The Ultimate Guide to Choosing 80G Radar Level  transmitter

What is a Level Transmitter?

A level transmitter is an instrument that can alter the level signal into an electrical signal. Industrial Level Transmitters are appropriate for continuous level and interface activity of liquids and solids during processing and storage.

Read more

Significance of Choosing the Right Level Transmitter Type

Selecting the right level transmitter type is not just a matter of accuracy—it can determine the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your operations. Factors such as material type (liquid, slurry, or solid), operating temperature, pressure, tank geometry, and presence of dust or vapor affect your selection.

Through the detection of the material level, the volume or mass of the material stored in the container can be correctly known.

Monitor or control the medium level in the container to keep it at a certain process-required height, or alarm the upper and lower limit positions of the medium.

And continuously monitor or adjust the balance of the inflow and outflow of materials in the container according to the material level.

Therefore, there are generally two purposes for measuring the material level. One is to have very high requirements for the absolute value of the material level measurement. To determine the number of raw materials, auxiliary materials, semi-finished products or finished products in the container or storage warehouse. The other is to have very accurate requirements for the relative value of the material level measurement. It must be able to quickly and correctly reflect the relative changes of materials on a certain level. It is used to continuously control the production process. That is, using the level instrument for monitoring and control.

Featured 10 Different types of level transmitters

Let’s look into the different types of level transmitters and how each one fits specific industrial needs.

1. Capacitance Level Transmitters

Capacitance level transmitters use the change in capacitance between two conductive plates (or a probe and a tank wall) as the material level changes. The dielectric constant of the material alters the capacitance, which the transmitter measures.

Capacitance level transmitter works well with conductive and non-conductive materials. Suitable for extreme temperatures and pressures and not perfect for sticky or coating materials

Applications:

• Water treatment plants
• Fuel level monitoring
• Food and beverage industries (especially for non-conductive fluids)

2. Ultrasonic Level Transmitters

Ultrasonic transmitters use high-frequency sound waves to measure the distance from the sensor to the surface of the material. The time taken for the echo to return is converted into level data.

This is a non-contact measurement. Suitable with corrosive or hazardous materials. Affected by temperature, dust, foam, and vapor.

Applications:

• Open channel flow monitoring
• Water and wastewater management
• Non-contact applications

3. Radar (Microwave) Level Transmitters

Radar transmitters emit microwave signals toward the material. The time delay between emission and reflection is used to calculate the level.

High accuracy, ability to work in harsh environments, and not affected by temperature, pressure, or vapor are some of the benefits of Radar (Microwave) Level Transmitters. However, it is more expensive than ultrasonic or capacitance types.

Applications:

• High-temperature, high-pressure tanks
• Oil and gas industry
• Chemical and petrochemical sectors

4. Hydrostatic (Pressure) Level Transmitters

Hydrostatic transmitters measure the pressure at the bottom of a liquid column. This pressure is proportional to the height (level) of the liquid.

They are reliable and cost-effective and good for vented tanks and open tanks. Hydrostatic (Pressure) Level Transmitters are not suitable for foaming or aggressive liquids. It is affected by changes in liquid density.

Applications:

• Underground tanks
• Open and closed vessels
• Water reservoirs

5. Magnetostrictive Level Transmitters

These use a float containing a magnet that moves along a stem. A current pulse through the stem interacts with the magnetic field, creating a torsional wave. The transmitter measures this wave to determine the float position.

Very high accuracy and ideal for high-value liquids are some of the benefits. Higher initial costs and the requirement of regular calibration are some of the disadvantages.

Applications:

• Fuel and oil level monitoring
• Chemical storage
• Precision-required applications

6. Optical Level Transmitters

Optical transmitters use infrared or laser light to detect the presence or absence of a liquid at a certain point. Some use reflection principles to measure continuous level.

Optical Level Transmitters are compact and easy to install and have fast response time. They have a limited range and not suitable for turbid or opaque liquids.

Applications:

• Point level detection in small tanks
• Leak detection
• Solvent and chemical tanks

7. Conductive Level Transmitters

These devices detect level based on the electrical conductivity of the liquid. Electrodes are placed at various levels, and the liquid completes the circuit when it reaches a given probe.
Simple and low-cost and reliable for conductive liquids. Not suitable for non-conductive liquids and requires maintenance due to scaling or corrosion.

Applications:

• Water treatment
• Chemical tanks with conductive fluids
• Overfill protection

8. Vibrating (Tuning Fork) Level Transmitters

Vibration Tuning Fork Level Switches use a vibrating probe that changes frequency when in contact with the material. They are usually used for point level detection.

Robust and maintenance-free and works with powders, granules, and liquids. They are Point-level only and not suitable for continuous measurement.

Applications:

• Solids (grains, powders)
• Viscous liquids
• Dry and wet environments

9. Laser Level Transmitters

A laser beam is directed at the surface of the material. The time it takes for the beam to return determines the distance and thus the level.

They have long range and high precision rate. They are expensive and sensitive to dust and surface reflectivity.

Applications:

• Large silos and bulk solids
• Waste storage
• Harsh and dusty environments

10. Differential Pressure (DP) Level Transmitters

Differential Pressure (DP) Level Measurement uses pressure readings and specific gravity to output level. DP Level is a common measurement technique that is used in a wide variety of applications and industries.

Solutions include standard transmitter connections and integrated transmitters with direct or remote mount seals that can be configured in tuned, balanced, and electronic systems.

