, energy- efficient and easy to manage, with modern systems providing convenient wireless communication for safer and more efficient operations.
Technidrive
www.technidrive.co.uk June 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
