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:

Iritron and Schneider Electric expand strategic mining partnership
Iritron Editor's Choice News
Iritron and Schneider Electric are rapidly expanding their Mining, Minerals & Metals partnership across key mining regions in Africa.

Read more...
The role of analogue gauges in a digital world
SA Gauge Editor's Choice Pneumatics & Hydraulics
With so much focus on digital systems, remote monitoring and automation, it’s easy to assume that traditional analogue gauges have become outdated. Yet if you step into almost any plant, mine or processing facility, you’ll still find them in daily use, quietly doing their job without fuss.

Read more...
Case History 200: The final case history – desuperheater control problem.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For this final article I have chosen to relate a problem that existed in a desuperheater temperature control on a boiler in a petrochemical refinery.

Read more...
PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.

Read more...
Cutting-edge sensor technology
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The advantage of Endress+Hauser’s Memosens technology is that digitised measured values and sensor information are transmitted via a non-contact connection from the sensor to the cable, and as a digital signal to the transmitter.

Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE drives innovation at automotive plant
SEW-EURODRIVE Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
[Sponsored] A major automotive manufacturer in Gauteng has boosted its operational efficiency, safety and energy savings with the installation of SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system in its newly expanded buffering zone.

Read more...
Time-sensitive networking
RJ Connect Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In this article, we will explore what is driving the rise of time-sensitive networking, how it is reshaping industrial efficiency, the challenges when deploying this technology, and ways to tackle these challenges.

Read more...
Loop Signature 30: Nonlinearity in control loops (Part 1)
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
If nonlinearity occurs it means that if one is to carry on controlling with the same response to changes in load or setpoint, then the tuning of the controller will also need to be adjusted to meet the new conditions.

Read more...
Precision in paper processing
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Paper manufacturing is a demanding process that relies on consistency, precision and control at every stage. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter is well-suited to these harsh environments.

Read more...
Ensuring clean and safe water
Endress+Hauser South Africa Editor's Choice Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors is designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved