High-frequency radar level technology on the rise

The introduction of Vegapuls 64 begins a new age in radar measurement technology for liquids

Vegapuls 64, the world’s first radar level sensor for liquids, operating at a frequency of 80 GHz, has instigated a radical new era in radar level measurement technology.

Eighteen months ago a new sensor for the continuous measurement of bulk solids, Vegapuls 69, was introduced with great success. This sensor also operates with a transmission frequency three times higher than the widely used 26 GHz frequency. These instruments have proven their worth, especially on media with poor reflective properties, in production shafts up to 120 m deep, or in silos with numerous internal installations that generate strong false echoes.

Vegapuls 64 for liquid applications will follow this leap. “Media with poor reflective properties, i.e. low dielectric constant, can now be measured significantly better than with previous radar sensors.” Thanks to the vastly better focusing, the beam simply passes by internal tank installations or build- up. Interfering signals, which previously had to be filtered out with false signal suppression, now play hardly any role in the measurement process.

“Moreover, it is now possible to use a much smaller antenna. Today we have process fittings with an antenna diameter of only ¾” – equivalent to the size of a $2 coin.” The new technology also allows precise measurement of the level very close to the tank bottom. This opens up new perspectives in determining the level in small containers used in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as well as determining the amount of fuel left at the bottom of large fuel tanks. Measurement accuracy is +/-2 mm, even with a working range up to 30 m.