Radar Level Gauges Applications and Challenges in Liquefied Gas Level Measurement

 Radar Level Gauges Applications and Challenges in Liquefied Gas Level Measurement

The traditional measuring instrument in liquefied gas storage tanks is the servo level gauges, which use a float and motor drive system to measure liquid level. However, they also have some disadvantages.

 

First, due to the presence of multiple moving parts inside, it is susceptible to mechanical wear and tear, leading to an increased failure rate and a low mean time between failures, usually only about five years.

 

In addition, changes in the density of the liquid will cause changes in the buoyancy of the float, thereby affecting the measurement accuracy of the liquid level. Servo level gauges also require regular calibration and extensive spare parts support, increasing maintenance costs.

 

With the development of science and technology, non-contact radar level gauges have gradually replaced servo level gauges and become the mainstream choice for liquid level measurement in liquefied gas storage tanks. Unlike servo level gauges, radar level gauges measure liquid level by emitting microwave signals and receiving their reflected signals.

Its main advantages include：

1, High Reliability and Low Maintenance Requirements:

Radar level gauges have no moving parts, require little maintenance, and have a mean time between failures of decades. This high reliability makes it ideal for use in liquefied gas storage tanks, effectively reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

 

2, Strong Anti-Interference Ability:

Radar level gauge can effectively penetrate the gas space and make accurate measurements in liquids with low dielectric constant. Its excellent anti-interference ability enables it to maintain high-precision measurement in low temperature and high gas density environments.

 

3, High Precision and Long-Term Stability:

The radar level gauge uses frequency modulated continuous wave technology, which is around 30 times more sensitive than traditional pulse technology, providing more accurate measurement results and stronger measurement stability.

 

4, Support Security System Functions:

Radar level gauges can meet the requirements of overflow prevention systems and safety instrumented systems , have self-diagnostic functions to ensure that the equipment is always in a reliable state, and can be verified remotely to reduce the risk of human error.

 

Challenges faced by Radar Level Gauges:

Although radar level gauges have significant advantages in liquefied gas level measurement, their application still faces some challenges.

 

First of all, the initial investment of radar level gauge is relatively high, especially when used in large storage tanks and complex environments, higher investment costs may be required.

 

Secondly, the reflection of the radar signal may be affected by the turbulence and vapor layer on the liquid surface. Although modern radar level gauges have strong anti-interference capabilities, there may still be measurement errors in some specific cases.

 

Non-contact radar level gauges provide a more accurate and reliable solution in liquefied gas applications, gradually replacing traditional servo level gauges. With their high reliability, low maintenance requirements and excellent anti-interference capabilities, radar level gauges have become ideal for liquid level measurement in LNG and LPG storage tanks.

 

With the continuous development of technology, the cost of radar level gauge is expected to be further reduced, and its application fields will also continue to expand. However, to maximize the benefits of radar level gauges, challenges such as cost and signal reflections still need to be overcome. In general, radar technology will play an increasingly important role in the liquefied gas industry and become the core technology to ensure the accuracy and safety of liquid level measurement.

 

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