Radar Level Transmitter

Radar level measurement system is based on the principle of measuring the time required for the microwave pulse and its reflected echo to make a complete return trip between the non-contacting transducer and the sensed liquid level. Then, the transceiver converts this electrical signal into distance/level and presents it as an analogue and/or digital signal. The transducer’s signal output can be selected by the user to be directly or inversely proportional to the span.

Construction and Working

The working of a radar level sensor is explained here to measure the level of liquid or solid. The radar signals are transmitted from the antenna placed at the top of the water tank or vessel as shown in the above figure. The radar signal gets reflected by the liquid surface and echo is carried out by the antenna.

By varying the signal, the frequency gets varied during the time of echo and the time of the signal transmission comparison. The difference of frequency is proportional to the distance of the liquid, and this statement is used to determine the accurate level of the liquid.

The advantages of this radar level sensor include high accuracy and least specificity as it can measure liquid levels in plastic tanks without establishing any contact with the liquid.

The disadvantages of this type of sensor include the cost, which is very high and the price increases with the increase in accuracy. Moreover, these sensors are very sensitive to the buildup on the sensor surface.

Primary Areas of Radar Level Sensor Applications

Radar level sensors are widely used to measure the level of liquids as well as solids in storage tanks and tank terminals. These liquid level sensors operate at a wide range of temperature, pressure and various process conditions.