Radar Accuracy Index (RAI) matters when evaluating sensors
Consideration when choosing radar level sensors for industrial use
Selecting the right radar level sensors for industrial applications requires understanding how frequency, process conditions, vessel geometry and digital capabilities influence measurement reliability. While 80 GHz radar technology provides superior accuracy in complex and foam‑prone environments, long‑term performance depends on the instrument’s ability to verify its own accuracy over time.
Benefits of Radar Accuracy Index (RAI)
High‑precision 80 GHz
In-situ accuracy verification (RAI)
Reduced maintenance
Fast commissioning
Digital connectivity
Overcoming challenges by choosing the right radar device
Industrial environments introduce measurement challenges, including foam formation, vapor layers, temperature deviations, pressure swings and internal obstructions that can weaken or distort radar echoes.
Choosing the wrong radar frequency or antenna configuration can lead to inaccurate readings, nuisance alarms or unstable level control. Many sites also struggle with the maintenance challenges tied to periodic calibration: removing devices from service, exposing staff to hazardous tanks and risking damage to the instrument and wiring.
The ability to verify performance in situ with no loss of signal to the control system would provide operators with high confidence in measurement accuracy, especially in demanding applications.
The power of RAI
Endress+Hauser’s Micropilot FMR6xB series, including the Micropilot FMR60, FMR62B and FMR63B, provides a purpose‑built solution for reliably selecting and
deploying radar level sensors in challenging industrial applications. These 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars offer narrow beam angles for precise targeting, strong performance in foam or vapor and high accuracy in low‑dielectric media. They support a wide range of mounting options, communication protocols (HART, Ethernet‑APL, IO‑Link, Bluetooth) and hazardous‑area certifications, ensuring they fit virtually any tank or process requirement. What sets the FMR6xB portfolio apart is its incorporation of RAI.
RAI uses dual quartz oscillators to continuously compare the device’s live frequency signature to its factory fingerprint, providing an in‑situ, ISO‑compliant verification of measurement accuracy. This means operators can trust the device without removing it from service or relying on external calibration rigs, dramatically reducing downtime and maintenance effort while delivering documented measurement integrity.
