Abstract
Increased Demand for Non-intrusive Sensing Systems
The drive towards automation is resulting in an increase in the deployment of advanced
technologies in most process industries. However, a major difficulty encountered by end users while
switching or upgrading technologies is the installation of new level sensing systems. The intrusive
nature of traditional sensing technologies makes the installation process cumbersome and adds
downtime. As a result, there is a notable shift towards non-intrusive sensing technologies such as
free propagating radar/microwave and ultrasonic level sensing systems, which offer greater value and
accuracy. Further, since these technologies have simplified circuitry and offer network
connectivity, demand for such systems are bound to see an increase in the near future.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the European level instruments market. It
provides an in-depth coverage of the market and includes comprehensive discussion on industry trends
and market opportunities. Based on the interplay of identified drivers, restraints, challenges and
trends, seven year revenue forecasts are provided for the individual product segments as well as the
total market. The research service also provides analysis by end-user segments, geographic regions,
pricing trends and competitive structure for the various market segments.
Need for Greater Functionality sees Migration towards Advanced Level Sensing Technologies
With the need for greater accuracy, reliability and real-time data availability, end users of
level sensor systems are looking for advanced sensors that offer greater functionality and value. In
line with these expectations, developments in radar and ultrasonic level sensors have raised the
accuracy and reliability levels and enabled their application across a wider range of end-user
segments. Hence, end users that have been employing traditional level sensing systems such as the
float or displacer and magnetic level gauges are increasingly migrating to advanced level sensing
technologies such as radar and ultrasonic instruments.
As process industries seek to integrate their systems onto a common plant network, there is an
increased need for remote monitoring of process parameters. Remote monitoring helps plant engineers
take informed decisions and additionally, ensures a safer working environment. "To this effect,
level sensors and transmitters have evolved to offer better intelligence in the form of transmitting
greater information and controlling processes," says the analyst of this research service.
"In addition, online monitoring systems are finding greater acceptance because of the ease of
data acquisition and collation."
Lack of Sustained Investments likely to Impact Growth
As the European level instruments market approaches maturity, there has been a general decrease
in the overall growth rate due to slackening demand. Key factors contributing to market saturation
include the downturn in allocations for new purchases and projects and the lack of sustained
investments in key industry sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, and food and
beverage. Further, with end-user companies opting to invest outside the European Union (EU), market
participants are having to work on sustaining their market shares rather than boosting their revenue
growth.
Radar level instruments, with a revenue share of 25.7 per cent, accounted for the largest share
among the different level instrument segments in the European market. These instruments are expected
to gain further ground as technological advancements and price reduction make the systems viable
across diverse industry segments. "While the European level instruments market is expected to
see more consolidation, market participants opine that revenue growth is likely to remain stable
over the long term," says the analyst. "Level instrument manufacturers will have to
establish long-term relationships with customers by offering customised value-added solutions to
stay competitive in this market."
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