It has been 10 years since Magnetrol released the Eclipse Model 705, the first two-wire guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitter that measured liquid level, independent of liquid characteristics. A few of the reasons for its rapid acceptance in the conservative oil and gas industries include: no need for calibration; a broad application coverage; ease of configuration and commissioning; integration without piping changes; and enhanced reliability.
Its principle of operation is based on time-of-flight measurement of high-frequency pulses sent down a fixed transmission line reflecting off the liquid surface. The initial product involved one amplifier with two probe types (coaxial and twin rod). The product offering now includes one universal amplifier with a complete series of application-oriented GWR probes.
Through continuous innovation, the Eclipse Model 705 transmitter has always remained competitive. Some milestones in its history are:
1998: first loop-powered GWR radar on the market.
1999: first GWR probe suited for high-temperature, high-pressure applications.
2000: first overfill-safe GWR probe that measures up to the process connection.
2001: first self-redundant GWR combination with a magnetic level indicator (Aurora).
2002: first GWR probes suited for interface and saturated steam applications.
2003: successful participation on the broadest GWR testing so far, performed by the independent user group WIB/XERA and EI.
2007: first enlarged coaxial GWR probe suited for high-viscosity liquids with low dielectrics.
2008: first integrated flushing connection for in-process maintenance of coaxial GWR probes.
With an installed base of more than 50,000 units, mainly in the oil and gas industries, Eclipse runs the operational functions as well as the ESD functions of entire facilities.
Eclipse is also claimed to be one of the safest process level devices on the market, with a SFF fraction of >91 per cent, making it suitable for applications requiring SIL 2 hardware compliance (in accordance with IEC/EN 61511).
For the latest product and application information on Eclipse, go to www.eclipse.magnetrol.com.
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