June 2009: FLEXAR^®

FLEXAR^®Guided Wave Radar Offered in a Split Architecture Version For More Extreme Environments

Flexar^® guided wave radar (GWR) sensor is a continuous level measurement system using TDR (time domain reflectometry) principles where radar pulses are focused down to the material surface by the unit's wave guide (a heavy duty cable) and the time-of-flight of the pulse reflection back to the instrument electronics is directly related to the empty distance in the vessel and the material level. Guided wave radar technology has proven successful and an excellent choice for most powder and bulk solids applications as well as a multitude of liquids applications. With the optional split architecture design, the electronics are separated from the sensor so that Flexar can be used in more extreme environmental conditions where elevated temperatures or excessive vibration might be involved.

Other benefits of Flexar^® include no moving parts for less wear and tear; the employed technology allows the sensor / transmitter to be virtually unaffected by and reliable in dusty conditions; no field calibration is required to provide easy installation; and setup and a universal power supply for high or low voltage options. The Flexar sensor can also be supplied with a choice of outputs. The analog 4-20mA output version can be interfaced to your existing PLC or DCS and the “Smart” RS-485 output version is compatible with the PC-based SiloTrackTM Inventory Management Software. The SiloTrack software automates level monitoring and report generation, sends email notifications to suppliers or corporate locations and allows remote viewing of material level inventory.  Please visit www.flexar.info for more details.

About Monitor

Monitor Technologies LLC is a pioneering supplier of level measurement instrumentation, solids flow monitors, particle emission monitors and aeration devices for the worldwide powder and bulk solids markets. The experience and market knowledge gained over 50 years of business has earned Monitor a reputation for providing high quality and reliable product solutions. Monitor is located in Elburn Illinois.

For more information please visit www.monitortech.com, www.flexar.info and our blog at www.monitortech.typepad.com. You can also contact Mr. Greg DeRudder or Mr. Chris Otte of Monitor Technologies at 1-800-766-6486 in the USA or 1-630-365-9403.

TrueCap^® MK-2
Advanced RF Capacitance Level Probe

The TrueCap® Model MK-2 RF Capacitance point level probe is designed to provide a superior and stable sensitivity threshold making it suitable for a variety of powder / bulk solids and some liquid or slurry applications.

Advanced features of the Model MK-2 include:
> Automatic immunity to material build-up on the probe by its driven shield design
> Push-button calibration
> Enhanced temperature compensation
> Maximized reliability via smart sensing algorithms like “self-validating” fail-safe protection
> Visible status LED on ordinary location units
> Versatility through a variety of configuration options including: hazardous location version, split architecture design, quick-connect process connection, stub probe, cable extensions, solid extensions, Nylon® probes, Ryton® - equiv. probes, etc.

A practical application for the TrueCap would be to use this level sensor where a residual material build-up on a different sensor would cause a false material level indication.

Principle of Operation for the TrueCap RF Capacitance Level Probe:
The vessel wall and the active probe element establish an impedance reference between each other when exposed to air which has a dielectric constant of 1. When materials with a dielectric constant greater than 1 are in close proximity to the probe, the impedance of the sensing field between the sensor and the vessel wall will change. Once the amount of change exceeds a threshold that was electronically determined during the calibration process, an output relay will either be energized or de-energized depending upon the position of the fail-safe selector on the probe’s electronic circuit board. A change of as little as .5 pico-farad is all that is necessary for the probe to sense the presence of material.

Click here for more information on the TrueCap MK-2 Level Sensor or contact Monitor Technologies LLC at
Tel.: 800-766-6486 in the USA and
Tel.: 630-365-9403 worldwide.

>>Download TrueCap Product Bulletin #413

>>Click here to learn more about other Point Level Switches from Monitor Technologies