Non-Contact Level Measurement in Hydrology

The application:

Whether for flood prevention, the control of water reservoirs or environmental monitoring – the measurement of water levels is a central task in many hydrological and infrastructural applications. It plays a crucial role in safety, resource management and research.

Especially in challenging areas of application such as remote regions or extreme climate zones – for example in the Amazon region – it is crucial that measuring systems work reliably, robustly and with little maintenance.

The challenge:

Precise level measurement under harsh environmental conditions, for example in regions with strongly fluctuating weather or at measuring points that are difficult to access, poses special challenges for measurement technology. Typical challenges are:

  • Contact with water can cause deposits and corrosion and thus significantly increase maintenance costs.
  • Extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations, fog, rain or dirt affect the measurement accuracy.
  • Complex installations make it difficult to use at remote or hard-to-reach measuring points.

Traditional measurement methods such as floats, level probes or ultrasound quickly reach their limits under such conditions.

The solution:

Radar sensor USR30 and radar transducer UTR30 from Endress+Hauser Sensors&Components provide our customers with the basis for non-contact level measurement. With 80 GHz FMCW radar technology, the water surface is continuously and precisely detected without direct contact with the medium.

  • Measuring range: 0 to 35 m
  • Accuracy: up to +/- 2 mm
  • Range of use at -40 to +85 °C
  • Easy integration into existing systems: thanks to digital interface
  • Flexibility: From sensor without housing to modular transducers
  • Efficient: Low energy consumption, making it ideal for battery operation
  • Approvals: Free-field radio approval at component level for North America (FCC, ISED) or radio guideline compliant with ETSI EN 302 729

The modern radar components make environmental monitoring more efficient and robust. For operators of measuring stations, authorities and research institutions, this means less maintenance, higher accuracy and more safety – even under harsh environmental conditions.

Endress+Hauser Sensors&Components has been developing customer-specific sensors for over three decades and focus the activities on partnership-based collaboration with customers. An interdisciplinary team from development, product management and sales handle implementing the users’ requirements in the best viable way.

Detailed information about our radar portfolio can be found on the corresponding product page.