Emerson Rosemount 3308 User manual

www.rosemount.com
Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
PRELIMINARY
Rosemount 3308
Wireless Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

PRELIMINARY

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012 Rosemount 3308
www.rosemount.com
PRELIMINARY
Rosemount 3308
Wireless Guided Wave Radar
Level Transmitter
Rosemount 3308 Hardware Revision
HART®Device Revision
Field Communicator Field Device Revision
1
1
Dev v1, DD v1
NOTICE
Read this manual before working with the product. For personal and system safety, and for
optimum product performance, make sure you thoroughly understand the contents before
installing, using, or maintaining this product.
The United States has two toll-free assistance numbers and one international number.
Customer Central
1-800-999-9307 (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST)
North American Response Center
1-800-654-7768 (24 hours a day)
Equipment service needs
International
1-952-906-8888
The products described in this document are NOT designed for nuclear-qualified
applications.
Using non-nuclear qualified products in applications that require nuclear-qualified hardware
or products may cause inaccurate readings.
For information on Rosemount nuclear-qualified products, contact your local Emerson
Process Management Sales Representative.
NOTICE
The Rosemount 3308 and all other wireless devices should be installed only after the Smart
Wireless Gateway has been installed and is functioning properly. Wireless devices should
also be powered up in order of proximity from the Smart Wireless Gateway, beginning with
the closest. This will result in a simpler and faster network installation.

PRELIMINARY
Failure to follow these installation guidelines could result in death or serious injury:
• Only qualified personnel should perform the installation
Explosions could result in death or serious injury:
Installation of this transmitter in an explosive environment must be in accordance with the
appropriate local, national, and international standards, codes, and practices. Please review
the Product Certifications section for any restrictions associated with a safe installation.
• Before connecting a Field Communicator in an explosive atmosphere, ensure the
instruments are installed in accordance with intrinsically safe or non-incendive field
wiring practices
Process leaks may cause harm or result in death:
• Do not remove the transmitter while in operation
• Install device prior to process start-up
• Install and tighten process connectors before applying pressure
Electrical shock can result in death or serious injury:
• Avoid contact with the leads and terminals. High voltage that may be present on
leads can cause electrical shock
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This
device must be installed to ensure a minimum antenna separation distance of 20 cm (8 in.)
from all persons.
NOTICE
Power Module Considerations
Each Power Module contains two "C" size primary lithium/thionyl chloride batteries. Each
battery contains approximately 2.5 grams of lithium, for a total of 5 grams in each pack.
Under normal conditions, the battery materials are self-contained and are not reactive as
long as the batteries and the pack integrity are maintained. Care should be taken to prevent
thermal, electrical or mechanical damage. Contacts should be protected to prevent
premature discharge.
Battery hazards remain when cells are discharged.
Power modules should be stored in a clean and dry area. For maximum battery life, storage
temperature should not exceed 30° C.
The Power Module may be replaced in a hazardous area. The Power Module has surface
resistivity greater than one gigaohm and must be properly installed in the wireless device
enclosure. Care must be taken during transportation to and from the point of installation to
prevent electrostatic charge build-up.
NOTICE
Shipping considerations for wireless products
The unit was shipped to you without the Power Module installed. Please remove the Power
Module prior to shipping the unit.
Each Power Module contains two "C" size primary lithium/thionyl chloride batteries. Primary
lithium batteries are regulated in transportation by the U.S. Department of Transportation,
and are also covered by IATA (International Air Transport Association), ICAO (International
Civil Aviation Organization), and ARD (European Ground Transportation of Dangerous
Goods). It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure compliance with these or any other
local requirements. Please consult current regulations and requirements before shipping

