A Team of Experts
Achim Bletz:
 More than 20 years of experience in sensor development, out of which he spent more than
15 years with KROHNE
 Since 15 years he holds R&D and management positions for Pulse and FMCW
 level sensor development
 Projects: BM100 (first TDR level sensor on the market), BM102 (first 2-wire TDR sensor),
Optiflex, Optiwave, KFA1, KFA2 and KFA3
Ralf Quattländer:
 More than 10 years of experience in Product Management, R&D (mechanics, HMI design),
 Patents and marketing/sales for level sensor with Endress+Hauser and KROHNE
 Projects: Liquiphant FTL20, Optiwave, Optilevel, KFA1, KFA2, KFA3
 Outstanding experience with label agreements
Florian Stengele:
 More than 15 years of experience in Product Management and executive positions in
level measurement: Head of Marketing Level Measurement, Director of Level Switches
(responsible for the entire innovation process including R&D, marketing, quality, etc. for E+H
 Vice President at KROHNE, in charge of entire Level Measurement business, CEO of KROHNE SAS
(Level competence center in the KROHNE group, France)
 Projects: Micropilot, Liquiphant M/S/T, Optiwave, Optiflex, KFA1, KFA2, KFA3
Vibex Technology
Measurement Principle
Vibrating Fork Technology:
• Natural resonant frequency is the same as a tuning fork.
• Frequency depends on dimensions, shape and material
• The natural resonant frequency of Vibex™ is 1,200 Hz
• Frequency avoids interfaces with plant vibration, and optimizes
size of fork
Vibex Technology
Measurement Principle
F
U
 If the vibrating fork is covered by liquid, its natural resonant
frequency changes, which is detected by the sensor and
converted into a switching output signal. If the vibrating fork is not
covered by liquid any more, its natural resonant frequency
changes back and so does the state of the switching output.
U
Fork
uncovered
Fork covered
Fork corrosion
Error
Amplitude
F
Frequency
Vibex Unique Features

• Simple, compact design

• Extremely reliable

• Setup without adjustment or calibration

• Independent of liquid properties and installation conditions

• No moving parts, thus wear and maintenance free
Vibex Advantages

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Floats:
• No moving parts inside the tank, i.e. no maintenance required
• Independent of the density of the liquid, i.e. one sensor for all types of
liquids
• No problems with turbulence, aerated liquids/air bubbles, foaming,
coating liquids/build-up, slurries, solid particle content
Conductivity:
• Independent of the conductivity of the liquid, i.e. one sensor for all
types of liquids...works well in oil
Capacitance:
• Independent of the dielectric constant of the liquid, i.e. one sensor for
all types of liquids and no (re-)calibration necessary... works well in oil
Vibex LSV1
Technology
Vibrating Fork Technology
Application
Point Level Detection in Liquids in Non-Hazard Areas
Output
Switching Outputs: Transistor or Contact-less Electronic Switch
Process
Connection
3/4” or 1” (NPT or G)
Hysteresis
2mm
Temperature
F: -40˚ to + 212˚ or -40ºF –302º
C: -40˚ to +100˚ or -40˚ to +150˚
Pressure
-1...64 bar
Protection
NEMA 6, IP67 (with M12x1 plug)
Housing
316L
Surface Roughness Ra <3,2µm
Tracer Technology
Measurement Principle
 TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) Technology:
low-energy, high-frequency electromagnetic impulses,
generated by the sensor’s circuitry, are propagated along the
probe which is immerged in the liquid to be measured.
 When these impulses hit the surface of the liquid, part of the
impulse energy is reflected back up the probe to the circuitry
which then calculates the fluid level from the time difference
between the impulses sent and the impulses reflected.
 The sensor can output the analyzed level as a continuous
measurement reading through its analog output, or it can
convert the values into freely positionable switching output
signals.
 TDR-Sensors are also known as Guided Radars or Guided
Wave Radars.
Tracer Technology
Measurement Principle
Tracer Technology
Level Technology: Comparison Points

TDR vs. Through the Air Radar & Ultrasonic:

• No influence of the tank geometry or obstacles in the tank, i.e.
great flexibility for mounting the sensor and robust/reliable
measurement under all conditions

•
Very small inactive zones (area at top or bottom of the
measurement range where sensors usually do not measure
correctly), i.e. very suitable for small tanks

