KROHNE OPTIWAVE radar level transmitters

The OPTIWAVE series consists of modern FMCW radar level transmitters (80 GHz and 24 GHz) for non-contact measurement of liquids, pastes, granules, and powders in tanks, silos, open channels, and basins. Measuring range up to 100 m, accuracy ±2 mm, wide choice of antennas (lens, horn, drop) for any application — from hygienic processes to high pressure/temperature and aggressive media.

Operating principle

Continuous emission of frequency-modulated radar waves (FMCW). The frequency difference between the transmitted and reflected signal is proportional to the distance to the product surface. 80 GHz technology provides an extremely narrow beam angle, excellent focusing, and minimal influence from dust, vapour, foam, or obstacles.

Technical characteristics

OPTIWAVE 1520

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…10 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: up to 5 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Antenna: flush-mounted lens PVDF

• Features: compact for tanks, basins, pump stations; IP68, Bluetooth®

OPTIWAVE 1530

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…15 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: up to 5 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Antenna: flush concave PVDF lens

• Features: for minerals and solids in dusty environments

OPTIWAVE 1540

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…15 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: up to 5 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Antenna: lens PVDF

• Features: chemicals, IBCs, wastewater, open channels (level + flow)

OPTIWAVE 1560

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…30 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: up to 16 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Antenna: concave anti-condensation PVDF lens

• Features: narrow tanks with obstructions

OPTIWAVE 3500

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: up to 15 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: up to 5 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Features: basic model for simple liquid applications

OPTIWAVE 5400

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…100 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: –1…16 bar

• Frequency: 24 GHz

• Antennas: horn / drop

• Features: liquids in large tanks, resistant to vapour and foam

OPTIWAVE 6400

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…100 m

• Temperature: –50…+130 °C

• Pressure: –1…16 bar

• Frequency: 24 GHz

• Antennas: horn / drop

• Features: solids (granules, aggregates) in silos and hoppers

OPTIWAVE 6500

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: up to 100 m

• Temperature: –50…+200 °C

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Features: abrasive and high-temperature solids

OPTIWAVE 7400

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…100 m

• Temperature: –50…+200 °C (up to +700 °C on request)

• Pressure: –1…100 bar

• Frequency: 24 GHz

• Antennas: horn / drop

• Features: aggressive & high-temperature liquids, agitators

OPTIWAVE 7500

• Accuracy: ±2 mm

• Range: 0…100 m

• Temperature: –50…+200 °C

• Pressure: –1…40 bar

• Frequency: 80 GHz

• Antenna: flush lens PVDF/PTFE

• Features: narrow tanks with agitators, hygienic versions (EHEDG)

Main application areas

• Oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation

• Water & wastewater

• Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals

• Pulp & paper, metals & mining

• Marine & shipbuilding

• Bulk solids storage (silos, stockpiles)

Advantages of OPTIWAVE radar level transmitters

• ±2 mm accuracy even in difficult conditions (dust, vapour, foam, agitators)

• Very narrow 80 GHz beam angle — perfect for narrow and obstructed tanks

• Non-contact measurement — zero maintenance

• Bluetooth® + OPTICHECK Level Mobile app — fastest commissioning

• Full certification package: ATEX, IECEx, SIL 2/3, EHEDG, marine, etc.

• One instrument family for both liquids and solids

• Operation from –50…+200 °C and up to 100 bar (higher on request)