MAGNETROL Pulsar® R86 Pulse Radar Level Transmitter
| Brand | MAGNETROL |
|---|---|
| Model | Pulsar® R86 |
| Measurement Principle | Time-of-Flight Pulse Radar |
| Operating Frequency | 26 GHz |
| Beam Angle | ≤8° |
| Process Pressure Range | Full Vacuum to 16 MPa (2320 psi) |
| Process Temperature Range | –70°C to +400°C (–100°F to +752°F) |
| Output Signal | 4–20 mA HART® or Foundation Fieldbus™ |
| Display Option | Integrated LCD with Echo Curve Visualization |
| Antenna Options | Stainless Steel, Coated (e.g., PTFE, FEP), All-Plastic, Extended Neck Configurations |
| Enclosure Rating | IP66/IP67, NEMA 4X |
| Certifications | ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, SIL2 (per IEC 61508), FDA-compliant materials available |
| Diagnostic Capability | Advanced echo analysis, false echo suppression, signal strength monitoring, health status alerts |
| Mounting | Threaded (NPT, G, BSPP), Flanged (ANSI, DIN, JIS), Quick-Disconnect Antenna Interface |
Overview
The MAGNETROL Pulsar® R86 is a loop-powered, 26 GHz pulse radar level transmitter engineered for high-accuracy, non-contact continuous level measurement in demanding industrial process environments. Utilizing time-of-flight (ToF) pulse radar technology, the R86 emits short-duration microwave pulses toward the surface of a liquid or slurry and precisely measures the elapsed time between transmission and reception of the reflected signal. This principle enables stable, repeatable measurements independent of changes in medium density, conductivity, dielectric constant (εr ≥ 1.4), vapor space composition, or ambient pressure—making it especially suitable for applications where traditional contact-based or guided wave radar (GWR) solutions face limitations.
Designed for integration into critical process control loops, the R86 operates on standard 4–20 mA analog output with optional HART® or Foundation Fieldbus™ digital communication. Its robust mechanical architecture supports operation under extreme process conditions—including full vacuum up to 16 MPa pressure and temperatures ranging from –70°C to +400°C—ensuring reliability in hydrocarbon storage, high-pressure polymerization reactors, steam-heated tanks, and caustic chemical processing vessels.
Key Features
- 26 GHz high-frequency pulse radar platform delivering narrow beam angle (≤8°) and superior spatial resolution—minimizing interference from tank internals, weld seams, agitators, or nozzles.
- Field-proven quick-disconnect antenna interface: allows removal of the electronics module without breaking vessel integrity; maintains process seal during maintenance or calibration.
- Wide operating envelope: rated for full vacuum to 16 MPa (2320 psi) and –70°C to +400°C, validated per ASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1 and PED 2014/68/EU.
- Configurable antenna systems—including stainless steel, corrosion-resistant coated (PTFE/FEP), all-plastic, and extended-neck variants—to accommodate aggressive media, high-temperature vapors, or constrained mounting geometries.
- Embedded echo curve visualization via integrated graphical LCD display, enabling real-time assessment of signal quality, false echo identification, and dynamic range optimization.
- Advanced diagnostics suite compliant with NAMUR NE107: provides status classification (Maintenance Required, Failure, Out of Specification), trend logging, and predictive health indicators aligned with ISA-18.2 alarm management standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Pulsar® R86 is validated for continuous level measurement across a broad spectrum of process media—including hydrocarbons (crude oil, diesel, LNG), aqueous solutions (acids, alkalis, wastewater), slurries, and viscous liquids. It performs reliably in low-dielectric applications (εr ≥ 1.4) without requiring stilling wells or waveguides. All wetted materials conform to FDA 21 CFR §177.2600 for food-grade service upon request, and optional PTFE/FEP antenna coatings meet ASTM D1747 and ISO 2812-2 for chemical resistance verification.
Certifications include ATEX II 1G Ex ia IIC T6 Ga, IECEx ia IIC T6 Ga, FM Class I Div 1 Groups B, C, D, CSA Class I Div 1 Groups B, C, D, and SIL2 functional safety certification per IEC 61508:2010 (hardware fault tolerance = 1, safe failure fraction ≥ 90%). Device firmware supports audit-trail-enabled configuration changes per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with compatible host systems.
Software & Data Management
Configuration and commissioning are supported via MAGNETROL’s free PC-based Insight™ software or field-mounted local operator interface. Insight™ enables full device parameterization—including damping, damping filters, echo profiling, false echo masking thresholds, and advanced diagnostic enablement—while maintaining full traceability of all configuration events. The R86 supports HART® v7.5 multidrop and Foundation Fieldbus™ H1 (31.25 kbps) protocols, allowing seamless integration into DCS, PLC, and MES platforms with native support for FDI (Field Device Integration) packages and EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) files.
Data export functionality includes CSV-formatted echo history logs, diagnostic event timestamps, and signal strength trend reports—exportable for root cause analysis, regulatory review, or predictive maintenance planning in accordance with ISO 55001 asset management frameworks.
Applications
- Refinery crude oil and product storage tanks operating under inert gas blanketing or elevated vapor pressure.
- Pharmaceutical API synthesis reactors with strict GMP-compliant sealing and material traceability requirements.
- Chemical manufacturing vessels handling corrosive media such as concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine dioxide solutions.
- Power plant condensate and deaerator tanks exposed to saturated steam environments at >300°C.
- Food & beverage bulk storage silos containing sugar syrups, molasses, or dairy concentrates where hygiene-rated interfaces are mandated.
FAQ
Does the Pulsar® R86 require recalibration after installation?
No. The device employs factory-trimmed timebase and temperature-compensated electronics, eliminating routine field recalibration. Zero and span verification may be performed using Insight™ software or local interface per ISA-51.1 guidelines.
Can it measure through foam or heavy vapor layers?
Yes—its 26 GHz frequency and adaptive signal processing provide enhanced penetration capability compared to lower-frequency radar devices. Foam attenuation is mitigated via dynamic gain control and multi-echo analysis algorithms.
Is SIL2 certification applicable to both hardware and software functions?
Yes. The SIL2 rating covers the entire safety-related function chain—including sensor element, signal conditioning, microcontroller execution, and output stage—as verified by exida per IEC 61508 Parts 2 and 3.
What documentation is provided for validation and qualification?
MAGNETROL supplies IQ/OQ templates, FAT/SAT checklists, calibration certificates (traceable to NIST), and full compliance matrices covering ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, PED, and FDA requirements.
