Rod Antenna Radar Level Gauge Low Dielectric Constant Foam / Steam Interference Resistant

Low Dielectric Constant Foam And Steam Interference Resistant Rod Antenna Radar Level Gauge

The rod antenna radar level gauge, also a variant of the "cable" or "guided wave radar" (but note that the principles are different), has the most notable feature that it uses a metal rod as the antenna and/or wave propagation conductor.

• 1. Small diameter installation / narrow space

  Scenario: Small reaction vessels, metering tanks, bypass pipes, ship cabins, and other containers with very small installation openings.

  Advantage: A thin rod (such as Φ16mm, Φ24mm) can easily be inserted into a small diameter flange, while horn antennas require a larger installation space.

• 2. Anti-adhesion and self-cleaning

  Scenario: Media prone to crystallization, condensation, and high viscosity (such as asphalt, molten salt, syrup, polymers).

  Advantage: The smooth metal rod surface is less likely to accumulate material. Even if there is a small amount of adhesion, its impact on rod-type (especially guided wave) measurements is much smaller than that on horn antenna signals.

• 3. Measuring low dielectric constant media

  Scenario: Liquids with very low dielectric constants such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and certain solvents.

  Advantage (especially guided wave type): Electromagnetic waves propagate along the rod in a directional manner, with concentrated energy, effectively guiding weak liquid surface reflection signals back, making it the preferred solution for measuring low dielectric constant media.

• 4. Strong turbulence, foam, and steam

  Scenario: Boiling liquids, vigorously stirred reactors, and conditions with thick foam.

  Advantage (especially guided wave type): The rod directly passes through the foam and steam layers, guiding the wave directly to the true liquid surface, with minimal interference from the gas phase, ensuring very stable measurements.

• 5. Precise interface measurement

  Scenario: Oil-water interfaces, stratification measurement of two immiscible liquids.

  Advantage (guided wave type): Multiple echoes from different dielectric constant interfaces can be clearly detected, enabling reliable interface measurement.

When you encounter challenges such as small openings, easy adhesion, low dielectric constant, strong foam, or the need for interface measurement, it is the most worthy choice to consider. It sacrifices the convenience of complete non-contact, but in return, it offers unparalleled measurement reliability and stability under harsh conditions. Correctly understanding its principle and applicable boundaries is the key to successful application.