Guided Radar Level Measurement

Guided Radar Level Measurement

Guided radar (guided wave radar) is used for continuous level measurement in liquids and bulk solids, with particularly strong performance where surface conditions are unstable. The technology is frequently applied when turbulence, foam, angled product surfaces, or tank internals would otherwise disturb non-contact measurement.

High-frequency radar pulses are launched and guided along a probe. When the pulse reaches the product surface, part of the signal is reflected due to the change in relative dielectric constant; the instrument measures time-of-flight between launch and return, converting distance to level using the known reference point at the process connection.

A major advantage is that the probe guides the energy, making surface condition comparatively unimportant. Measurement remains stable with turbulent surfaces, foam formation, and uneven solids profiles such as outflow funnels. Additional diagnostic approaches, including end-of-probe evaluation, provide another layer of measurement security.

Typical applications range from straightforward storage tanks to corrosive or aggressive media and heavy-duty services. Guided radar is also commonly selected for interface measurement where two phases must be distinguished reliably, and for vessels with internal obstructions, baffles, or tight nozzles that complicate free-space techniques.

Selection and design considerations include probe type (rod, cable, coax), dielectric suitability, mechanical loading in solids, and ensuring the probe is installed to minimize contact with internal structures. Attention to sealing materials, corrosion allowances, and nozzle geometry supports long-term stability, especially in high temperature/high pressure services and in vessels with frequent filling and emptying cycles.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.