Technical Characteristics and Performance
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Precision Beam Focusing: The 80 GHz W-band frequency creates an ultra-narrow beam that avoids the silo walls and internal bracing. This focusing ensures that the radar energy is directed specifically at the material surface, providing a stable signal even in tall, narrow storage conditions.
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Optimized for Solids: Unlike liquid-focused radars, the FMR66B is engineered to handle the irregular surfaces and low-reflective properties of bulk solids like plastic pellets, grains, or minerals. It provides a measuring range of up to 50 meters with an accuracy of ±3 mm.
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Heartbeat Technology for Buildup Detection: In dusty solids applications, material buildup on the antenna can be a common issue. Heartbeat Technology continuously monitors the signal quality and can detect “unwanted anomalies” like buildup or antenna clogging, allowing for proactive cleaning before the measurement is lost.
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Guided Operating Wizards: The device simplifies the user experience through intuitive wizards. These step-by-step guides assist with initial commissioning, SIL-locking, and the mandatory retesting/verification cycles, ensuring the device is correctly configured for the specific solids environment.
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Safety by Design: Developed in accordance with IEC 61508, the FMR66B is suitable for use in safety-instrumented systems. If an issue occurs, the display provides specific “recommended actions” rather than just error codes, significantly reducing troubleshooting time.
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Robust Installation Options: To accommodate the varying mounting requirements of silos and bunkers, the FMR66B offers versatile process connections, including threads and specialized mounting brackets that allow for easy alignment with the material’s angle of repose.
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 | ±3 mm (0.12 in) |
| Process Temperature | -40 to +200 °C (-40 to +392 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +16 bar (-14.5 to +266 psi) |
| Communication | 4-20 mA HART, Bluetooth, PROFIBUS PA, PROFINET |
| Safety & Compliance | SIL 2/3, ATEX, IECEx, Marine, 5/10-pt Calibration |
Primary Applications
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Narrow Grain Silos: Accurate level measurement in tall, thin silos for wheat, corn, or animal feed where wall reflections must be avoided.
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Plastic Pellets and Resins: Monitoring feedstock in the plastics industry, where low dielectric materials require high-frequency sensitivity.
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Mining and Aggregates: Level tracking in small to medium bunkers for sand, gravel, or crushed stone.
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Wood Chip Storage: Measuring levels in bins for the pulp and paper or biomass energy industries.
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Chemical Powders: Continuous monitoring of bulk chemical storage where dust and internal vessel obstructions are present.
