With more than 2.2 million installed applications and 50 years of experience, time-of-flight (ToF) measurement instruments are an important component of Endress+Hauser's portfolio. ToF-devices are used in a wide range of applications and are a reliable solution even under extreme process conditions, such as high pressure or temperatures and in corrosive or aggressive media. The new generation of Micropilot instruments offers compact design and maximum user-friendliness, as well as application-specific flexibility, to provide solutions for both mobile and stationary plastic tanks.
As the number of tanks increase, so do the measurement requirements. The fact that plastic tanks are often located at remote sites and are widely dispersed geographically makes the process even more complex. In more than 80% of all production plants, level measurement is done manually. This type of manual monitoring is both time and cost intensive. So, very often, this results in missing stocks only being registered when the tank has already run empty, and the production process has come to a halt. Even increased inventories are in most cases not an alternative due to the storage costs involved. Clearly, a better solution is needed.
Optimized inventory management - simple from the scratch
To meet the challenges mentioned above, Endress+Hauser has developed a solution consisting of a level sensor and software. This solution considerably simplifies the management of stocks in stationary and mobile applications. As with conventional devices, the measurement is based on high-frequency radar pulses. These are emitted by an antenna and reflected by the surface of the stored medium. The travel time of the reflected radar pulse is directly proportional to the distance. With a known vessel geometry, the level can be calculated. But the new Micropilot offers more.
The 80GHz wireless IIoT sensor combines high-end technology and user-friendly digital services in one cost-effective device. The continuously recorded measurement data can be accessed at any time and from anywhere via the device's cloud connection. Communication is made possible by an integrated SIM card.
Installation is simple and can be done in less than three minutes. An integrated battery allows operation without an external power supply, which is an advantage especially at measuring points that are difficult to access or mobile. This compact device is a perfect fit for stackable tanks and enables a plug-and-play solution for flexible and easy installation. In addition to the measured level, the user receives information on the location of their storage tanks and containers via local mobile phone masts. The cloud-based radar sensor provides facts where previously only assumptions were possible.
Field of application
The Micropilot FWR30 can be used for level measurement and inventory management of mobile and stationary plastic tanks. In addition, the tracking of mobile storage tanks is also possible. The free radiating measuring device covers measuring ranges up to 15 meters (50 feet) and temperatures between -20 °C and 60 °C (-4°F and +140°F). Due to non-contact measurement, the Micropilot FWR30 can be used in all liquid media. It works where other measuring principles cannot be applied due to corrosion, abrasion, viscosity, or toxicity and it can be employed in a variety of industries.
