Industrial Automation
Continuous level measurement in silos and tanks requires instruments that are compatible with the characteristics of the material and the operating conditions of the plant. The SGM LEKTRA RPL59 radar level transmitter uses 26 GHz microwave pulses to provide continuous level measurement without direct contact with the material.
Designed for storage and process applications, the RPL59 is suitable for measuring the level of liquids, lump solids and powders, even under demanding operating conditions. The availability of different antennas, process connections and electronic configurations allows the device to be adapted to specific installation requirements, with maximum measuring ranges of 15 metres for solids and 30 metres for liquids.
26 GHz Radar Level Measurement: How the RPL59 Works
The operating principle of the RPL59 transmitter is based on microwave radar pulses at a frequency of 26 GHz in the K-band.
The sensor emits pulses towards the surface of the material being measured and receives the reflected signal. Echo signal processing determines the distance to the material surface, allowing the level inside the silo or tank to be calculated.
Non-contact level measurement is particularly useful in applications where direct immersion of a measuring element in the material is undesirable.
The RPL59 is designed for continuous level measurement of:
- Liquids stored in storage and process tanks.
- Lump solids and granular materials inside silos.
- Powders and bulk materials.
Antenna selection and installation conditions must take into account the characteristics of the material, vessel geometry and operating environment.
Technical Specifications of the SGM LEKTRA RPL59 Radar Level Transmitter
The RPL59 radar level transmitter combines an extended measuring range with different temperature, pressure and communication options. The specifications provided by the manufacturer allow the device to be evaluated for industrial applications with different operating requirements.
| Parameter | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring technology | Pulse radar, 26 GHz (K-band) |
| Maximum measuring range | 15 m for solids; 30 m for liquids |
| Accuracy | ±10 mm |
| Resolution | 1 mm |
| Process pressure | −1 to 40 bar, depending on configuration |
| Process temperature | −40 to +130 °C or −60 to +250 °C, depending on version |
| Power supply | 24 V DC or 230 V AC, depending on electronics |
| Output and communication | 4–20 mA with HART or MODBUS RTU, depending on version |
| Degree of protection | IP67/IP68 |
| Process connection | G 1½”, optional DN50–DN250 flanges |
| Certification | ATEX-certified version available |
| Display | Optional VL602 module with LCD display and four buttons |
Specifications relating to temperature, power supply, communication and certification depend on the selected version. Choosing the appropriate configuration therefore requires verification of the actual operating conditions and the technical documentation associated with the specific product code.
Industrial Applications: Level Measurement in Silos and Tanks
The available RPL59 configurations support its use in different industrial environments, particularly in material storage and handling applications.
Level Monitoring in Silos
In installations designed for storing lump solids, granular materials and powders, the RPL59 provides continuous level measurement without direct contact with the material. The maximum measuring range specified for solids is 15 metres.
Antenna selection is an important consideration when evaluating the application, particularly in relation to silo dimensions, sensor position and material characteristics.
Level Measurement in Liquid Storage Tanks
For liquids, the transmitter offers a maximum measuring range of 30 metres. Different mechanical connections and material options allow a configuration to be selected according to the process conditions.
Applications Under Demanding Operating Conditions
Available versions include configurations designed for process temperatures up to +250 °C and pressures up to 40 bar.
These characteristics extend the potential applications of the transmitter in industrial plants where instrumentation selection must account for demanding temperature and pressure conditions. Suitability must be verified for the specific configuration.
Antenna Options and Configurations for Different Installation Requirements
One of the distinguishing features of the RPL59 radar level transmitter is the availability of multiple mechanical configurations.
The range includes AISI316L stainless steel horn antennas with diameters of 48, 78, 98 and 123 mm, as well as versions fitted with a PTFE cap.
Parabolic antennas made of AISI316 stainless steel are also available, with diameters of 198 and 246 mm.
Process connections include G 1½” threaded fittings and optional DN50, DN80, DN100, DN150, DN200 and DN250 flanges, with different materials and antenna alignment options.
Other configurations include process connections with heat dissipators for high-temperature applications and versions equipped with an air purging connection.
This modular design allows the transmitter to be evaluated according to the characteristics of the installation, without restricting the selection to a single mounting arrangement.
Integration into Industrial Automation and Control Systems
The SGM LEKTRA RPL59 transmitter offers different communication options, depending on the selected electronic module.
Available configurations include 4–20 mA analogue outputs with HART communication, in two-wire or four-wire versions, and a dedicated option with MODBUS RTU.
These interfaces allow the level measurement device to be considered for integration into industrial monitoring and control systems, subject to compatibility with the existing automation architecture.
For configuration and data consultation, the optional removable VL602 module is available, featuring a matrix LCD display and four buttons.
The module displays the measured level and the echo signal curve, providing useful information for device configuration and verification.
Level Measurement in ATEX-Classified Areas
For applications in environments where potentially explosive atmospheres may be present, the RPL59 range includes an ATEX-certified version.
The certification specified by the manufacturer applies to a particular combination of components, including the AISI316L housing identified by code G and electronic module B, featuring a two-wire 4–20 mA output with HART communication.
The availability of an ATEX-certified version does not mean that every RPL59 configuration is certified.
For installations in hazardous areas, it is necessary to verify the conformity of the selected product code, the manufacturer’s documentation and the specific installation requirements.
The selected configuration must be compatible with the hazardous area classification and the intended process conditions.
SGM LEKTRA RPL59: A Configurable Solution for Continuous Level Measurement
The combination of 26 GHz radar technology, non-contact measurement and multiple configuration options makes the RPL59 a solution worth considering for level monitoring in industrial silos and tanks.
The wide selection of antennas, process temperature and pressure options, and communication interfaces allows the most suitable configuration to be identified according to operating conditions.
Technical evaluation should consider material characteristics, vessel dimensions, environmental conditions and integration requirements within the automation system.
Technology BSA Support for the RPL59 Radar Level Transmitter
Technology BSA offers SGM LEKTRA solutions for industrial process measurement and control.
When evaluating the RPL59 transmitter for a specific application, the starting point is the operating requirement: material type, silo or tank height, temperature and pressure conditions, process connection and the communication interface required by the automation system.
The availability of different antennas and electronic configurations makes it possible to identify the technical characteristics that need to be verified during product selection.
For information about available versions, technical specifications and supply conditions, the Technology BSA team can provide further technical and commercial details.
Would You Like More Information About the RPL59 Radar Level Transmitter?
To learn more about the SGM LEKTRA RPL59 radar level transmitter or evaluate its suitability for an industrial application, complete the form below. The Technology BSA team provides technical and commercial information about the available configurations.
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