The benefits of using microwave-based technology for level gauge measurement
Level gauge measurement has always played a key role in the quarrying industry and today it has even more significance with demands for de-manning, automation, and inventory control, as well as for safety and environmental reasons. The challenges for a reliable solution are numerous. For solids these include: dust, product build-up, abrasive products, and uneven surface levels. In general, liquids are easier to deal with, although bitumen requires particular solutions, however it is also important to avoid spillage and contamination by liquids. The working environment for all devices is harsh as vibration, noise, weather and impacts from falling materials are common.
To meet many of these needs, microwave-based technology has now become firmly established in a broad range of quarrying applications. With reducing costs, higher performance and special variants, could it be a question of when, not if, it can replace ultrasonic transmitters for the majority of applications?
The benefits of using microwaves for level gauge measurement are clear. Practically uninfluenced by process variables such as temperature, pressure, vapours, dust or gas composition in the vessel air space, they are suitable for a wide range of applications. The development of new radar and guided-microwave (or TDR) sensors, optimized for applications in bulk materials, brings the goal of a ‘universally applicable’ sensor a step closer. The use of microwaves, however, offers a ‘universal technology’ now.