ESMRD-800 80GHz Radar Level Meter
The ESMRD-800 series represents the pinnacle of non-contact level measurement. Powered by state-of-the-art 80GHz Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology, it delivers sub-millimeter accuracy even under dense steam, high pressure, and highly corrosive conditions.
- High-frequency 76GHz - 81GHz FMCW radar technology
- Ultra-narrow 3° / 5° beam angle to avoid internal tank obstructions
- Measuring range up to 120 meters with a minimal 10cm blind zone
- Dual Output: 4-20mA / RS485 Modbus options
Working Principle of 80GHz FMCW Radar
The ESMRD-800 80G radar level meter utilizes advanced Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology. Unlike conventional pulse radars, the antenna of an FMCW radar continuously emits high-frequency, linearly sweeping frequency-modulated signals (76GHz to 81GHz).
As the signal travels to the target surface, reflects, and returns to the receiver antenna, a time delay occurs. Because the emitted frequency is constantly changing, this delay translates into a distinct frequency difference between the transmitted signal and the received echo.
The internal signal processor performs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on this frequency difference to extract the exact frequency spectrum of the echo. Since the frequency difference is directly proportional to the distance, the system calculates the level of the measured medium with precision up to ±1mm.
Why Choose 80GHz Over 26GHz?
- Narrower Beam Angle (3° vs 10°): Prevents signal interference from obstacles, tank walls, or agitators.
- Higher Resolution: The 5GHz signal bandwidth allows the radar to easily distinguish between foam, dust, and the actual product surface.
- Smaller Blind Zone: Accurate measurements up to 10cm from the sensor head, maximizing tank capacity utilization.
1. Industrial Applications of Radar Level Transmitters
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Ideal for reservoirs, open channels, pump stations, and chemical dosing tanks. Non-contact measurement ensures long-term reliability without fouling from grease or suspended solids.
Chemical & Petrochemical
Measures highly aggressive media, acids, alkalis, and solvents. PTFE-lined flanges and explosion-proof certifications (Exib IIC T6 Gb) make it safe for hazardous environments.
Bulk Solids & Mining
Accurately tracks coal bunkers, cement silos, grain elevators, and ore bins. The 80GHz frequency penetrates heavy dust clouds and handles uneven material slopes.
2. Radar Level Transmitter Output Protocols
Integration with PLC, SCADA, and IoT platforms is seamless. The ESMRD-800 series supports standard industrial protocols for real-time monitoring and parameter configuration.
Standard analog output for direct loop integration, providing reliable long-distance signal transmission.
Superimposes digital communication on the 4-20mA loop, enabling remote device configuration and diagnostics.
High-speed digital bus interface, ideal for multi-drop networks and direct connection to RTUs or SCADA systems.
Supports low-power configurations for remote environmental monitoring and solar-powered setups.
3. Target Materials & Mediums
Radar level meters are highly versatile because they measure the physical interface based on dielectric constant reflection. They can detect:
- Liquids: Corrosive chemicals, water, wastewater, liquid food products, slurry, oils, and liquefied gases.
- Solids: Coarse bulk solids, fine powders, dust-generating materials like cement, coal dust, granules, fly ash, and wood chips.
- Challenging Media: High-temperature liquids with surface turbulence, steam condensation, agitators, or foaming surfaces.
4. Measurement Range & Limits
The ESMRD-800 series delivers continuous measurement capabilities over wide spans:
- Maximum Range: Up to 120 meters (393.7 feet), making it suitable for tall silos and large reservoirs.
- Blind Zone: Only 10 cm (3.9 inches) from the sensor lens, allowing high-level alarms to be set close to the tank top.
- Accuracy: Sub-millimeter precision of ±1mm across the entire measurement span.
5. Measurement & 6. Installation Guidelines
Non-Contact Measurement Method
The non-contact method means the sensor never touches the process media. The instrument is installed at the top of the vessel, firing electromagnetic waves downward. This eliminates wear and tear, chemical attack, or product contamination, extending the lifespan of the transmitter to over 3 years under low power consumption.
Installation Best Practices
For optimal performance, follow these guidelines:
- Positioning: Install the sensor at 1/4 to 1/6 of the tank diameter away from the tank wall.
- Avoid Obstructions: Do not install directly above inlet streams, internal ladders, or agitators.
- Nozzle Height: Ensure the radar lens extends slightly beyond the nozzle opening to prevent internal reflections.
7. Selection Guide: Choosing the Right Radar Level Meter
Selecting the correct model requires evaluating process conditions, medium characteristics, and mechanical constraints. Use our selection matrix to match your application.
Liquids with Mild Corrosion
For water vapor, condensation, and mild chemical storage tanks.
- Recommended Model: ESMRD-800CD / CX Threaded
- Temp Range: -40°C to 120°C
- Pressure Range: -0.1 to 1.0 MPa
Highly Corrosive Liquids
For strong acids, alkalis, and solvents under stirring conditions.
- Recommended Model: ESMRD-800FD-P Flange
- Temp Range: -40°C to 220°C
- Pressure Range: -0.1 to 2.5 MPa
Bulk Solids & Dust
For cement silos, coal bunkers, and powder storage.
- Recommended Model: ESMRD-800CD-W Universal Flange
- Temp Range: -40°C to 120°C
- Pressure Range: -0.1 to 0.6 MPa
8. Technology Comparison: Radar vs Other Level Sensors
Understanding the strengths and limitations of different level sensing technologies ensures correct application design and prevents process failures.
