Micropilot S FMR540

Summary

Product Identification

The Micropilot S FMR540 is a level transmitter designed for continuous and non-contact precision level measurement. It is suitable for custody transfer and inventory control applications and holds NMi and PTB approvals.

Application

This device is designed for highly accurate level measurement in storage tanks, particularly for custody transfer applications, meeting OIML R85 and API 3.1B requirements.

• Parabolic Antenna: Suitable for free space applications up to 40 m (131 ft).
• Horn Antenna: Suitable for free space applications where tank or nozzle geometry disallows a parabolic antenna.
• FMR540 with DN200 (8") or DN250 (10") Parabolic Antenna: Offers high beam focusing (4.4° or 3.3°) for applications with nozzles close to the tank wall.
• FMR540 with DN100 (4") Horn Antenna: Designed for small nozzle sizes.

Benefits

• Accuracy: Better than 1 mm (0.04 in).
• Approvals: National approvals (NMi, PTB) for custody transfer.
• Integration: Easy integration into tank gauging systems via the Tank Side Monitor NRF590.
• Installation: Low-cost, easy installation with 4-wire cable supporting HART and 24 V DC (intrinsically safe).
• Flanges: Low cost, low weight universal flanges.
• Alignment: Alignment device to compensate for flange inclination.
• Operation: Easy on-site operation via a menu-driven alphanumeric display.
• Commissioning: Easy commissioning, documentation, and maintenance via FieldCare operating software.
• Communication: HART communication support.

Measuring Principle

The Micropilot operates using the time-of-flight method, measuring the distance from a reference point to the product surface. It emits radar impulses, which are reflected off the product surface and received by the system. The level is calculated based on the time of flight of these impulses. The PulseMaster® software evaluates the signals and identifies the level echo, ensuring mm-accuracy. Interference echoes from objects like edges and weld seams can be suppressed by user-activated functions.

Input

• Measured Variable: Distance between the reference point (GRH) and the medium surface. Displayable in metric or US/UK units. Level is calculated based on tank height and can be converted to volume or mass via linearization.
• Measuring Range: Dependent on antenna size, medium reflectivity, mounting location, and interference.
  • Horn Antenna (without sensor extension):
    • Media Groups A2 (εr = 1.6 to 1.9): 0.6 to 20 m (2 to 66 ft)
    • Media Groups B, C (εr = 1.9 to 10): 0.6 to 30 m (2 to 98 ft)
  • Parabolic Antenna (without sensor extension):
    • Media Groups A2 (εr = 1.6 to 1.9): 0.6 to 40 m (2 to 131 ft)
    • Media Groups B, C (εr = 1.9 to 10): 0.6 to 30 m (2 to 98 ft)
  • Custody Transfer Approval Max Measuring Range:
    • NMi: 23 m (75 ft) for Horn; 26 m (85 ft) for Parabolic
    • PTB: 23 m (75 ft) for Horn; 30 m (98 ft) for Parabolic

Operating Frequency

K band (~ 26 GHz). Up to 8 Micropilot devices can be installed in the same tank due to statistically coded transmitter pulses.

Output

• Output Signal: 4-20 mA (invertible) with HART protocol. For mm precision measurements, the measured value must be transmitted via HART protocol.
• Signal on Alarm: Error information accessible via local display (error symbol, plain text, LEDs), current output, or digital interface.
• Load HART: Minimum load for HART communication is 250 Ω.
• Linearization: Allows conversion of measured values into any unit of length or volume, with pre-programmed tables for cylindrical tanks and the ability to enter custom tables (up to 32 value pairs).
• Galvanic Isolation: 500 V towards power supply and ground, and power supply and signal.
• Protocol Specific Data (HART):
  • Manufacturer ID: 000011 hex
  • Device Type Code: 001F hex
  • Transmitter-specific revision: 01 hex
  • Device Revision: 1 (SW 01.01.00), 2 (SW 01.01.02)
  • Features Supported: Burst mode, Additional Transmitter Status.

Power Supply

• Terminal Assignment: 4-wire connection to screw terminals (0.5 to 2.5 mm² [20 to 14 AWG]) using a twisted pair shielded cable.
• Supply Voltage:
  • Standard: 16 V to 36 V DC
  • Ex: 16 V to 30 V DC
  • Signal (Ex): 11.5 V to 30 V DC
• Power Consumption: Max. 400 mW (at 16 V) to max. 900 mW (at 36 V for Non-Ex).
• Current Consumption: Max. 25 mA (55 mA inrush current).

Electrical Connection

• Cable Entry: Thread M20 or G ½" / NPT ½".
• Residual Ripple HART: 47 to 125 Hz: U_pp = 200 mV.
• Max Noise HART: 500 Hz to 10 kHz: U_eff = 19 mV (at 500 Ω).
• Overvoltage Protection: Internal overvoltage protector (600 V_rms surge arrester). Metallic housing should be connected to tank wall or shield for reliable potential matching. Optional external overvoltage protection (HAW560Z/HAW562Z) can be used.

