Orion Instruments Jupiter 2xx - Manual (Page 24)

24 46-648 Jupiter Magnetostrictive Transmitters
2.0 Reference Information
This section presents an overview of the operation of the
Jupiter magnetostrictive transmitter, information on trou-
bleshooting common problems, listing of agency
approvals, lists of replacement and recommended spare
parts, and detailed functional, performance and physical
specifications for the instrument.
2.1 Description
The Jupiter is a two-wire, 24 VDC level transmitter based
on the concept of magnetostrictive level measurement
technology.
The Jupiter electronics are housed in an ergonomic hous-
ing of two tandem compartments angled at a 45° angle for
ease of wiring and calibration. The electronics compart-
ment is permanently attached to the probe assembly via an
explosion-proof seal.
2.2 Theory of Operation
Magnetostrictive level sensors are based on "time-of-flight"
technology.
Permanent magnets contained within a float device tracks
the process liquid as it changes level. The Jupiter probe is
fixed within close proximity to this magnetic field. A short
current pulse is then applied to a specially designed wire
alloy contained within the probe. The interaction of the
current pulse and magnetic field cause distortion in a small
section of the wire alloy. This in turn creates a vibratory
disturbance which begins to travel through the wire at a
very constant rate of speed. The disturbance is later detected
via a sensing device at the top of the probe and sent to the
electronics unit where it is filtered and amplified.
Extremely accurate level measurement can thus be
obtained precisely measuring the elapsed time between the
current pulse (start), and the returned pulse (stop). The
Jupiter electronics module processes these signals, and then
performs various mathematical operations in order to pro-
vide the user with an analog and/or digital representation
of the liquid level.
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