Un oscilador de alta frecuencia (HF) genera una señal de microondas básica de 6 GHz. Un generador de impulsos de onda que genera una frecuencia de 3,6 Mhz transmite por la antena la alta frecuencia original. La señal se refleja en el producto y regresa de nuevo al receptor por la antena. Luego, la señal recibida y la señal de referencia, con la misma pulsación de 3,6 MHZ, pero reducida en 43,7 Hz, se envían a un mezclador de frecuencias. Cuando el impulso de referencia se mezcla con el transmitido (incluyendo el impulso reflejado), la señal increases by a factor of 82,380, which gives a boost 'sample' of 43.7 Hz (= 3.6 MHz / 82 380) with a carrier frequency of 70 kHz (= 6 GHz / 82 380). This signal 'sample', lower frequency and easier to handle, has the same form and contains the same information to reflect the original signal transmitted (see fig. 2). After processing the signal, only 44 curves per second is used for the statistical analysis and become an output signal.
The quality of the reflected microwave signal may depend on the amount and type of foam present. If the foam is dense conductive reflection will occur in the foam, rather than on the surface. If, however, the foam is non-conductive and not too thick, the signal is still reflected in the surface.
Figure 2. microwave signals used in the process of transmission and reception.
The use of agitators or wave existence reduces the amplitude of the reflected signal, if it was enough. A microwave level gauge is a measuring time of return of the waves and therefore does not depend on the extent of the return signal. The gauges use of pulse wave has certain advantages over the gauges known as FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave), frequency modulated continuous wave). FMCW instrument emits a high frequency signal on a continuing basis, which means that its effective power is about 6 times the effective power of a level indicator pulse wave. For this reason, some countries do not allow the use of instruments in applications FMCW open to the atmosphere and / or its use is covered by purchasing licenses. By contrast, the use of industrial gauges based on microwave pulse signals are allowed freely and not subject restrictions or licensing arrangements. The power of a single impulse (of any pulse level indicator) is two hundred times, so that the signal is more effective in measuring conditions unfavorable.
Selection criteria
The choice of instrument for measuring microwave pulse levels appropriate for each application depends on the following factors:
l. Chemical resistance, the process pressure and temperature determine the antenna of the antenna material and flange.
2. The measuring range desired and the process conditions such as Er, waves or eddies and foam determine the size of the antenna.
3. The type of tank (storage, standpipes or process) and type of installation (open space, still pipe or bypass).
4. The required precision and quality requirements for Ex
The first aspect is usually considered relates to the field of measurement desired for a particular application (for example, in a quiet storage tank in a tank controller or a processing tank with agitator). A still-pipe or a referral practice can be seen also as a storage tank present Calm maximum measurement range. Low values \u200b\u200bof dielectric constant and the presence of waves favor the signal attenuation, and they reduce the measurement range up to 35 m. Each type of instrument has its own list of applications for each type of tank and product assembly (see the example in figure 3 for two different diameters).
Figure 3. Example of different sizes of trumpets to the sensor.
indications B, C and D represent various liquids: B = non-conductive liquid such as petrochemicals with dielectric constant Er = 1.9 ... 4, C = concentrated acids, organic solvents, esters, alcohols and ketones with a dielectric constant Er = 4 ... 10; YD = conductive liquids, solutions in water and dilute acids with a dielectric constant Er> 10. Electromagnetic pulses emitted by an antenna, which can be a trumpet of diameters DN80, DN100, DN150, DN200 and DN250, or rod, 390 mm or 540 mm in length. The horn antenna of stainless steel can withstand a maximum temperature of 400 º C and 100 bar pressure (although not simultaneously), while the rod antenna (PTFE or PPS) can withstand a maximum temperature 150 ° C and 40 bar pressure (although not simultaneously).
Important properties of horn antenna and when used:
• When can form condensation on the antenna
• For use in socket> 250 mm
• For fields greater
• To measure pressure and temperature conditions over
· Increased robustness
· The applications best suited to lead
• In case of weak reflection (er low or waves).
Important properties of the antenna rod and when used:
chemical
• Resistance (fully PTFE)
· Pair a small process
· sockets close
• When can cause adhesions in the tubing.