Performance Characteristics

• Reference Operating Conditions: Defined by OIML R85 standards (temperature, pressure, humidity, medium properties, tank dimensions, interference).
• Maximum Measured Error:
  • Absolute accuracy better than ±1 mm (0.04 in) (better than 1/16").
  • Typical accuracy for free space applications <1.0 mm (2 sigma).
  • Permitted errors after installation: ±3 mm (0.12 in) (OIML, API).
• Resolution: Digital 0.1 mm / analogue: 0.03 % of measuring range.
• Settling Time: Typical: 15 sec.
• Hysteresis: 0.1 mm.
• Non-repeatability: 0.1 mm.
• Reaction Time: Minimum 1 s, depends on parameter settings.
• Long-term drift: Within specified accuracy.
• Influence of Ambient Temperature:
  • Current output (additional error, referenced to 16 mA span):
    • Zero point (4 mA): average TK 0.025 %/10 K, max. 0.291 % over -40 °C to +80 °C.
    • Span (20 mA): average TK 0.07 %/10 K, max. 0.824 % over -40 °C to +80 °C.
• Proof of Accuracy of Custody Transfer Versions: Confirmed by a calibration certificate. Laser Interferometer (Jenaer Messtechnik ZLM 500) used for calibration. Initial verification certificates available on request.
• Maximum Fill Speed: 100 mm/min during the first pass through the measuring range, then unlimited.
• Software Reliability: Software fulfills OIML R85 requirements including cyclical data testing, non-volatile memory, and segmented data storage. Accuracy compliance is continuously monitored, generating an alarm if requirements are not met.

Inventory Control Versions

Available with reduced accuracy (3 mm [0.12 in]) under reference conditions. No calibration certificate or type approval is supplied. Selected by specifying "R - Not selected; Inventory control version" in the Product Configurator.

Installation

• Installation Conditions: Specific recommendations for horn and parabolic antennas regarding distance to tank wall and avoiding fill streams. Weather protection covers are recommended for outdoor use.
• Measuring Conditions: Tank diameter and height should prevent radar signal reflection from both sides. Reduced accuracy may occur if the tank bottom is visible through low-dielectric media at low levels. The measuring range should not extend closer than a specified distance (A) from the antenna tip to account for corrosion and build-up.
• Behavior if Measuring Range is Exceeded: Configurable; default is 22 mA current output and a digital warning (E651).
• Installation on Tank:
  • Standard Installation: Marker aligned towards tank wall. Housing can be rotated 350°. Vertical alignment should be adjusted for non-parallel flanges. Horn antenna should protrude from the nozzle. Parabolic antenna should ideally extend completely out of the nozzle.
  • Beam Angle: Defined as the 3dB-width. Beam diameter varies with antenna type and distance. Recommended distances to the tank wall are provided for horn (100 mm / 4") and parabolic (200 mm / 8", 250 mm / 10") antennas, considering tilting. It is crucial to avoid mechanical obstacles within the highlighted beam area.

Integrated Air Purge Connection

Available to prevent antenna clogging.

• Permanent Operation: Recommended pressure: 1.2 to 1.5 bar (18 to 22.5 psi) abs.
• Pulsed Operation: Max. pressure: 6 bar (90 psi) abs. Use dry purge air to prevent measurement errors due to moisture.

Environment

• Ambient Temperature Range:
  • Standard: -40 °C to +80 °C (-40 °F to +176 °F)
  • Custody Transfer: -25 °C to +55 °C (-13 °F to +131 °F)
  • LCD operation restricted below -20 °C (-4 °F) and above +60 °C (+140 °F).
• Storage Temperature: -40 °C to +80 °C (-40 °F to +176 °F).
• Climate Class: DIN EN 60068-2-38 (test Z/AD).
• Degree of Protection: Housing: IP65/68, NEMA 4X/6P. Antenna: IP65/68, NEMA 4X/6P.
• Vibration Resistance: DIN EN 60068-2-64 / IEC 68-2-64: 20 to 2000 Hz, 1 (m/s²)/Hz.
• Cleaning of the Antenna: Regular cleaning may be required depending on the application to prevent clogging and ensure signal emission/reception. Care must be taken to avoid antenna damage.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Complies with EN 61326 series and NAMUR recommendation (NE21). Maximum deviation < 0.5 % of the span. Screened cable recommended for superimposed HART communication.
• Approvals for Custody Transfer Applications: All aspects of OIML R85 are fulfilled.

Process

• Process Temperature Range: -40 °C to +200 °C (-40 °F to 391 °F).
• Process Pressure Limits:
  • Parabolic antenna: -1 to 16 bar (-15 to 240 psi).
  • Horn antenna: -1 to 16 bar (-15 to 240 psi).
  • With Endress+Hauser UNI flange: -1 to 1 bar (-15 to 15 psi).
• Alignment Device: ± 15° inclination seal: FKM Viton GLT.
• Approvals for Custody Transfer Applications:
  • A: NMi + PTB (<1 mm [0.04 in]) type approval.
  • F: NMi-witnessed initial verification (<1 mm [0.04 in]).
  • G: PTB-witnessed initial calibration (<1 mm [0.04 in]).
  • R: Not selected; Inventory control.

Mechanical Construction

• Design, Dimensions: Specific dimensions provided for housing (T12), alignment device, and horn/parabolic antennas with and without extensions. Various flange options (UNI, standard, JIS, JPI, EN1092-1) are available with corresponding dimensions.
• Weight: 6 kg (13.23 lbs) plus flange weight.
• Materials:
  • In contact with process: Primarily 316L (1.4404), with seals typically made of Viton or FKM.
  • Not in contact with process: Housing T12 aluminum, parabolic reflector 316L, process separating cones PEEK or PTFE.

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Disclaimer: This extraction may miss figures, footnotes, or revisions. Contractual data must match the OEM PDF revision used on the project.

Official datasheet (PDF)

Lenntech datasheet mirror