Non-Contact Radar Flow Meter | Open Channel Radar Velocity & Level | (FRM6000 / FRM6002)
The FRM Series Non-Contact Radar Flow Meter delivers continuous, maintenance-free open-channel discharge measurement for rivers, irrigation ditches, and municipal drainage networks. Combining 24GHz planar microstrip Doppler radar for surface velocity with a precision radar level sensor, the system accurately calculates real-time volumetric flow (m³/h or m³/s) without contacting aggressive or debris-laden water.
Available in two configurations—the standard FRM6000 (IP67, RS485 Modbus) and the advanced FRM6002 (IP68, Bluetooth 5.2, extended range)—this series eliminates sensor fouling caused by sediment, floating objects, or high flood turbulence.
Important Application Note: Non-contact radar flow meters measure liquid surface velocity and head level. Converting these values to totalized volumetric flow requires entering the channel’s cross-sectional geometric profile (e.g., trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or U-shaped) during setup via RS485 software or mobile Bluetooth.
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Model Options:
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FRM6000 (Standard): IP67 rating, 0.15–15 m/s speed range, RS485 Modbus RTU communication.
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FRM6002 (Pro / Advanced): Fully submersible IP68 rating, 0.05–40 m/s speed range, 65m level range, built-in Bluetooth 5.2 for smartphone configuration.
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Description
Non-Contact Radar Hydrology for Complex Open Channels
Submerged velocity sensors often fail due to sediment accumulation, weed entanglement, or severe storm surges. The FRM Series Radar Flow Meter operates entirely above the water line, emitting dual radar beams to track both surface flow velocity and liquid depth simultaneously.
By applying advanced Doppler signal processing across multiple sector points, the unit calculates average surface velocity and translates it into true cross-sectional discharge according to your channel profile.
Built for Outdoor & Off-Grid Telemetry
Designed for harsh, unattended environments, both models feature ultra-low power consumption (~120mA to 300mA active, <1mA sleep mode), making them ideally suited for solar-powered telemetry stations, RTU integration, and remote flood monitoring networks.
Primary Applications
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Natural Rivers & Streams: Non-contact flow tracking during high flood periods, rapid surges, or high sediment conditions.
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Farmland Irrigation Canals: Water volume allocation and discharge management in trapezoidal or concrete-lined ditches.
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Municipal Urban Drainage: Stormwater network monitoring, sewer overflow tracking, and intake/outfall discharge measurement.
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Reservoir & Tidal Gates: Open channel discharge monitoring upstream and downstream of sluice gates.
Additional information
| Model / Version | FRM6000 (Standard), FRM6002 (Pro / Bluetooth) |
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Features
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Dual-Radar Non-Contact Technology: Integrates a 24GHz planar microstrip surface velocity radar and a precision level radar into a single compact housing.
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All-Weather Outdoor Reliability: Anti-condensation, waterproof, and lightning-proof design works reliably through wind, haze, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rain.
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Flexible Channel Profile Modeling: Pre-programmed algorithms for trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, U-shaped, or irregular channels.
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Mobile Bluetooth Setup (FRM6002 Model): Integrated Bluetooth 5.2 allows field engineers to configure cross-sections, calibrate pitch angles, and perform wireless diagnostics directly from a smartphone.
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Submersible IP68 Enclosure (FRM6002 Model): Heavy-duty aluminum alloy/PBT housing with 6000V anti-surge protection ensures survival during extreme flood submergence.
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Off-Grid Telemetry Compatible: Low operational current makes it solar-battery friendly with RS485 Modbus RTU communication for seamless RTU/4G telemetry integration.
Specification
| Feature / Parameter | FRM6000 (Standard Version) | FRM6002 (Pro / Advanced Version) |
| Primary Application |
Open channel velocity, level, and volumetric flow rate |
Open channel velocity, level, and volumetric flow rate |
| Radar Technology |
24GHz Planar Microstrip Doppler Radar |
Hybrid-band 24GHz Doppler + Level Radar |
| Ingress Protection |
IP67 Waterproof |
IP68 Fully Submersible
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| Velocity Range |
0.15 m/s to 15 m/s |
0.05 m/s to 40 m/s
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| Velocity Accuracy |
±2% |
±0.01 m/s |
| Level / Distance Range |
0.4m to 40m |
Up to 65m (blind spot: 20cm) |
| Distance Accuracy |
±1 cm |
±1 mm
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| Mobile Configuration |
Via RS485 / Software |
Built-in Bluetooth 5.2 (App Debugging)
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| Communication |
RS232 / RS485 Modbus RTU |
RS485 Modbus RTU (9600/115200) + Bluetooth |
| Operating Power |
DC 7–28V (~300mA active, <1mA sleep) |
DC 7–28V (~120mA active) |
| Surge Protection |
Standard outdoor protection |
6000V Anti-Surge Built-in
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| Operating Temperature |
-35°C to +70°C |
-40°C to +85°C |
| Housing Material |
Galvanized / Stainless Steel Sheet |
Aluminum Alloy + PBT |
FAQ
Q1: How does a radar flow meter calculate volumetric flow rate (m³/h or m³/s)?
The radar meter directly measures two parameters: surface water velocity (via 24GHz Doppler radar) and water height/depth (via radar distance sensing). During field setup, you input the channel’s geometric cross-section dimensions (e.g., trapezoid width, slope angle, or pipe diameter). The internal software combines depth and geometry to calculate the wet cross-sectional area, then applies a velocity profile coefficient to determine the total volumetric flow rate.
Q2: Which model should I choose: FRM6000 or FRM6002?
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Choose the FRM6000 for standard irrigation channels, concrete canals, or budget-conscious hydrological stations where RS485 wired configuration is sufficient.
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Choose the FRM6002 if you require mobile smartphone setup via Bluetooth, need IP68 submersion protection during extreme flooding, or are monitoring high-velocity rivers up to 40 m/s.
Q3: What is the difference between this radar flow meter and an open-channel ultrasonic meter like the SUL815?
Ultrasonic open-channel meters (such as the SUL815) require a standardized primary structure—like a Parshall flume or V-notch weir—to deduce flow strictly from water height. The FRM Radar Flow Meter directly measures water velocity and level simultaneously, allowing it to calculate flow in natural rivers, unlined streams, and canals without needing a flume or weir.
Q4: Can the FRM radar flow meter be powered by a solar panel setup?
Yes. Both models are engineered for ultra-low power consumption (drawing as low as 120mA at 12VDC during operation and under 1mA in sleep mode). They are easily integrated into standard 12V/24V solar panels and wireless RTU telemetry systems.
