Discover how non‑contact radar level measurement helps reduce installation and maintenance effort and improve measurement confidence across applications. This section brings together featured resources showing how Rosemount radar level transmitters combine reliable performance, remote access to data, advanced diagnostics, and Smart Echo Supervision™ to support safer operations, lower total cost of ownership, and increased uptime.
Non contact Radar Level Measurement You Can Rely On
The Rosemount non-contact radar level sensor portfolio delivers reliable free space radar level measurement across a wide range of industries and applications. With a simplified, tiered portfolio and consistent performance despite process conditions or obstructions, these radar level transmitters help save time, reduce costs, and increase uptime.
Products
ROSEMOUNT NON-CONTACTING RADARS
Reduce costs and increase uptime with non‑contact radar level sensors
What is non‑contacting radar level measurement?
Non‑contact radar level measurement is a technology that measures level without touching the product. The sensor sends a low‑power radar signal toward the material surface and measures the time it takes for the signal to return. This makes level measurement reliable, even in dusty, steamy, or turbulent conditions. Advanced FMCW radar technology continuously tracks the surface, while Smart Echo Supervision™ automatically filters out false echoes from internal obstructions such as pipes or agitators.
The result is accurate, stable level measurement with minimal setup and maintenance.
Simplify your Measurement Tasks with Easy-to-use Radar Level Transmitters
With over 50 years of experience as the inventors of radar level measurement, we have been dedicated to helping our customers solve their level measurement challenges.
Rosemount 5408 Level Transmitter
High precision level measurement for most challenging applications. Application Suitability
- For liquid applications with aggressive liquid media and/or extreme conditions
- For solid applications in tall silos with large solid particles, granules, pellets, or heavy powders
Radar Measurement Technology
- Two-wire FMCW and Smart Echo Supervision for superior reliability and reduced reactive maintenance tasks
Diagnostics & Maintenance
- Intuitive software for easy installation, commissioning, maintenance and proof-testing
- Powerful onboard diagnostics for proactive health monitoring
Connectivity Options
- 4–20 mA with HART® Integration with modern control systems
- Compatible with Rosemount Wireless THUM™ Adapter for a wireless solution
Safety & Compliance
- Suitable for overfill prevention and safety‑critical applications
- Available with SIL certifications for functional safety
Rosemount 3408 Level Transmitter
Reliable and versatile solution with advanced diagnosticsApplication Suitability
- Versatile solution for a wide range of liquid and solid applications
- Ideal for process tanks, silos, and remote or hard‑to‑reach locations
Radar Measurement Technology
- Two-wire FMCW and Smart Echo Supervision for superior reliability and reduced reactive maintenance tasks
Diagnostics & Maintenance
- Diagnostics package for proactive maintenance planning
- Remote verification: manual or automatic without process interruptions
- Supports remote proof-testing with onboard functionality
Connectivity Options
- 4–20 mA with HART®
- WirelessHART® option to automate level measurement readings in remote and hard-to-reach locations
- Optional Bluetooth® wireless technology for easy configuration and maintenance
Safety & Compliance
- Suitable for critical alarms and overfill prevention
- Available with SIL certification for safety applications
Rosemount 1208 Level and Flow Transmitter
Compact and simple solution for level and flow measurementApplication Suitability
- For simple liquid applications and outdoor installations
- For solid applications with powders and granules in small tanks or tight spaces
- Level measurement and open channel flow calculations
Radar Measurement Technology
- Compact FMCW Radar with Smart Echo Supervision technology for superior reliability and reduced reactive maintenance tasks
Connectivity Options
- Different communication options available: Bluetooth® wireless technology, 4-20 mA HART®, or IO-link
Safety & compliance
- Compact PVDF housing with drinking water and food grade approvals
- Outdoor-resistant and fully submersible encapsulated design
Rosemount 1408 Level Transmitter
Compact and hygienic solution for level and flow measurementApplication Suitability
- For simple and hygienic liquid applications
- For solid applications with powders and granules in small tanks and tight spaces
Radar Measurement Technology
- Compact FMCW Radar with Smart Echo Supervision technology for superior reliability and reduced reactive maintenance tasks
- Unique CIP algorithm to detect cleaning procedures automatically
Connectivity Options
- Different communication options available: 4-20 mA HART®, or IO-link
Safety & compliance
- Meets hygienic standards: 3-A®, FDA, EC 1935/2004, EHEDG
- Compact, polished stainless steel housing
Resources
Product Applications
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Product Applications
Chemical
Mining & Minerals & Metals
Life Sciences
Power
Oil & Gas
Downstream Hydrocarbons
Food and Beverage
Water & Wastewater
Chemical
Control Lithium-ion Battery Anode, Cathode and Electrolyte Reactor / Mixing Tank Level
Level Measurement Solutions for Blending and Mixing Tanks
