Guided wave radar (GWR) is a technology commonly used in servo tank gauges for accurate level measurement in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical. Servo tank gauges provide continuous and precise level measurement in storage tanks.
Here’s how guided wave radar technology is applied in servo tank gauges:
- Principle of Operation: Guided wave radar works based on the principle of time-domain reflectometry. It uses guided electromagnetic waves (microwave pulses) that travel along a probe or rod inserted into the tank. The waves are guided along the probe, and when they encounter a change in the dielectric constant (e.g., at the liquid level interface), a portion of the energy is reflected back to the transmitter/receiver unit.
- Measurement Accuracy: GWR technology offers high measurement accuracy and reliability. It is unaffected by factors such as tank geometry, temperature, pressure, or changes in the dielectric constant of the liquid being measured. It provides precise level measurements even in challenging conditions, such as tanks with foaming, agitated liquids, or heavy vapors.
- Continuous Level Measurement: GWR allows for continuous level measurement, providing real-time data on the level of the liquid in the tank. It can accurately measure levels from the top of the tank down to the liquid interface, including multiple interfaces in the case of layered or emulsified liquids.
- Interface Measurement: GWR can effectively measure the interface between two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. It can detect and track the position of the interface, providing information on the relative quantities of different liquids present in the tank.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Guided wave radar probes are relatively easy to install in tanks. They can be inserted through a variety of mounting options, such as flanges or threaded connections. Additionally, GWR systems require minimal maintenance, as they have no moving parts and are less prone to buildup or fouling compared to other measurement technologies.
- Integration and Connectivity: GWR systems often come with options for integration into larger tank gauging systems or control systems. They can provide analog, digital, or bus communication outputs for seamless integration with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems or distributed control systems (DCS).
Guided wave radar technology in servo tank gauges provides accurate and reliable level measurements, making it a preferred choice for inventory management, custody transfer, and process control applications in various industries.