The UK company says its SicWave solution uses higher-frequency 80 gigahertz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of lower-frequency radar sensors or mechanical devices to achieve precision continuous level measurement in demanding environments.
SICK commented: "Where previously operators have settled for switch point level indication or have been defeated by the challenges of using non-contact sensors in harsh environments, the narrowly-focused high-energy microwave pulses of the SICK SicWave sensors penetrate through dust and material build-up to output highly-accurate results."
The SICK LBR SicWave is a bulk solids level sensor with an exceptional range up to 120m. It represents a breakthrough in technology for continuous level measurement in the processing and handling of aggregates or other bulk building materials.
Darren Pratt, SICK’s UK product manager for industrial instrumentation, said: “Any operator who needs to manage the supply of bulk solids in storage vessels will understand the frustrations that can be caused when trying to achieve a reliable level measurement using a non-contact optical or radar principle when the signal is disrupted by the presence of dust or build-up of residue, or by other obstructions in the vessel."
“When positioned at the top of a silo, or over a heap or bunker, a SICK SicWave sensor sends a highly-focused narrow beam of microwave radar pulses and uses the time-of-flight principle to return a high-quality signal even at exceptionally long ranges or extreme temperatures and pressures.”
SICK claims that its SicWave 80 GHz free-space radar sensors are a thousand times more sensitive than previous-generation 26 GHz radar technologies, ensuring high availability in challenging environments with minimal maintenance requirements.
