Measures through dust or airborne particles in the vessel
Continuous Level Measurement for Solids and Liquids
Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters
BinMaster guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitters provide highly accurate, continuous level measurement in bins, tanks, and silos using time domain reflectometry (TDR) technology.
By sending microwave pulses along a guided cable or rod probe, these sensors precisely measure the distance to the material surface to determine level and volume.
Guided wave radar sensors are well suited for powders, pellets, granules, and liquids, even in challenging process environments with temperature changes, pressure, dust, condensation, or vapors.
BinMaster offers two guided wave radar models designed for different applications: GWR-2000 for bulk solids and GWR-3000 for liquids & interface measurement.
Both sensors provide dependable level measurement and integrate easily with PLCs, HMIs, and inventory monitoring software such as BinCloud® and Binventory®.
GWR-2000 Guided Wave Radar for Solids
The GWR-2000 provides highly accurate continuous level measurement for powders & bulk solids in vessels up to 100 ft. tall.
- Accuracy of ±0.08 inches (2 mm)
- Works reliably in dust, air movement, and noise
- Measures solids with dielectric constants as low as 1.3
- Small upper dead zone for improved accuracy
- Communication via 4-20 mA or Modbus RTU
- Compatible with PLCs, HMIs, BinCloud®, and Binventory®
- Optional hazardous location approvals
Typical Applications for the GWR-2000
- Grain storage silos
- Feed, seed, and pet food facilities
- Plastic pellets, flakes, and powders
- Cement and lime storage
- Chemical manufacturing
- Wood pellet production
- Paint pigment storage vessels
GWR-3000 Guided Wave Radar for Liquids
The GWR-3000 is designed for liquid level and interface level measurement in tanks, standpipes, or separators. It continuously measures liquids up to 75 ft. with an accuracy of ±0.08 inches.
- Measures through steam, vapor, condensation, or foam
- Available with flexible cable or rigid rod probes
- Single or dual chamber housing options
- Plastic, aluminum, or stainless-steel housing materials
- Modbus, 2-wire 4-20 mA, or 4-wire 4-20 mA communications
- Stainless-steel wetted parts for durability
- FKM, FFKM, or EPDM seal options
- Optional hazardous location approvals
Typical Applications for the GWR-3000
- Tank farms and storage tanks
- Chemical processing tanks
- Ammonia or ethanol storage
- Oil/water separators
- Petrochemical processing vessels
- Food and beverage tanks
- Wastewater treatment systems
- Metal finishing operations
| GWR-2000 | GWR-3000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring Range | 100 ft. (30.5 m) | 75 ft. (23 m) |
| Accuracy | ±0.08 in (2 mm) | ±0.08 in (2 mm) |
| Process Temperature | -40°F to 392°F (-40°C to 200°C) | -76°F to 392°F (-60°C to 200°C) |
| Process Pressure | -14.5 to +580 psig (-1 to +40 bar) | -14.5 to +580 psig (-1 to +40 bar) |
| Mounting | 1½" NPT opening or 3" ANSI flange | 1½" or 2" NPT threaded, 2" or 3" flange |
| Housing Material | Plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel | Plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel |
| Enclosure Rating | IP66 / IP67 / IP68, depending on housing | IP66 / IP67 / IP68, depending on housing |
| Approvals | CSA / FM Class II, Div 2, Groups E, F, G; other approvals available | CSA / FM Class II, Div 2, Groups E, F, G; other approvals available |
| Output | Two-wire 4-20 mA/HART®, four-wire 4-20 mA/HART®, Modbus RTU | Two-wire 4-20 mA/HART®, four-wire 4-20 mA/HART®, Modbus RTU |
| Dead Zone | Up to 12 in. | 3.15 in. to 7.874 in., depending on rod/cable type and whether measuring water or oil |
How the Guided Wave Radar Works
Guided wave radar sensors operate using time domain reflectometry (TDR), a measurement method that determines level by measuring the time it takes for a microwave signal to travel to the material surface and back.
The transmitter sends a high-frequency microwave pulse down a guided probe or weighted cable.
When the signal reaches the material surface, a portion of the energy is reflected back toward the sensor.
The transmitter measures the time difference between the transmitted and reflected signals.
This time difference is converted into a precise distance measurement, used to calculate level/volume.
Perks of Time Domain Reflectometry Measurement
Guided wave radar sensors provide reliable measurements because the guided signal travels directly along the cable or rod, rather than through the vessel space.
Comprehensive diagnostics built into the transmitter ensure reliable operation and simplify troubleshooting when needed.
Resists fluctuations in temperature, pressure, or material bulk density
Provides accuracy in environments with condensation or vapor
Typically unaffected by noise during filling/emptying processes
Installing Guided Wave Radar Sensors
Guided wave radars are typically mounted at the top of the vessel.
- ¾-inch, 1½-inch or 2-inch NPT
- 2-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch ANSI flange
BinMaster also offers 1½-inch NPT mounting plates for flat or angled silo roofs in 0°, 5°, 10°, and 30°. For sanitary applications, stainless-steel mounting plates are available.
Probe Options
A solid steel rod probe is used only on shorter tanks.
For taller tanks, a flexible stainless-steel cable with a counterweight is suspended from the transmitter to the bottom of the vessel.
Probe options include 4 or 8 mm stainless-steel cable, or a 16 mm stainless-steel rod probe.
Simple Sensor Setup with BinDisc
BinMaster guided wave radar sensors can be configured using the BinDisc setup interface, which simplifies commissioning and parameter adjustments.
This setup process reduces installation time and ensures consistent configuration across multiple sensors.
Push-button configuration directly on the sensor
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setup
Ability to move one BinDisc from sensor to sensor
Fast configuration without complex programming
Use Cases for Radar Sensors
Guided Wave vs. Non-Contact
Both guided wave radar and non-contact radar technologies provide accurate level measurement, but each is better suited for specific applications.
Choose guided wave radar when:
- The vessel is relatively small or narrow
- The process requires contact rod or cable measurement
- Liquid interface measurement is required
- Installation environment allows a probe to extend into the vessel
Guided wave radar remains most valuable for applications where cable or rod-based measurement or liquid interface detection is required.
Other Sensors for Accurate Level Measurement
Non-contact radar sensors such as 80 GHz radar transmitters often provide easier installation and lower maintenance because they do not require a rod or cable inside the vessel.
For many modern bulk solids applications, non-contact radar is the preferred solution. Choose radar level sensors when:
- The vessel is very tall or large
- Bulk material may build up on rods or cables
- A non-intrusive sensor is preferred
- The process environment is extremely dusty
- Maintenance access is limited
