Supplier Network +Add your company

Suppliers A-Z

80GHz Technology Puts Continuous Level Measurement on SICK’s Radar

By SICK (UK) LTD on

Product Details Supplier Info More products

An innovative non-contact radar sensing technology from SICK is opening up the prospect of robust and reliable real-time monitoring of the levels of liquids and bulk solids in challenging industrial applications. The SICK SicWave uses higher-frequency 80 gigahertz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of lower-frequency radar sensors or mechanical devices to achieve precision continuous level measurement in demanding environments.

Where previously operators have settled for switch point level indication or have been defeated by the challenges of using non-contact sensors in harsh environments, the narrowly focused, highly effective microwave pulses of the SICK SicWave sensors penetrate through dust, vapour and material build-up to output highly accurate results.

Non-Contact Breakthrough

The SICK LBR SicWave is a bulk solids level sensor with an exceptional range up to 120m and the SICK LFR SicWave a fluid level sensor with a maximum range of 30m.  Both represent a breakthrough in technology for continuous level measurement to optimise material storage in silos, tanks and other vessels in industries as diverse as mining and cement manufacture, to chemical processing and food and drink processing.

Darren Pratt, SICK’s UK product manager for industrial instrumentation explains:

“Anyone who needs to manage the supply of liquids or solids in storage vessels will understand the frustrations that can be caused when trying to achieve a reliable level measurement using a non-contact optical or radar principle when the signal is disrupted by the presence of dust, moisture, build-up of residue, or by other obstructions in the vessel.

“When positioned at the top of a tank or silo, or over a heap or bunker, a SICK SicWave sensor sends a highly-focused narrow beam of microwave radar pulses and uses the time-of-flight principle to return a high-quality signal even at exceptionally long ranges or extreme temperatures and pressures.”

High Availability

The SICK SicWave 80 GHz free-space radar sensors are a thousand times more sensitive than previous-generation 26 GHz radar technologies, ensuring high availability in even the most challenging environments with minimal maintenance requirements. The narrow field of view also avoids the potential for false signals caused by deposits on walls, or by other obstructions inside the vessel and ensures focused alignment to enable simple and rapid set-up.

Remote set-up and interrogation of the sensors is straightforward, either using the on-board WPAN interface to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or through standard HART communication, which also enables easy integration with higher level controls and diagnostic systems.  The sensors have a standard 4 – 20 mA output, enabling signals to be monitored and displayed on a dashboard in a cloud environment using IIoT gateways such as SICK’s Telematic Data Collector.

The SICK SicWave LFR fluid level sensor and LBR bulk level sensor come in a wide range of space-saving antenna designs, versatile flange or thread process connections and a range of application-specific mounting options.  The robust IP66/IP67 plastic or aluminium housings are ready for harsh industrial environments with an IP69 stainless steel housing available in the LFR sensor range for use in hygienic environments. Variants with ATEX or IEC Ex certification are also available for use in explosive environments.

The SICK LFR SicWave measures fluid levels reliability between -196°C and +200°C, and process pressures between -1 and 25 bar. The SICK LBR SicWave measures bulk solid levels reliably at process temperatures between -40°C and +200°C and at process pressures between -1 and 20 bar.

‘A Gamechanger for Demanding Environments’

“The 80 GHz free space radar technology, when combined with the wide-ranging application versatility of these sensors, promises to be a true gamechanger for many operators working in demanding industrial environments,” concludes Darren Pratt. “Whether you have struggled with dust clouds when filling a silo, or with steam in a tank, the SICK SicWave free-space radar opens up the potential to optimise your material flows by enable high-availability continuous measurement.”

The SICK LFR and LBR SicWave sensors are complemented by other SICK technologies for bulk solids and fluids handling, including the SICK LMS BulkScan for measurement of mass and volume on belts and conveyors, as well as by the SICK range of process instrumentation for level, pressure, flow and temperature.

For more information about the Sick SicWave LFR and LBR free-space radar sensors, please contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.

www.sick.co.uk

SICK (UK) LTD

SICK is a global leader in sensors and sensing systems for factory automation, logistics automation and process control. SICK’s comprehensive product portfolio encompasses sensors, encoders, machinery safety, machine vision and auto-identification in use by customers all over the world. Established for over 70 years, SICK products range from simple optical devices through to embedded intelligent systems, ready to meet the needs of Industry 4.0.

Visit our website 01727 831 121

SICK sensors: At the heart of automation

SICK is one of the world’s leaders in sensors and sensing technologies for factory automation, logistics automation and process control.

SICK’s comprehensive product portfolio encompasses sensors, encoders, machinery safety, machine vision and auto-identification. The company also provides process instrumentation for gas and fluid flow and for chemical and pollutant detection.

From simple optical sensors and barcode readers to complex safety systems; from machine vision to emissions monitoring, SICK’s intelligent sensor solutions facilitate advanced automation and process control.

SICK products are designed with simplicity of installation and operation in mind. They help customers to achieve greater reliability and productivity, increased production flexibility and more efficient use of resources.

Founded in Germany more than 70 years ago, SICK employs more than 7,400 employees worldwide. The company invests heavily in research and development and is leading the way in smart sensor development to support Industry 4.0 objectives.

View full profile