Side Mounted Radar Level Transmitter for Harsh Conditions: No Top Access, Extreme Temperature, High Pressure and Vacuum

Some tanks can never be measured from the top: the roof is inaccessible, the gas phase exceeds instrument limits, or the vessel operates at pressure extremes. The side mounted radar level transmitter, also known as the bypass pipe or external radar level gauge, measures horizontally or at an angle from the vessel side, bringing reliable level data to the harshest installations with 26GHz and 80GHz options.

Why Do You Need a Side Mounted Radar Level Transmitter?

Top mounting is the standard for level measurement, but real plants create situations where it is impossible or impractical. Old tanks may have no roof opening and cannot be drilled without emptying or re-certifying the vessel. Some processes have a gas phase temperature far exceeding the limit of top-mounted instruments, with antennas rated for the liquid temperature unable to survive the vapor space. High pressure and vacuum can exceed the pressure rating of top-mounted designs. And small metering tanks may need high-precision interface measurement that side mounting through a bypass pipe makes possible. In all these cases, the side mounted radar transmitter provides the answer: installed on the vessel side wall or on a bypass pipe, it measures the level horizontally or at an angle, keeping the electronics in a manageable environment while the measurement point remains exactly where it is needed. It turns tanks that were previously unmeasurable into reliable, automated measurement points.

Working Principle: Horizontal and Inclined Radar Measurement via Side or Bypass Mounting

The transmitter is installed on the side wall of the vessel or on a bypass pipe (guide pipe) connected to it, and measures in a horizontal or inclined direction rather than from above. The radar signal travels from the side-mounted antenna across the vessel or through the bypass pipe to the liquid surface, and the echo returns along the same path; the electronics convert the round-trip time into an accurate level value. Because the measurement path is defined by the mounting geometry, the level is calculated relative to the known mounting height and vessel dimensions. The 26GHz option provides reliable general-purpose measurement, while the 80GHz option delivers a narrower beam and higher resolution for small metering tanks and precise interface applications. The bypass pipe arrangement also calms the liquid surface, making the echo more stable and the measurement easier, even in agitated or turbulent vessels.

Structural Advantages of the Side Mounted Transmitter

• Side / bypass pipe mounting: measures when the top is inaccessible.
• Extreme temperature capability: electronics away from hot gas phase.
• High pressure / vacuum capable: exceeds top-mounted limits.
• 26GHz and 80GHz options: match frequency to application.
• High resolution option: 80GHz for small tanks and interfaces.
• Stabilized surface: bypass pipe calms the liquid for stable echoes.
• Old tank retrofit: no roof drilling or vessel modification.
• Horizontal and inclined measurement: flexible geometry.

Pain Point Analysis: 4 Challenging Working Conditions

Application Cases

Product Advantages

• Side and bypass pipe mounting flexibility
• Solves no-top-access tank problems
• Handles extreme gas phase temperatures
• High pressure and vacuum capability
• 26GHz and 80GHz frequency options
• High resolution for small tanks and interfaces
• Bypass pipe stabilizes the liquid surface
• Ideal for old tank retrofits

Technical Parameters

SEO FAQ

Q1: What is a side mounted radar level transmitter?

A side mounted radar level transmitter, also known as a bypass pipe type or external radar level gauge, is installed on the side wall of a vessel or on a bypass pipe connected to it, rather than on the top. It measures the level in a horizontal or inclined direction: the radar signal travels from the side-mounted antenna to the liquid surface and back, and the round-trip time is converted into a level value using the known mounting geometry. This arrangement is used when top mounting is impossible or impractical, such as tanks without roof access, vessels with extreme gas phase temperatures, high-pressure or vacuum service, and small metering tanks where a bypass pipe provides a stable measurement chamber.

Q2: When should I choose side mounting instead of top mounting?

Choose side mounting when the tank top cannot be used. Typical situations include old tanks with no roof opening that cannot be drilled without emptying and re-certifying the vessel; processes where the gas phase temperature far exceeds the limit of top-mounted antennas, which are exposed to the vapor space; vessels whose pressure or vacuum exceeds the rating of top-mounted designs; and small metering tanks where a bypass pipe gives a calm, stable surface for high-precision or interface measurement. If none of these conditions apply, top mounting is usually simpler and more economical. Our engineers can review your vessel and process to confirm which arrangement is correct.

Q3: What are the advantages of the bypass pipe arrangement?

A bypass pipe, also called a guide pipe or stilling well, is connected to the vessel at two points so the liquid inside the pipe matches the vessel level. Measuring in the bypass pipe offers several advantages: the pipe confines the radar beam and defines a clear measurement path, reducing false echoes from vessel internals; it calms the liquid surface, making the echo more stable and the reading steadier in agitated or turbulent tanks; and it allows measurement of small level ranges with high resolution. The pipe also isolates the measurement from surface waves and foam in the main vessel. This makes the bypass arrangement valuable for precise level and interface measurement in demanding applications.

Q4: What is the difference between the 26GHz and 80GHz versions?

The 26GHz version is the general-purpose choice, providing a well-focused beam, reliable echoes from most liquids and solids, and proven performance across a wide range of industrial applications. The 80GHz version operates at a much higher frequency, producing a narrower beam and higher resolution, which is particularly valuable in small metering tanks where the beam must not touch the vessel walls, and in interface measurement applications where fine detail is needed. The 80GHz antenna is also physically smaller, easing installation in confined spaces. Choose 26GHz for standard duties and 80GHz for small vessels, precise ranges and demanding resolution requirements; our engineers can help you select the right option.

Q5: What support and customization do you offer?

As the manufacturer, we provide direct technical support including mounting evaluation, bypass pipe design, frequency selection and installation guidance. Customization options include frequency (26GHz or 80GHz), process connection, measuring range, output protocol, materials for extreme service, labeling and packaging, plus OEM and ODM programs. Every transmitter is factory-calibrated and tested before shipment, and our engineers can review your vessel drawings, operating temperature, pressure and access constraints to specify the correct side mounted configuration. Contact us with your tank details for a tailored solution and quotation.

Why Choose Our Side Mounted Radar Level Transmitter?

When the top is off-limits, the measurement moves to the side. This side mounted radar transmitter measures through side wall and bypass pipe installations, solving the problems of no-top-access tanks, extreme gas phase temperatures, high pressure, vacuum and confined metering vessels that defeat conventional mounting. With 26GHz and 80GHz options, a stabilized bypass measurement path and proven retrofit capability, it brings reliable level data to installations others cannot serve. As the manufacturer, you receive factory calibration, application-matched configuration and direct engineering support. When your tank says no to top mounting, choose the side mounted radar that measures anyway.