Magnetrol Pulsar R96 6 GHz Radar Level Transmitter
Overview
The Magnetrol Pulsar R96 is the 6 GHz non-contact radar level transmitter in Magnetrol’s Pulsar range, and the first choice in the family when foam, steam, condensation or heavy vapors would degrade a higher-frequency instrument. It is a two-wire, 24 VDC loop-powered unit that reports level or volume, uses a flanged horn antenna and is built for the toughest liquid and slurry vessels. Magnetrol presents it as the complement to the Eclipse 706 guided wave radar, so that together the two cover most process level problems.
Seven Star LLC supplies the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 to the oil, gas, petrochemical, power and water sectors in the Sultanate of Oman and across the GCC. We help buyers confirm antenna size against the nozzle, check range against dielectric and turbulence, and arrange the output and approvals so that the transmitter can be installed without surprises.
Operating Principle
The Magnetrol Pulsar R96 emits short bursts of 6 GHz microwave energy toward the liquid, then measures the transit time of the reflection with equivalent time sampling circuitry. Distance is calculated from the speed of light, and the level is the configured tank height minus that distance. The electronics extract the true surface echo from false reflections and noise using sophisticated signal processing, and the energy-efficient circuit means no duty cycling is needed.
A 6 GHz signal has a long wavelength, so it passes through foam, vapor layers and light condensation more readily than a 26 GHz or 80 GHz signal. This is why the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 holds its measurement in agitated, boiling or foaming liquids. The emitted power is extremely low, below 0.01 mW on average and below 2 mW at peak, which Magnetrol notes is hundreds of times less than a cell phone, so the instrument is acceptable for use in many safety-conscious plants.
Engineering Design of the Magnetrol Pulsar R96
The Magnetrol Pulsar R96 consists of a head with a die-cast aluminium housing rated IP67 (stainless steel optional) and a flanged horn antenna with a quick connect/disconnect coupling, so that the electronics can be removed while the vessel stays sealed. The overall dimensions of the transmitter are 212 mm high, 102 mm wide and 192 mm deep, and the cable entry is 1/2 inch NPT or M20.
Two horn sizes are offered, 4 inch and 6 inch, in 316 stainless steel with Hastelloy C and Monel options and Viton O-rings. The 6 inch horn is recommended when the nozzle allows, and the chart in the datasheet gives a maximum measuring range of 131 feet (40 m) with a dielectric of 10 to 100 in calm conditions. A four-button keypad and graphic LCD show configuration and the echo curve, and echo rejection setup is simple and intuitive. Stillwell installation is possible in metal pipes of 4 to 8 inches.
Key Features
The Magnetrol Pulsar R96 is aimed at difficult measurements where simplicity matters. Key features of the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 include:
- 6 GHz pulse burst radar with measuring range of 0.5 to 130 feet (0.2 to 40 metres).
- Performance that does not depend on changing specific gravity or dielectric, even in turbulence, foam and heavy vapors.
- Antenna designs to +200 °C and 46.5 bar, with quick connect/disconnect antenna coupling.
- Very low emitted power of less than 0.01 mW average and less than 2 mW maximum.
- Accuracy of plus or minus 8 mm or 0.1 percent of tank height, whichever is greater.
- HART 7 or Foundation Fieldbus output with NAMUR NE 43 alarm levels and NE 107 diagnostic indication.
- SIL 2 loop suitability with a safe failure fraction of 92.7 percent on HART and a full FMEDA report.
- PACTware and enhanced DTMs for advanced configuration and troubleshooting.
Industrial Applications
Typical vessels for the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 include crude oil and product storage tanks, atmospheric and pressurised process vessels, wastewater digesters and clarifiers, sumps and glass-lined reactors. In Oman, humid coastal sites and hot process units generate vapor and condensation that can blind a higher-frequency radar, so a 6 GHz unit is a practical way to stay in service. Where a vessel has a narrow nozzle or a probe-style installation is preferred, the Magnetrol Eclipse 706 guided wave radar is the alternative recommended by the manufacturer for low dielectric media and interface measurements.
Seven Star LLC supplies the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 on request, with engineering support in Muscat, for refineries, power stations and water utilities in the Sohar and Salalah economic zones. Project teams that wish to benchmark the instrument can request quotations for the KROHNE OPTIWAVE 7500 or the ABB LST200 ultrasonic transmitter to compare technology and price in one submission.
Technical Specifications
The table lists the key specification of the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 from the Magnetrol datasheet. See the temperature and pressure chart for the intermediate operating conditions.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Magnetrol Pulsar R96 6 GHz pulse burst radar level transmitter |
| Measurement span | 0.5 to 130 ft (0.2 to 40 m) |
| Output | 4-20 mA with HART 7; Foundation Fieldbus H1 |
| Power | 24 VDC loop-powered, 591 ohm loop resistance at 22 mA |
| Accuracy | ±8 mm or 0.1% of tank height, whichever is greater |
| Repeatability | ±5 mm or 0.05% of tank height |
| Response time | Less than 2 seconds |
| Antenna | 4 inch or 6 inch horn, 316 SS (Hastelloy C, Monel optional) |
| Process limits | +200 °C at 3.5 bar; -1.0 to 46.5 bar at +20 °C |
| Ambient temperature | -40 to +80 °C; LCD viewable -20 to +70 °C |
| Housing | IP67 die-cast aluminium or stainless steel |
| Functional safety | SIL 2 (1oo1) per IEC 61508, SFF 92.7% (HART) |
Request a Quote for Magnetrol Pulsar R96
To request a quotation for the Magnetrol Pulsar R96, send Seven Star LLC the vessel and nozzle details, medium, dielectric, process temperature and pressure, output type and approval requirement. Our instrumentation division in Muscat will confirm the antenna and flange, and attach the Magnetrol datasheet to the offer. Seven Star LLC supplies Magnetrol equipment with manufacturer documentation and local engineering support across Oman and the GCC, so send your RFQ for the Magnetrol Pulsar R96 today.
- Datasheet Magnetrol Pulsar R96 Pulse Burst Radar Level Transmitter Datasheet Download
Magnetrol product families on this page
Four measuring principles are represented. Eclipse 706 is the guided wave radar transmitter, which measures level along a probe and can also detect an interface between two liquids. Pulsar is the non-contact radar line, listed in three frequencies: the R96 at 6 GHz, the R86 at 26 GHz and the R80, an 80 GHz FMCW transmitter. Echotel 961/962 are ultrasonic level switches with a single or dual switching point. Thermatel TD1/TD2 are thermal dispersion switches for flow or level. The E4 Modulevel is a displacer level transmitter for external cages and tank-top mounting.Where Magnetrol instruments are used
Separators, knock-out drums and storage tanks in oil and gas; boiler drums, feedwater heaters and condensers in power plants; chemical reactors and sumps. Guided wave radar is a common choice in chambers and bridles, while non-contact radar suits storage tanks and vessels with agitators. Thermal dispersion switches are widely used for pump protection and flow or no-flow detection in GCC plants.Ordering Magnetrol instruments: what we need
Send the full model number from the nameplate. On an Eclipse the transmitter head and the probe each have their own model number and both are required, along with the probe length. For a new point we need the process fluid and its dielectric constant if known, operating pressure and temperature, measuring span, vessel or chamber connection, output and protocol, and the area approval. For switches add the set point location and the contact rating.Browse Magnetrol products by category: Level Transmitter.
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