Reliable Level Measurement with Explosion Protection

The chemical industry processes a large number of liquids that are stored in tanks for this purpose. The same applies to granulates and bulk materials used in areas such as plastics processing and the food industry. To avoid interruptions in production and to consistently plan replenishment of materials, fill levels must be monitored continuously and precisely. Production and logistics processes are often highly automated, with the fill level data processed by process control and asset management systems. The liquids, vapors, and dusts in the tanks are often explosive and must be protected.

The fill level of many different liquids and granulates is reliably determined to the required degree of precision, regardless of the tank geometry. Measurements are not affected by vapors, dust, or extreme temperatures. The measuring instrument possesses the required explosion protection certificates. It can be used as universally as possible to keep the plant or company’s asset management in this area simple. The measurement data can be processed by higher-level systems and used to predictively plan production and replenishment.

The guided microwave is a reliable and precise measuring method based on the time-of-flight principle. It continuously determines the fill level without being impeded by dust or vapors. Even installations in the tank do not influence measurement. The devices in the Pulscon LTC series are designed to be extremely rugged. They withstand temperatures between -40 and 200 °C and a process pressure between -1 and 40 bar. With a measuring range of up to 45 m, they are also suitable for very large tanks. The measurement data can be transmitted via HART or PROFIBUS PA. The devices are certified according to ATEX, IECEx, CSA, FM, WHG, and SIL 2.

Dynamic and self-learning evaluation algorithms with multiecho tracking ensure reliable detection of the data. The measurement does not depend on the density of the medium. The hardware complies with standard IEC 61508 SIL 2; the software achieves SIL 3. The HistoROM function automatically backs up data and allows the electronics to be replaced without having to recalibrate. Commissioning requires only six steps, which can be performed directly on the device using intuitive menu navigation.

• Safe measurement in a wide range of product and process conditions
• High reliability using multi-echo tracking
• ATEX, IECEx, CSA, FM, WHG, and SIL 2 explosion protection certificates
• Seamless integration into process control and asset management systems
• Intuitive user interface in local language
• Simple proof test for SIL and WHG
• HistoROM configuration memory for easy commissioning, servicing, and diagnosis