What process connections are available?

The sensor has a G1 thread. For mounting above open tubs or plastic tanks, we recommend the E33706 mounting bracket.

Is the LW21 suited for solids?

The unit continuously monitors the level of liquids without contact. Bulk materials are detected depending on their properties (conical heaps, grain size, dielectric constant, etc.).

Can the LW21 measure oil-based media?

The dielectric constant of the medium has to be ≥ 2. Mineral and ester oils typically have a lower dielectric constant and cannot be detected, while most vegetable oils are recognised.

Can the sensor monitor the level in IBC containers without contact?

Yes, the sensor can be installed above plastic tanks and detect the level through the plastic lid. With this mounting variant, the radio approval prescribes the use of the antenna extension E33705 .

Can several LW sensors be used in one tank?

Yes, it is possible to use several sensors in one tank. There is no minimum distance and no mutual interference.

What has to be considered regarding installation?

The sensor should be mounted so that objects such as heating coils, spray balls, baffles, ladders or agitators are not in the radar signal path. Mount the unit vertically (90°) to ensure a good echo from the medium surface.

Can the sensor be used in foaming media?

It depends on the density and thickness of the foam whether the sensor will detect the media surface through the foam. Dry, airy foam does not pose a problem, while very wet, dense foam may affect the sensor performance.

Is radar radiation dangerous?

No! The maximum radiated power is 2dBm (2mW), which is very low compared to mobile phones.

Can the sensor be used outside of metal or concrete tanks?

Yes, the sensor can also be used above open tubs or in plastic tanks. In these cases, the radio approval prescribes the use of the antenna extension E33705 .

Radar level sensor: Precise monitoring in industrial environments

Trouble-free level monitoring

The LW2120 radar level sensor measures levels of liquids and viscous media in tanks with a height of up to 10 metres precisely and without blind areas. The 80 GHz frequency that is used ensures stable and precise measurement results even in the presence of steam or condensate in the tank.

With the antenna extension, available as an accessory, the sensor may also be used outside closed metal tanks, for example on open tubs. The radar measuring system can penetrate through non-metallic walls, i.e. the level sensor can even detect levels in plastic tanks from outside.

What are the advantages of the radar level sensor?

Optimum performance
The 80 GHz technology enables focused and precise level measurement even in demanding applications involving condensation, wind, steam, sunlight, or temperature fluctuations.

Non-contact measuring principle
The non-contact measuring principle prevents malfunctions caused by the adhesion of media or damage from agitators.Even process conditions such as density, viscosity, temperature, pressure and pH do not impact the measurement.

Interfering structures are suppressed by intelligent algorithm
Interfering structures are suppressed by the intelligent algorithm, minimising parameter setting and ensuring reliable and trouble-free level measurement.

Simple set-up saves costs and time
Standard M12 connection technology reduces errors during set-up. Only one value is required for parameter setting, which makes set-up quick and easy.

Flexible use
With the antenna extension, available as an accessory, the sensor can also be used outside closed plastic tanks and above open tanks.

Applications

Use case - 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

System connection

Added value thanks to IO-Link

Remote maintenance
Remote maintenance and parameter setting via established fieldbus systems and IO-Link
- No superstructures necessary
- Cost savings and increased safety
Plug & work
The radar sensor can be configured quickly and easily via IO-Link. Only one parameter is required.
Loss-free data transmission
IO-Link enables loss-free data transmission, as conversion losses are excluded via digital communication and external influences, such as magnetic fields, have no effect on data transmission.

Monitoring sensor behaviour and supporting set-up

ifm Vision Assistant

The free Vision Assistant software enables intuitive sensor set-up and clear visualisation of process values. The software is particularly useful in complex applications, as it provides a real-time view of the sensor’s behaviour and ensures reliable measurement.

More about the Vision Assistant

FAQs

Radar sensor certified for use in hygienic areas

Are you looking for a radar level sensor for use in hygienic areas? Then LW2720 is the right choice.

Designed for use in hygienic tanks of up to 10 metres, even the use of spray balls, agitators or different media do not impair its proper functioning.

Learn more!

How does radar level measurement function?

Technology

The device works according to the FMCW method (FMCW = Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave). Electromagnetic pulses in the GHz range are sent to the medium at a constantly changing frequency between 77 and 81 GHz. Since the transmitter continuously changes the frequency of the transmitted signal, there is a frequency difference between the transmitted and the reflected signal. The frequency of the reflected signal is subtracted from the frequency of the signal transmitted at that time, resulting in a low frequency signal proportional to the distance to the level. This signal is further processed in order to obtain fast, reliable and highly accurate level measurements.

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