WADECO MICRO-RANGER High-Temperature Microwave Level Meter
An FMCW microwave level meter for the hottest vessels on site. The antenna works in the hot zone without special cooling, and the controller sits in a room-temperature area.
Key Features of the WADECO MICRO-RANGER High-Temperature Microwave Level Meter
Hot-zone antenna
The parabolic or horn antenna works in the high-temperature zone without special cooling, linked to the controller by circular waveguide.
Rotating microwave system
A rotating microwave system removes false readings from double reflections, and filters suppress spurious signals.
Stable accuracy
WADECO states that accuracy does not drift with temperature changes or over long periods.
PC analysis software
The PC software shows the FFT spectrum, received signal and trends, with recording, playback and fast-forward for offline tuning.
Self-diagnostics
Alarms for falling received power, rising controller temperature, a software version mismatch and communication failure.
Preset reference and range
The reference point and range are preset, and the waveguide length is subtracted from the reading.
Portable controller
The controller weighs about 5.7 kg and runs on 90 to 240 V AC.
WADECO can customise the hardware and software.
WADECO MWS-10RF Technical Specifications
Tap a group to filter the microwave level meter specifications, or show them all.
- 50 mMaximum rangedepends on target
- ±10 mmAccuracyor ±0.1% F.S., whichever is larger
- 10 GHzFM-CW microwaveFFT analysis
- 90 to 240 V ACSupplyabout 15 W
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Principle | FM-CW microwave radar with FFT frequency analysis |
| Frequency | Approx. 10 GHz |
| Measuring range | Max. 50 m (depends on target) |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% F.S. or ±10 mm, whichever is larger (metal plate target) |
| Analogue output | 4 to 20 mA |
| Digital I/O | RS-422 digital output and input terminals (distance, signal power, temperature and alarms) |
| PC communication | RS-232C to PC software (FFT spectrum, received signal, trend, presets, recording and offline playback) |
| Power supply | 90 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, approx. 15 W |
| Antennas | Parabolic antenna P-450A-10 or horn antenna H-200A, linked to the controller by circular waveguide tubing |
| Controller variants | MWS-10RF-1 (no indicator, standard); MWS-10RF-1D (with indicator, optional) |
| Installation | Antenna in the high-temperature zone without special cooling; controller in a room-temperature area; waveguide with 90° bends and straight sections; waveguide length subtracted automatically |
| Weight | Controller approx. 5.7 kg; antenna 3.3 kg |
| Diagnostics | Alarms for falling received power, rising controller temperature, software version mismatch and communication failure |
WADECO does not publish an IP rating, operating temperature limits, materials or hazardous-area approvals for the MWS-10RF on its product page.
Download Data SheetHow does the WADECO MWS-10RF work?
Step by step:
Only the antenna and waveguide sit in the hot area. The waveguide runs in straight sections with 90° bends, and its length is subtracted from the reading automatically, so the controller can be installed in a room-temperature area away from the vessel.
WADECO animation of the MWS-10RF-1 measuring molten iron level in a torpedo car. View it on the WADECO site
Where the WADECO MWS-10RF is used
Typical applications for this microwave level meter, from the manufacturer's documentation.
- 01Torpedo carsMolten iron level in torpedo cars at the blast furnace casting floor.
- 02Converters (BOF)Basic oxygen furnace measurement, with the sensor swung over the lance hole on a robotic arm.
- 03Blast furnaces and ladlesLevel in blast furnaces, converters and ladles at steelworks.
- 04Incinerators and melting furnacesWaste level, with the MWS-10RF-2 variant and N2 purge for dust.
How the WADECO MWS-10RF compares
The highlighted row is this instrument. Tap any other name to open its page.
| Instrument | Principle | Range | Output | Supply | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic | |||||
| ACS Sonicont USN integral ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | 2, 5 or 8 m | 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V | 9 to 30 V DC (mA) | IP65 / IP67 |
| ACS Sonicont USG2 + USF remote ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Up to 25 m | 4 to 20 mA, up to 4 relays | DC or AC | Sensor IP68 (cable), Ex ia option |
| Dinel ULM-53 / ULM-70 ultrasonic level meter | Ultrasonic | Up to 20 m | 2-wire 4 to 20 mA, HART | Loop powered (mA versions) | IP67, Ex ia versions |
| Radar | |||||
| Allpronix 120 GHz radar level transmitter with Bluetooth | Radar, 120 GHz | Up to 150 m | 4 to 20 mA HART | DC or AC versions | IP67 |
| WADECO High-temperature microwave level meter | Microwave, FMCW | Up to 50 m | 4 to 20 mA, RS-422 | 90 to 240 V AC | Antenna without cooling |
| Capacitance | |||||
| Dinel CLM-36 capacitance level sensor | Capacitance | Rod 5 m, rope 20 m | 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V | 9 to 36 V DC (mA) | IP67, Ex ia IIB version |
| Dinel FLD-32 Flexi Watch thru-wall level sensor | Capacitance, point | Switch point | 2-wire switch | 6 to 30 V DC | IP67 |
| Hydrostatic | |||||
| Dinel HLM-25N hydrostatic level probe | Hydrostatic | Up to 200 m H₂O | 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V | 10 to 30 V DC | IP68 |
From Selection to a Working Signal in Your Control System
A level instrument is only as useful as the signal that reaches the control room. Proplant PCE handles the steps around the instrument as well as the instrument itself.
Application review
We check the material, vessel, mounting position and output before recommending a unit.
Supply
Instruments from the brands on this page, with datasheets for your engineering file.
Installation
Mechanical mounting, cabling and termination by our E&I team.
Integration
Signal wiring and configuration into your PLC or SCADA, including Siemens systems.
What to tell us so we can recommend an instrument
Tick off what you already know. We will check the WADECO MWS-10RF against your conditions, or suggest a better fit from our range.
Other level instruments to consider
WADECO MWS-10RF FAQ
Does the antenna need water or air cooling in a hot vessel?
No. WADECO states the antenna can be placed in the high-temperature zone without special cooling. Only the antenna and waveguide sit in the hot area; the controller is installed in a room-temperature area.
How far and how accurately can the MWS-10RF measure?
Up to 50 m, depending on the target, with an accuracy of ±0.1% of full scale or ±10 mm, whichever is larger, specified on a metal plate target.
Will flames, dust or steam affect the reading?
WADECO states the microwaves are not affected by temperature, flames, vapour, airborne particles or dirt. A rotating microwave system and filters reject double reflections and spurious signals.
What signals does it give to the control system?
A 4 to 20 mA analogue output and RS-422 digital input and output terminals. An RS-232C link connects a PC running the monitoring software.
What power does it need?
90 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, about 15 W.
Where is it typically used?
In steelworks for torpedo cars, converters (BOF) and ladles, and in waste incinerators and melting furnaces (MWS-10RF-2 version).
Can Proplant PCE help me choose the right level instrument?
Yes. Send us the material, vessel or chute details, process conditions and required output, and our team will recommend a suitable instrument.
Let's Discuss Your Level Application
Tell us what you are measuring, where the instrument will sit and what the signal needs to do. We will come back with a recommendation and the datasheet.