- Non-contact, long lifespan
- Unaffected by dust, steam, or vacuum
- Sub-millimeter accuracy (±1mm)
- Higher initial hardware cost
- Cost-effective for simple liquids
- Non-contact design
- Failed by heavy dust, foam, or steam
- Affected by air temperature variations
- Easy installation in open channels
- Low price point
- Contact measurement (fouling risk)
- Affected by changes in liquid density
- Good for high temp/pressure
- Fast response time
- Requires calibration for different media
- Build-up on probe causes measurement drift
- Simple mechanical operation
- No configuration required
- Moving parts wear out quickly
- Cannot handle viscous or sticky fluids
Technical Specifications Matrix
ESMRD-800CD & CX Series (Threaded / Flange)
| Parameter | ESMRD-800CD Threaded | ESMRD-800CD Flange | ESMRD-800CX Threaded | ESMRD-800CX Flange |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 76 GHz ~ 81 GHz | |||
| Application | Slightly corrosive liquid, stirring, water vapor condensation | |||
| Measurement Range | 120 meters | |||
| Process Connection | Threaded | Flange | Threaded | Flange |
| Medium Temperature | -40°C ~ 120°C | |||
| Process Pressure | -0.1 ~ 1 MPa | |||
| Measurement Accuracy | ±1mm | |||
| Protection Grade | IP67 | |||
| Launch Angle | 3° | 5° | ||
| Explosion-proof Grade | Exib IIC T6 Gb | |||
| Shell Material | Casting aluminum / Stainless steel | |||
| Power Supply | Two-wire system: DC24V | Four-wire system: DC12-24V / AC220V | |||
| Signal Output | 4-20mA / HART (Two-wire) | RS485 Modbus (Four-wire) | |||
ESMRD-800FD-P High Temperature & Corrosive Series
| Parameter | ESMRD-800FD-P | ESMRD-800FD-P High Temp | ESMRD-800FX-P Flange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 76 GHz ~ 81 GHz | ||
| Application | Highly corrosive liquid, stirring, heavy water vapor condensation | ||
| Measurement Range | 120 meters | ||
| Process Connection | Flange | ||
| Medium Temperature | -40°C ~ 120°C | -40°C ~ 220°C | -40°C ~ 120°C |
| Process Pressure | -0.1 ~ 2.5 MPa | ||
| Measurement Accuracy | ±1mm | ||
| Protection Grade | IP67 | ||
| Launch Angle | 3° | 5° | |
| Explosion-proof Grade | Exib IIC T6 Gb | ||
| Shell Material | Casting aluminum | ||
| Power Supply | Two-wire system: DC24V | Four-wire system: DC12-24V / AC220V | ||
| Signal Output | 4-20mA / HART (Two-wire) | RS485 Modbus (Four-wire) | ||
ESMRD-800 Solid Dust & Extreme High Temp/Pressure Series
| Parameter | ESMRD-800CD-W | ESMRD-800DGWGY |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 76 GHz ~ 81 GHz | |
| Application | Strong dust, solids, blocks, powders | High temperature and high pressure vessels (solids, liquids) |
| Measurement Range | 120 meters | |
| Process Connection | Universal Flange | Flange |
| Medium Temperature | -40°C ~ 120°C | -40°C ~ 1000°C |
| Process Pressure | -0.1 ~ 0.6 MPa | -0.1 ~ 15.0 MPa |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±1mm | |
| Protection Grade | IP67 | |
| Launch Angle | 3° | |
| Explosion-proof Grade | Exib IIC T6 Gb | |
| Shell Material | Casting aluminum | |
| Power Supply | Two-wire system: DC24V | Four-wire system: DC12-24V / AC220V | |
| Signal Output | 4-20mA / HART (Two-wire) | RS485 Modbus (Four-wire) | |
Product Detail Gallery
Company Profile
The team of Xi'an ESM Tech Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to the field of instrumentation and sensors for 11 years. Composed of 50 core members, our team takes technology as its foundation and service as its link. Since our founding in 2014, we have established a development keynote of "pursuing excellence and putting customers first".
Our core leadership integrates the philosophy of "working steadily and operating with integrity" into every aspect of our work. We focus on core products such as pressure, flow, temperature, and liquid level control, continuously refining our expertise in industrial instrumentation.
Technological Innovation
Technological breakthroughs are the core competitiveness of ESM Tech. As a high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production, and sales, we focus on segmented technical fields like industrial instrumentation. From product design to production and commissioning, team members ensure the reliability of each product with professional capabilities, supporting the company's commitment to "providing high-quality solutions for global customers" and enabling the steady expansion of our overseas sales network.
Why Choose ESM Tech?
- Efficient and Collaborative Structure: Our production department strictly adheres to process standards to ensure that industrial instrumentation meets international specifications.
- Sales and Service Teams: We closely follow market demands and quickly transmit application feedback to our R&D department, forming a closed-loop response mechanism.
- Global Product Development: Proven professionalism and integrity stem from every member's dedication to quality and commitment to collaboration.
Factory Display & Quality Control
Our manufacturing facility is equipped with modern calibration equipment and testing chambers to ensure each radar level transmitter meets strict design specifications.
Core Advantages & FAQs
Q1: How does the 80GHz radar handle heavy dust and condensation?
The 80GHz high-frequency signal has a much shorter wavelength than 26GHz radar, allowing it to penetrate dust and steam. The lens antenna design prevents water droplets or dust from accumulating on the sensor surface, maintaining signal integrity.
Q2: What is the advantage of the narrow 3° beam angle?
A narrow beam angle concentrates the electromagnetic energy, preventing the signal from hitting the tank walls or internal obstacles like heating coils, agitators, and ladders. This makes installation easier and eliminates false echo interference.
Q3: How do I select between two-wire and four-wire systems?
Two-wire systems are loop-powered (DC24V) and combine power and signal on the same line, making them ideal for standard PLC setups. Four-wire systems separate power supply (DC or AC220V) and signal outputs, which is necessary for RS485 Modbus communication or when high power is required for heated enclosures.
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