Keywords: Automation, Field Device, Global Market Research Study, Guided Wave Radar (GWR), Inventory Tank Gauging (ITG) Level, Market Shares, Smart Sensor, Safety Integrity Level (SIL), Radar Level Devices
Due to the advanced detection capabilities of radar level devices, manufacturers and other industrial organ1zations now have a cost-effective solution for measuring a variety of different materials under widely varying operating conditions.
According to a new ARC Advisory Group research study, the need to reduce inventory levels and improve production planning drive users toward continuous level measurement solutions rather than just point detection of high or low levels. Moreover, as prices of radar level devices continue to decline, ARC expects radar-based solutions to capture market share from more traditional level measurement technologies.
The intelligence of radar devices has also increased dramatically to provide better signal sensitivity and self-diagnostic capabilities. For solids level measurements and other challenging level measurement applications, ARC sees increased demand for high-frequency guided wave radar (GWR). “GWR addresses issues such as false echo, measuring level accurately in highly agitated liquids, and comparatively precise measurements in bulk solids, which all are driving higher adoption. ARC expects guided wave devices to grow at a higher rate than microwave devices,” according to Analyst Amruta Kanagali, the co-author of ARC’s “Radar Level Devices Global Market Research Study”.
Growing Importance of Safety
The need to improve personnel safety in plant operations and comply with tough safety regulations drives increased investments in safety systems and related field devices. This opens opportunities for suppliers that offer devices approved for safety instrumented systems with SIL1, SIL2, and SIL3 ratings. Moreover, companies in oil & gas, refining, petrochemical, chemical, and power industries are seeking ways to ensure overall safety such as monitoring for possible tank spillage, which could lead to costly equipment damage and/or environmental hazards and associated fines.
Intelligent Field Devices Currently Underutilized
Although many, many thousands intelligent field devices have been installed, they are often underutilized, with users only accessing onboard intelligence locally via a handheld communicator when a device is commissioned. However, by integrating HART, FOUNDATION fieldbus, Profibus, or other intelligent field devices with DCS and plant asset management (PAM) systems, end users could obtain critical real-time device diagnostics and other asset management information remotely from a workstation, without having to travel out to the device. ARC research indicates that this can help improve both safety and asset availability, particularly for critical devices such as level sensors.
For more information on this study, please visit our Market Research section.