Peterborough, Canada, May 19, 2003 - A new 2-wire, loop-powered pulse radar instrument from Siemens Milltronics, SITRANS LR 200, offers a cost-effective level measurement solution for liquid bulk storage or simple process vessels. Ideally suited for chemical plants and tank farms, it offers many new features that make it the easiest instrument of its kind to install and operate.

It features a built-in alpha-numeric display in four languages, and the unique design allows you to program it without opening the lid, even in hazardous areas, using the infra-red, Intrinsically Safe handheld programmer. There's no need to open the cover to access any buttons or controls inside.

The compact electronics are mounted on a rotating head that swivels to line up with conduit or wiring connections, and adjusts after installation for easy viewing. The instrument is easy to set up with as few as two parameters for basic operation, and without the need for echo profile analysis at start-up.

A special new feature is the Uni-Construction rod antenna. The 1?" threaded connection, shield, and antenna wetted materials are all made of the same polypropylene material and hermetically sealed to prevent chemical ingress. With other instruments, you may need to consider compatibility of multiple materials and the seal between the materials. The Uni-Construction antenna features an internal, integrated shield that eliminates nozzle interference. The shield is available in a 100 mm (4") length and, for longer nozzles, a 250 mm (10") length. This standard rod version is ideal for most chemical storage applications. It fits easily into a threaded flange of even very small diameter nozzles.

In addition to the Uni-Construction version, a Flange Adapter model offers modular fit with process connections and antenna options currently available from Siemens Milltronics. This flange adapter version can be easily removed without breaking the process seal, making the instrument easy to maintain or upgrade.

Along with ease of use, SITRANS LR 200 offers high performance measurement. The low frequency (5.8 GHz, 6.3 in North America) is ideally suited to liquid level measurement. The high signal-to-noise ratio provides ample signal for a measuring range up to 20 m (66 ft). The rugged construction, with a polyester powder coated aluminum enclosure, provides a high level of protection from aggressive environments. The encapsulated design protects against extreme shock, vibration and chemical attack. A variety of process connection and antenna options are available to suit virtually any process condition, including pressures up to 40 bar and process temperatures up to 200° C (392° F). Custom configurations for special materials or for even higher temperatures and pressures are available through the Siemens Milltronics North American Configuration Center.

It has built-in HART communications. It can be programmed with Siemens SIMATIC Process Device Manager (PDM), the ideal software tool for configuration, parameter setting, record keeping and diagnostics, including trending and echo profiles. PDM offers communications via HART, Profibus and other protocols.

SITRANS LR 200 features patented Sonic Intelligence signal-processing technology for superior reliability, along with Auto False-Echo Suppression that detects and suppresses false echoes from tank obstructions. Used with a suitable barrier for intrinsic safety, it is available for hazardous areas.

SITRANS LR 200 is the latest addition to the Siemens radar instrument line. Siemens offers SITRANS LR 300 which provides advanced signal processing for process control tanks with agitation or extreme conditions. Siemens also offers the powerful SITRANS LR 400 -- a 24 GHz, 4-wire instrument for long-range applications on dusty solids and low dielectric liquids.

Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc. is a Siemens company that designs and manufactures sophisticated measurement instruments used by the water and wastewater, aggregate, cement, mining, chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, milling, food and other process industries. Principal product lines include level measurement, dry solids flow measurement, and process protection devices. Products are available worldwide through a network of sales offices, representatives and distributors.