Advanced Radar Level Measurement for Industrial Processes
The Siemens SITRANS LR550 (7ML5117) is a high-performance radar level transmitter designed for accurate and reliable continuous level measurement.
Unlike contact measurement technologies, radar measurement operates without physical contact with the process medium, eliminating mechanical wear and reducing maintenance requirements. It is especially suitable for applications involving dust, vapor, temperature changes, or difficult process conditions.
Typical applications include:
Storage tanks
Chemical process vessels
Bulk material silos
Slurry tanks
Mining applications
Cement and aggregate industries
Oil & gas storage systems
80 GHz Radar Technology for Accurate Measurement
The SITRANS LR550 uses 80 GHz radar technology, providing a highly focused signal beam compared with traditional lower-frequency radar instruments.
The narrow beam design offers several advantages:
Reduced interference from internal tank structures
Better performance in narrow vessels
Less sensitivity to installation obstacles
Smaller antenna design
Improved measurement reliability
This makes the LR550 suitable for complex vessels where installation space is limited or internal obstructions exist.
Reliable Measurement of Liquids, Slurries and Solids
The SITRANS LR550 is designed for a wide range of industrial level measurement applications.
It can measure:
Low dielectric liquids
Chemical liquids
Slurries
Powders
Granular materials
Bulk solids
Advanced signal processing technology helps identify the true material echo while reducing interference caused by false reflections, buildup, or tank structures.
High Accuracy and Long Measuring Range
The LR550 provides accurate level monitoring for large storage and process vessels.
Key performance features include:
Continuous non-contact measurement
Measuring range up to 120 m (393 ft)
Accuracy up to 1 mm
Fast response for process control applications
These characteristics make it suitable for demanding industrial environments requiring stable and repeatable level data.
Advanced Echo Processing for Difficult Conditions
Industrial tanks often contain obstacles such as agitators, ladders, heating coils, or buildup.
The SITRANS LR550 incorporates Siemens signal processing functions to improve measurement reliability, including:
Auto False Echo Suppression
Near Range Suppression
Echo profile analysis
Process Intelligence signal processing
These functions help maintain stable readings even in challenging installation conditions.
Easy Setup and Operation
The SITRANS LR550 is designed to simplify commissioning and maintenance.
Configuration options include:
Local graphical HMI
SITRANS mobile IQ app via Bluetooth
SIMATIC PDM software
The intuitive interface helps engineers quickly configure parameters, review echo profiles, and diagnose measurement conditions without complicated procedures.
HART Communication for Industrial Integration
The LR550 supports HART 7 communication, allowing integration into modern automation systems.
Benefits include:
Remote configuration
Device diagnostics
Process data access
Easier maintenance management
It can be integrated into existing industrial control systems for improved process visibility and asset management.
Robust Design for Industrial Environments
The SITRANS LR550 is built for demanding process industries.
Its advantages include:
Non-contact measurement principle
Resistance to dust and vapor influence
Suitable for high temperature and pressure applications (with suitable configurations)
Reliable operation in harsh industrial environments
This makes it a dependable solution for continuous level monitoring where downtime must be minimized.
Typical Applications
Chemical Industry
Suitable for:
Chemical storage tanks
Corrosive liquid measurement
Process vessel monitoring
Mining & Minerals
Used for:
Ore storage
Slurry tanks
Bulk material silos
Cement & Aggregate
Applied in:
Powder silos
Raw material storage
Continuous inventory monitoring
Oil & Gas
Suitable for:
Storage tanks
Process vessels
Inventory management
FAQ
What is Siemens 7ML5117-1BF07-4BF3?
The Siemens 7ML5117-1BF07-4BF3 is a configuration code for the SITRANS LR550 80 GHz radar level transmitter, used for continuous non-contact level measurement of liquids, slurries, and solids.
How does SITRANS LR550 measure level?
The LR550 sends radar signals toward the material surface and calculates the level based on the time required for the reflected signal to return. Radar measurement is not affected significantly by temperature changes, pressure variations, or vapor conditions.
What materials can SITRANS LR550 measure?
It can measure:
Liquids
Slurries
Powders
Granular solids
It is commonly used in chemical, mining, cement, and process industries.
What is the advantage of 80 GHz radar compared with traditional radar?
80 GHz radar provides a narrower beam angle and higher measurement resolution, reducing interference from tank structures and improving performance in difficult installations.
Does SITRANS LR550 require contact with the medium?
No. It uses non-contact radar technology, meaning there are no moving parts or direct contact with the process material, reducing maintenance requirements.
What is the difference between SITRANS LR550 and SITRANS LR100/LR500 series?
SITRANS LR100: Compact 80 GHz radar transmitter for basic liquid and solid level applications.
SITRANS LR550: Advanced industrial radar transmitter with longer range, higher accuracy, graphical HMI, and enhanced diagnostics for demanding process applications.
