Study for the development of distance and level gauges using microwaves (radar) and laser (optical)

• Grant number: 99/11578-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2000
• End date: December 31, 2001
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Willian Paul Yuzo Abe
• Grantee: Willian Paul Yuzo Abe
• Company: Level Control Comércio e Serviços Ltda. - EPP
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The objective of the research is the development of a level gauge for tanks which will have the properties of good precision and high reliability under the most diverse applications. The current techniques used for this type of measuring gauge with the available devices on the market are: capacitance measurement, magnetic float, manometer or differential pressure transmitter, pendulum, ultrasound, radar and laser. The types of gauges proposed as objects of this research, that is to say, radar and laser, eliminate one of the large problems of level or distance sensors, which is direct physical contact with the product to be measured. This is also the advantage of ultrasound. However, contrary to ultrasound, which depends on the medium of propagation, the proposed types don’t suffer interference from temperature, pressure, density or dielectric constant. The potential users are all those who need precise measurements of distance or level. The existing manufacturers of the proposed equipment are all foreign and number merely five companies world-wide. Since there are so few dealing with this high technology, in prices charged in Brazil are extremely high. (AU)