Applications:

• It can be used for level measurement of closed containers and interface measurement of two different media.
• It is compatible with many special liquid media. For example, the medium is corrosive or contains crystalline particles, has high viscosity, is easy to solidify, etc.
• It is a widely used liquid level measuring instrument in the production process of petroleum, chemical industry, and petrochemical industry.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting Level Transmitters

More Level Measurement Solutions

• Bitumen And Asphalt Level Meters: Let’s Learn More About Them
• Bin Level Indicators and Controllers
• Dry Materials-Bulk Solids-Powder Level Sensors Guide
• Role of Hydrostatic Level Transmitters In Well Water Level Monitoring Process
• Water Level Pressure Transducers
• Typical Ultrasonic Level Sensor Applications and Advantages
• Different Diesel Level Sensors for Diesel Tank Level Measurement
• 4 Wire – 3 Wire – 2 Wire Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
• Submersible Pressure Transducers for Liquid Pressure and Level Measurement

As business enterprises evolve with more automation and stricter safety requirements, selecting the right level transmitter types becomes even more crucial. Always assess your process conditions and measurement needs to make the best choice.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Yuhan(ar,be,fr).

Whether you’re designing a new system or upgrading an existing one, this guide helps demystify the world of level transmitter types and applications. With the right knowledge, you can improve operational accuracy, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Let us know if you need help selecting or installing a level transmitter for your project. Sino-Inst sales team is always ready at their customer’s service.

The basic working principle of a radar level transmitter: transmit-reflect-receive

The radar sensor’s antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal in the form of a beam. The transmitted wave reflects off the surface of the material being measured. And the reflected echo signal is received by the antenna.

Ultrasonic sampling is used to collect data at each point in the transmitted and reflected beams. The signal is processed by an intelligent processor to determine the distance. Then the sensor sends to the terminal display for display, alarms, and operation.

Guided wave radar level transmitters are measuring instruments based on the time-travel principle. Radar waves travel at the speed of light. And the travel time can be converted into a level signal by electronic components.

The probe emits a high-frequency pulse that propagates along a cable probe. When the pulse hits the material surface, it reflects and is received by a receiver. It converts the distance signal into a level signal.

Guided wave radar level transmitters use contact measurement. So the corrosiveness and adhesion of the medium must be considered.

Ordinary radar level transmitters are non-contact. So it has a wider application range.

Specific media they are suitable for are as follows:

1. Media Compatibility

Radar Level Sensor (Non-Contact)

Low dielectric constant media (such as liquefied petroleum gas and certain organic solvents):

Microwave reflection signals are weak and easily interfered with.

High dust and steam environments (such as dust tanks and cooking tanks):

Microwaves experience significant attenuation when propagating in air, resulting in unstable reflection signals. Highly volatile, corrosive, high-temperature, and high-pressure media.

(such as acidic and alkaline solutions, organic solvents). Avoid corrosion or wear by not contacting the media.

Highly viscous b ut non-scaling media (such as heavy oil). Avoid material buildup on the waveguide. Low-viscosity, easily flowing media (such as water, light oil).

Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

Highly corrosive media: The waveguide is susceptible to corrosion (requiring the use of special materials such as PTFE and Hastelloy);

Mediums prone to crystallization and solidification (such as molten salts). The waveguide may be coated, affecting signal transmission.

Highly viscous, easily scaled, and foamy media (such as syrups, paints, and muds). The waveguide guides microwaves to reduce interference from foam/scaling on the signal.

Low-dielectric-constant media: Direct contact between the waveguide and the media results in a stronger reflected signal (energy concentration);

Scenarios with agitation and turbulence within the tank: Microwaves propagate along the waveguide, less affected by liquid level fluctuations.

2. Adaptability to the Operating Environment

Radar Level Transmitters (Non-Contact)

Suitable for use in open spaces with no complex structures within the tank (e.g., no agitators, ladders, or other obstructions). Because microwave propagation is easily affected by reflections from obstacles. A sufficient “unobstructed area” must be reserved (typically, the antenna must be at least 30 cm away from the obstacle).

Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters

Suitable for use in environments with complex tank structures and obstacles. Because the waveguide propagates directionally, interference from surrounding structures is minimal. However, the waveguide must be vertical and unbendable. Avoid contact with the tank wall or other components (otherwise, false reflections will occur).

Radar Level Transmitter(Non-Contact)

Installation: Avoid obstructions within the tank (such as agitator shafts and heating tubes). The distance between the antenna center and the tank wall should be at least 1/6 of the tank diameter. Avoid false reflections.

Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free (no contacting parts). Requiring only regular antenna cleaning to prevent dust accumulation.

Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

Installation: The waveguide must extend vertically into the medium, with the bottom 5-10 cm from the tank bottom. Avoid reflections caused by contact with the bottom. Securely fasten the waveguide to prevent shaking.

Maintenance: Regularly clean the waveguide. Remove buildup and scale. (especially with high-viscosity media) As this can cause false reflections.

When selecting a level transmitter, engineers should make an informed choice. It is based on the specific application scenario and media characteristics.

For example, in the chemical industry, radar level transmitters are more suitable for monitoring high-temperature, high-pressure liquids. In the food and pharmaceutical industries. Guided wave radar level transmitters may offer advantages. Due to their safety and hygiene requirements.

Sino-Inst offers a wide range of radar and guided wave radar level transmitters. We support customization of parameters. such as measurement range, temperature, pressure, material, and signal output. If you need to select the right level transmitter, please contact us. We will recommend the most suitable measurement solution.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website 80G Radar Level  transmitter.