dBR RADAR

TRANSDUCERS
FMCW Radar dBR sensor
for non-contacting level and
volume measurement

Flexibility, Choice, & Accuracy

Like No Other.
The dBR Radar transducer range from Pulsar Measurement
is a compact FMCW Radar sensor that offers high accuracy,
repeatable level measurement, and compatibility with Pulsar
Measurement’s full range of controllers.
THE RIGHT METER FOR
The introduction of the Radar sensor to the transducer range
means that customers of Pulsar Measurement now have a • Foamy Applications
choice of technology at their fingertips — without having to
make any compromises in terms of functionality. • Application’s Subject To High
Electrical Noise
Features & Benefits • Atmospherically Volatile Applications
Radar and non-contacting ultrasonic measurements are
complementary technologies — measuring level by signal • Chemical Dosing Plants & IBC’s
analysis but excelling in different situations. Radar technology is • Digester Level Monitoring
preferred where there is a variation in temperature or changes
in gas composition, and extremes of fog, haze, mist, or rain.
The dBR Radar transducers feature Frequency Modulated
Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology with a maximum 16 m
(52.5 ft) range and accuracy of ± 2 mm (0.08 in). Retrofittable with All Pulsar
Measurement Controllers
FMCW radar technology offers significant advantages over other
pulsed radar systems as it offers higher resolution, better signal This series of transducers are compatible with existing
to noise ratio, and better target discrimination. Pulsar Measurement controllers that are already
installed and used in the field, such as the Ultra 4
The dBR sensors are IP68 rated and certified for external and Ultra 5, meaning that sites can retrofit a radar
installations, offering class-leading performance in accuracy and sensor with their existing applications, redeploy other
repeatability with a short-range blanking distance. The compact Pulsar Measurement equipment across a wider range
size of the sensor allows for installation in cluttered, confined, or of applications for maximum flexibility, or test the
crowded spaces. performance of different measurement technologies
without having to significantly reconfigure the device.

I N F O @ P U L S A R M E A S U R E M E N T . C O M PUL SAR ME A SUR EMENT.COM

DBR RADAR TRANSDUCER SERIES

When Should You Consider Radar Technology?

There isn’t a lot of difference between ultrasonic and radar technology,
however, there are some applications where radar is better suited.

Longer Range Open Channel Flow MCERT Applications

MCERT schemes are independent schemes designed to provide a framework
for businesses to meet quality requirements. Under Class 1 certification, the
first three most accurate devices listed are ultrasonic, with a 0.04% combined
accuracy, compared to radar on the same scheme having class 2 certification
with a combined accuracy of 0.22%. However, radar does have its advantages
on those applications which are more than a few meters of measurement range.

High-Temperature Applications
Where the surface of the substance being measured is hot, it can create a
temperature gradient above the surface. This will affect the speed of sound
and creates an inconsistent ultrasonic signal, which effectively will reduce the dBR16 on a foamy aeration tank.
accuracy of the measurement.

Acoustic Noise Interface

Electrical noise interference can be ignored by using low voltage but high acoustic power ultrasonic measurement however,
sometimes acoustic noise can interfere with the signal. By using a radar sensor for these applications, it can eliminate this rare
occurrence.

Foamy Applications
Radar measurement will produce more stable results than ultrasonic sensors with limited acoustic power on foamy
applications. This is because the foam interrupts the signal of the ultrasonic transducer; you can still get around this issue
with ultrasonic measurement by using a sensor with high acoustic power. However, one thing that both technologies have in
common is that it is virtually impossible for them to see through the foam to the liquid surface.

Dosing Plants & IBC’s

One clear advantage of radar is that it can read through the container wall. This
is particularly useful in chemical dosing plants where chemicals are supplied in
IBC tanks. The low dielectric constant of plastic means that you can accurately
measure usage and stock levels, without having to introduce a new process
connection to the container.