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012 Rosemount 3308
www.rosemount.com
PRELIMINARY
Table of Contents
SECTION 1
Introduction
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Manual Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Service Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Product Recycling/Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
SECTION 2
Transmitter Overview
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Rosemount 3308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Application Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
System Architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Vessel Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Heating Coils, Agitators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Tank Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Components of the Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Probe Selection Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Transition Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Service Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Product Recycling/Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
SECTION 3
Wireless Configuration
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Wireless Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Power Module Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Device Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Device Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
AMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Field Communicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Fast Key Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Remove Power Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
SECTION 4
Installation
Safety messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Before You Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Software write protect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Mounting Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Process Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Installation of Single Lead Probes in Non-metallic Tanks . . . . . . . 4-7
Mounting in Still pipes/by-pass pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
Rosemount 3308
TOC-2
PRELIMINARY
Free Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Recommended Mounting Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Mechanical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Shortening the Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Anchoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Mounting a Centering Disc for Pipe Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
LCD Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
LCD Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Retrofitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
LCD Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Ground the Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
How to Ground the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
SECTION 5
Start-Up/Commissioning
Safety messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Device Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
AMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Field Communicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Basic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Volume Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Configuration using a Field Communicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Basic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Transmitter Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Measurement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Tank Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Probe Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Probe Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Product Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Vapor Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Measurement Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Probe Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Maximum Upper Product Thickness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Volume Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Transmitter Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Volume Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Tank Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Tank Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Strapping Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Verify Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Verification by LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Field Communicator Verification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Verification by Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Verification with AMS Wireless Configurator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
SECTION 6
Operation and
Maintenance
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
LCD Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Startup Screen Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Display Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Diagnostic Button Screen Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
TOC-3
Rosemount 3308
PRELIMINARY
Network Connection Status Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Diagnostic Button Screen Sequence (continued). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Device Alert Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Power Module Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
SECTION 7
Service and
Troubleshooting
Safety messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Advanced Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
User defined Upper Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Plotting the Measurement Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Interface Measurements for Semi-Transparent Bottom Products . 7-5
High Level Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Interface Measurements with Fully Immersed Probes . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Level and Distance Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Disturbances at the Top of the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Amplitude Threshold Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Logging Measurement Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Saving the Transmitter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Removing the Transmitter Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Changing the Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Diagnostic Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
APPENDIX A
Reference Data
APPENDIX B
Product Certifications
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
Rosemount 3308
TOC-4
PRELIMINARY

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012 Rosemount 3308
www.rosemount.com
PRELIMINARY
Section 1 Introduction
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1-1
Manual Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1-2
Service Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1-3
Product Recycling/Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1-3
SAFETY MESSAGES Procedures and instructions in this manual may require special precautions to
ensure the safety of the personnel performing the operations. Information that
raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning symbol ( ). Refer to
the safety messages listed at the beginning of each section before performing
an operation preceded by this symbol.
Failure to follow these installation guidelines could result in death or serious
injury.
• Make sure only qualified personnel perform the installation.
• Use the equipment only as specified in this manual. Failure to do so may
impair the protection provided by the equipment.
Explosions could result in death or serious injury.
• Verify that the operating environment of the transmitter is consistent with the
appropriate hazardous locations certifications.
• Before connecting a HART®-based communicator in an explosive atmosphere,
make sure the instruments in the loop are installed in accordance with
intrinsically safe or non-incendive field wiring practices.
Electrical shock could cause death or serious injury.
• Use extreme caution when making contact with the leads and terminals.
Any substitution of non-recognized parts may jeopardize safety. Repair, e.g. substitution
of components etc., may also jeopardize safety and is under no circumstances allowed.

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
Rosemount 3308
1-2
PRELIMINARY
MANUAL OVERVIEW This manual provides installation, configuration and maintenance information
for the Rosemount 3308 transmitter.
Section 2: Transmitter Overview
• Theory of operation
• Application examples
• System architecture
• Process and vessel characteristics
• Description of the transmitter
Section 3: Wireless Configuration
• Mounting considerations
• Mechanical installation
• Electrical installation
Section 4: Installation
• Mounting considerations
• Mechanical installation
• Electrical installation
Section 5: Start-Up/Commissioning
• Configuration instructions
• Configuration using the HART Communicator
• Configuration using the RCT software
Section 6: Operation and Maintenance
• Display functionality
• Error messages
• Alarm and write protection
Section 7: Service and Troubleshooting
• Advanced configuration
•Service
• Diagnostic messages
Appendix A: Reference Data
• Specifications
• Ordering Information
Appendix B: Product Certifications
• Examples of labels
•EUconformity
• European ATEX Directive information
• FM approvals
• CSA approvals
• Approval drawings

