Two essential equipment for monitoring level are the radar level meter and the ultrasonic level meter. These are widely used in the continuous level measurement of various tanks, silos, and pools in chemical plants, food processing plants, building material plants, raw material plants, and other factories to monitor industrial processes. They frequently replace each other due to their comparable roles. In the world of level measurement technology, two popular contenders vie for the top spot: the Ultrasonic Level Meter and the Radar Level Meter. Understanding these differences can be the key to optimizing your operations and ensuring precise inventory management.
Radar Level Meters
A Radar Level Meter is a sophisticated instrument. It is used for precise level measurement in industrial and commercial settings.
It utilizes radar technology. Emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves towards the material’s surface in tanks, silos, or containers. When these waves bounce off the material’s surface and return to the sensor, the device calculates the time it takes for this signal to travel, known as “time-of-flight.” This measurement is converted into an accurate level reading, offering real-time information about the contents’ height or volume.
Radar level meters are renowned for their exceptional accuracy and reliability, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Ultrasonic Level Meters
Ultrasonic Level Meters are advanced instruments. Designed for measuring the levels of liquids or solids within containers, tanks, and other vessels.
These devices employ ultrasonic sound waves. Typically, at frequencies above the human hearing range. Which are emitted from a transducer towards the material’s surface. Upon striking the material’s surface, the sound waves bounce back to the sensor. The Ultrasonic Level Meter calculates the distance between the sensor and the material’s surface. By measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel to the material and return. This distance measurement is converted into an accurate representation of the material’s level.
Ultrasonic level meters are known for their versatility, ease of installation, and reliability. Making them particularly suitable for applications requiring non-contact and non-invasive level measurements.
Differences Between Radar Level Meter and Ultrasonic Level Meter
Measurement Principles:
The dielectric constant of the substance being measured is used by the radar-level transmitter. The ultrasonic level transmitter’s principle is closely related to the density of the substance being measured. As a result, if the medium has a very low dielectric constant, radar level measurement is not very accurate.
Transmitting Waves:
The radar level gauge emits electromagnetic waves, which do not require a medium to transfer, and the ultrasonic level sensor emits sound waves, which are mechanical waves that require the medium to be transmitted. So, an ultrasonic level meter cannot be measured in a vacuum environment; however, a radar level probe can do it.
Operating Pressure:
The vibration of piezoelectric materials emits ultrasonic waves. So, it is impossible to use them in high-pressure or negative-pressure applications. The maximum pressure that an ultrasonic level meter can withstand is 3 Bar. They are often only employed in atmospheric pressure vessels. However, the radar can be used in high-pressure process tanks with max operation pressure over 4 Mpa.
Operating Temperature:
Ultrasonic level meter cannot measure medium with temperature over 80°C, and Ultrasonic level probe can be affected by the environment greatly. Temperature can affect sound wave velocity. While radar level transmitters can work for medium with a max temperature of 250°C
Dusty Environment:
If the environment is dusty, an Ultrasonic level meter cannot have good measuring results, while a Radar level meter with High frequency can work well in a dusty environment.
Wave Remit Angle:
Radar level sensor has a larger remit angle than ultrasonic level meter waves. Non-contact radar level transmitters should not be used in small or thin tanks. Guided wave radars are suitable for use in small or thin tanks.
Accuracy:
The accuracy of the radar level meter is higher than that of the ultrasonic level transmitters. For storage tank level measurement, High-accuracy radar level meters are usually used. In terms of cost, the ultrasonic level meter is often less expensive than the radar level sensor.
Installation:
- Do not install the level probe in the feed inlet.
- Install the sensors away from the ladder.
- To avoid echo interference, keep a distance of 300 to 500 mm from the tank wall.
- Choose a suitable installation method when agitation and the liquid level fluctuate greatly by the agitation vibration.
Application:
The principle of measuring differs between ultrasonic and radar level meters, resulting in distinct applications. The dielectric constant of the substance to be measured is used to calibrate the radar level meter. Whereas ultrasonic is based on the density of the substance to be measured.
Therefore, the measurement effect of radar for substances with a low dielectric constant is reduced, and ultrasonic is generally recommended for solid substances.
At the same time, the radar level meter emits electromagnetic waves, with no need to propagate the medium, while ultrasonic waves are sound waves, mechanical waves that need to propagate the medium.
Advantages:
| Radar Level Meter | Ultrasonic Level Meter |
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Disadvantages:
| Radar Level Meter | Ultrasonic Level Meter |
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