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Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-10 Origin: Site
1. Working principle of radar level meter
Radar level meter (Radar Level Transmitter) is a non-contact level measuring instrument that calculates the height of liquid or solid material level by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves (microwaves) and receiving reflected signals.
Measurement principle:
Emitting microwave signals: The radar sensor emits 26GHz or 80GHz electromagnetic waves.
Receiving reflected waves: The signal is reflected after encountering the surface of the medium, and the sensor calculates the time difference between emission and reception.
Calculating distance: The liquid level height is obtained according to the formula distance = (speed of light × time difference) / 2.
Two main technologies:
Pulse radar: Applicable to ordinary liquids and solids, low cost.
Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar: Higher accuracy, suitable for interface measurement (such as oil-water separation).
2. Five core advantages of radar level meter
Compared with traditional level meters such as ultrasonic and float type, radar level meter has the following advantages:
Advantages
Non-contact measurement No contact with the medium, no wear, suitable for corrosive, high temperature and high pressure liquids (such as sulfuric acid, molten salt).
High precision The measurement error can be as low as ±1mm (80GHz model), which is much better than ultrasonic (±0.1% FS).
Strong anti-interference ability Not affected by temperature, pressure, dust or steam, suitable for complex environments such as chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Maintenance-free No mechanical moving parts, life span of more than 10 years.
Multi-function Can measure liquids, solids, slurries, and even interfaces (such as oil/water layers).
3. Typical industry applications and selection recommendations
(1) Petrochemical
Challenges: high temperature (200°C+), high pressure, corrosive media.
Solution:
Select 26/80GHz high frequency radar.
Antenna material: PTFE coating (anti-adhesion).
(2) Food and pharmaceuticals
Challenges: High hygiene requirements (FDA/GMP), easy-to-clean design required.
Solution:
Hygienic radar.
Fully sealed stainless steel housing (IP68 protection).
(3) Cement and mining
Challenges: Large dust and solid particle adhesion.
Solution:
80GHz radar, strong penetration.
With air purge interface to prevent dust accumulation.
(4) Water treatment and environmental protection
Challenges: Large changes in foam and turbidity.
Solution:
FMCW radar, which can filter false echoes.
4. How to choose a suitable radar level meter?
Key selection parameters:
Frequency:
6GHz: Suitable for solids and large storage tanks (30m+ range).
26GHz: General purpose, balancing accuracy and cost.
80GHz: High accuracy, narrow beam, suitable for small containers or low dielectric constant media (such as liquefied gas).
Antenna type:
Antenna Applicable scenarios
Horn antenna Most liquids, granular solids
Parabolic antenna Ultra-long range (50m+)
Waveguide rod Low dielectric constant medium (ε<1.4)
Process connection: thread (NPT/G), flange (ANSI/DIN), sanitary clamp.
Certification requirements: explosion-proof (ATEX/IECEx), sanitary (FDA 3A), industrial (SIL2/3).
5. Future trends of radar level gauges
Higher frequency (120GHz+): Improve accuracy to ±0.5mm, suitable for micro-sized containers.
AI intelligent diagnosis: Automatically identify abnormal conditions such as scaling and foaming (such as Siemens SITRANS LR560).
IIoT integration: Support wireless HART, LoRaWAN, and realize cloud monitoring.
Conclusion: Why choose radar level gauge?
High accuracy: 10 times more reliable than traditional methods.
Long life: no mechanical loss, reducing maintenance costs.
Widely applicable: from -200°C to 500°C, from strong acid to food-grade media.
Recommended entry-level models:
High performance: (80GHz)
Explosion-proof: (ATEX/PESO)
If you need specific application selection or technical consultation, please contact our expert team!
