Up to 120 m
Range
3°
Beam Angle
IP67
Ingress Protection
Bluetooth
Commissioning
DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
What is a Radar Level Transmitter?
A radar level transmitter measures level by timing a microwave signal reflected off the surface of the material being measured a non-contact method that works regardless of dust, vapor, or turbulence. The conditions that significantly degrade ultrasonic level measurement are prevalent in the storage and process areas of a coal washery.
John Finlay's unit runs a narrow 3° beam angle, available across five range options up to 120m depending on the model selected, enough to cover process vessels through to large storage silos and bunkers from a single instrument platform.
IP67 housing and Bluetooth commissioning support installation in exposed plant locations without requiring a hardwired connection just to configure the unit on-site.Â
Non-Contact Measurement
Microwave signal reflection measures level without touching the material unaffected by dust, vapor, or surface turbulence.
Long Range, One Platform
Five range options up to 120m cover process vessels through to large storage silos without switching technology.
Bluetooth Commissioning
IP67 housing with Bluetooth setup supports configuration without a hardwired connection at the installation point.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Range Options | 10 / 20 / 30 / 60 / 120 m |
Operating Frequency | Likely an 80 GHz FMCW unit based on the 3° beam angle, This frequency is the primary radar selection parameter. |
Sweep Bandwidth | 5 GHz |
Beam Angle | 3° |
Output | 4–20 mA or RS485 |
Ingress Protection | IP67 |
Commissioning | Bluetooth |
KEY FEATURES
Key Features & Performance Highlights
The specification range is built to cover level duty from process vessels through to large storage silos, unaffected by the dust and vapor common across a coal washery.
Narrow 3° Beam Angle
A tight 3° beam angle reduces false reflections from vessel internals or nearby structures, which matters most in geometrically complex silos and bunkers.
Long Range on One Platform
Five range options from 10m to 120m mean the same product platform covers small process vessels through to large storage silos without switching technology.
Unaffected by Dust and Vapour
Non-contact microwave measurement continues to perform where dust, vapor, or surface turbulence would degrade an ultrasonic instrument a common condition across coal handling and storage areas.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
How the Radar Level Transmitter Works
Radar level measurement times a reflected signal rather than relying on contact with the material.
Signal Emission
The transmitter emits a microwave signal through its horn antenna toward the material surface.
Surface Reflection
The signal reflects off the surface of the material being measured and returns to the transmitter.
Time-of-Flight Calculation
The instrument calculates the level based on the time taken for the signal to travel to the surface and back.
Consistent Performance in Dust and Vapor
Because the measurement does not rely on sound propagation through air, it continues to perform well in conditions where dust or vapor would degrade an ultrasonic instrument.
Signal Output
Level data outputs via 4–20 mA or RS485, with Bluetooth available for commissioning and configuration.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Radar Level Transmitter | Full Specification
Specifications sourced directly from John Finlay’s instrumentation documentation. Three items below remain open with Engineering; see notes.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Range Options | 10 / 20 / 30 / 60 / 120 m |
Sweep Bandwidth | 5 GHz |
Beam Angle | 3° |
Output | 4–20 mA or RS485 |
Ingress Protection | IP67 |
Commissioning | Bluetooth |
COMPARISON
Radar vs. Ultrasonic Level Measurement
Radar Level Transmitter
Ultrasonic Level Measurement (Typical)
Applications of the Radar Level Transmitter
Radar level measurement is specified wherever dust, vapor, or long-range rule out ultrasonic or contact-based level instruments; the genuine coal washery case for this instrument.
Silo and Bunker Level Monitoring
Long-range capability up to 120m covers large storage silos and bunkers from a single instrument, the primary coal washery use case.
Dusty or Vapour-Laden Environments
Non-contact microwave measurement is unaffected by conditions that degrade ultrasonic accuracy common across coal handling and storage areas.
Geometrically Complex Vessels
The narrow 3° beam angle resists false reflections from internal structures or vessel walls.
Remote or Hard-to-Access Installations
Bluetooth commissioning supports setup without requiring hardwired access at height or in confined spaces.
SCADA-Integrated Level Monitoring
4–20 mA or RS485 output integrates directly into existing plant automation and control systems.
High-Temperature Process Vessels (specialized)
A stepped execution rated to elevated process temperatures may be available; this is not a typical coal preparation duty (which runs wet, near-ambient) and the specific rating needs verification before it's published as a standard capability rather than a specialized option.
About John Finlay
Level Measurement Instrumentation Supplier in India
Why John Finlay?
120m
Maximum Range
Radar level measurement covers process vessels through to large storage silos on one platform.
130+
Coal Washery Projects
Completed EPC projects worldwide, including Asia’s largest coking coal washery at 30 MTPA.
EPC
Full Circuit Supply
Supplied as part of a complete instrumentation and automation offering across the coal preparation flowsheet.
IN
India-Based Support
Manufactured at Hefei John Finlay Mining Equipment Co., Ltd. and supported locally in India for installation, commissioning, spares and service.
Radar Level Transmitter | Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from engineers in coal washery processes who are evaluating non-contact radar level measurement.
Radar times a reflected microwave signal, which is unaffected by dust, vapor, or surface turbulence conditions that degrade ultrasonic level measurement significantly. Radar also supports much longer ranges.
Five range options 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 cover process vessels through to large storage silos and bunkers on one product platform.
Via Bluetooth, which supports configuration without a hardwired connection at the installation point, it is useful for units mounted at height or in confined spaces.
Struggling with level measurement in a dusty or hard-to-reach vessel?
Our engineers can help you determine whether radar level measurement is the right fit for your application.
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