GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Introducing the 25 GHz (K-band) PiloTREK Pulse Radars, recognized as the forefront non-contact level transmitters in the industrial process automation field. Renowned for their outstanding accuracies, these radars feature short and narrow antennas, ensuring simple and cost-effective installation.

NIVELCO’s K-band radar, boasting ±3 mm (0.12 inch) accuracy and a short dead band, stands out with its versatile housing concept, offering plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel versions. The antenna range includes options such as stainless steel horn or parabolic planar antennas and enclosed plastic tube varieties. Moreover, the enclosed antenna versions allow for easy replacement without removing the antenna enclosure from the process, ensuring minimal downtime.

The local programming of the PiloTREK is facilitated by a plug-in display module, providing flexibility for on-site adjustments. For applications where on-site reading is unnecessary, the optional display module can be omitted, reducing the overall cost of ownership. Leveraging  years of experience in non-contact level measurement, the signal processing algorithm of the PiloTREK ensures reliable performance in both simple and challenging applications.

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The functionality of non-contact microwave level transmitters revolves around measuring the time it takes for a microwave burst to travel and return. Microwave impulses propagate at consistent speeds across air, gases, and vacuum, irrespective of temperature or pressure, ensuring the measured distance remains unaffected by medium-specific parameters.

During operation, the level transmitter emits microwave impulses via its antenna, with a portion of the energy bouncing off the measurement surface and returning as reflected signals. The electronics within the transmitter process the time taken for these signals to return, converting it into distance, level, or volume data.

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The ability to measure the level of a particular medium depends on the strength of the reflected microwave impulses, which is influenced by factors such as the distance to be measured, the relative dielectric constant of the medium, and surface turbulence. For optimal performance, the medium's relative dielectric constant should exceed 1.4 for parabolic design antennas or 1.9 for horn antenna types.