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
1-3
Rosemount 3308
PRELIMINARY
SERVICE SUPPORT To expedite the return process outside of the United States, contact the
nearest Emerson Process Management representative.
Within the United States, call the Emerson Process Management Instrument
and Valves Response Center using the 1-800-654-RSMT (7768) toll-free
number. This center, available 24 hours a day, will assist you with any needed
information or materials.
The center will ask for product model and serial numbers, and will provide a
Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. The center will also ask for the
process material to which the product was last exposed.
Emerson Process Management Instrument and Valves Response Center
representatives will explain the additional information and procedures
necessary to return goods exposed to hazardous substances.
PRODUCT
RECYCLING/DISPOSAL
Recycling of equipment and packaging should be taken into consideration
and disposed of in accordance with local and national legislation/regulations.
Individuals who handle products exposed to a hazardous substance can avoid injury if
they are informed of and understand the hazard. If the product being returned was
exposed to a hazardous substance as defined by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), a copy of the required Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
each hazardous substance identified must be included with the returned goods.

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012
Rosemount 3308
1-4
PRELIMINARY

Reference Manual
00809-XXXX-4811, Rev AA
February 2012 Rosemount 3308
www.rosemount.com
PRELIMINARY
Section 2 Transmitter Overview
Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-1
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-3
Application Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-3
System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-6
Vessel Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-9
Probe Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-11
Service Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-13
Product Recycling/Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2-13
SAFETY MESSAGES Instructions and procedures in this section may require special precautions to
ensure the safety of the personnel performing the operations. Information that
potentially raises safety issues is indicated by a warning symbol ( ). Please
refer to the following safety messages before performing an operation
preceded by this symbol.
Warnings
Failure to follow these installation guidelines could result in death or serious
injury:
• Only qualified personnel should perform the installation
Explosions could result in death or serious injury:
Installation of this transmitter in an explosive environment must be in accordance with
the appropriate local, national, and international standards, codes, and practices.
Please review the Product Certifications section for any restrictions associated with a
safe installation.
• Before connecting a Field Communicator in an explosive atmosphere, make
sure that the instruments are installed in accordance with intrinsically safe or
non-incendive field wiring practices
Process leaks may cause harm or result in death:
• Do not remove the transmitter while in operation
• Install the transmitter prior to process start-up
Electrical shock could cause death or serious injury:
• Avoid contact with the leads and terminals. High voltage that may be present
on leads can cause electrical shock
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation. This device must be installed to ensure a minimum antenna separation
distance of 20 cm (8 in.) from all persons.

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ROSEMOUNT 3308 Features of the Rosemount 3308 Wireless Guided Wave Radar include:
• An installation-ready solution that provides a variety of mounting
options, transmitter configurations, and switches
• Flexibility to meet your most demanding applications
• Wireless output with >99% data reliability delivers rich HART® data,
protected by industry leading security
• Single or dual switch input with logic for limit contact and opposing
contact applications
• The integral LCD conveniently displays the primary switch input and
diagnostics of the transmitter
• Simple and easy installation practices currently being used for robust
installations
Smart Wireless delivers innovative wireless solutions for level measurement
and overall transmitter performance
• Self-organizing network delivers information rich data with >99% data
reliability and establishes a highly stable network
• Smart Wireless capabilities extend the full benefits of PlantWeb®to
previously inaccessible temperature measurement locations
• Emerson SmartPower™ Solutions provide an intrinsically safe Power
Module, allowing field replacements without removing the transmitter
from the process, keeping personnel safe, and reducing maintenance
costs
• Emerson Process Management's layered approach to wireless network
security ensures that data transmissions are secure

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THEORY OF OPERATION The Rosemount 3308 Wireless Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter is a
continuous level transmitter that is based on Time Domain Reflectometry
(TDR) principles. Low power nano-second-pulses are guided along a probe
immersed in the process media. When a pulse reaches the surface of the
material it is measuring, part of the energy is reflected back to the transmitter,
and the time difference between the generated and reflected pulse is
converted into a distance from which the total level or interface level is
calculated (see below).
The reflectivity of the product is a key parameter for measurement
performance. A high dielectric constant of the media gives better reflection
and a longer measuring range. A calm surface gives better reflection than a
turbulent surface.
Figure 2-1. Measurement
Principle.
APPLICATION
EXAMPLES
The Rosemount 3308 transmitter is suited for aggregate (total) level
measurements on most liquids, semi-liquids, and liquid/liquid interfaces.
Guided microwave technology offers highest reliability and precision which
ensure measurements are virtually unaffected by temperature, pressure,
vapor gas mixtures, density, turbulence, bubbling/boiling, low level, varying
dielectric media, pH, and viscosity.
Guided wave radar technology in combination with advanced signal
processing make the Rosemount 3308 transmitter suitable for a wide range of
applications.
Time
Reference Pulse
Level
Interface Level
Signal Amplitude

