In the oil and gas industry, accurate level measurement is critical to ensure operational efficiency, prevent overfilling, and maintain safety standards. Whether it’s managing inventory or ensuring smooth transportation, having reliable data from storage tanks is non-negotiable.
However, traditional ultrasonic level measurement technologies often struggle in harsh environments. The buildup of gas and vapor inside oil tanks can affect the speed of sound, leading to inaccurate readings. While adjustments can be made to compensate for changes in gas composition, these methods are far from ideal when conditions fluctuate.
The Challenge
The end user in this case study faced significant hurdles. Their older equipment was either unreliable or had stopped working entirely, leaving several tanks without accurate level measurements. Some tanks had to be monitored manually, resulting in inefficiencies and increased workload for depot staff.
The REFLECT™ Advantage
To overcome these challenges, the Pulsar REFLECT™ 2-Wire Radar Sensor was chosen. Unlike ultrasonic sensors, radar technology uses radio waves, which remain unaffected by vapor or gas. This makes radar sensors the preferred choice for demanding environments like oil and gas storage.
Following a successful on-site trial, the REFLECT™ sensor proved its capability by delivering strong, reliable signals, even under difficult conditions. The key features that made the difference include:
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DATEM Technology (Digital Adaptive Tracking of Echo Movement): Filters out background noise, focusing on the true level for highly accurate measurements.
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Narrow 6° Beam Angle: Ensures precision and reduces interference from tank walls or obstructions.
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Bluetooth® Web-Based App: Allows easy parameter adjustments and echo trace viewing from any Bluetooth-enabled device (PC, Android, or iOS) without the need for frequent software updates.
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Rugged Design: Hermetically sealed and built to withstand extreme dust, temperature variations, moisture, pressure, and chemicals.
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Low Maintenance: With no routine servicing required, the REFLECT™ sensor minimizes lifetime cost of ownership.
Customer Success
Craig Leakey, Regional Sales Manager at Pulsar Measurement, commented:
“The arduous conditions within the tanks were not a problem and the sensors were setup very easily using the Bluetooth® connectivity. We were very happy with the outcome of this project and have continued to supply further radars to the customer for similar processes since.”
With the REFLECT™ sensors installed, the customer achieved accurate, hassle-free level monitoring across all oil storage tanks, enabling better inventory management and operational safety.
Why Choose REFLECT™?
The REFLECT™ 2-Wire FMCW Radar Sensor is ideal for both liquids and solids, providing accurate level or volume monitoring in critical applications. By leveraging advanced radar technology, it ensures precision, reliability, and ease of use, even in the toughest industrial environments.
For more details, visit: REFLECT™ Radar Level Sensor