An innovative non-contact radar sensing technology from SICK is opening up the prospect of robust and reliable real-time monitoring of fluid levels in tank storage vessels.

The SICK LFR SicWave is a fluid level sensor with a maximum range of 30m. It represents a breakthrough in technology for continuous level measurement for managing material in tank storage and other fluid processing applications.

The SICK LFR SicWave uses higher-frequency 80 gigahertz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of using 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-focussed microwave pulses of the SICK SicWave sensors penetrate through vapour and material build-up to output highly-accurate results.

Darren Pratt, SICK’s UK product manager for industrial instrumentation, said: “Anyone who needs to manage the supply of liquids 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 moisture, build-up of residue, or by other obstructions in the vessel.

“When positioned at the top of a storage vessel, a SICK LFR 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.”

For more information visit www.sick.co.uk

12th May 2021