The LB 440 system uses non-contact gamma radiation to continuously measure liquid levels in vessels. It consists of a radiation source, detector, and evaluation unit. The source and detector can be configured as either rod or point shapes depending on the vessel geometry. The evaluation unit processes signals from the detector and outputs the level measurement. The system is unaffected by process conditions and requires little maintenance.
The LB 440 system uses non-contact gamma radiation to continuously measure liquid levels in vessels. It consists of a radiation source, detector, and evaluation unit. The source and detector can be configured as either rod or point shapes depending on the vessel geometry. The evaluation unit processes signals from the detector and outputs the level measurement. The system is unaffected by process conditions and requires little maintenance.
The LB 440 system uses non-contact gamma radiation to continuously measure liquid levels in vessels. It consists of a radiation source, detector, and evaluation unit. The source and detector can be configured as either rod or point shapes depending on the vessel geometry. The evaluation unit processes signals from the detector and outputs the level measurement. The system is unaffected by process conditions and requires little maintenance.
The LB 440 system uses non-contact gamma radiation to continuously measure liquid levels in vessels. It consists of a radiation source, detector, and evaluation unit. The source and detector can be configured as either rod or point shapes depending on the vessel geometry. The evaluation unit processes signals from the detector and outputs the level measurement. The system is unaffected by process conditions and requires little maintenance.
The measuring system LB 440 is used for the contactless, continuous measurement of liquids and bulk materials in reactors, vessels and bunkers. The measurement is not
1 2
Point Detector
Rod Source with Shielding
affected by the chemical and physical
properties of the product being measured. The level measurement is adapted to the specific geometry of the vessel.
1 2
Rod Detector
Max
Point Source with Shielding
Max
Min Min
3 0/4 ... 20 mA
0/4 ... 20 mA
Alarm
Alarm
4 Evaluation Unit LB 440
Figure 1
4 Evaluation Unit LB 440
Figure 2
Measuring Arrangement Figures 1 and 2 show schematic layouts of typical mea-
applications a rod source and rod detector (Fig. 5) can
suring arrangements. It is comprised of the source 1
be used. Which of these options is selected is dependent
mounted on the outside of the container, a detector
upon the measuring geometry, the measuring task,
2 and the connection cable 3 from the detector
ambient factors or even considerations of space and
to the evaluation unit LB 440 4 . Source and detector
money. For larger measurement ranges several rod
form a radiation field corresponding to the size of the
detectors can be used together in a line. Signals from
measuring range. This can be achieved by using a rod-
individual detectors are transmitted via slave units to a
shaped source and a point detector (Fig. 3) or a point-
master evaluation unit for indication of product level.
shaped source and a rod detector (Fig. 4), for special
General Arrangements
Rod Source
Detector
Detector
Rod Source
Figure 3: Rod Source
Point Source
Rod Detector
Point Source
Rod Detector
Figure 4: Rod Detector
Rod Source
Rod Detector
Rod Detector
Rod Source
Figure 5: Rod Source with Rod Detector
Evaluation Unit LB 440
The evaluation unit incorporates state of the art 4-line, illuminated LCD display
microprocessor technique with 32-bit processor for
high computing performance and high accuracy together with most simple operation. The software is
Softkeys for menu-guided operation
tailored to the measuring principle. More than 40 years
of experience in the field of radiometric measurement technique are consequently utilized.
Interface RS 232
In addition, the evaluation unit features:
Compact design in 19-module (3HE; 21 TE) for installation in a wall housing or 19racks. Illuminated 4-line LCD-display. Operation via 6 membrane keys. Convenient multilingual and user-guided dialog via softkeys.
point sources, the shielding is installed vertically on a
Continuous self-monitoring of the electronics.
bracket. The radiation channel is specially designed for
Data protection without battery backup by
this measuring arrangement. This ensures a simple and
saving all calibration data to a FLASH-Memory.
excessive radiation levels. For rod sources as well as for
non-critical installation.
