The best-fitting radar frequency for all applications!
Endress+Hauser has completed its portfolio of radar instruments with the Micropilot FMR6x series. The new Micropilots are the first devices with 80 GHz technology that have been developed in line with a safety-by-design concept and designed according to IEC 61508. Furthermore, they belong to the first generation of level instruments that supports Heartbeat Technology for reliable and flexible diagnostics and verification of the measurement.
With the addition of the new range, we could say that Endress+Hauser’s radar competence stands at 113 GHz (see our graphic below). Level product specialist Chris Brennan explains: “To give people a picture of our complete offering, we’ve added the frequencies of our radar level measuring instruments together. Everybody talks about the highest radar frequencies at the moment but for us it is not about the one-upmanship of being faster, higher, further. What really matters is finding the right frequency for each individual application, which is not automatically the highest one. We have to have a deep understanding of our customers’ needs to offer the right frequency or alternatives outside of radar instrumentation. For us it is about being on the same wavelength as our customers.”
In the field of tank gauging, Endress+Hauser recently launched the first device with 80 GHz technology, the Micropilot NMR81, for custody transfer and inventory control applications in oil and gas. Now with the Micropilot FMR6x, other industries can benefit from 80 GHz radar technology. The main priorities in designing the FMR6x range were accuracy, safety and simplified lifecycle processes for customers. It is the first time that an 80 GHz process radar has been developed according to IEC61508, which eases the safety burden for its users. The radar also offers a wide variety of Ex approvals for ease of installation with existing wiring architecture. The focusing of the radar signal as well as dynamic algorithms such as Endress+Hauser’s unique Multi Echo Tracking offer reliable and stable measurements in an effective range of up to 125m and a higher accuracy of ±1mm. Mountings and obstacles at the walls of the tanks do not influence the measurement; neither does build-up or condensation thanks to the innovative antenna design. With the help of our interactive software, installation and commissioning is quick and easy.
Heartbeat Technology Until now, Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology, which gives instruments their own verification ability, has been integrated exclusively in flowmeters. Now this unique concept has been extended to our level portfolio. Devices with the technology can be verified and documented without the need to remove them from the process and without any downtime. Operators don’t need to have expert device knowledge to carry out the verification: they just follow the simple, predefined procedure. The test results are then documented clearly. A guided SIL proof test is also available, including all documentation, to ensure safety-critical SIL instruments are working correctly. A test protocol is automatically generated to help with compliance. Heartbeat Technology’s monitoring ability also provides device and process data to enable predictive maintenance. The combination of device and process parameters provides crucial information to optimise processes.
Overview of Heartbeat Technology:
Heartbeat Diagnostics
• Standardised diagnostic messages and instructions on how to remedy problems facilitate fast, cost-effective maintenance.
• Permanent device diagnostics ensure instruments are performing safely and to specification.
Heartbeat Verification
• Heartbeat Technology allows verification of the correct function of the measuring device. Automatically generated verification reports provide the evidence to comply with UK regulations and standards.
Heartbeat Monitoring
• Provides additional parameters for predictive maintenance and process optimisation.
• Wizards for easy set-up of foam or build-up detection allow operators to optimise processes without expert device knowledge.
Advantages of 1 GHz
• Guided radar is suitable for applications involving foam and low dielectric constant values.
• Enables interface measurement, gas phase compensation and is ideal for use in bypass applications.
Advantages of 6 GHz
• Works reliably even in applications with turbulence, heavy condensation and foam.
• Ideal for stilling well applications.
Advantages of 26 GHz
• Good beam angle for most applications.
• Suitable for 90% of applications.
• Good in applications with turbulence.
Advantages of 80 GHz
• Highly focused 3° beam angle.
• Large measuring range up to 125m.
• Highest accuracy: ±0.5mm (NMR81).
For more information please email sales@uk.endress.com or call us on 0161 286 5050