Are radar or ultrasonic sensors the best for tracking level measurements within the water industry? What if it turned out that they complement each other? Pulsar Measurement wants to show you its complementary nature.
Level measurement is crucial to the global water and wastewater industries. It is traditionally used to monitor, among other things, sump levels, tank levels, stormwater overflows, and open waterways.
These technologies range from non-contacting ultrasonic technology to hydrostatic pressure and, more recently, non-contacting radar technology.
Ultrasonic-level measurement methods have traditionally prevailed due to their relatively low cost and non-contacting nature. Unlike hydrostatic pressure measurement, they are not subject to wear and tear from contacting the substance being measured, therefore requiring less maintenance.
Ultrasonic sensors have many uses
Advancements in ultrasonic technology mean there are few applications where this technology will not work. Thanks to proprietary software, Digital Adaptive Tracking of Echo Movement (DATEM), ultrasonic transducers can now focus on the ‘true’ echo profile, ignoring any competing noise from cluttered or crowded wet wells, foam interference, or atmospheric conditions.
Previously, radar technology had the reputation of being more expensive than ultrasonic technology. This was never justified in its performance. In recent years, radar technology has seen investment. It is now used more widely throughout the wastewater network.
One myth of the wastewater network is that you need a radar-level sensor if you have a foamy surface. Wrong.
Neither technology can see through the foam to the true surface. Traditionally, with ultrasonic sensors, the sound waves shot down, and the foam absorbed the measurement substance. It reduces the magnitude of the echo reflected to the sensor.
Unique and proprietary software combats this issue head-on. Built-in DATEM analysis helps the ultrasonic transducer zone in and focus on the true echo, giving accurate and reliable foam level readings.
How radar technology works in many situations
Radar technology emits microwaves towards the measurement substance. Foamy surfaces cause these waves to be scattered – equally reducing the magnitude of the echo returned to the sensor.
Foamy applications are seen throughout the wastewater network, including wet wells, aeration tanks, and some settlement tanks. Water companies across the globe now have a choice of technology to choose from to measure these applications, with both technologies producing similar results.
A specific application where radar would be preferred over ultrasonic would be the storage of chemicals. Chemicals are used throughout the global wastewater network for sewerage, water treatment, and cleaning. These chemicals are likely to emit fumes or vapours that influence ultrasonic soundwaves.
This application is where radar could provide the answer, as it can see through plastic tanks. There is often no need to come close to the measurement substance. Its frequency-modulated continuous wave is unaffected by fumes or vapours, allowing for accurate and reliable measurement, even on harsh chemicals.
Why do we need sensors for water tanks?
A water tank sensor is a handy device designed to help users gauge water levels and maintain ethical standards or avoid wastage due to overflowing. It also helps control the water level in pipelines, power stations and water management systems.
Some companies prefer to offer submersible-level sensors. The tank level sensor transmits signals that help analyse the precise water levels. The level transmitter is safe to use as it is equipped with a wire for high protection level, which also facilitates sensor measurement for long distances.
However, submersible-level sensors are only optimal for some situations. It is essential to understand how ultrasonic and radar sensors can work together. It depends on what users want to achieve with the installation of sensors.
Both technologies can work in tandem together
To conclude, no matter what the application throughout the wastewater network, ultrasonic technology is likely to be able to cope with some harsh conditions due to the unique DATEM Analysis.
The most crucial factor to any wastewater or utility operator throughout the globe is choosing a control system compatible with ultrasonic and radar technology. This way, when the conditions of an application change, the control system has the scope and capability to change without the capital costs of installing a new system.
For more information, visit https://pulsarmeasurement.com/
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