• Immune against changes in the tank atmosphere such as pressure,
temperature or dust, i.e. robust and reliable measurement under all
conditions
Level Technology: Comparison Points
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TDR vs. Float & Magneto-restrictive:
• No moving parts inside the tank, i.e. no maintenance required
• Independent of the density of the liquid, i.e. one sensor for all types
of liquids
• No problems with turbulence, aerated liquids/air bubbles, foaming
TDR vs. Pressure:
• Independent of the density of the liquid, i.e. one sensor for all types
of liquids
TDR vs. Capacitance:
• Independent of the dielectric constant of the liquid, i.e. no (re)calibration necessary by the customer...works well in oil
TDR Products: Tracer 1000™ & Tracer 2000™
Tracer 1000™
Tracer 2000™
Tracer 1000™
Technology
TDR (also Known as Guided Wave Radar)
Applications
Level Measurement of Liquids and Light Solids
Lengths of Probe
Single Rod: 1.5” – 240”
Coaxial Probe: 1.5” – 240”
Cable Proble : 1.5” – 780”
316 SS Rod: 1.4404 / 316L and PEEK
Material Exposed to Cable Probe: 1.4401 / 316 and PEEK
Tank Atmosphere
Coaxial: 1.4401 / 316L, PEEK & O-ring
Gasket at connection thread: Klingersil C-4400, 0.2cm thick
Process
Temperature
-40ºF – 302ºF
Accuracy
± .012”
Process
Connection
¾” NPT
Electronic Input
4-wire
Output
4-20mA HART and switch output DC PNP
Housing
Aluminum
Protection
IP68, NEMA6P
Approvals
II 1/2G Ex ia/d IIC T6
II 1/2D Ex iaD/tD A20/21 IP68 T86ºC
Communication
HART
Patents
Registered
Tracer 2000™
Technology
TDR (also Known as Guided Wave Radar)
Applications
Level Measurement of Solids
Lengths of Probe
Single Rod: 1.5” – 240”
Cable Proble : 1.5” – 780”
Material Exposed to
1.4404/316L and Peek
Tank Atmosphere
Process
Temperature
-40ºF – 302ºF
Accuracy
± .012”
Process
Connection
1” NPT
Electronic Input
4-wire
Output
4-20mA HART and switch output DC PNP
Housing
Aluminum
Protection
IP68, NEMA6P
Approvals
II 1/2G Ex ia/d IIC T6
II 1/2D Ex iaD/tD A20/21 IP68 T86ºC
Communication
HART
Patents
Registered
Tracer System Components
Tracer 1000™
Tracer 2000™
1100lb Pulling Force
Feedthrough
2200lb Pulling Force
Feedthrough
Cartridge
Rod
Coax
Cable
Rod
Cable
Probe Comparison: Tracer 1000™ & Tracer 2000™
Max. rod
length
Rod diameter
Max. rope
length
Rope
diameter
Max. load
Temperature
Pressure
Tracer
1000™
20ft
.25“
65.6ft
.25“
1100lb
-40ºF to 302ºF
-14.5 to 580
psi
Tracer
2000™
20ft
.25“
65.6ft
.25“
2200lb
-40ºF to 302ºF
-14.5 to 580
psi
Tracer 1000™
Tracer 2000™
Design of Feedthroughs
Tracer 1000™
Tracer 2000™
Applications
Tracer 1000™ Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the process characteristics?
- Liquid or Solid
• What output do you need?
- Limit switch or continuous
• What connections are available?
- Flange, nozzle, connections, etc...
• What medium is inside the tank?
• What is the tank material?
• What are the process conditions?
- Pressure and temperature
- Corrosiveness, dielectric constant
- Turbulences
- Foam
Tracer 1000™ Applications
• Small Atmospheric Tanks and Vacuum Tanks
• Sticky Fluids with Extreme Colds and Hot Atmosphere
• Process Reactors and Blending Vessels
• Stilling Wells
• Difficult Tank Geometries
• All Types of Processing and Storage Applications
• Exceptional Performance in Liquids with Low Dielectric
Constant
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 1000™ Applications
Tracer 2000™ Applications
• Solid Applications (i.e. grains, sugar, plastic pellets, fly ash,
lime, cement, coal bunkers)
• Mount in Any Tank Height
• Difficult Tank Geometries
• Difficult Ambient Conditions (i.e. dust, vapor, vacuum, steam-
condensing humidity)
Radar Technology Advantages
There are many choices for level and none work on every application...
But there are many applications where Guided Wave Radar (TDR) is the best fit!
Advantages:
• Measures level directly
• No moving parts
• Handles changing density / dielectrics / conductivity
• Handles heavy vapors and condensation
• Best fit for small tanks, difficult tank geometry
• Small connection sizes (3/4”), and threaded nozzles
• Easy swap - displacer & capacitance replacer
• Handles foams differently than non-contacting principles
• Works in turbulence/ low dielectric applications
• Can measure solids, powders, granules
Tracer 1000™ Main Features

All Liquid Applications requiring excellent accuracy, durability and fast response times (70 times
faster than the competition)

Eliminates sticking problems which affects floats, capacitance rods and pressure sensors.