Level Measurement and Inventory Control of the Chemical Storage Process vessels
Level Monitoring in Green Hydrogen & Oxygen Separators
Level Measurement for Anhydrous Ammonia Tanks
Level Measurement of Aqueous Ammonia
Level Measurement Solutions for Reactors & Mixing Tanks
Level Measurement for MAP/DAP Granules Storage in Fertilizer Production
Level Measurement in Color Pigments Storage Tanks
Level Measurement in Silica Powder Storage Tanks
Level Measurement of Finished Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Resins in PVC Production
Level Measurement of Stored Salts in Polymer Production
Level Measurement in Detergent Production Silos
Level Measurement of Stored Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Powder in PVC Production Facilities
Solids Level Measurement for Stored Polymers in Plastic Compounding Production
Level Measurement in Polypropylene/ Polyethylene Plastics Production
Inventory Control in Lubricant Production, Blending and Storage
Solids Level Measurement in Wet Sand Bunker
Solids Level Detection in Holding Hopper During Carbon Reclamation Process
Level and Temperature measurement for Inventory control in Chemical Silo and Storage Tanks
Level Measurement in Adsorbents Storage Tanks
Differential Pressure (DP) Level measurement for liquid hydrogen storage tanks
Level Measurement for Fertilizer Filled Dosing Tanks
Inventory Control and Level Measurement in Paint Production
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about non-contacting radar level sensors
Emerson’s non-contacting radar portfolio utilizes Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology. A continuous radar signal is transmitted with the frequency increasing over time, creating a “signal sweep”. This signal is reflected from the surface back to the antenna, and the level is calculated.
FMCW technology enables:
- greater measurement accuracy
- higher reliability
- a broader range of applications
- changing media density, temperature variations, dust or pressure changes do not affect accuracy
Rosemount Non-Contacting Radar Level Transmitters feature Smart Echo Supervision signal processing algorithms. Our transmitters automatically track all echoes, including those from obstructions in the vessel, and distinguish them from the real product surface echo.
Your benefits of Smart Echo Supervision technology:
- no need to worry about internal tank obstructions or nozzle placement,
- true product level is reliably and accurately reported
Radar level technology offers significant benefits in solids applications, primarily by enabling process control and ensuring material availability. Continuous monitoring provides insights that allow for process optimization, reduced interruptions, and enhanced safety.
In solids applications, rapid level changes and low dielectric constants are common. Non-contacting radar sensors excel in these conditions and are highly recommended for level control and inventory management.
Dust generation during the filling cycle of solid materials is another challenge. Non-contacting radar transmitters effectively handle dust in the vapor space without disruption, unlike ultrasonic and laser devices, which are significantly impacted by dust.
When choosing a radar level measurement device, consider the material characteristics, silo size, and filling location. Devices mounted closer to the filling point are more susceptible to measurement interference.
Device drivers are recommended for most use cases, but Emerson offers several standalone tools for advanced configuration and diagnostics of level instruments:
- Diagnostics Tool: Focuses on troubleshooting, offline inspections, and device health, useful in maintenance scenarios needing in-depth analysis. Supports Rosemount 5408, 3408, 5300 and 3308 series radar based devices.
- AMS Device Configurator: Used for configuring and running remote proof tests, such as the Smart Echo Level Test, to verify transmitter functionality without leaving the control room.
- AMS Device Manager: Predictive maintenance helps plants avoid unplanned shutdowns and inefficient practices that eat away at profits.
- Rosemount Radar Master Plus: Developed to give you the most user friendly experience when configuring and operating your Rosemount 3408 or 5408 Level Transmitter.
Non-contacting radar level transmitters offer precise and dependable continuous level measurements without needing to touch the material surface. Their performance remains stable even in challenging process conditions:
- Unaffected by various process conditions, including density, viscosity, conductivity, coating, corrosiveness, foam, vapors, and fluctuating pressure and temperature
- Unlike pulsed radars, Rosemount non-contacting radar transmitters boast higher sensitivity, ensuring reliable and accurate level detection despite challenging conditions
- Rosemount’s transmitters are resilient to environmental factors such as rain, sunlight, or condensation
- Lack of moving parts minimizes maintenance requirements and enhances long-term performance and reliability
- Advanced on-board diagnostics, gives users possibility to perform preventive maintenance
- Remote proof-testing capabilities save time and improve safety
Emerson’s Non-Contacting Radar (NCR) transmitters offer a range of advantages that make them ideal for accurate and reliable level measurement in both simple and challenging applications. Here are the key benefits:
1. High Accuracy and Reliability
- Utilize Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar for precise level measurement.
