Technical Characteristics and Design
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80 GHz W-Band Technology: The high frequency allows for a very tight beam focus. This enables the radar to navigate through narrow nozzles and bypass internal fittings like agitators or heating coils without generating false echoes, which is a significant advantage over lower-frequency radars.
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Innovative Drip-Off Antenna: The antenna is constructed from PTFE and features a specialized drip-off design. This prevents the accumulation of condensate or product buildup on the antenna face, ensuring maximum signal availability and reducing maintenance requirements in humid or steamy environments.
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Heartbeat Technology: This smart sensor functionality provides continuous self-monitoring and on-demand verification. It allows for a documented “health check” of the device without process interruption, identifying anomalies before they lead to failure.
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Safety by Design: As the first 80 GHz radar developed for SIL3 applications (in homogeneous redundancy), the FMR60 offers the highest level of functional safety. It includes a simplified proof test concept for SIL and WHG, significantly saving time during mandatory safety inspections.
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Multi-Echo Tracking: Improved algorithms and evaluation software allow the FMR60 to track the true level echo with ±1 mm accuracy, even when obstacles are present in the vessel or when process conditions like vapors and gas blankets change.
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HistoROM Data Management: This concept ensures that all device parameters are backed up. It facilitates fast commissioning and maintenance, as configuration data can be easily transferred if the transmitter electronics are replaced.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Free-space Radar (W-band) |
| Frequency | 80 GHz |
| Measuring Range | Up to 50 m (164 ft) |
| Accuracy | ±1 mm (0.04 in) |
| Process Temperature | –40 to +130 °C (–40 to +266 °F) |
| Process Pressure | –1 to +16 bar (–14.5 to +232 psi) |
| Output Signal | 4-20 mA HART |
| Safety & Compliance | SIL 2/3, WHG, ATEX, IECEx, Marine |
Primary Applications
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Process Tanks with Internal Fittings: Perfect for vessels containing agitators, baffles, or cooling coils where a focused beam is required to avoid interference.
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Narrow Nozzle Installations: The high frequency allows for high-performance measurement even when the sensor must be mounted on small-diameter nozzles.
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Hygienic and Aggressive Liquids: Suitable for various chemical and utility applications where non-contact measurement is necessary to prevent sensor corrosion or product contamination.
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Inventory Management: High accuracy of ±1 mm makes it suitable for precise tracking of high-value liquids in storage tanks.
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Safety-Instrumented Systems (SIS): Used as a reliable high-level or low-level alarm in loops requiring SIL-rated instrumentation.
