A new radar level sensor enables high-precision and fast level measurements in harsh industrial environments with extreme temperatures, smoke, and dust – such as in molten metal level monitoring or for throughput measurements on conveyor belts.

The OndoSense apex Level Line sensor is said to deliver measurement results with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, even with strongly fluctuating levels – enabled by a combination of a high measuring rate (500 Hz) and smart filter algorithms. This facilitates error-free, precise measurements, even in the presence of wave motion, bubble formation or other abrupt level fluctuations.

The level radar is also suitable for measurements in closed containers requiring a high resistance to heat, temperature, or pressure. OndoSense supplies an air-cooled housing that can be attached to the container lid from the outside, allowing level monitoring of closed melting furnaces with metal temperatures of up to 1 600 °C.

The OndoSense apex Level Line can be used in a range of applications including level monitoring of molten metal in slab casting, in ladles, ladle cars, launder systems, melting furnaces and crucibles; throughput measurements on conveyor belts and level or volume measurements of bulk material stockpiles in mining.

The radar level sensor offers a variety of interfaces, such as an advanced Profinet interface or an analog current interface. Three digital switching outputs are also available. The level sensor's measuring range starts at 0.1 m and extends to 40 m. In addition, preconfigured application profiles in the configuration software enable simple and fast sensor commissioning.

“We combined our very high sensor measurement rate of 500 Hz with a sophisticated filter algorithm. This ensures that our radar sensor only communicates traceable, reliable measurements to the interface. As a result, the OndoSense apex Level Line is able to reliably and precisely map even the most abrupt level fluctuations caused by wave motion, bubble formation or when filling containers," explains OndoSense co-CEO Rainer Waltersbacher.

With a very narrow aperture angle of approximately 1.5°, the radar level sensor is designed to deliver stable, reliable measurements with an extremely small measuring spot. This makes it ideal for confined spaces or measurements from long distances – for example, in level measurement of liquid metal in narrow trough systems.

The radar sensor has a dust-tight, jet-proof protection rating and features a polytetrafluoroethylene lens, making is particularly suitable for harsh environments. For extreme operating conditions, OndoSense offers an optional air-cooled heat shield for maximum protection against very high temperatures or heavy dirt.