Remote Terminal Unit, data collection and transmission, transmitter, gauge, measurement

Introduction
Radar level gauges belong to the category of universal radar level meters. They are measurement instruments based on the time-of-flight principle. Radar waves travel at the speed of light, and the travel time can be converted into a level signal through electronic components. The probe emits high-frequency pulses that propagate in space at the speed of light. When the pulses encounter the surface of the material, they are reflected back and received by the receiver inside the instrument, which then converts the distance signal into a level signal.

Working Principle
The working principle of radar level gauges is based on microwave radar technology. Its core lies in utilizing the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves (typically microwaves or millimeter waves) in the air to measure liquid levels. Here is a detailed explanation of the working principle of radar level gauges:

1.Emission and Reception of Electromagnetic Waves

1）Emission of Electromagnetic Waves:

The radar level gauge sends high-frequency electromagnetic waves through the emitter. These electromagnetic waves propagate in space at the speed of light.

Reception of Reflected Signals:

When the electromagnetic waves encounter the surface of the measured medium (such as the surface of a liquid), some of the electromagnetic waves are reflected back. The reflected electromagnetic waves are captured by the receiver of the radar level gauge.

2.Measurement and Calculation

Measurement of Time Difference:

The radar level gauge measures the time difference between the emission of electromagnetic waves and the reception of the reflected electromagnetic waves. This time difference is directly proportional to the distance traveled by the electromagnetic waves.

Calculation of Distance:

Based on the propagation time and speed (speed of light) of the electromagnetic waves, the radar level gauge can calculate the distance from the liquid surface to the sensor. The specific formula is: Distance = (Propagation Time × Speed of Light) / 2. The division by 2 is because the electromagnetic waves travel back and forth.

3.Conversion and Output

Conversion to Liquid Level Height:

The radar level gauge converts the calculated distance into a liquid level height and displays it through the instrument.

Continuous Monitoring:

By continuously emitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, the radar level gauge can continuously monitor changes in liquid level height.
Application Media (Focus on Liquids)

Smart radar level gauges are suitable for non-contact continuous measurement of the level of liquids, slurries, and granular materials. They are applicable in situations with significant temperature and pressure changes, as well as in the presence of inert gases and volatiles.
Using microwave pulse measurement methods, they can operate normally within the industrial frequency band range. The beam energy is low, allowing installation in various metal and non-metal containers or pipes, without harm to humans or the environment.
However, in this context, we are mainly discussing radar level gauges, so the main media are liquids such as water, milk, crude oil, slurries, and chemical solutions. Depending on the properties of the media, the materials of radar level gauges vary, including ordinary radar level gauges suitable for normal temperature and pressure, as well as specially customized versions that are corrosion-resistant, high-temperature and high-pressure resistant.
Impact of Emission Frequency
Radar waves are a special form of electromagnetic waves, and radar level gauges utilize the special properties of electromagnetic waves for liquid level monitoring. The physical properties of electromagnetic waves are similar to visible light, with a propagation speed equivalent to the speed of light. Their frequency ranges from 300 MHz to 3000 GHz.
Electromagnetic waves can penetrate interference sources such as space vapor and dust, and they are easily reflected when encountering obstacles. The better the conductivity of the measured medium or the larger its dielectric constant, the better the reflection effect of the echo signal.
The higher the frequency of the radar waves, the smaller the emission angle, the greater the energy (magnetic flux or field strength) per unit area, and the smaller the wave attenuation, resulting in better measurement performance of the radar level gauge.
Advantages

· Easy Installation: Made of extremely stable materials, they are sturdy and durable, with precise and reliable resolution up to 1mm.

· Multiple Installation Options: Top installation, side installation, bypass pipe installation, and waveguide tube installation.

· Non-contact Measurement: The radar level gauge does not need to directly contact the measured medium, so it is not affected by the properties, density, viscosity, etc., of the medium. Noise, steam, dust, and vacuum have minimal interference on the radar level gauge.

· Wide Applicability: Suitable for various types of liquids and containers, including harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, steam, and dust.

· High Accuracy and Stability: The radar level gauge provides reliable liquid level measurement data with high accuracy and stability.

Installation of Radar Level Gauge

Radar level gauges can be installed in various ways, depending on the actual situation, including installation on vertical poles, on brackets, or through tank flanges. This time, we will mainly discuss the installation and use of our specific model of radar level gauge.

Two main points to consider during installation:

(1)Ensure the instrument is perpendicular to the water surface, and avoid the transmitted beam hitting any obstacles that could generate false echoes. Refer to the following typical installation scenarios for guidance.

Ensure the water level meter is installed perpendicular to the water surface. Tilting the meter will weaken the received signal amplitude, affecting normal ranging.

Ensure there are no obstacles within the beam range, such as the riverbank.

Install the instrument at least 20cm away from the side wall. For underground pipeline installations, position the instrument as close to the center of the manhole as possible to prevent interference signals from the well walls, which can affect measurement accuracy.

For more details, please click on the link to download the manual for viewing.