TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY Unlike older technologies, the TDR technology offers measurement readings that are independent of chemicals or physical properties of the process media
International instrumentation engineering enterprise Kobold Messring has introduced its Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology to its Kobold NGR components. The components, which use microwave or guided radar, offer a robust and low-maintenance solution for level measurement and monitoring.
The German company, which is represented in South Africa by Linbro Park-based instrumentation supplying company Instrotech, notes that the disadvantages of capacitance level meters are the dependence on medium dielectric constants and a specific probe calibration in tanks. These level meters are conventionally used within smaller tanks.
The NGR offers a more cost-effective alternative, eliminating these disadvantages and offering a minimal dead band of just 25 mm at process connection.
The company reiterates that, unlike older technologies, the TDR technology offers measurement readings that are independent of chemicals or physical properties of the process media.
Assisting this diversity, the measuring performance is not affected by the density or conductivity of the fluid, making it consistently accurate even for deposit-forming and foaming liquids.
“The NGR offers a cost-saving solution for accurate level measurement and monitoring in oil- and water-based fluids, coolants, grinding and hydraulic oils or blends containing cleansing, degreasing and cleaning agents,” Instrotech notes.
Added to these solutions, the NGR makes use of an easy to read display and menu guided for real-time level and status information.
“The analogue output is flexible, using either 4-20 mA or 0-10 V switchable, with two or optionally four PNP/NPN outputs.”
The NGR has a stainless steel probe with a maximum shipping length of up to 2 000 mm that can be easily lengthened. The company also states that users may adapt the length to install their own probe, which can go up to 4 000 mm and can also be cut to the length preferred by the user. Commissioning is also made easier by the sensor’s ability to simulate levels even when no fluid is present.
“The NGR is suitable for applications including factory auto- mation, machine tool and machine building, water and process industries, building services and plant engineering,” the company concludes.