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Boiling conditions with vapor and turbulence
For these applications the Coaxial probe is particularly
suitable.
Bridle applications
The Rosemount 3308 transmitter is well suited for bridle
applications, such as distillation columns.

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Separator tanks
The Rosemount 3308 measures both level and interface
level.
Underground tanks
The Rosemount 3308 transmitter is a good choice for
underground tanks since it is installed on the tank top
with the radar pulse concentrated near the probe. It can
be equipped with probes that are unaffected by high and
narrow openings or nearby objects.
Small ammonia, NGL and LPG tanks
Guided wave radar technology is a good choice for
reliable measurements in small ammonia, NGL and LPG
tanks.

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SYSTEM
ARCHITECTURE
The Rosemount 3308 transmitter is battery powered with wireless
communication which means the unit works completely independent.
By using the optional HART Tri-loop, it is possible to convert the HART signal
to up to three additional 4-20 mA analog signals.
With the HART protocol it is possible to use multidrop configuration. In this
case communication is restricted to digital since current is fixed to the 4 mA
minimum value.
The transmitter can be connected to display Rosemount 751 Field Signal
Indicator or it can be equipped with an integral display.
The transmitter can easily be configured by using the AMS suite software or
by using a Field Communicator. A PC with the Radar Configuration Tool
software can also be used for configuration.
For HART communication a minimum load resistance of 250 within the loop
is required.
Figure 2-2. System architecture.
Field Communicator
Smart Wireless Gateway
Rosemount 3308 Wireless
Guided Wave Radar Transmitter
AMS Suite
Integral
Display

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Interface Rosemount 3308 is the ideal choice for measuring the interface of oil and
water, or other liquids with significant dielectric differences.
Figure 2-3. Interface
measurement with a
Rosemount 3308
All probes can be used for measuring interfaces. The coaxial probe is the
preferred choice for clean liquids and when the bridle is not fully immersed. In
applications with a fully immersed probe, the twin lead probes are
recommended for nozzle installations, and the rigid single lead probe is best
for bridle mounting.
For measuring the interface level, the transmitter uses the residual wave of
the first reflection. Part of the wave, which was not reflected at the upper
product surface, continues until it is reflected at the lower product surface.
The speed of this wave depends fully on the dielectric constant of the upper
product.
If interface is to be measured, the following criteria have to be fulfilled:
• The dielectric constant of the upper product must be known. The Radar
Configuration Tools software has a built-in dielectric constant calculator
to assist users in determining the dielectric constant of the upper
product.
• The dielectric constant of the upper product must have a lower
dielectric constant than the lower product in order to have a distinct
reflection.
• The difference between the dielectric constants for the two products
must be larger than 10.
• Maximum dielectric constant for the upper product is 10 for the coaxial
probe and 5 for twin lead probes.
• The upper product thickness must be larger than 8 inches (0.2 m) for
the flexible twin lead probe and 4 inches (0.1 m) for the rigid twin lead
and coaxial probes in order to distinguish the echoes of the two liquids.
The maximum allowable upper product thickness/measuring range is
primarily determined by the dielectric constants of the two liquids.
Target applications include interfaces between oil/oil-like and water/water-like
liquids. For such applications the upper product dielectric constant is low (<3)
and the lower product dielectric constant is high (>20), and the maximum
measuring range is only limited by the length of the coaxial and rigid twin lead
probes.
Level
Interface Level Level = Interface Level

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Emulsion Layers
Sometimes there is an emulsion layer (mix of the products) between the two
products which, depending on its characteristics, will affect interface
measurements.
Please consult factory for guidelines on how to handle emulsion layers.