Source with Shielding
Detectors
All radioactive sources used for industrial applications
Typically, scintillation counters are used as radiation
are encapsulated in stainless steel, so that radioactive
detectors for continuous level measurements. These
substance is kept separate and isolated from the
detectors consist of a NaI crystal; the scintillator of rod
material beeing measured. Depending on the measu-
detectors are made of plastic. Flashes of light are
ring task, one can either work with 60Co or 137Cs
created in the detector by the radiation. The number
sources. The radioactive material of the 60Co rod source
of flashes is proportional to the intensity of the
is a metal wire wound around a mandrel of the required
radiation field. The crystal is optically coupled to a
length. By winding at a variable pitch, any linearization
photomultiplier which, together with the electronics,
can be achieved, even for complicated measuring
converts the flashes of light into electrical pulses.
geometries. Depending on the measuring task, either
The special benefits of scintillation counters are their
60
Co or 137Cs are selected as point sources. The sources
high sensitivity to Gamma radiation, low source
are built into sturdy shieldings which include a lockable
activity and unlimited useful life. The signals are
radiation exit slit that is directed toward the detector.
transfered to the evaluation unit via two-wire technique
The shielding is adapted to the required activity so
with FSK-modulation to ensure a high level of
that operating personnel are never exposed to any
interference immunity.
Contactless Measurement Principles of Measurement
Project Engineering
The Level Gauge LB 440 operates according to radio-
When designing the level gauging system, the special
metric principle, utilizing the physical law that gamma
features of the production process and possible
radiation is attenuated as it passes through matter.
contingent conditions should be taken into account,
Since the source type and the absorption path are
in addition to the actual measuring task.
constant in this case, the measurement is affected only
Relevant data along with dimensional drawings should
by the presence of the medium. All other physical
therefore be provided.
properties such as pressure, temperature, viscosity and
colour have no influence. Since the absorption law follows an exponential curve, the measuring effect with normal container dimensions becomes practically independent of any density changes in the medium being measured.
As a consequence, the radiometric measuring method
features a very high level of operational safety and requires practically no maintenance, even under difficult operating and ambient conditions. The use of scintillation counters as radiation detectors and careful project engineering ensure that the lowest possible source activities and the best shieldings will be used. The radiation exposure of the operating staff will clearly stay below the extremely low values permitted by law, which are about as high as the natural environmental radiation. The use of radiometric measuring
Engineering Data
Type and dimensions of the vessel
Wall thickness and wall material
Thickness and density of any
insulation
Size and position of the required
measuring range
Density and any special properties of
the medium in vessel
Gas density under operating conditions in high pressure systems
Maximum speed of level variations
Ambient temperature at the
detector
Agitators or other internals, if any
systems has to comply with the applicable radiation
protection regulations.
Other Applications from Berthold
Bulk Flow
Density
Moisture
Technical Data LB 440
Evaluation Unit LB 440 Design
19" module 3 HE, 21 TE
Probes Housing
Nema 4X and IP 65
protection class IP 20
Stainless Steel
Weight
approx. 2 kg
Cable entrance
M16
M12
Power supply
115/230 V AC +/ 10 %
Cable diameter
5 ... 10 mm
4 ... 7 mm
18 -32 V DC, 24 V AC
Connection cable
LiYCY 2 x 1 mm2
Power consumption
approx. 30 VA (AC) 30 W (DC)
Max. cable length
with Berthold cable #32024
Operating temp.
0 ... +50 C (273 bis 323 K)
EEx ib IIB
EEx ib IIC
no condensation
1000 m
250 m
Storage temp Arrangements
-40 ... +70 C (233 bis 343 K)
Explosion Proof
no condensation
ATEX
II 2G EEx de IIC T6
in a 19" rack (max 4 Units)
Dust (on request)
II 2 D IP65 T 80 C
wall mounted cabinet
FM (option)
in a panel
Detector connection
[EEx ib] IIB
Current output
4-20 mA, isolated
II 2G EEx ib d IIC T6 Class I Division 1 Group A, B, C, D Class II Division 1 Group E, F, G
[EEx ib] IIC (Option)
Temp. Class T6 (85 C)
Point Probes
NaI (TI) Scintillation counters
with automatic drift compensation
impedance max. 500 Ohm
Digital inputs
external start/stop
Temp. stability
+/ 0,1 % (at 20 ... +50 C)
Digital output
1 relay for failure message, SPST
Operating temp.
40 ... +60 C (233 ... 333 K)
2 relays for threshold, SPST
Storage temp.
40 ... +70 C (233 ... 343 K)
max load: (non inductive)
Water cooling
option
AC: max. 250 V, max. 1 A, max. 200 VA
Crystall size
DC: max. 300 V, max. 1 A, max. 60 W
Dose rate
Weight (kg)
(Sv/h) for 300 cps
RS 232 on front site / RS 485 rear
Multi lingual operation English, German, French
LB 4401-01
25/25
2,7
LB 4401-02
40/35
1,1
50/50
0,5
18
LB 4401-03 Berthold Technologies reserves the right to implement technical improvements and/or design changes without prior notice.
