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The MCG 1600SFI Radar Gauge
The MCG 1600SFI Radar Level Gauge is an accurate,
repeatable and reliable measurement device used to provide a non-intrusive and
non-contact method of measuring liquid product levels. The gauge uses a
frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) measurement technology and operates
on as little as 24 Vdc. It is a 4-wire digital signal transmitter capable of
multiple communication protocols, making it ideal for any installation.
Radar Technology
Radar (Radio detecting and ranging) level gauging
technology uses a transmitter and receiver sending a radio frequency in the
GigaHertz (GHz) range to detect a liquid surface. The time needed for a radar
signal to leave the transmitter, reflect off of the surface and reach the
receiver is proportional to the distance to the surface.
Common frequencies for radar level measurement are 6.3GHz, 10 GHz, 24.6 GHz and the
range between 9 and 11 Hz. Higher frequencies are susceptible to
interference from vapors, foams and other airborne particles but allow a higher
resolution of measurement and hold a tighter beam to restrict the amount of
error caused by indirect elections. Lower frequencies have a wider beam angle
and greater error from other objects but are less, susceptible to interference
from vapors
The MCG 1600SFI Advantage
| Features of the MCG 1600SFI |
Benefits to the Customer |
Compact Size.
Standard flange connections.
Light Weight.
Explosion Proof Housing.
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Makes the unit easier to handle and less costly to install.
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| SFI Technology |
Remote configuration of settings from a central or remote location.
"On the fly" download of new programs into the on-board flash memory.
Programming via infrared wireless.
Local LCD to view all parameters.
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No mechanical parts.
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Less spare parts to stock.
Easier to maintain and service.
Less chance of electronics failure.
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Multi-function processor incorporates all of the following features on one board:
Level, temperature, analog output, analog input, relay
outputs, discrete inputs, remote display.
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Eliminates obsolete method of separate level,
temperature, analog out and relay boards that need to be installed/removed for
each option.
The most self-contained unit available.
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Simple plug-in modules with the ability to emulate different highways and protocols.
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The MCG Series of Level Gauges are capable of
interfacing with "other" equipment without compromising any capabilities.
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Electronics unit totally sealed.
Corrosion protection.
Lightning and Surge protection.
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Prevents damage due to contamination or lightning strikes.
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The MCG 1600SFI uses microwave frequencies of 9.6 to 10.4GHz for
both high accuracy and low interference (the best of both worlds).
The L&J MCG 1600SFI Basics
The MCG 1600SFI Radar Level Gauge uses non-contact
radio signal frequency (RF) methods and absolutely no moving parts to
measure precise product levels in tanks. It utilizes the principles of
frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The transceiver
transmits a microwave signal which is frequency modulated (the frequency
continuously changes) at a low rate.
The signal travels to and from the liquid. When the signal
returns, the difference between the continuously changing transmitted
signal and the received reflected signal, Generates a low frequency
difference signal. The frequency of this signal is directly
proportional to the distance to the product/air interface. L&J provides an
application program capable of representing this differences signal in
graphical form. The same program is also used to perform calibration and setup
of the gauge. See the figure below.
The signal is digitized by the DSP board. Advanced Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) techniques are employed to ensure reliable, accurate
level measurements even when spurious radar echoes or external interference is
present. The DSP algorithms and unique self-calibrating hardware eliminate the
need for temperature stabilization or reference lines.
The result is then sent to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) board for
translation into a tank level. The CPU board also provides all other functions
normally found in the L&J Engineering gauging families.
Ground Level Display
The MCG 1600SFI Series Radar Gauges come complete with the capabilities to add
an optional ground level display. An explosion-proof, LCD readout enclosure is
located at eye level at the bottom of the tank. The GLD provides all of the
desired information via a 4-line data display. In addition, all of the
programming and calibration functions for the gauge can now be done at the GLD
via the wireless infrared remote control. It is no longer necessary to climb to
the top of the tank to access the desired information or perform any of the
programming functions.
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