Guided Radar Level Measurement

Guided Radar Level Measurement

Endress+Hauser’s Guided Radar Level Measurement portfolio (Levelflex FMP series) applies the time‑of‑flight TDR principle: nanosecond electromagnetic pulses are guided along a probe (rod, cable/rope or coax). The echo’s travel time yields distance, so measurement is largely immune to surface turbulence, foam, vapors, and internal fittings. Because the energy is guided, the technology works reliably in narrow or obstructed vessels and in bulk solids with ratholes or steep angles of repose. It is also a first‑choice method for interface layers; the guided path keeps signal‑to‑noise high even when dielectric contrasts are modest. Safety and reliability are reinforced by End‑of‑Probe (EoP) evaluation for overfill protection and by algorithms that maintain stable measurement during filling. Across the range you can measure continuous level, and selected devices provide simultaneous level and interface output where required.

The Levelflex portfolio maps cleanly to application need. FMP50 is the Lean, value option for basic liquid duties; FMP51 is the workhorse for demanding liquids with long rope lengths and broad pressure/temperature limits; FMP52 adds a gap‑free PTFE/PFA‑coated probe for aggressive liquids; FMP53 is the hygienic variant meeting ASME BPE/USP Class VI; FMP54 is engineered for extreme temperature and pressure; FMP55 Multiparameter (SensorFusion) uniquely combines guided radar and capacitance to deliver simultaneous level and interface, robust even in emulsions; FMP56 and FMP57 address powder‑to‑granular bulk solids, with rope probes up to ~45 m for tall silos and bunkers. Common platform features include Multi‑Echo Tracking for reliable signal evaluation, HistoROM data management for fast device replacement, functional safety up to SIL 3, Heartbeat Technology for in‑situ verification/monitoring, and modern connectivity, 4–20 mA/HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus/PROFIBUS PA, plus Bluetooth® access via SmartBlue for convenient setup.

Typical applications span storage and process vessels across chemicals, oil & gas, power, water, mining, and life sciences. Use FMP51/FMP52/FMP54 on liquids with moving surfaces, vapor blankets, foam, or internal baffles; deploy FMP54 wherever pressure and temperature are extreme; choose FMP53 when hygienic design and in‑situ validation matter; select FMP55 for separators, desalter drums, and any service needing continuous level plus interface through emulsions and changing media; and apply FMP56/FMP57 for dusty, narrow, or very tall silos containing cement, fly ash, plastic pellets, grains, or sugar, conditions that often defeat non‑contact methods. Because the pulses are guided, measurement remains stable during filling, and End‑of‑Probe logic adds a layer of overfill protection. The result is traceable, verifiable level data that simplify energy/material balance, inventory control, pump protection, and overfill prevention.

Vector, your Authorized Endress+Hauser Representative