- Capable of detecting even the smallest level changes with high resolution and repeatability.
2. No Contact with Process Media
- Ideal for aggressive, corrosive, viscous, or hygienic applications.
- Reduces wear and tear, contamination risk, and maintenance needs.
3. No Calibration Required
- Simplifies installation and commissioning.
- Reduces setup time and eliminates the need for recalibration during operation.
4. Smart Echo Supervision™
- Automatically distinguishes between true product surface echoes and false echoes from internal obstructions.
- Ensures accurate readings even in tanks with agitators, ladders, or complex geometries.
- An out of the box-solution that does not require any complex settings and configurations.
5. Robust Performance in Harsh Conditions
- Resistant against:
- Temperature and pressure changes
- Vapors, dust, or condensation
- Foam or turbulence - Suitable for both liquids and solids, including slurries and powders.
6. Wide Application Range
- Works in open-air tanks, closed vessels, and stilling wells. Choose the corresponding model code when configurating the model.
- Available with a variety of antenna types (e.g., cone, parabolic, process seal) for different installation needs.
7. Advanced Diagnostics
- Built-in tools for predictive maintenance and device health monitoring.
- Features like Smart Meter Verification help ensure ongoing performance and compliance.
8. Safety and Compliance
- Several models are certified to IEC 61508 for SIL 2 applications. They provide easy verification or proof-testing for both SIL andnon-SIL applications.
- Supports overfill prevention and critical safety applications.
9. Long Measurement Range
- Models like the Rosemount 5408 can measure up to 150 meters (492 feet), making them suitable for large storage tanks, silos, dams and similar.
10. Ease of Use
- Intuitive software interface for configuration, proof testing, and maintenance.
- Designed with Human Centered Design principles for user-friendly operation..
Yes, the Rosemount 3408 Wireless Level Sensor is the world’s first WirelessHART non-contacting radar level transmitter. It combines the precision of 80 GHz radar technology with WirelessHART communication, enabling accurate and reliable level measurement without the need for cabling. This makes it ideal for remote or hard-to-reach installations, reducing installation costs and simplifying maintenance.
For hygienic environments, the Rosemount 1408H Non-Contacting Radar Level Transmitter is the ideal choice. It is specifically designed to meet strict sanitary standards, making it perfect for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processes. With a hygienic, flush-mounted design and certifications like 3-A® and EHEDG, it ensures product safety, minimizes contamination risk, and maintains process efficiency, even during CIP/SIP cleaning cycles.
The Rosemount™ 1208 is ideal for water and wastewater. It uses 80 GHz radar for accurate, maintenance-free level and flow measurement. Compared to ultrasonic, it is unaffected by temperature, vapors, or condensation. Unlike hydrostatic sensors, it does not drift or require recalibration. Its robust, submersible PVDF housing and Bluetooth®, HART®, and IO-Link connectivity make it easy to install and reliable in tough environments.
Choosing the right non-contacting radar level transmitter depends on the process conditions, application complexity, and measurement requirements. Consider the following key factors:
- Application type and medium
Start by identifying whether the application involves liquids, solids, or slurries, and whether conditions include dust, vapor, turbulence, or internal obstructions. Non‑contact radar is well suited for processes where contact sensors are not practical. - Process complexity and performance needs
Simple applications may only require basic level measurement, while demanding applications need advanced signal processing, diagnostics, and higher reliability. Tanks with internal structures, changing process conditions, or safety requirements benefit from radar transmitters with intelligent echo management and diagnostics. - Installation and connectivity requirements
Consider available power, communication infrastructure, and accessibility. Wired 4–20 mA with HART® is common for process control, while WirelessHART® enables cost‑effective level monitoring in remote or hard‑to‑reach locations without cabling. - Accuracy, safety, and compliance
For applications such as tank gauging, overfill prevention, or safety‑critical measurements, select radar transmitters designed for high accuracy and certified safety compliance. The Rosemount non‑contact radar portfolio follows a tiered, fit‑for‑purpose approach, making it easier to match each application with the right balance of performance, diagnostics, connectivity, and total cost of ownership.