Digester’s
One of the long-standing issues with ultrasonic measurement is that it has
struggled with the inability to measure reliably within the methane-rich,
elevated temperature, and pressurized environment of a sludge digester. With
businesses all over the globe making a huge effort to be more environmentally
friendly with bio-gas generation; radar measurement offers an easy way to
measure levels within the digester’s and with a standard set of communications
dBR8’s reading through the plastic lid of a
and protocols that communicate with the rest of the site.
chemical tank.

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Technical Specifications
PHYSICAL
Model Options: dBR8 & dBR16
Sensor Body Dimensions 90 mm D x 130 mm H (3.5 in x 5.1 in)
Weight Nominal 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Measurement Range dBR8: 8 m (26.2 ft); dBR16: 16 m (52.5 ft)
Frequency V-band
Beam Angle 8º
Sensor Body Material Valox 357U
Standard: 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, or 30 m (16.4 ft, 32.8 ft, 65.6 ft, or 98.4 ft). Optional: up to 150 m (492 ft) in
Cable Lengths
10 m (32.8 ft) increments
Maximum Separation 500 m (1,640 ft)
Mounting Connection 1” BSP or NPT
Mounting Options ANSI or DIN flange

ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure Protection IP68/NEMA 6P
Max. & Min. Temperature
-20 ºC to +80 ºC (-4 ºF to +176 ºF)
(Electronics)
Process Pressure -1 to +4 bar (-14.5 to 58 psi)

APPROVALS
Complies with EN61326-1:2013 for emissions and immunity
CE Approvals
Complies with EN302-729:2016 for radar emissions and immunity
ATEX Zone 0 (Ex ia): Ex II 1 G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga Ta = -20 ºC to +80 ºC, Ex II 1 D Ex ia IIIC T135ºC Da Ta =-20 ºC to +80 ºC.
ATEX
ATEX Zones 1 & 2: Ex II 2 G Ex mb IIC T4 Gb, Ex II 2 D Ex mb IIIC T135 °C Db

PERFORMANCE
Accuracy ±2 mm (0.08 in)
Repeatability ±1 mm (0.04 in)
Resolution ±1 mm (0.04 in)
Near Blanking Distance 77 mm (3.03 in) from the drip shield

dBR Radar with submergence shield drawing dBR Radar diameter drawing

PUL SAR ME A SUR EMENT.COM

Radar or Ultrasonic? The hoice is yours.
Whatever you are measuring or trying to achieve, ultrasonic measurement will achieve what you’re aiming for 95% of
the time. But for those applications that are a little trickier than first thought, radar will help provide a solution. One thing
that is crucial to the outcome of your measurement is ensuring that you choose a controller that is retrofittable with both
technologies, so that when the needs of your application change, your system changes with you.

• Penetrates non-metallic containers • Non-contacting

• Unaffected by fog, haze, mist, or rain • FMCW Radar Technology
• Unaffected by ambient temperature • Compatible/retrofittable with standard
• Unaffected by inert gas and vapor Pulsar controllers featuring patented
DATEM echo processing
• Unaffected by steam and pressure
• Cost-effective
• Accurate and repeatable
• Narrow beam angle
• Compact and easy to fit
• IP68
• ATEX Approved

Delivering the Measure of Possibility

Pulsar Measurement offers worldwide professional support for all of our products, and our network of global partners all
offer full support and training. Our facilities in Malvern, UK and Largo, USA are home to technical support teams who are
always available to answer your call or attend your site when required. Our global presence, with direct offices in the UK, USA,
Canada, and Malaysia, allows us to create close relationships with our customers and provide service, support, training, and
information throughout the lifetime of your product.
By taking a step forward in echo processing technology, Pulsar Measurement addresses applications previously thought to be
beyond the scope of ultrasonic measurement. This technology improves signal processing at the transducer head which has
made it possible to increase resistance to electrical noise, enabling the transducer to ‘zone in’ on the true echo.
For more information, please visit our website:

www.pulsarmeasurement.com

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