Build a portable radar and hydrostatic level (pressure) demonstration/trainer for sales demos, process control learning, etc.

[Jeff_Blair]

Portable Radar and Hydrostatic Level (Pressure) Demonstration/Trainer

I ordered some parts off of buyautomation.com and amazon.com to build a portable tank that can be used to demonstrate liquid level with two technologies – radar and hydrostatic pressure.

Description	Quantity	Buy online link
Northern Brewer - Big Mouth Bubbler Wide Mouth PET Plastic Carboy Fermentor (6.5 Gallon Ported)	1	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011VDMYAI/
Banjo TF050 Polypropylene Bulkhead Tank Fitting, 1/2" NPT Female	1	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079JTU1K/
Banjo PLUG050 Polypropylene Pipe Fitting, Plug, Schedule 80, 1/2" NPT Male,Black	1	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079JXXV8/
Schneider Electric 80 GHz Radar (FMCW) Level Transmitter LR754FW000212410130GP0103	1	https://www.buyautomation.com/
Schneider Electric IGP10S Gauge Pressure Transmitter with Block and Bleed Valve IGP10S-T22D1ZZ-L1V3	1	https://www.buyautomation.com/

The reason for the 0-200 psig (0-5535 inH2O) gauge pressure transmitter is to demonstrate just how well the Schneider Electric S-Series deals with very low-pressure ranges.  Normal hydrostatic level application transmitters are spanned 0-200 inH2O (0-7.2 psig).  With just a yardstick inch of water over the process connection, the transmitter monitors pressure/level accurately.  This gives an opportunity to explain what’s going on inside the S-Series – its’ FoxCal™ technology automatically selects and works on the smallest calibration curve, which would be the 0-5 psig (0-138 inH2O).  That ability to work on that 0-5 psig curve rather than the 0-200 psig curve is unique and a great talking or training point.  Instrument instructors can use this opportunity to explain accuracy and why a standard 0-200 psig transmitter may not work in this situation.

Configuration of the IGP10 for liquid level is simple using this document: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=Technical+leaflet&p_File_Name=b0800ae.pdf&...

Gauge pressure transmitter primary variable (PV) is pressure/level in inH2O unit of measurement from the measurement point up.  The secondary variable (SV) reflects the actual pressure/level from the bottom of the tank.  For SV setup, I used the M1EOFF offset value (the transmitter is installed above the very bottom of the tank).  The display is configured to alternate between PV and SV, so we see the level above the transmitter and the level from the bottom of the tank.

The radar gives the overall level very easily.  I just followed the quick start instructions (https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=User+guide&p_File_Name=FD-QG-L-302-en_de_f...).  The display shows the overall level which corresponds directly with the SV of the gauge pressure transmitter.  There is one user part to fabricate not on the list and that is some type of “flange” that sits on the top of the bubbler to hold the radar.  It can be fabricated from a piece of wood, an old license plate, a lid from a plastic 5-gallon bucket, etc. I was fortunate to have a friend who supplied me with a clear plastic flange that the threaded fitting slides right into.  You can see it in the photo.

I’m open to questions for feedback.  The intent of this kit is that it’s a relatively portable way to get hands-on products and let customers, salespeople, students, etc. work with them in real-time.  I believe that catalog shopping and internet product ordering is nice, so is advertising…but it’s an entirely different level of education to get some hands-on time as part of the buying and/or training decisions.

P.S. I set this up in an office environment with PACTware and the DTMs (I can link them here if desired).  That's pretty easy.  I *did* reconfigure everything with the pushbuttons which I think reflects real-world scenarios for configuration...most tech aren't going to be in a comfy office with a laptop and HART modem.  The pushbuttons are easy to use, but unless you have the manual printed out, you are hunting and pecking a bit (unlike PACTware where everything is in front of you).  I have not tried it with a 475 or other HART Handheld, but I would like to and will let you know as soon as I can borrow one.

[VDecobecq]

Nice demo Jeff!