Micropilot FMR60 80 GHz Radar Level Transmitter
Overview
The Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR60 is a free-space radar level transmitter operating at about 80 GHz (W-band) using the FMCW measuring principle. It is used for continuous, non-contact level measurement of liquids, pastes and slurries, and is part of the Micropilot family of radar level instruments.
The narrow 80 GHz beam and PTFE drip-off antenna allow measurement in vessels with internals, and the measurement is not affected by changing media, temperature changes, gas blankets or vapours. The FMR60 provides a 4–20 mA HART output with an additional switch output, Bluetooth commissioning via the SmartBlue app, and Heartbeat Technology for verification and monitoring. Endress+Hauser also offers the newer Micropilot FMR60B, which is a separate order code.
Key Features
- 80 GHz free-space radar with narrow beam
- Measuring range up to 50 m with ±1 mm accuracy
- PTFE drip-off antenna
- 4–20 mA HART output plus additional switch output
- Bluetooth commissioning and remote operation via the SmartBlue app
- Heartbeat Technology; SIL 2 / SIL 3 per IEC 61508
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Micropilot FMR60 (full order code defines antenna, connection and approvals) |
| Measuring principle | Free-space radar, FMCW, W-band (~80 GHz) |
| Maximum measuring range | 50 m (164 ft) |
| Accuracy | ±1 mm (±4 mm for distances up to 0.8 m) |
| Process temperature | -40 to +130 °C |
| Process pressure | Vacuum to 16 bar (threaded connections); -1 to 3 bar with UNI flanges |
| Ambient temperature | -40 to +80 °C |
| Antenna | PTFE drip-off antenna |
| Process connections | Thread G1-1/2″, MNPT1-1/2″; flange UNI DN80–DN150 (3″–6″) |
| Output / communication | 4–20 mA HART, additional switch output, Bluetooth |
| Functional safety | SIL 2, SIL 3 (IEC 61508) |
| Ex approvals | ATEX, FM, CSA C/US, IECEx, JPN Ex, INMETRO, NEPSI, KC, EAC, UK Ex |
| Beam angle | 6 degrees with the 50 mm / 2 in PTFE drip-off antenna (beam diameter = distance × 0.10) |
| Range, storage vessel | Media group A0 7 m, A 12 m, B 23 m, C 40 m, D 50 m |
| Range, buffer vessel | A0 4 m, A 7 m, B 13 m, C 28 m, D 44 m |
| Range, vessel with agitator | A0 2 m, A 4 m, B 7 m, C 15 m, D 25 m |
| Non-repeatability | 1 mm or better |
| Supply voltage (terminal) | HART: 14 to 35 V (Ex ia 14 to 30 V); HART + switch output: 16 to 35 V; HART + 4-20 mA: 16 to 30 V; +2 V with Bluetooth module |
| Power consumption | Less than 0.9 W (2-wire HART) |
| Switch output | Open collector, 16 to 35 V DC, 0 to 40 mA |
| Process limits by connection | Thread G1-1/2 / MNPT1-1/2: -40 to +130 °C, -1 to 16 bar; UNI flange 316L: -40 to +130 °C, -1 to 3 bar; UNI flange PP: -40 to +80 °C, -1 to 3 bar |
| Wetted materials | Antenna PTFE, antenna seal FKM (Viton); process connection 316L (1.4404); PP for PP flange version |
| Housings / protection | GT19 dual compartment plastic PBT; GT20 dual compartment aluminium coated; IP66/IP68, NEMA 4X/6P |
| Nozzle length limits | Nozzle diameter 50-80 mm: max 750 mm; 80-100 mm: 1150 mm; 100-150 mm: 1450 mm; 150 mm and above: 2200 mm |
| Minimum dielectric constant | 1.9 for free-space measurement of group B media; group A and A0 with reduced range |
Applications
- Level measurement in storage and buffer tanks for hydrocarbons, chemicals and water
- Process vessels with agitators, heating coils or other internals
- Tanks with vapours, gas blankets or temperature changes in oil & gas and petrochemical plants
- SIL-rated level and overfill protection loops
FMR60 Measuring Range by Medium Group and Vessel Type
The headline 50 m range of the Micropilot FMR60 applies to conductive, high-permittivity liquids in a calm storage vessel. Endress+Hauser tabulates the usable range by medium group: in a storage vessel the drip-off antenna reaches 7 m in group A0 (DC 1.2 to 1.4), 12 m in group A (1.4 to 1.9), 23 m in group B (1.9 to 4), 40 m in group C (4 to 10) and 50 m in group D (above 10). If the permittivity is unknown the manufacturer advises assuming group B.
