Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Gauge: Comprehensive Technical Overview
1. Introduction
The Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Gauge, developed by Emerson Automation Solutions, represents the pinnacle of non-contact level measurement technology. Engineered for extreme reliability in bulk liquid storage and processing industries, this gauge combines millimeter-wave radar precision with robust safety certifications. It is designed to operate in environments ranging from cryogenic liquefied gases to high-temperature hydrocarbons, providing ±1 mm (0.04 in.) accuracy for inventory management, safety systems, and process optimization
Parameter |
Specification |
Significance |
Accuracy |
±1 mm (0.04 in.) to ±2 mm (0.08 in.) |
Industry-leading precision for custody transfer and regulatory compliance. |
Stability |
< ±0.5 mm (0.020 in.) in -40°C to +70°C |
Minimal drift in fluctuating temperatures ensures long-term reliability. |
Update Rate |
0.3 seconds |
Real-time monitoring for dynamic processes. |
Ambient Temperature |
-50°C to +70°C (-58°F to +158°F) |
Operates in Arctic to desert conditions; starts at -50°C. |
Power Supply |
FISCO: 9-17.5 VDC; Entity: 9-30 VDC (polarity-insensitive) |
Flexible integration with intrinsic safety (IS) systems. |
Safety Certification |
SIL 2 (IEC 61508), WHG, TÜV |
Mandatory for overfill prevention in hazardous areas (e.g., oil/gas, chemicals). |
3. Core Technologies & Design
a) Radar Measurement Principle The 5900C uses Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, emitting 26 GHz microwaves. The time difference between transmitted and reflected signals calculates level distance. Unlike pulsed radar, FMCW offers superior signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate measurements in foam, vapor, or turbulent surfaces .
b) Antenna Options Five antenna types address diverse media and tank geometries:
Parabolic Antenna: Ideal for long-range crude oil tanks.
Still-Pipe Array: For sloshing liquids or guided-wave applications.
Cone Antenna: Compact design for small vessels.
LPG/LNG Antenna: Optimized for cryogenic liquefied gases.
1-inch/2-inch Still-Pipe: High precision in pressurized systems .
c) Materials & Construction Housing and process seals use 316L stainless steel, ensuring corrosion resistance in marine, chemical, and acidic environments. All wetted parts comply with NACE MR0175 for sour service
4. Advanced Features
Emulation Capability: Integrates with legacy tank gauging systems (e.g., Servo gauges) via the Rosemount 2410 Tank Hub, enabling wireless data transmission and retrofitting without infrastructure overhaul
Self-Diagnostics: Continuous health monitoring detects antenna fouling, signal loss, or internal faults, triggering alerts via HART/Fieldbus .
Net Volume Calculation: Interfaces with multi-point temperature sensors (e.g., Rosemount 2444V) to compute compensated volume, critical for custody transfer (±0.1% accuracy) .
Wireless Communication: Supports Foundation Fieldbus, Tankbus, and ISA100.11a protocols for IIoT integration .
5. Applications Across Industries
Industry |
Use Case |
Benefit |
Oil & Gas |
Crude oil storage tanks, LNG terminals |
±1 mm accuracy for fiscal metering; WHG-certified overfill protection. |
Chemicals |
Aggressive solvents, polymer reactors |
316L SST resists corrosion; handles foam/vapor interference. |
Power Generation |
Feedwater tanks, demineralized water |
SIL 2 safety for high-pressure systems. |
Pharmaceuticals |
Bio-reactors, CIP/SIP vessels |
Non-contact measurement avoids contamination; validated for FDA compliance. |
Food & Beverage |
Edible oil storage, fermentation tanks |
Hygienic design; no moving parts for reduced maintenance. |
6. Safety & Compliance
Explosion Protection: ATEX/IECEx-certified for Zone 0/1 hazardous areas. Entity and FISCO models ensure intrinsic safety .
Environmental Resilience: IP68/NEMA 6P rating for submersion up to 3 m. Withstands 100% humidity, salt fog, and UV exposure
Regulatory Approvals: WHG (Germany), TÜV Rheinland (overfill prevention), and IECEx/ATEX for global deployment .
