MW-320

Microwave level control

Measurement

Level measurement and control

Detection
On/Off
Technology

Radar barrier

The MW-320 is a one-point ON/OFF level control. It can be used as level control or object detection. The equipment ‘sees’ through a window that is transparent to microwaves. This is very useful in applications with aggressive materials or high-temperature products, as sensors are not in direct contact with the material to be controlled.

Functioning

The MW-320 level control is a non-contact microwave-based system. The transmitter consists of a power supply, a pulse modulator, a Gunn oscillator and a directional antenna. The receiver consists of a directional antenna, a microwave cavity with a Schottky diode detector, a low-noise, high-gain amplifier and a final relay drive circuit.

Typical applications

Controlling liquids or solids on tanks, hoppers or hoists are typical applications. On fibreglass tanks there is minimal microwave leakage. The microwave sensors are mounted diametrically opposite each other on the outside of the tank. Microwave leakage through the tank walls and product vapours are minimal. When the product reaches the control point, the signal is significantly attenuated, causing the output relay to switch.

Metal tanks or hoppers must have a transparent ‘window’ to the microwave signal. A 75÷100mm porthole can be used on liquid storage tanks. The porthole material must be compatible with: the pressure inside the tank, product temperature and chemical properties of the product. For solid storage tanks, the ‘window’ must be made of material compatible with the product contained in the tank.