Continuous Level Measurement for Hazardous Environments
The R-EXP pulse radar sensor from ABM is the ideal solution for liquid, slurry or solid level applications in areas classified as hazardous (Class I Division 1). The sensor is suited for processes with vapours, gases (CO2, CO, H2S, H2), foaming, ice or volatile surfaces. The non-contact radar sensor provides continuous level measurement up to 240 ft (73.2 m) with 4-20 mA output standard and simple push-button calibration. The sensor can be factory configured for a variety of applications with 2-wire loop-powered (HART) or 3-wire (RS232 or RS485) power and communication options, and optional remote monitoring and support capabilities with the Cellular Gateway.
Industries
Applications
- Process tank level and control
- Chemical inventory level in storage tanks
- Wastewater level in settlement tanks
- Influent wastewater monitoring
- Lift station pump control
- Open channel flow measurement
- Manhole sewer level monitoring
High Performance, Low Maintenance Radar Sensor.
- Self-adjusting sensor, automatically eliminates false echoes without user involvement
- High resolution with short transmitted pulses ensures accuracy
- Very narrow radiation beam enables installation close to tank walls
- No influence from mounting, walls or internal obstructions on sensors performance
- No influence from temperature, pressure or humidity on measurement
- Teflon rod antenna resists material and moisture build-up
- Non-contact and self-cleaning nature provides maintenance free operation
Technology Advantage
ABM’s smart, self-adjusting radar sensors continually monitor conditions in the environment and automatically adjust the transmitted energy and sensitivity to match the current tank conditions. This technique allows the receiver to detect only one echo from the measured media while all false echoes are pushed under the noise level and eliminated. The self-adjusting technique also gives the same amplitude of wanted echoes regardless of distance to the target.
With one echo only, signal processing is very simple and the certainty of the measured echo being the target is 100%. This makes the ABM sensors very accurate and reliable. Operation is plug-and-play with ABM sensors. The self-adjusting nature means there is no need for mapping or profiling the environment or downloading several parameters. These signal process operations commonly used by other brands reduce the certainty in the measured materials level. ABM sensors are smart and automatically adapt without user involvement.
Very narrow transmit pulses enable liquid interface detection, such as oil-water interface. The radar sensor has a very fast response, up to 20 updates per second, enabling control for fast moving applications (i.e. vehicles, boats, etc.). Very high dynamics enables detection of very low dielectric constant liquids (>2).
Technology: Pulse radar
Measuring Range: Up to 240 ft (73.2 m)
Accuracy: +/- 0.10 % of maximum range (in lab using 4-20 mA current output). +/- 0.25 % of maximum range (typical in field)
Frequency: 6.3 GHz or 5.8 GHz (outside North America)
Calibration: Push-button or programmable via communications port
Output: 4-20 mA output 6.1 uA resolution
Power Options: 16-30 VDC (2-wire loop-powered) or 12-30 VDC (3-wire)
Communication Options: HART 7, RS232 or RS485
Ambient Temperature: -40 to 60°C (-40 to 140°F)
Installation Category: Class II
Enclosure Material: Aluminum standard. SS316L optional
Protection Rating: IP68 (NEMA 6)
Antenna: Teflon rod or SS316L horn
Process Connection: 1.5″- 3″ NPT
Process Temperature: -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F)
Process Pressure: ≤ 5 Bar (72.5 psi)
FM Approvals:
Explosion Proof Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, D
Dust-Ignition Proof Enclosure for Class II/III Division 1, Groups E, F, G
View Certificate of Compliance
View Certificate of Compliance (Canada)
| Range Code | Range | Resolution | Mounting |
| 017 | * - 17 ft / 5.2 m | 0.08" / 2.0 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
| 033 | * - 33 ft / 10.1 m | 0.15" / 3.9 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
| 050 | * - 50 ft / 15.2 m | 0.22" / 5.7 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
| 100 | * - 100 ft / 30.5 m | 0.44" / 11.4 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
| 140 | * - 140 ft / 42.7 m | 0.62" / 15.7 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
| 240 | * - 240 ft / 73.2 m | 1.06" / 26 mm | 1.5" / 2" / 3" NPT |
* Minimum range starts at the lower tip of the antenna for high dielectric material (water). For low dielectric materials allow longer minimum range.