7. Installation & Maintenance
a) Mechanical Guidelines
Mounting: Requires vertical alignment (±3° tolerance) on nozzles ≥DN80.
Bypass Chambers: Optional for agitator-equipped tanks to reduce signal noise . b) Electrical Integration
Wiring: Two-wire IS loop simplifies cabling; Foundation Fieldbus enables multidrop networks (up to 16 devices per segment) . c) Calibration
Auto-configuration via Rosemount TankMaster software reduces setup time. Manual calibration possible for still-pipes using WinSetup tools .
8. Competitive Advantages
Lifecycle Cost Reduction: 10-year stability minimizes recalibration; modular design allows field upgrades .
Sustainability: Low power consumption (1.2W avg.) and recyclable materials align with ISO 14001
Future-Proofing: Firmware-upgradable for emerging protocols (e.g., APL, IO-Link) .
9. Conclusion
The Rosemount 5900C redefines reliability in radar level measurement, delivering unmatched accuracy, safety, and adaptability. Its compliance with SIL 2, WHG, and global hazardous area standards makes it indispensable for facilities prioritizing operational integrity and regulatory adherence. As industries advance toward digitalization, the 5900C's IIoT-ready architecture positions it as a cornerstone of modern asset management strategies.



Packaging Advantages of Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Transmitter
The Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Transmitter is engineered with a robust packaging design that prioritizes durability, protection, and ease of handling throughout the supply chain. The device is encased in a high-strength, corrosion-resistant enclosure constructed from premium materials such as stainless steel or advanced polymers, depending on the application requirements. This ensures resistance to environmental stressors, including moisture, dust, and chemical exposure, which are common during transportation and storage. The transmitter's components are securely mounted within the enclosure using shock-absorbent materials and custom-fit foam inserts, minimizing the risk of internal damage from vibrations or impacts during transit. Additionally, the packaging is designed to comply with international shipping standards, featuring reinforced edges and corner protectors to withstand stacking pressures in cargo containers. Each unit is sealed with tamper-evident labels and desiccant packs to maintain internal dryness, critical for preserving the integrity of sensitive electronic components. The inclusion of clear, standardized labeling-such as hazard symbols, handling instructions, and barcodes-streamlines logistics operations, reducing the likelihood of mishandling. Furthermore, the compact and lightweight design of the packaging optimizes space utilization in shipping containers, lowering freight costs and carbon footprint. By integrating these features, Rosemount ensures that the 5900C arrives at its destination in pristine condition, ready for installation without requiring extensive post-shipment inspections or repairs.
Transportation Advantages of Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Transmitter
The transportation efficiency of the Rosemount 5900C Radar Level Transmitter is a key factor in its global accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Its design incorporates modular components that can be disassembled and reconfigured, enabling flexible shipping options to accommodate diverse logistical constraints. For instance, the separation of the antenna, electronics module, and mounting hardware allows for smaller, lighter shipments that reduce volumetric freight charges. The device is pre-tested and pre-calibrated at the factory, eliminating the need for additional adjustments post-transit, which accelerates deployment timelines. To mitigate risks associated with long-haul transportation, Rosemount employs advanced packaging protocols aligned with ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) standards, ensuring resilience against extreme temperatures, humidity fluctuations, and mechanical shocks. The use of palletized shipping solutions with anti-slip surfaces and strapping mechanisms further enhances stability during road or sea transport. Additionally, the 5900C's compatibility with automated handling systems-such as conveyor belts and robotic arms-minimizes manual intervention, reducing labor costs and potential human error. For critical shipments, Rosemount offers expedited logistics partnerships with real-time tracking capabilities, providing end-to-end visibility into the supply chain. The transmitter's compliance with global regulatory frameworks, including RoHS and REACH, also simplifies customs clearance, avoiding delays at international borders. By prioritizing these transportation-centric innovations, Rosemount not only safeguards product quality but also delivers significant savings in time, resources, and operational overhead, making the 5900C a reliable choice for industries ranging from oil and gas to water treatment and chemical processing.




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Q: Do you provide samples?
A: Yes, we have materials in stock to help you to get the samples as soon as we can.
Q: What is the MOQ?
A:1PC.
Q: Can I get a lower price if I order large quantities?
A: Yes, cheaper prices with more bigger size orders.