Remote level monitoring presents many challenges, from installation to device configuration and more....
Finding the right sensor for a remote level monitoring application can be a tricky task. Each application has its own particularities, and it's important to be aware of these in order to find the right level sensor. It must be able to integrate with a control system, or at least give you access to current data and its history.
Today "s IIoT radar sensors bring a solid list of benefits for remote applications. They make it possible to efficiently access and monitor a fill level wherever you are.
Different types of remote level monitoring
Isolated applications can use the same sensors as standard applications, but their installation can be more complex. On the Internet, you'll find wireless level sensors using different operating principles and communication techniques, such as these:
- Ultrasonic level sensor
- Float level switch
- Capacitive level switch
- Radar level transmitter
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to decide which is best for you. However, radars work on many applications and offer accurate, reliable measurements.
The difference between monitoring and control
In most monitoring solutions, the sensor measures the process value and supplies the data to the supervision or control system, which displays and stores the data. A monitoring application has no setpoint or command to operate a control loop.
In a control application, the system has setpoints which it compares with process values. It activates equipment (valves, pumps and other equipment) to correct the process values if necessary. A monitoring application is therefore less complex than a control application.
What are the challenges of remote surveillance?
Let's take the example of an IBC level monitoring application, where containers move from point A to point B, and there is no on-site control. The challenges in finding the best solution are :
Value
Most users want a low-cost solution, because it's all about monitoring. But very often, IBCs contain raw materials or consumables required for production.
If an inexpensive device lacks precision, this can be a real problem. The new radar level sensor brings high accuracy to monitoring applications at an affordable price.
Power supply
In applications where IBC tanks are often on the move, a battery-powered level sensor is the ideal solution. But this makes battery life a critical issue.
Users are unlikely to want to change the battery every week. So finding a balance between battery life and data refresh is essential in this type of application, and the new IIoT radars on the market offer this advantage.
Remote communication
What would happen if one of the installed devices was incorrectly set up and located at a remote site? The ability to configure the device from anywhere at any time is essential for optimum remote monitoring.
The new Level IIoT sensors enable simple installation and monitoring of your field devices, wherever they are installed. Thanks to NB-IoT, LTE-M or 2G connectivity, devices can be accessed and configured remotely - quite an advantage!
Data recovery
Remote applications with no connection to the control system are generally stand-alone applications. In the age of the Cloud, it's simpler and more efficient to use a Cloud solution to access configurations and process values, and then integrate them into other solutions.
For example, Netilion Value and Netilion Inventory are outstanding digital services that work with the Micropilot FWR30, an IIoT radar level sensor. Netilion offers an excellent user interface and optimized navigation for desktop and mobile devices.
Why use IIoT radar level sensors?
A wide variety of operating principles and stand-alone devices are available on the market. IIoT radars bring cutting-edge technology to all kinds of applications, making them affordable and easy to implement. Add to this their solid reliability and high accuracy. It's a pretty easy choice in most cases.
In combination with the Netilion Value and Netilion Inventory services, the battery-powered wireless level sensor guarantees reliable, remote level monitoring. This solution provides access to inventory information from anywhere, at any time.
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