Surface movement reduces these figures. In a buffer vessel with continuous free filling or mixing jets the values are 4, 7, 13, 28 and 44 m for groups A0 to D, and in a vessel with an agitator they fall to 2, 4, 7, 15 and 25 m. For media with a permittivity of 4 or less the tank bottom can become visible through the liquid, so a minimum level of 80 mm above the bottom is specified for full accuracy.
The 50 mm PTFE drip-off antenna has a beam angle of only 6 degrees, so the beam diameter is one tenth of the distance: about 1 m at 10 m and 3 m at 30 m. This narrow beam is what allows mounting near walls and internals and even measuring through an open full-bore ball valve. Certain absorbing gas phases, such as pure ammonia, acetone, methylene chloride or VCM, are named by the manufacturer as unsuitable for 80 GHz measurement.
FMR60 Installation Conditions and Electrical Connection
Endress+Hauser recommends placing the FMR60 about one sixth of the vessel diameter from the wall and never closer than 15 cm, away from the centre and the filling curtain. Radial alignment is not required for the drip-off antenna, but the antenna axis must be perpendicular to the product surface. Long nozzles are tolerated: up to 750 mm for 50 to 80 mm diameter, 1150 mm for 80 to 100 mm, 1450 mm for 100 to 150 mm and 2200 mm from 150 mm upward, provided the nozzle end is smooth and a mapping is performed.
The transmitter is a 2-wire loop device. With plain HART output it needs 14 to 35 V at the terminals (14 to 30 V for Ex ia), and 16 V minimum when the switch output or a second current output is fitted; the Bluetooth module raises the minimum by 2 V. Pressure rating depends on the connection: 16 bar applies to the threaded versions only, while UNI flanges are limited to 3 bar, and the PP flange additionally to +80 °C. SIL 3 use requires homogeneous or diverse redundancy.
Why Seven Star LLC
Seven Star LLC supplies Endress+Hauser level instruments across Oman and the GCC. Before quoting, we check the full order code or nameplate data, including antenna, process connection and approvals, against your tank data so the supplied unit fits the installation.
Micropilot FMR60 FAQ
What is the Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR60?
The FMR60 is an 80 GHz (W-band) FMCW free-space radar level transmitter for continuous, non-contact level measurement of liquids, pastes and slurries, with a PTFE drip-off antenna.
What is the measuring range and accuracy of the FMR60?
The maximum measuring range is 50 m (164 ft) with ±1 mm accuracy (±4 mm for distances up to 0.8 m).
What are the process temperature and pressure limits?
Process temperature is −40 to +130 °C and process pressure is vacuum to 16 bar with threaded connections (UNI flanges: up to 3 bar). Ambient temperature is −40 to +80 °C.
Is the FMR60 SIL rated and does it support Bluetooth?
Yes. It is rated SIL 2 / SIL 3 per IEC 61508 and supports Bluetooth commissioning through the SmartBlue app, with 4–20 mA HART output plus an additional switch output.
Is the FMR60B the same as the FMR60?
No. The Micropilot FMR60B is the newer version and is a separate order code. Send us the full order code or nameplate photo and we will confirm the exact unit before quoting.
Request a Quote for Micropilot FMR60 80 GHz Radar Level Transmitter
Send your request through our inquiry form with the order code (or nameplate photo), quantity, medium, process temperature and pressure, tank height, nozzle size and type, and required Ex and SIL approvals. Seven Star LLC will confirm the configuration and quote lead time.
Related Products
- Instruction Manual Endress+Hauser (E & H) Micropilot FMR60 80 GHz Radar Level Transmitter Manual Download
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