Calibration of High Resolution Ku band FMCW Radar Level Probe

Non contact measurement of liquid levels in industrial tank has increased demand after enhancement in radar technology, which suitable for measuring levels like liquid, slurries, fluidized solids and granular materials. Microwave sensor has advantages in medium likes moist, dusty, steam, foam and vaporous as well as medium where temperatures and pressures varies. Being a non contact sensor its maintenance and servicing is very easy. Radar level probe developed at SAMEER, Mumbai in Ku band has enhanced range resolution for level measurement. Before installing level probe onto tank its very essential to remove offset measurements, delays in radar by calibrating, validating its specification and performance using dummy experimental study. In this paper calibration of Ku band monostatic FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar as a level sensor was explained. Calibration is carried using discrete delay lines, range resolution measurement, ranging using corner reflector, pattern measurement, filling and draining of water tank. The instrument used are Vector network analyser, spectrum analyzer, mixed oscilloscope and signal generator,