80GHz FMCW Radar Level Sensor for Silos & Tanks
80GHz FMCW radar level sensor for silos, tanks, and containers. Non-contact measurement for feed, grain, and liquids.
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Product Highlights
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The RLM-120 is an advanced 80GHz FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar level sensor designed for precise, non-contact level measurement in silos, tanks, and containers. The high-frequency 80GHz technology provides a narrow beam angle and exceptional accuracy, making it ideal for measuring feed levels, grain storage, liquids, and bulk materials in agricultural and industrial applications.
Why 80GHz Radar Technology?
The 80GHz frequency offers significant advantages over traditional 24GHz radar and ultrasonic sensors:
Narrow Beam Angle
- At 10 meters distance, the 80GHz beam is only 30% as wide as 24GHz alternatives
- Enables accurate measurements in narrow silos without interference from walls
- Avoids false readings from tank internals, ladders, and agitators
Superior Signal Resolution
- 4GHz bandwidth differentiates between targets only 10cm apart
- Clearly identifies the true material surface amid background noise
- Excellent performance in vessels with internal obstructions
Excellent Performance with Difficult Materials
- Higher frequency increases backscattering on fine-grained bulk materials
- Ideal for powders, granules, and dusty conditions during filling
- Works reliably with low-reflectivity materials
Environmental Independence
- Unaffected by temperature, pressure, humidity, or dust
- No calibration drift due to environmental changes
- Superior to ultrasonic sensors in harsh conditions
Key Features
- Non-Contact Measurement: No moving parts, no material contact
- High Precision: ±1mm accuracy for precise inventory tracking
- Narrow Beam: 3° beam angle (8° variant available) for focused measurement
- Wide Range: up to 120m measurement capability
- Digital Output: RS485 Modbus RTU
- Flexible Power: 12-28V DC operation
- Weather Resistant: IP67 rating for outdoor installations
- Compact Design: Flush-mounted antenna, easy installation
- Low Maintenance: Solid-state design, no calibration required
Applications
- Feed silo level monitoring
- Grain bin inventory tracking
- Powder and granule storage
- Liquid tank level measurement
- Water and chemical storage tanks
- Fertilizer storage monitoring
- Cement and aggregate silos
- Food processing storage
- Agricultural inventory management
- Industrial bulk material handling
How FMCW Radar Works
The sensor continuously emits frequency-modulated radar waves and receives their reflections from the material surface. By measuring the frequency difference between transmitted and received signals, the sensor calculates the precise distance to the surface. When vessel geometry is configured, the system automatically calculates fill level, volume, or mass.
Measurement Principle:
- Radar waves emitted at 80GHz frequency
- Waves reflect off material surface
- Frequency shift measured between transmitted and received signals
- Distance calculated from frequency difference
- Level/volume computed based on tank geometry
Installation Guidelines
Mounting Position:
- Install at center of tank/silo when possible
- Vertical mounting perpendicular to material surface
- Minimum distance from wall: 200mm
- Avoid mounting directly above fill stream
Optimal Placement:
- Clear line of sight to material surface
- Away from internal obstructions (ladders, pipes)
- Protected from direct material impact during filling
- Accessible for maintenance if needed
Configuration:
- Set tank height and geometry parameters
- Configure empty and full calibration points
- Adjust signal processing for material type
- Set alarm thresholds as needed
Integration
The RLM-120 integrates seamlessly with monitoring systems:
Digital Output (RS485 Modbus RTU)
- Standard two-wire loop-powered connection
- Direct connection to PLCs, controllers, and displays
- Compatible with existing analog infrastructure
Digital Output (RS485 Modbus RTU)
- Multi-drop bus connection for multiple sensors
- Full access to diagnostics and configuration
- Integration with Agrinovo IoT controllers
- SCADA and cloud connectivity via gateway
When to Choose Radar vs Ultrasonic
Both technologies have their place. The RLM-120 radar is the right tool for solids, dusty filling, condensation, narrow silos and long range. For simple liquid tanks under 20 m, an ultrasonic meter is usually the right tool and is easier to specify.
| Condition | 80 GHz Radar (RLM-120) | Ultrasonic (ULM-100 / ULM-110) |
|---|---|---|
| Solid material, grain, feed, powder | Required | Not supported |
| Heavy dust during filling | Unaffected | Affected |
| Steam, vapour, condensation | Unaffected | Affected |
| Narrow silo with internal obstructions | 4° beam, clean signal | Wider beam, more false echoes |
| Range beyond 20 m | Up to 120 m | Not available |
| Vacuum vessel | Suitable | Not suitable |
| Liquid in open or vented tank | Suitable, often overspecified | Right tool |
| Simple water or wastewater tank | Overspecified | Right tool |
| Hazardous-area liquid (Zone 1) | Not the ULM-110 alternative | ULM-110 is Ex d IIC T6 |
For liquid tanks, see the AGRINOVO-ULM-100 Ultrasonic Level Meter for non-hazardous applications and the AGRINOVO-ULM-110 Explosion-Proof Ultrasonic Level Meter for classified zones.
Technical Specifications
Radar Performance:
- FMCW continuous wave technology
- 80GHz operating frequency
- 4GHz bandwidth for high resolution
- Advanced signal processing algorithms
Mechanical:
- Compact lens antenna design
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Multiple process connection options
Environmental:
- Display operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C
- Process temperature up to -30°C to +1000°C (variant dependent)
- IP67 ingress protection, Ex d ia IIC T6 rating
- Suitable for outdoor installation
Why Choose RLM-120
- Accuracy: ±1mm precision for reliable inventory data
- Reliability: Solid-state design, no moving parts to wear
- Versatility: Works with solids, liquids, and powders
- Durability: Built for harsh agricultural and industrial environments
- Easy Integration: Standard RS485 Modbus RTU output
- Low Maintenance: Set and forget operation
- Cost Savings: Reduce manual checking, prevent stockouts
- Real-Time Data: Continuous monitoring via IoT connectivity
Part of our IoT Silo Monitoring System
Learn about our complete silo and container level monitoring solution for feed and grain management.
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