Making level measurement in utilities simpler, safer and more cost-effective

Utilities may sit outside the main production process, but problems with their instrumentation can quickly become operational problems. Unreliable level measurement can result in unnecessary pumping, overflows, process interruptions and avoidable maintenance callouts.

For plants with dozens or even hundreds of utility measurement points, the challenge is not simply finding a sensor that works. It is finding a practical way to specify, install, verify and maintain level measurement without adding unnecessary cost or engineering effort. 

How much does each measurement point cost to manage?

Utility applications can involve a large number of relatively straightforward level measurements. But that means small amounts of additional complexity at each point can add up across the plant.

Choosing instrumentation that is appropriately matched to the application can make it easier to standardise equipment, reduce the number of device types that need to be specified and stocked, and control the overall cost of measurement. One-for-one replacement can also help reduce disruption when an instrument reaches the end of its service life. 

Endress+Hauser’s Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B level sensors provide 80 GHz radar measurement for basic applications, providing a cost-effective approach where more complex instrumentation may not be necessary.

Can commissioning be made less demanding?

When measurement points are numerous, remote or difficult to access, commissioning can consume significant amounts of engineering and maintenance time. The problem becomes even greater when specialist knowledge or repeated manual configuration is required.

A simpler commissioning process can reduce the time spent getting instruments into service and make it easier for plant personnel to manage routine tasks themselves. The Micropilots’ guided setup sequences help users work through commissioning step by step, with the devices designed to enable setup in just a few minutes. 

Remote access via a smartphone or tablet can further reduce the need to physically reach the instrument, while device identification features can help engineers quickly locate the correct measurement point.

How do you know the measurement is still reliable?

Commissioning an instrument correctly is only the beginning. Over time, plant teams need confidence that measurements remain accurate.

Traditional verification can mean accessing the instrument with additional test equipment or interrupting the process. Being able to verify performance in situ can reduce this burden and help maintenance teams identify potential problems before they affect operations.

Heartbeat Technology enables on-demand diagnostics and verification without removing the instrument or interrupting the process. Verification can be completed in less than three minutes, while the Radar Accuracy Index (RAI) compares the instrument’s measured performance with its original reference values. The documented verification process provides traceable evidence for compliance purposes.