Radar Level Sensors

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A radar level sensor measures level without touching the product, by timing a microwave echo off the surface. It reads through vapor, dust, foam and temperature swings that defeat other methods. Instranova builds a full radar range: 26, 80 and 6 GHz non-contact units, a guided-wave version for tough surfaces, and antennas for solids and corrosive media. Pick the frequency and antenna by the job; the pages below give real specifications and a quote checklist for each.

Our radar level sensors

Frequency and antenna decide the job. Lower frequencies are rugged and forgiving; 80 GHz gives a tight beam for fine powders and small fittings; a guided-wave probe ignores foam and turbulence altogether.

Choosing a radar level sensor

Start with the medium and the surface, then the range and the fitting. This table maps the common jobs to the right unit.

Your job	Pick	Why
General liquid level in tanks and open vessels	26 GHz non-contact	Rugged, forgiving, cost-effective all-rounder
Fine powders, long range, small nozzles	80 GHz FMCW	Tight beam and high resolution catch a weak echo
Solid particles and blocks: coal, lime, aggregate	6 GHz solids horn	Tuned for low-reflectivity bulk solids in dust
Strong acids, bases and corrosive vapor	PTFE rod antenna	Fluoropolymer is the only wetted part
Heavy foam, turbulence, low dielectric, interface	Guided wave	A contact probe ignores surface conditions a beam cannot

Not sure between non-contact and ultrasonic at all? Radar holds its reading through vapor, dust and pressure that slow an ultrasonic pulse, but costs more; for clean, low-dust vessels an ultrasonic level sensor may be enough. For a contact alternative on conductive liquids, see the full level range.

FAQ

How accurate is a radar level sensor?

Typical accuracy runs from about ±20 mm on a 6 GHz solids unit to a few millimeters on an 80 GHz liquid unit. The figure holds across vapor, dust, temperature and pressure in the headspace, because microwave travel time does not change with them. A steep solid surface or heavy foam widens it, which is where antenna and frequency choice pays off.

What are the disadvantages of a radar level sensor?

Radar costs more than ultrasonic or a float, and low-dielectric media such as fine dry powder or clean LPG return a weak echo that a low-frequency unit can under-read; those want 80 GHz or a guided-wave probe. Foam, heavy turbulence and internal structure also cut the signal and may need echo mapping during setup.

How do you calibrate a radar level sensor?

Set the empty reference at the vessel bottom and the full reference at the highest measured level, then enter the blocking distance for the near zone close to the antenna. Because non-contact radar never touches the product, you do this over HART without opening or draining the vessel, and use the echo profile to suppress fixed false echoes from pipework or agitators.

Request a quote

Quote checklist, send these five points: the medium (liquid, slurry or solid) and whether it foams or coats; the measured range and vessel height; the process temperature and pressure; the nozzle or fitting size; and whether you need a hazardous-area rating. Tell us the application and we configure one unit, not a shelf part.

Written and technically reviewed by the Instranova engineering team, last reviewed 2026-06-21 (AI-assisted drafting). Based on the Instranova radar level series datasheets plus field experience across liquid, solid and corrosive service. Questions? Reach our application engineers.