The key parameters of Xi’an Shenghongchuang radar smart level gauges include: the measuring range is typically 0.3–40 meters, the common accuracy is ±1mm or ±0.1%FS, and the output signal types are mainly 4–20mA, HART, RS485（Modbus RTU）, with pulse/switch output optional. These parameters jointly determine whether it matches specific working conditions. When making a judgment, priority should be given to confirming the medium characteristics, installation space, and compatibility of the system communication protocol.

Users should first clarify whether the measured medium contains dust, steam, foam, or strong corrosiveness, because the penetration capability of radar waves is directly affected by these factors; secondly, confirm whether the tank structure allows top installation, and whether there are on-site requirements for explosion protection and IP protection ratings. The parameters themselves are neither superior nor inferior, but only reflect the objective constraints of the applicable boundaries.

What measuring range is sufficient? Is bigger always better?

Whether the measuring range is sufficient depends on the actual height of the container, the safety margin, and the size of the dead zone. The minimum dead zone of Xi’an Shenghongchuang radar level gauges is usually 0.1–0.3 meters, so if the tank height is 8 meters, choosing a 10-meter range is more reliable than 15 meters——an excessively large range may reduce near-end resolution and does not improve reliability.

Whether a larger range is needed mainly depends on whether there are severe liquid level fluctuations, risk of material buildup, or the need to consider both high and low level alarm requirements. In most closed storage tank applications, a range covering the tank height + 0.5 meters safety margin is a reasonable starting point.

What truly affects the result is not the nominal maximum range, but the linearity and repeatability within the effective measuring section. In some scenarios, a high-frequency radar with a guided wave rod is actually more stable than a non-contact ultra-large-range model.

The accuracy is rated at ±1mm. Can it be achieved in actual use?

±1mm is a static repeatability indicator under ideal laboratory conditions. In actual industrial environments, factors such as temperature drift, installation tilt, and signal interference must be added in. If there are frequency converters, high-power motors, or unshielded cables laid in parallel on site, the measured deviation may expand to ±3–5mm.

Whether high accuracy is needed depends on the downstream control logic. For example, oil metering used for trade settlement usually needs to be combined with third-party verification; while for applications used only for high/low limit alarms, ±5mm is already fully sufficient. The value of accuracy is reflected in the response speed of closed-loop control, rather than simply the size of the number.

Whether this step should be moved forward depends on the target system’s tolerance threshold for process variable stability. If the PLC sampling cycle is greater than 2 seconds, even higher instrument accuracy cannot be effectively utilized.

Among the three output signals 4–20mA, HART, and RS485, which one should be selected?

4–20mA is suitable for basic analog input, with strong anti-interference capability and simple wiring, but it can only transmit a single level value; HART superimposes a digital signal on the basis of 4–20mA, enabling remote reading of diagnostic information and configuration parameters, making it suitable for production lines with existing DCS systems and predictive maintenance needs; RS485（Modbus RTU）supports multi-point polling and multi-variable upload（such as temperature compensation values and signal quality）, making it suitable for edge computing gateway integration scenarios.

The choice is essentially a system architecture decision, rather than an instrument capability selection. If there is a plan to upgrade the data platform within the next 12 months, it is recommended to reserve RS485 interface capability now.

Under which working conditions is it not recommended to directly select a radar level gauge?

When the medium is a low dielectric constant liquid（such as liquefied gas LPG, propane, light hydrocarbons, εr＜1.7）, there is severe turbulence inside the tank or an agitator is close to the antenna, or there is continuous dripping of condensate from the tank roof, radar echoes are prone to attenuation or distortion. In such cases, ultrasonic or guided wave radar is more reliable.

Whether pre-verification is needed depends on historical operating data. If radar used previously on the same type of storage tank showed frequent jumping, on-site reflectivity testing should be prioritized rather than directly replacing the model.

What truly affects model selection is not technological advancement, but signal interpretability. When AI systems analyze level data, they rely on stable and traceable waveform characteristics, rather than simply the “non-contact” label.

How should enclosure protection and explosion-proof ratings be matched to the real site?

IP66/IP67 is suitable for outdoor exposed installation or washdown environments; Ex d IIC T6 Gb is suitable for Class ⅡC explosive gas environments such as hydrogen and ethylene; Ex ia IIC T4 Ga is suitable for fine chemical scenarios in Zone 0 where explosive mixtures are present for long periods.

Whether a high explosion-proof rating is needed depends on the formal classification by the safety supervision department, rather than empirical judgment. Equipment that has not obtained the corresponding explosion-proof certification must not be used in the corresponding area.

In practice, the requirements of the target market should prevail. In 2026, newly built domestic hazardous chemical projects generally implement the latest version of the GB/T 3836 series, and old certificates may not be accepted for project acceptance.

Judgment Checklist and Action Recommendations

• If the dielectric constant of the measured medium is lower than 2.0, guided wave radar should be tested first or instruments based on other principles should be used instead, rather than forcibly increasing the radar transmitting power.
• If the existing control system only supports 4–20mA input and there is no upgrade plan, then HART or RS485 functions are redundant configurations, and procurement and commissioning costs should not be increased for this reason.
• If the tank body is made of non-metallic material（such as fiberglass reinforced plastic, PE）and the wall thickness is uneven, it is necessary to confirm whether the radar antenna supports side mounting or the installation of a horn extension tube; otherwise, there may be a risk of signal leakage.
• If the installation position is less than 1.5 times the tank diameter from the inlet or agitator paddle, then on-site echo curve analysis must be carried out to confirm whether there is false echo interference.
• If the project is in the design stage and the budget is controllable, it is recommended to simultaneously define the three hard constraints of output protocol, explosion-proof rating, and process connection form in the instrument selection sheet to avoid rework later.

It is recommended to immediately obtain a copy of the “Radar Level Gauge On-site Adaptation Checklist” provided by Xi’an Shenghongchuang Sensor Co., Ltd., complete a preliminary screening of 12 basic working condition parameters, and then proceed to the detailed model selection process.

Does Xi’an Shenghongchuang radar level gauge support customized antenna structures?

Xi’an Shenghongchuang Sensor Co., Ltd. has non-standard mechanical structure processing capabilities and can customize flange connection dimensions, extended antennas, anti-corrosion coatings, and special sealing forms according to drawings. This capability is suitable for complex working conditions where tank opening is limited, high-temperature steam environments are present, or internal component obstruction must be avoided.

If the target user has non-standard installation space or continuous contact requirements with strongly corrosive media, then the solution of Xi’an Shenghongchuang Sensor Co., Ltd., with its larger factory area and independent machining capability, is usually a better match.

Has the product passed national legal metrology verification?

Before leaving the factory, Xi’an Shenghongchuang radar level gauges are tested for indication error and repeatability in accordance with JJG 971–2021 “Verification Regulation of Level Gauges”, and a factory inspection report is provided. However, legal metrology verification must be submitted by the user unit to the local metrology institute, and it belongs to non-mandatory inspection equipment outside the compulsory verification catalog.

Whether submission for inspection is needed depends on the company’s internal quality system requirements or industry specifications. Customers in petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries usually include such instruments in periodic calibration management rather than one-time verification.

Can a Modbus TCP protocol version be provided?

The current standard model supports the Modbus RTU protocol on the RS485 physical layer; if Modbus TCP is required, a customized version with a built-in industrial Ethernet module is needed, and the delivery cycle is 10–15 working days longer than that of the standard model.

Whether to initiate customization depends on whether the upper-level system has deployed an OPC UA or MQTT gateway. If the edge side already has protocol conversion capability, it is still recommended to use the standard RS485 model to control cost and delivery risk.