New guided wave radar level sensor options

Emerson Process Management is now offering enhancements to the single probe offering of the Rosemount 5300 Series guided wave radar (GWR), extending its use into even more applications. The new options include a thicker rod for longer measurement lengths and a Hastelloy C-276 probe and wetted parts for applications in corrosive, hot, and high pressure environments.

Emerson says the Rosemount 5300 Series features patented Direct Switch Technology (DST) which makes it possible to use a single-lead probe in more challenging applications. Combining the single-lead probe with DST provides an accurate, reliable level measurement with low-dielectric media and long measuring ranges, even for viscous media. A single-lead probe can offer benefits in some applications over the coaxial or twin lead probe since the design is not susceptible to coating problems when used with viscous media.

The new, thicker 13 mm probe is designed for an extended measurement range and is available in stainless steel for standard operating temperatures and pressures. The new Hastelloy C-276 probe and wetted parts option make the transmitter ideal for use in corrosive, hot, and high pressure environments. This enables the transmitter to be applied to oil and gas applications, including those where NACE (sulphide stress corrosion) materials are a requirement. C-276 alloy is also suitable for seawater duty and other fluids with a high chloride content. Application examples in the chemical industry include solutions containing caustic and sulphuric acid.

Emerson has expanded its range to include co-axial, twin lead, single lead, and flexible type probes to cover a wide range of applications. Rosemount’s engineers expect that these new designs will be welcome in difficult installations with low dielectrics and long measuring ranges, and where the media is highly viscous, thick or dirty, where the single lead probe would normally be the preferred choice over coaxial and twin probes. This is because the coaxial and twin probe can be susceptible to product build between the inner and outer leads of the probe. Heavy coating or contamination can reduce the measuring range and may cause erroneous level readings, as well as increase the need for maintenance.

The company characterizes its Direct Switch Technology (DST) as providing a signal to the transmitter which is two- to five-times stronger than traditional GWR solutions. This gives a better signal-to-noise ratio, improved operation in low dielectric media, including over longer measuring ranges, and a better margin to handle disturbing factors. These include objects close to the probe, coating, foam, vapor, or turbulence. This means that the single lead probe design can manage most applications including interface applications.

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com
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