Editor's Choice


Simple and efficient level measurement in the mining, minerals and metals industries

May 2025 Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control

Measuring devices in the mining, minerals and metals industries face the challenge of varying material states and long distances in measurement height.

Endress+Hauser’s answer to these challenges is the new Micropilot family, consisting of the three compact 80GHz radar sensors: Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B.

These new radar sensors stand for reliable measurement performance combined with maximum simplicity. Easy selection and operation make them the perfect match for non-contact level measurement in basic solid applications.

Applications related to mining, minerals and metals like storage silos, stockpiles, crushers, conveyor belts, mixing towers or slurry tanks often present users with individual requirements for level measurement. Striving to keep things as simple as possible can therefore be challenging for the user. The Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B allow control over these challenges by offering a simple and reliable solution. Setup sequences called wizards guide the users safely through commissioning, proof tests and verifications. LEDs and displays provide clear status messages for each device at a glance, and Heartbeat Verification with Radar Accuracy Index (RAI) enables verification in accordance with ISO 9001. Endress+Hauser has simplified level measurement in the mining, minerals and metals industries as much as possible.

Easy selection for basic solid applications

The new Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B represent a reduction in complexity of level measurement in solid applications. Specific accessories help to adapt the devices perfectly for the challenging conditions in applications related to mining, minerals and metals. Accessories include mounting brackets, a weather protection cover, a second display (RIA15) and the particularly powerful 80 mm antenna with a narrow beam angle and even stronger signal. The versatility of the accessories removes the need to stock additional measuring devices. The required approvals for challenging conditions such as explosion hazard area contribute to this. Explosion protection certification for gas and dust is available for the Micropilot FMR20B and FMR30B.

Maximum simplicity, maximum reliability

The installation and commissioning of measuring devices can be particularly challenging in demanding application areas, for example in production silos with widely varying media in terms of size, or bunkers and stockpiles exposed to the weather. The integrated wizards have clear instructions that guide the operator step by step through the process, meaning the handling of the devices is simplified to the maximum. Not only commissioning but also proof tests and verifications are possible in under three minutes.

Easier than simple

The devices can be accessed remotely using Bluetooth via the Endress+Hauser SmartBlue app on any mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The unique colour touch display of the Micropilot FMR30B additionally offers comfortable on-device access. The display allows for easy handling thanks to intuitive user interfaces and guided wizards, without opening the measuring device’s lid.

In addition, each device can be identified in seconds using the integrated ‘It’s me’ function, which makes it much easier to keep track of multiple Bluetooth-connected devices. The device’s connection to a smartphone or tablet is indicated using a flashing display (Micropilot FMR30B) or flashing LED (Micropilot FMR10B and FMR20B). The operating status of the respective device is also available at a glance via the colour touch display or the basic LEDs, showing green for operation or red for alarm.

Less effort, increased productivity

The simpler the process, the better the productivity. The Micropilot family’s best-in-class simplicity efficiently reduces process interruptions, delays and waiting times, for example, when replacing devices. Measuring devices and suitable accessories can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis and can be seamlessly integrated into the measurement technology for specific applications and as individually as required.

Traceable measuring performance, provable compliance

The strong measurement performance of the 80GHz radar sensor and Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology simplify processes and help increase productivity. Together with the Radar Accuracy Index (RAI), the technology enables traceable verification in accordance with ISO 9001 which significantly reduces the costs associated with calibration and documentation. Verification is possible on demand at any time, simply guided through the wizard on a smartphone or tablet, without having to remove the measuring device and interrupting processes. Verification occurs directly at the measuring point with automatic documentation generation and increases the trust in the accuracy of the measurement device over its lifetime.

Maximum efficiency through minimum complexity

The compact Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B considerably reduce the time required for selecting, installing, commissioning and operating your measurement technology. Guided wizards make essential operating processes quick and safe and remote control via Bluetooth and device identification via display or LED simplify operations. Finally, Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Verification decreases the frequency of interruptions and increases system productivity while simultaneously providing full compliance.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

PC-based control for fertiliser
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Loop signature 28: Things to consider when tuning.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
I was giving a course at a remote mine in the middle of the Namibian desert. We were discussing tuning responses, and as I always do on my courses, I mentioned that in my opinion ¼ amplitude damped tuning is not desirable, and is in fact not good.

Read more...
Control without complexity
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.

Read more...
The thermal combustion balancing act
Editor's Choice
From carbon taxes to export tariffs, and cost containment to security of supply and sustainability, companies are under increasing pressure to switch to greener fuel sources. Associated Energy Services warns that this pivotal change has some potentially serious knock-on effects.

Read more...
Enhancing process efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial process automation, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. The Endress+Hauser FieldPort SWA50 is a game-changer, offering a seamless integration of Bluetooth and WirelessHART communication for HART field devices.

Read more...
What’s driving the IE3 motor revolution?
WEG Africa Editor's Choice
The International Efficiency 3 (IE3) motor standard will soon become South Africa’s legal minimum standard, mandating that local suppliers offer more efficient electric motors. What is driving this change, and how does it affect the many industries that rely on these modern electric workhorses?

Read more...
Unlocking the smart factory
ElectroMechanica Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At ElectroMechanica, we recognise that transitioning to smart automation isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about solving real challenges. Labour shortages, rising costs and downtime due to outdated machinery make digital transformation essential for long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
Case History 197: Bad reboiler temperature control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Flow Measurement & Control
It is very important that reboiler temperature controls operate well in petrochemical refineries, or the product quality can really suffer. I was asked to check such a control in a refinery where they were having problems with one of these controls.

Read more...
The future of industrial automation: fieldbus and industrial networking
LAPP Southern Africa Editor's Choice
As a global leader in integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, LAPP recognises that fieldbus and industrial networking technologies are pivotal in shaping the future of manufacturing and production processes.

Read more...
AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security
RJ Connect Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.

Read more...