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 unique features that it is important to know to find the right level sensor. It must be able to integrate into a control system or at least give you access to current data and its history.
Today's IIoT radar sensors provide a solid list of benefits for isolated applications. They allow you to effectively access and monitor a level of filling wherever you are.
Different types of remote level monitoring
Isolated applications can use the same sensors as standard applications, but installing them can be more complex. You'll find wireless-level sensors on the Internet that use different operating principles and communication techniques like these:
- Ultrasound level sensor
- Float level contactor
- Capacitive level switch
- Radar level transmitter
Everyone has its pros and cons. We need to determine which one is best. However, radars operate on many applications and offer accurate and reliable measurements.
Difference between monitoring and control
In most monitoring solutions, the sensor measures process value and provides data to the supervisory or control system, which displays and stores that data. A monitoring application does not have a set or control point to operate a control loop.
On a control application, the system has set points that it compares to process values. It operates equipment (vannes, pumps and other equipment) to correct process values if necessary. A monitoring application therefore has a lower level of complexity 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 it has no on-site control. The challenges in finding the best solution are:
Value
Most users want a cheap solution because it's just surveillance. But very often, CBIs contain raw or consumable materials needed for production.
If the cheap device lacks precision this can be unfortunate. The new radar-level sensor brings great accuracy to surveillance applications at an affordable price.
Power supply
In applications where IBC tanks are often in motion, an battery-powered level sensor should ideally be installed. But that makes battery life a critical point.
Users probably won't want to change the battery every week. Also 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 improperly set and it was on a remote site? The ability to set up the device anywhere at any time is essential for optimal remote monitoring.
The new IIoT sensors allow for simple installation and monitoring of your field devices, no matter where they are installed. Thanks to NB-IoT, LTE-M or 2G connectivity, it is possible to access the devices and configure them remotely, a hell of an advantage!
Data recovery
Remote applications without a connection to the control system are usually stand-alone applications. In the cloud age, it's easier 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 exceptional digital services that work with the FWR30 Micropilot, an IIoT radar-level sensor. Netilion offers an excellent user interface and optimized navigation for desktops and mobile devices.
Why use IIoT radar level sensors?
On the market, there are a wide variety of operating principles and stand-alone devices. IIoT radars provide state-of-the-art technology for all kinds of applications, making them affordable and easy to implement. Added to this is their solid reliability and high accuracy. This is a fairly easy choice in most cases.
In combination with Netilion Value and Netilion Inventory services, the battery-powered wireless level sensor ensures reliable and remote level monitoring. This solution provides access to inventory information from anywhere, anytime.
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