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  1. LW radar level sensor
  2. Use cases

Use cases

Water treatment

Non-contact radar measurement in tanks

For more than 30 years, EnviroFALK GmbH has been designing, manufacturing and selling pure and ultra-pure water systems for a wide range of industries worldwide.For non-contact level monitoring in tanks, EnviroFALK uses the LW2120 radar level sensor.

The sensor can detect levels up to a height of 10 metres without blind zones and at a millimetre resolution. The 80 GHz frequency that is used ensures stable and precise measurement results even in confined spaces. With the antenna extension, available as an accessory, the sensor can also be used outside closed metal tanks, for example on open tubs or plastic tanks.

Standard M12 connection technology ensures error-free installation within minutes, while IO-Link adds the convenience of remote parameter setting and reading. The intelligent algorithm in the unit makes parameter setting via IO-Link seem like child’s play: After setting the reference height once, the sensor immediately provides the exact level via IO-Link.

For certain applications, we use the radar sensor instead of hydrostatic level measurement. For example, end customers request this in the ultra-pure field, where every screw connection and every measuring point represents a potential source of contamination. In such applications, level measurement using a radar sensor is advantageous, as the sensor is installed outside the tank lid and does not come into contact with the medium.

Maximilian Meurer Measurement and Control Engineer at EnviroFALK GmbH

Measurement of bulk chemicals in IBC

Managing inventory of material in intermediate bulk containers (IBC) can be challenging as these containers are typically replaced as needed to maintain supply. Therefore, fixing any instrumentation directly to the IBC itself will increase the time it takes to swap containers as sensors need to be removed or disconnected. This is not required with the LW2120 radar sensor as it can measure the bulk material through the top of plastic tanks. This is accomplished by mounting the sensor above the tank, which allows it to be exchanged freely without any instrumentation being directed connected.

This is especially helpful with chemical storage as the sensor is not directly exposed to the media which prevents potential damage or corrosion of non-compatible materials. This improves machine availability and process performance by eliminating small stops to re-install and connect instrumentation.