Product category:
Level and tank contents instrumentation
News Release from: Magnetrol International | Subject: Eclipse Model 705
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 August 2005
TDR technology is the ideal
"Displacer-Replacer"
The Eclipse Model 705 loop powered guided wave radar transmitter from Magnetrol is the most popular replacement for displacer level transmitters in the oil and gas industries
The Eclipse Model 705 2-wire, loop powered Guided Wave Radar (GWR) transmitter from Magnetrol is claimed as the most popular replacement for displacer level transmitters in the oil and gas industries Its advantages and performance are now confirmed by one of the largest test surveys ever carried out for level process controls
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 23 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Displacer replacement transmitters for oil and gas
The Eclipse Model 705, a 2-wire loop powered Guided Wave Radar transmitter from Magnetrol, is probably the world's most popular replacement for displacer transmitters in the oil and gas industries
Accurate radar level for difficult viscous fluids
The enhanced Magnetrol Eclipse Model 705 liquid level transmitter is now available with the first coaxial GWR probe suitable for measuring low dielectric liquids with a viscosity up to 1500cP
WIB (Working party on Instrument Behaviour) in the Netherlands, has investigated for its members whether radar technology (free space and TDR) offers a robust, drop in replacement for displacer transmitters and float systems installed in side cages and stillwells.
WIB has partnership with EI (Evaluation International) in the UK and EXERA (Association des Exploitants d'Equipements de Mesure, de Regulation et d'Automatisme) in France and exchanges data and experiences with the German NAMUR group.
The test was conducted by an independent test team, consisting of a level control expert and a team member of the WIB "level" working group.
Further reading
Loop powered radar for both interface and level
The Eclipse 707 is the first "radar type" level measurement that is able to measure both the upper liquid level and the liquid-liquid level interface over a 2-wire loop powered connection
No extra cost for SIL 2/3 compliant level switch
The Echotel 915P/W from Magnetrol International is a 2-wire level switch that can detect the high or low level of almost any liquid without calibration: a SIL 2/SIL 3 compliant device at no extra cost
Selecting a radar level unit for the application
Radar (microwave based) level transmitters handle tough and changing process conditions, and applications are growing: how do you choose between the two types available?
The test rig built for these tests consisted of 3 cages/stillwells, equal in length (230cm range) but with varying pipe size diameters (2, 3 and 4 inches).
The liquids used for the test were cold and hot water, Pentane (Permittivity (Er) of 1.8) and transformer oil (Er 2.2).
The 3 Eclipse units were evaluated for accuracy and repeatability in varying liquids, dynamic behaviour versus changing fill and drain rates, sensitivity to small level variations, behaviour against disturbed conditions such as bubbling inside the cages, wrong installation (simulated by inclined cages), condensation and water spray on the GWR probes, and the effect of 6 different foams.
For the environmental and long-term stability test, the test team gathered 14,500 datasets while changing the ambient temperature from -60C up to +60C, at a fixed level.
Simulating a decreasing power supply, the team tested the safety behaviour of the device.
The Eclipse scored well within its specifications but the test particularly highlighted the safety, accuracy, and ease of configuration.
To prove the ease of configuration, Magnetrol, uniquely amongst the suppliers on test, suggested that it was unnecessary to provide support to the test team during set-up.
Even when the power voltage was dropped as low as 9.7 VDC, the unit still reported correctly via its digital communication.
The accuracy and repeatability were so well received that the test team used the Eclipse as reference for other repeatability tests.
The WIB tests far exceeded the testing capability of process plant operators and offers guidance to manufacturers on how to further improve their design.
Magnetrol took the WIB recommendations into the design of the next generation Eclipse.
The new enhanced Eclipse incorporates level, volume and interface measurement within one single amplifier.
By extending diagnostics, the SIL2 (1oo1 - HWFT of 0) unit has a SFF score of 90% - the highest for any TDR product on the market today.
The new Eclipse adds Pactware communication to the existing protocols of HART, AMS and Foundation Fieldbus.
Pactware further simplifies the installation and offers via signal curving the ideal basis for troubleshooting.
The Eclipse can be used for HTHP applications up to +400C/345 bar, steam applications up to 155 bar at 345C, hot and cold ammonia applications, liquefied gases, and cryogenic applications down to -196C.
Without any doubt it is one of the most popular TDR transmitters on oil/gas platforms, refineries and petrochemical and chemical sites.
Ask for a free copy of the WIB test report from Magnetrol or via the website. Request a free brochure from Magnetrol International ...
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