Non-contact solids level monitoring enters new dawn

16 March 2011

False readings, lack of repeatability and problematic installations are just some of the problems the food and beverage industry faces with solids level monitoring

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To directly address this problem Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies (IA&DT) has engineered the Sitrans LR560, the first non-contact measurement device to operate at 78 GHz frequency to deliver the accuracy and performance levels required by the sector.

The Sitrans LR560 is a non-contact radar level measurement transmitter with a measurement range of 100 meters. The transmitter emits a narrow four degree beam which avoids container wall obstructions and other installation interferences, ensuring there are less restrictions on where the radar can be installed.

For the food and beverage industry, the Sitrans LR560 enables the monitoring of product and ingredient levels to make sure there is never a shortage or over-fill, reducing the risk of downtime in the production process. It also provides reliable signal reflection even from solids with a steep angle of repose and is highly resistant to material build-up due to the unique lens antenna.

As it is the first radar transmitter to emit a high frequency 78GHz short wavelength, it solves the traditional problem plant operators face of needing the low maintenance of non-contact level measurements but with the reliability and performance of contact technology.

Derek Moore, product manager, Siemens Sensors & Communication, comments: “We understand the food and beverage sector is under growing pressure to simplify processes and increase operational efficiency, so instrumentation must be reliable, accurate, easy to maintain and offer speed of installation - and that’s why Siemens continues to innovate.

“Typically the industry has preferred non-contact level measurements as these require less maintenance but repeatability has been a problem as signals can easily suffer interference. Often companies have opted for contact technology, but this can lead to problems with the build up of material on the equipment causing measurement errors or abrasion damage on the probe.

“Therefore, the high frequency and narrow beam angle of the LR560 offers the best of both worlds, giving the industry the maintenance advantages of the non-contact technology and the performance of contact technology – plus it makes tuning worries a thing of the past.”

The latest technology from Siemens IA&DT aims to enable manufacturers to accurately measure, analyse and control their processes, resulting in increased quality and reduced costs. The Siemens Sitrans LR560 can be operational in minutes and provides reliable measurement readings without the need for fine-tuning.