Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR63B – 80 GHz Hygienic Radar Level Sensor

The Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR63B is a premium 80 GHz free-space radar level sensor developed specifically for continuous, non-contact level measurement in hygienic applications.

Its complete hygienic design, combined with high-precision radar technology, makes the FMR63B particularly suitable for Food & Beverage, Life Sciences and other sanitary process applications where cleanability, material compatibility and measurement reliability are essential.

The sensor provides ±1 mm accuracy and a maximum measuring distance of 80 m, while its highly focused radar beam helps reduce interference from internal vessel components.

Hygienic Design for Demanding Sanitary Processes

The key advantage of the FMR63B is its complete hygienic design.

The device is designed to meet stringent hygienic requirements and is available with hygienic process connections and PEEK or PTFE wetted parts, depending on configuration.

The FMR63B supports important hygienic standards and approvals, including:

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  EHEDG
  
• 
  3-A
  
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  ASME BPE
  
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  USP Class VI
  
• 
  International explosion protection approvals
  
• 
  5-point or 10-point linearity protocol
  

These features make it particularly suitable for applications where instrument design must meet strict sanitary and material requirements.

80 GHz Radar with ±1 mm Accuracy

The FMR63B uses W-band radar at approximately 80 GHz.

The high operating frequency produces a strongly focused radar beam, helping minimize interference from tank internals and making the sensor suitable for vessels with limited installation space or numerous internal fittings.

Key measurement performance:

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  Measuring principle: Free-space radar
  
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  Frequency: W-band, approximately 80 GHz
  
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  Accuracy: ±1 mm
  
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  Maximum measuring distance: 80 m
  
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  Process temperature: –40 to +200°C
  
• 
  Process pressure: Vacuum to 25 bar
  
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  Ambient temperature: –40 to +85°C
  
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  Main wetted parts: PEEK or PTFE
  

Non-Contact Measurement for Hygienic Liquids

Radar measurement does not require the sensor to physically contact the product.

This non-contact principle is particularly valuable in hygienic processes because it reduces the need for intrusive components inside the vessel while providing continuous level measurement.

Typical applications include:

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  Hygienic storage tanks
  
• 
  Process tanks
  
• 
  Food and beverage vessels
  
• 
  Pharmaceutical process equipment
  
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  Life Sciences applications
  
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  Sanitary liquid storage
  

The FMR63B is specifically categorized by Endress+Hauser for continuous level measurement of liquids in hygienic applications.

Focused Beam for Vessels with Internal Fittings

A narrow radar beam is particularly useful in process vessels containing internal structures.

The FMR63B provides high beam focusing, helping minimize unwanted reflections from components such as:

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  Pipes
  
• 
  Supports
  
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  Heating elements
  
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  Internal fittings
  
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  Other vessel structures
  

This allows greater flexibility when selecting the installation position and is particularly useful in compact hygienic vessels where available installation space can be limited.

Up to 80 m Measuring Range

The FMR63B provides a maximum measuring distance of 80 m.

Combined with its ±1 mm accuracy and focused 80 GHz beam, this gives the sensor a broad operating range for both relatively compact process vessels and larger tanks.

Maximum measuring distance: 80 m / 262 ft

PEEK and PTFE Wetted Materials

For hygienic and demanding process environments, material selection is particularly important.

The FMR63B is available with PEEK or PTFE as the main wetted materials, depending on configuration.

These material options, together with the hygienic device design and available sanitary certifications, allow the FMR63B to be configured for applications with stringent product-contact requirements.

Suitable for Food & Beverage and Life Sciences

The FMR63B is particularly well suited to industries where hygienic design is a fundamental requirement.

Food & Beverage

Typical applications include:

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  Dairy processing
  
• 
  Beverage production
  
• 
  Food ingredients
  
• 
  Hygienic storage tanks
  
• 
  Process vessels
  

Life Sciences

Typical applications include:

• 
  Pharmaceutical production
  
• 
  Bioprocessing
  
• 
  Hygienic liquid storage
  
• 
  Process media measurement
  

The combination of ASME BPE, USP Class VI, EHEDG and 3-A-related hygienic capabilities, depending on configuration, makes the FMR63B well suited to regulated sanitary environments.

Simple Commissioning with Guided Wizards

The FMR63B is designed to simplify commissioning and verification.

Built-in wizards guide users through commissioning, proof tests and verification, reducing the complexity of initial setup and routine device checks.

The device also supports:

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  Guided commissioning
  
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  Guided verification
  
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  Proof-test procedures
  
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  Recommended troubleshooting actions
  
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  SmartBlue App operation
  
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  Bluetooth commissioning
  

Heartbeat Technology for Verification and Monitoring

The FMR63B incorporates Heartbeat Technology, providing verification and monitoring functions.

Heartbeat Technology can help identify anomalies and support verification of measurement performance without requiring unnecessary interruption of the process.

This is particularly valuable in hygienic production environments where unnecessary process interruptions can affect production efficiency.

Digital Communication and SmartBlue

The FMR63B supports modern industrial communication and digital commissioning options.

Communication options include:

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  2-wire HART
  
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  PROFIBUS PA
  
• 
  PROFINET with Ethernet-APL
  
• 
  Bluetooth® wireless technology
  

Bluetooth communication allows device commissioning, operation and maintenance through the SmartBlue App.

Safety and Industrial Approvals

Depending on the selected configuration, the FMR63B can be supplied with safety and hazardous-area approvals.

Available capabilities include:

• 
  SIL 2 / SIL 3
  
• 
  International explosion protection
  
• 
  WHG overfill protection
  
• 
  Marine approvals
  
• 
  Hygienic certifications
  
• 
  Linearity protocols
  

The device is designed according to relevant safety requirements, making it suitable for demanding process installations where measurement reliability and functional safety are important.

Typical Applications

The Micropilot FMR63B is particularly suitable for:

• 
  Food & Beverage
  
• 
  Life Sciences
  
• 
  Hygienic process tanks
  
• 
  Sanitary storage tanks
  
• 
  Pharmaceutical processes
  
• 
  Hygienic liquid measurement
  
• 
  Vessels with internal fittings
  
• 
  Applications requiring non-contact level measurement
  

Its combination of 80 GHz radar, ±1 mm accuracy, 80 m range and complete hygienic design makes the FMR63B a strong choice for high-performance sanitary level measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR63B used for?

The FMR63B is designed for continuous non-contact level measurement of liquids in hygienic applications, particularly in Food & Beverage and Life Sciences processes.

What frequency does the FMR63B use?

The FMR63B uses W-band radar at approximately 80 GHz, providing a highly focused radar beam.

What is the accuracy of FMR63B?

The FMR63B provides an accuracy of ±1 mm.

What is the maximum measuring range?

The maximum measuring distance is 80 m (262 ft).

What temperature can FMR63B handle?

The specified process temperature range is –40 to +200°C.

What is the maximum process pressure?

The FMR63B supports process pressure from vacuum up to 25 bar.

Is FMR63B suitable for hygienic applications?

Yes. The FMR63B features a complete hygienic design and is available with hygienic process connections and certifications including EHEDG, 3-A, ASME BPE and USP Class VI, depending on configuration.

What are the main wetted materials?

The main wetted materials are PEEK or PTFE, depending on the selected configuration