FLOW & LEVEL CONTROL
SICK says its new LXRC and LXRH free-space radar sensors offer accurate, robust and repeatable level monitoring, from aggregates to Zinfandel wine
ICK’s compact LXRC and LXRH free-space radar sensors with IO-Link, provide one solution for almost all continuous level measurement applications. The devices are accurate, repeatable and suitable for a range of applications across many sectors and industrial environments within factory and process automation.
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Using frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, the LXRC and LXRH sensors can measure levels of liquids and bulk materials up to 15m, with an accuracy of +/-2mm, providing easy installation solutions throughout industrial operations. For example, the LXRC and the LXRH can be used at any stage of a dairy operation, from milking to packaging.
Because the sensors use contactless FMCW radar technology, both the LXRC and LXRH
ONE SENSOR SOLUTION FITS ALL
overcome a range of problems associated with alternative level measurement techniques. Contact measurement technologies can require increased effort to clean tanks and sensors, sustain damage from abrasive, highly viscose or aggressive materials, and see build up on the sensor probe affect measurement.
Eliminating problems
In addition, challenges associated with Ultrasonic measurement include vacuum, dust, condensation, steam, temperature or build up affecting readings, and limited “windows” of usable distance. With free- space radar all these problems are eliminated as there is no contact and there are no dead zones.
FLOW MONITORING WITHOUT INTERRUPTION
Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are a non- intrusive solution increasingly used in water systems to monitor flows without interrupting operations. These meters measure flow rates by sending ultrasonic signals through the pipe walls, which are then reflected back to the transducers. The difference in signal transmission time is used to calculate the flow rate, allowing for accurate, real- time monitoring. This technology is particularly useful in applications where traditional flow meters may be difficult to install or maintain. One successful application of clamp-on ultrasonic technology can be found at an elevated water storage tank, the largest in a major German city’s water network. The tank, with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, serves about half of the city’s daily water demand. Initially, flow measurements were limited to the outlet, using a Venturi nozzle, and calculations were based on water levels and tank geometry. However, for better operational control and to detect potential leaks, more efficient flow measurement was needed. System engineers faced challenges installing conventional wetted flow meters at the tank’s inlet, due to difficult flow conditions. Instead, they opted for clamp-on ultrasonic meters, which were easier to install and more cost-effective. Testing proved the meters to be reliable in monitoring both the inflow and outflow of water to the tank’s two chambers. The selected devices provided an efficient way to monitor water levels and flows, and offered minimal installation disruption and high measurement accuracy. Thanks to the success of the ultrasonic flow meters at the storage tank, the water supplier has since expanded the use of this technology throughout its network. These non-intrusive meters are now proving to be vital tools for detecting leaks, particularly during low-flow periods like night time, without requiring major construction efforts.
www.emerson.com
18 DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL
Free-space radar technology can be used on an almost limitless range of applications; from water and wastewater treatment to dairy processes and paper pulping, and from transfer of aggregates to moving expensive chemicals around a factory.
The LXRC and LXRH sensors can be easily
fitted to a variety of machines and containers for the measurement of almost all bulk materials and liquids. This means just a single item for inventory and maintenance across an array of process application conditions. A one for all solution for anything that is continuously measured and controlled, the LXRC solution is suitable for most factory automation and industrial applications. Meanwhile, the LXRH provides the same high performance but with hygiene adaptors, conforming to industry standards and sanitary requirements for industries such as food and beverage, dairy and pharmaceuticals. Complete with mechanical process connections and communications capabilities, the compact 80 GHz LXRC and LXRH sensors come with standard analogue and digital outputs and are Industry 4.0 compatible. They are available with optional Bluetooth connectivity for easy commissioning and remote diagnostics via the SICK app. The range of up to 15m is suitable for large tanks and silos. An operating temperature range from -40°C to 130°C and process pressure range from -1 bar to 16 bar make the LXRC and LXRH sensors suitable for use in harsh environments.
Complete with eye height status indication, both devices have short lead times and come with SICK’s support and dependable quality. Nick Hartley, SICK UK Market Product Manager - Instrumentation & Distance Measurement, said: “Sensors are the unsung heroes when it comes to material handling and transfer. The LXRC and LXRH sensors solve a range of industry challenges associated with contact and Ultrasonic technology and can be used on almost anything continuously measured and controlled.”
SICK
sick.com
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