DIRECT ANSWER
What is the practical starting point?
Select radar by medium dielectric response, vessel geometry, range, antenna and nozzle, temperature, pressure, vapor, foam, agitation, dust and required accuracy. Frequency alone does not determine success.
EXPLORE
Choose a starting point
State continuous inventory, process control or alarm-support duty, the empty/full references, response time and required uncertainty.
Explore → Map the vessel and echo pathUse a dimensioned drawing to test nozzle geometry, beam clearance, internals, filling stream and possible false echoes.
Explore → Compare radar with guided waveDecide whether a non-contact free-space path or a probe-guided path better fits the medium, installation and maintenance constraints.
Explore → Review a current radar modelUse LR280 Technical Facts as a structured starting point, then confirm the selected SKU and ordered datasheet.
Explore →SELECTION FACTORS
Data to confirm before model selection
Use this list to prepare a traceable quotation request.
- 01Define whether the medium is liquid, slurry, powder or granular solid and state the required continuous measurement range.
- 02Provide vessel height and diameter plus a drawing that marks nozzles, inlet, agitator, ladders, coils and other internal obstructions.
- 03Record dielectric response or material identity, bulk density where relevant, vapor, foam, dust, buildup, condensation and surface movement.
- 04Separate normal, startup, cleaning and upset temperature and pressure at the actual process connection.
- 05Check the proposed nozzle diameter and height, antenna extension, mounting angle, beam clearance and minimum blocking distance.
- 06Define required accuracy and response time in the real process rather than relying only on a reference-condition headline.
- 07Choose power, 4–20 mA, HART or RS485/Modbus interface, enclosure and cable-entry requirements.
- 08State destination and any hazardous-area or project documentation requirement; verify evidence for the exact ordered construction.
TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON
Compare the decision factors
| Decision factor | Liquid or process vessel | Powder or bulk-solid silo | Evidence to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measured surface | Foam, waves, vapor or condensation may change the return | Angle of repose, filling stream and dust can move or weaken echoes | Medium description and operating-cycle photos |
| Signal path | Avoid agitator, coils, wall returns and tall narrow nozzles | Avoid filling stream, ladders, braces and wall buildup | Dimensioned vessel and nozzle drawing |
| Antenna/mounting | Review seal, temperature, pressure and condensate behavior | Review beam angle, purge need and dust accumulation | Connection standard and proposed mounting position |
| Usable range | Reference point, blocking distance and bottom reflection matter | Low dielectric response and irregular surfaces reduce margin | Empty/full distances and required alarm margins |
| Output/interface | Match loop load, scaling, damping and control-system input | Match response and fail-safe behavior to filling control | Power, output, communication and cable schedule |
FAQ
Questions engineers ask first
Last reviewed:
Is higher radar frequency always better?
No. Frequency influences antenna size and beam behavior, but the medium, range, geometry and process atmosphere must be considered together.
Can radar measure through foam?
Sometimes, but foam properties and thickness vary. Evaluate the actual process behavior and echo margin instead of assuming it will always see the liquid below.
What drawing is useful for radar selection?
Provide vessel height and diameter, nozzle position and size, inlet, agitator, coils, ladders, braces and the empty and full reference distances.
How should radar be mounted on a powder silo?
Start with a position outside the filling stream and with a clear beam toward the material surface. Final placement depends on silo geometry, internals, dust and the selected antenna.
Does the product-family range equal the guaranteed measuring range?
No. The usable and guaranteed range depends on the selected model, antenna, medium, geometry and process conditions and must be confirmed in the ordered documentation.
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
Turn process data into a reviewable instrument request.
Share the medium, operating envelope, installation and required output. We will flag missing information before confirming a model.