Radar Liquid Level: System

HEATEC
Radar Liquid Level

System
T HE RADAR liquid level

system uses microwave pulse
technology to sense the level of
liquid inside asphalt storage tanks.
It is an optional system for both
vertical and horizontal asphalt
storage tanks. It offers important
advantages over other types of
level indicating systems.
The radar level indicator is very
accurate and reliable. It uses no
moving parts.
Remote displays
A significant advantage to the
system is that it uses remote
electronic displays. More than one
Radar sensing unit. Mounts atop the tank and emits a microwave signal, which travels
display can be used and they can downwards until it reaches the surface of the liquid asphalt. The signal is reflected back
be installed at a variety of locations. to the unit by the surface of the asphalt. The reflected signal is read by the unit, which
For example one can be located converts the signal to data related to the distance traveled. This information is converted
inside the control house while as needed for the various types of remote displays, including the unit’s built-in display.
another is at the unloading pump.
Others can be placed at virtually
any other strategic spot where it is practical to run
signal wires.
What’s displayed
The electronic displays can be setup to show a vari-
ety information, such as:
• Volume of liquid in the tank
• Height of liquid level
• Percentage of full tank
Volume can be in gallons, liters or other units of liq-
uid measure. Height can be in feet, inches, meters or Honeywell UDC-2500 Controller and LED digital display.
other units of length. Percentage relates the ratio or
proportion of the liquid in the tank to the capacity
addition to the display that is built into the sensing
of the tank when full.
unit.) One is the digital display of the Honeywell
The display at one location can show one type of UDC-2500 Controller for the asphalt level control
level information while a display at another location system.The Honeywell controller is usually mounted
shows a different type of information. on the heater control panel.
Types of display available Another type of display is a small LED display ap-
At the present time two types of display are avail- proximately 1 x 1-1/2-inches. It is normally placed
able to show liquid level information. (These are in in the control house or at the unloading pump.
Graphic displays cases, a new tank may require re-calibration in the
Certain HMA plant computer programs from Astec field while in use.
now include graphics to depict each tank and liquid Calibration in the field can be performed by user
level information. It appears on the display screens personnel using the unit's built-in profiling function.
of computer monitors. The most accurate field calibration is achieved by
Programmed high and low shutoff profiling the tank empty and continuing to profile it
The radar system can be programmed to automati- while it is filled with liquid asphalt.
cally shutoff the unloading pump when the asphalt Maintenance
reaches a predetermined level while the tank is be- Once a tank has been properly calibrated and is in
ing filled.This prevents accidental overfills. use the radar sensor should operate reliably with a
Likewise, it can be programmed to shutoff the sup- very high degree of accuracy. Recalibration is rarely
ply pump when the asphalt level falls below a pre- needed.
determined level.This prevents accidental coking of However, the probe of a radar sensing unit may
heating coils. occasionally become contaminated and have to be
It's worth noting that the radar system provides cleaned. It should be cleaned at the first sign of false
more reliable high and low shutoff functions than indications. Or it can be cleaned on a routine basis
other types of sensors or float switches. to prevent contamination.
Suitable tanks One common cause of contamination is splattering
Radar sensing units can be factory installed on new of asphalt onto the probe when the tank is filled.
tanks and related equipment.They can also be retro- This can usually be prevented by modifying the filler
fitted to most existing tanks in the field. discharge pipe inside the tank to redirect its flow.
Calibration Another common cause of contamination is light

Units that are retrofitted to existing tanks in the ends in the asphalt. Vapors of the light ends can
field, always require calibration in the field. leave a coating on the probe. Over a period of time
the coating may build up enough to interfere with
Some older tanks may have components inside the radar signals and produce false indications.
them that will keep the radar unit from working
properly without modification. Please consult our In both cases cleaning the probe restores normal
factory about installing radar units on older tanks. operation.
Units installed in new tanks at our factory are cali-

brated before they are shipped. However, in some
Note: The products shown and described in this

literature are subject to change without prior
notice or obligation for previous products sold.
Specifications subject to change without notice. Publication 5-03-102 revised 5-10-2007
H E AT E C , I N C . an Astec Industries Company

5200 WILSON RD • CHATTANOOGA, TN 37410 USA 800.235.5200 • FAX 423.821.7673 • heatec.com

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HEATEC

Radar Liquid Level

T HE RADAR liquid level

Calibration Another common cause of contamination is light

Units installed in new tanks at our factory are cali-

Note: The products shown and described in this

Specifications subject to change without notice. Publication 5-03-102 revised 5-10-2007

H E AT E C , I N C . an Astec Industries Company

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