Low Cost (price points lower than ultrasonics)
Tracer 2000™ Main Features

• Strong rugged design can withstand over 2200 ft lb. of pulling force

• Reliable signal response with uneven surface conditions (i.e. rocks, gravel, sand)
• Low cost (priced lower than through the air radar or plumb bobs)
Tracer 2000™ Advantages
• Main Advantages of the TDR technology in solid applications:
• Independent from moisture content or dust properties
• No moving parts maintenance-free
• Independent from filling noise or dust even during pneumatic filling
• Independent from surface properties
• Main Advantages for TDR against ultrasonic and free space
radar in solid applications:
• No mirror effect at fine-grained bulk solids
• Perfect for smooth inclined surface
• Very small required space for the measuring beam (only 11.8”
around the probe)
• Perfect for narrow silo with fixtures and fittings
Sustainable Competitive Advantage
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Fast delivery time due to local assembly: we can deliver
within 24 hours.
More attractive price: We offer the Tracer 1000™ and Tracer
2000™ at least 30% cheaper than other comparable radar
products.
Technique
and
Installation
Sensor Components

Tracer 1000 & 2000 consist of three major components:
1. Housing
2. Feedthrough
3. Probe
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Parts exposed to tank:
- Probe and the part of the feedthrough below the hexagon
Housing
- Contains the sensor’s electronics and input/output
terminals
Feedthrough
- Mounted into the bottom of the housing and serves two
main purposes: its outer threaded metal bushing securely
connects the sensor to the tank and its inner components
guide the high-frequency measurement signal from the
electronics through the tank wall into the tank and back.
Probe
- Mounted onto the bottom of the feedthrough; the highfrequency measurement signal is propagated along the probe.
Probe Design

• To meet various application
requirements, Tracer 1000 has three
different probe types: a single rod
probe, a cable probe and a coaxial
probe

• The probe design of Tracer 1000 &
Tracer 2000 is fully modular, i.e. the
probe types are interchangeable

• The single rod probe actually forms
the inner conductor of the coaxial
probe
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• A standard ⅜" tube is mounted over
the single rod probe and tightened
with a very simple, yet safe,
ferrule/locknut-style connection;
similar to the ones widely used in
standard tube fittings
Cable Probe
 Single Rod / Cable Probe

• Suitable for a very wide range of applications

• The signal has a wider detection radius around the
cable

• Thus, it is more responsive for measurement signal
disturbances which can be easily overcome by
observing a few mounting considerations and making
simple configuration adjustments to the sensor

• The single rod probe is also recommended for
installation in bypass chambers and stilling wells, which
basically act together with the rod as a big coaxial
probe.
Coaxial Probe

In the coaxial probe, the high-frequency measurement signal is
completely contained within the outer tube.

• Immune against any external conditions and interfering
objects outside its tube

• Ideal solution for a hassle-free ‘drop-in anywhere’ installation;
ensuring reliable measurement under almost any application
condition.

• Ideal choice for measuring low reflectivity liquids (i.e. low
dielectric constant) such as oils and hydrocarbons.

• Recommended for the use with clean liquids only

• NOT recommended with viscous, crystallizing, adhesive,
coating, or sticky liquids; fibrous liquids, sludge, slurry, pulp; any
liquids containing solid particles. Such liquids might cause buildup, bridging or clogging inside the coaxial probe.
Configuration
• Basic configuration of the Tracer can be done
directly on the device via a DIP switch, a single push
button and visual feedback from an LED
• All settings required to get Tracer 1000/2000 fully
operational can be performed directly on the device
• Or Tracer 1000/2000 can be ordered completely
pre-configured
• For greater convenience, remote configuration,
and extensive diagnostics a simple Microsoft®
EXCEL spread sheet is provided through which the
configuration can be done
• A standard HART modem is required for
communication between computer and sensor
• Communication happens via a digital HART signal
that is superimposed onto the analog 4-20mA signal
of the current output
TDR
Q&A