FMCW Radar Type Level Transmitter in Palm Oil Tanks
APPLICATION
Monitoring palm oil levels in tall storage tanks
CUSTOMER
Palm oil producer, Malaysia
CHALLENGE
With the continuous growth of operations and increasing demand for palm oil, the customer decides to expand the capacity of their existing tank farm by adding new vertical storage tanks. Each new tank stands approximately 20 meters high.
Considering palm oil’s tendency to solidify at lower temperatures or when heating systems fail, non-contact radar technology is the only approved method for the level measurement.
Previously the customer had some unsatisfactory results using other level gauges from other suppliers. These devices struggled to deliver consistent and reliable measurements in such conditions:
- Unable to accurately detect levels below the internal heating coil
- Frequent service and recalibration due to unstable signals
- False readings or no readings, leading to process interruptions
- Increased reliance on manual gauging, especially during product batch changes
- Failure to effectively monitor very low tank levels, affecting operational control and inventory management
SOLUTION
Our engineers recommend the 80GHz Radar Level Transmitter HR80G+ Wireless Gateway HK301+ Display Unit H5740, which realizes remote monitoring of palm oil tank levels.
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80GHz Radar Level Transmitter
We select the FMCW 80GHz radar level sensor designed for liquid measurement in tall and narrow tanks. This sensor uses a focused beam angle, allowing it to work effectively even in tanks with internal structures, agitation, or vapor.
- Non-contact measurement: Perfect for sticky fluids like palm oil, no cleaning difficulty
- High accuracy: Millimeter-level precisionup to ±1mm
- Long range: up to 120
- Narrow beam angle: 3° only, not affected by interference of obstacles
- Maintenance-free: No moving parts, no wear and tear.
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HK301 Wireless Gateway
To transmit data without the need for complex wiring, we integrated the HK301 wireless gateway. This module connects to the radar sensor via standard industrial protocols (e.g., 4–20mA, RS485/Modbus) and sends real-time data wirelessly to a central platform or control room.
Stable wireless transmission over long distances.
Supports 4G, LoRa, or NB-IoT, depending on site conditions.
Compact and industrial-grade, suited for outdoor environments.
Easy to install, minimizing downtime.
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Remote Digital Display H5740
For real-time visual monitoring, the client requests a display solution that could show the level of all four tanks on a single interface. To meet this need, we recommend the H5740 multi-channel digital display unit, which supports 4 input channels and 4 simultaneous digital displays. This makes it ideal for applications requiring multi-tank level monitoring. The H5740 can be conveniently installed in the control room, operations center, or any location within the wireless network coverage, providing clear, continuous, and centralized level readings for all tanks.
RESULTS
The installation process was smooth and quick. These radar level sensors for sanitary industry were mounted on the top flange of the tank, connected it to the HK301 wireless transmitter, and configured the communication link to the digital display and monitoring platform.
- Real-time monitoring of palm oil levels without climbing tanks.
- Improved safety by reducing manual checks.
- Increased efficiency, with continuous data updates and alerts.
- No signal interference even with thick oil vapor or temperature fluctuations.
Why This Matters for the Palm Oil Industry
Palm oil storage comes with its own set of challenges: high viscosity, temperature variations, and hygiene requirements. This is a challenge for traditional level monitoring methods. Radar-based level sensing, especially at 80GHz, provides a next-generation alternative that is both accurate and maintenance-free.
Combined with wireless transmission, this solution is ideal for palm oil factories located in remote areas or with limited cabling infrastructure. It also enables integration with SCADA or cloud platforms for advanced analytics and inventory management.
Need a safe, modern, and cost-effective level monitoring solution? Contact us NOW.
