A new range of radar level gauges based on advanced radar technology (FMCW) is about to be launched. There are three versions designed to be used in both simple and complex measuring applications. The radar level gauges claimed to be very reliable even under severe conditions, such as turbulence, or high temperatures and pressures. As a result, their sensitivity is much greater than that of earlier systems, according to Saab Tank Control AB, the Swedish company that developed the instrument.

‘These radar level gauges, named Saab Tankradar Pro, can be used in any application where you need reliable real-time measurements of liquid levels’, said Tomas Johansson, the company’s Marketing Manager. ‘It also comes in special versions for applications with high hygiene requirements, or where there are corrosive liquids’.
Temperatures and pressures often vary. Also, the liquid surface can be turbulent, and the properties of liquids can differ, all of which place high demands on level meters. In the past, therefore, it has often been necessary to use different meters for different applications.
The new universal radar level gauges operate at the optimum frequency of 10 Ghz and therefore give maximum reliability irrespective of application. Measurements are not affected by variations in temperature or pressure, turbulence, evaporation, condensation, or liquid properties such as density or dielectric constant.

High sensitivity
‘With a 10-cm antenna, the level meter gives reliable measurements up to 30 m from a turbulent surface with an accuracy of ± 5 mm’, claimed Johansson. ‘Earlier radar level gauges could only work at a fraction of this distance’.
The Saab Tankradar Pro system has no moving parts and is not in contact with the surface. It is also durable and maintenance-free. The antenna is the only part located in the tank, and comes in three types: rod, horn, or process seal. The gauges are claimed to be very easy to install, both mechanically and electrically.
‘The level gauges weigh very little, the display is easy to read, there are both serial and analogue outputs for, eg, Hart communication, and there are multiple configuration possibilities to match future requirements’ Johansson explained.

Echo interference eliminated
The self-calibrating gauges have software developed by the company for intelligent signal processing which ensures very fast and reliable metering. The software, with several advanced logic and memory functions, eliminates the interference effects of echos within the tank.
‘Saab Tank Control was the first in the world to use radar for level metering and the technology was introduced into tankers as early as 1975’ explained Johansson. ‘Nowadays, many leading companies have taken up radar-based designs’.

Caption: Saab Tankradar Pro is the 6th generation of radar level meters based on FMCW technology from Saab Tank Control, and is claimed to have high reliability even under difficult conditions.

For further information please contact:
Able Instruments & Controls Ltd.
Dave Machon
Cutbush Park, Danehill
Lower Earley, Reading
Berkshire RG6 4UT, England
Tel:+44 1734 31 11 88
Fax:+44 1734 31 21 61
E-mail: sales@able.co.uk

Saab Tank Control
Johan Sandberg, General Manager
10700 Hammerly Blvd, Suite 115
Houston, Texas 77043, USA
Tel: +1 713 722 9199
Fax: +1 713 722 9115
E-mail: saabtank@insync.net

Brian Controls, La Salle
John Sas
Eastern Regional Office & Montreal Sales Office
8600 St. Patrick Street
La Salle, Quebec H8N 1V1, Canada
Tel: +1 514 366 57 57
Fax: +1 514 366 11 34

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