New Additions to the PiloTREK W–200 80 GHz Radar Level Transmitter Family

It has been almost a year since the integrated?PiloTREK WP–200 models of NIVELCO's 80 GHz radar level transmitters were launched. These IP66/IP68-rated devices are excellent for general-purpose industrial use, primarily in water processing. As a result of continuous development, the selection was expanded with PTFE and integrated PVDF versions for oil and chemical industry applications.?The WP–200 family is due to receive its explosion-proof certificate soon.?

The new 80 GHz radar level transmitter family will welcome the compact PiloTREK WE–200 series and its accessories. As usual from NIVELCO, the compact housing with a gland that supports custom wiring will also be available in this product line in plastic (PBT), aluminum, and stainless steel (1.4571). The compact version with a 1" or 1?" antenna and process connection will still be available. The selection of antennas will also receive the addition of the 2?" (?75 mm) antenna, which supports a measuring distance of up to 30 m (98.4 ft). This version will be available in integrated and cased compact devices. The 2?" (?75 mm) version will see its primary use in bulk solids measurement due to its higher antenna gain. Regardless, the maximum measuring distance achievable in practice depends heavily on the measured medium's dielectric constant, grain size, and coning angle. The 80 GHz technology is better at measuring granules with a larger particle size due to the short wavelength of microwaves.

Out of the compact models, the PiloTREK WEP–200 with a plastic housing and a cased antenna is the first to be launched on the market, which combines the plastic compact case with the well-proven cased RF antenna of the integrated WP–200 design. This cost-effective combination permits the use of built-in dot matrix LCD (SAP–300) and push buttons on IP67 models with compact housing. All other parameters regarding applications are the same as the integrated versions.

This will be followed almost immediately by the?PiloTREK WES–200 family, sporting an aluminum housing and a stainless steel (1.4571) antenna. Due to the stainless steel antenna, these devices can handle a much wider range of process pressure and temperature. The currently planned pressure range is 1…25 bar (–14.5…+362.6 psi) (–1…3 bar [–14.5…43.5 psi] for integrated variant), and the temperature range is –40…+180 °C (–40…+356 °F) for high-temperature version (–40…+80 °C [–40…+176 °F] for integrated variant).

In addition to expanding the model range of the?PiloTREK W–200, we can also boast of innovations in terms of functions. One of the most important will be the integrated Bluetooth? interface, with the associated configuration application called MobileEView, which will be available for Android and iOS. Another new function for the compact versions will be the optional RS485 Modbus interface instead of the 4…20 mA/HART? analog output. Since this is a 4-wire system, it will be able to operate from an 8 V supply voltage, which is excellent for battery-operated applications. Of course, other products, like the MicroTREK HT–700, will also have the Modbus and Bluetooth? options.

Our medium-term development goals include the broader support of isolated installations in a 2–3-year time frame. There are plans to integrate long-distance wireless data transmission (e.g., GSM, Lora, etc.) into the PiloTREK W–200 level transmitter, augmented with an integrated battery management function, an optional external or built-in battery, and a solar panel.