Jiwei Advances 4G Wireless Technology for Industrial Level Measurement and Control
As Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies continue to develop, industrial level measurement is moving toward wireless communication, remote monitoring, and smarter maintenance.
To address challenges such as complex cable installation, dispersed measurement points, and high maintenance costs, Jiwei Automations is advancing research into 4G wireless communication for industrial level instruments. The company is exploring wireless connectivity solutions for radar level meters and level switches to improve data acquisition, commissioning efficiency, and equipment management across industrial applications.
Wireless Technology Upgrades for Radar Level Meters
Jiwei’s self-developed JWrada radar level meters use 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) technology for non-contact, continuous level measurement of liquids, powders, and granular materials.
JWrada radar level meters also support Bluetooth-based parameter configuration, echo curve viewing, and device diagnostics. Through the Jiwei Tools app and mini program, engineers can access instrument information, adjust parameters, and analyze potential measurement issues, helping reduce unnecessary on-site commissioning and work at height.
Building on these capabilities, Jiwei is exploring the integration of 4G wireless communication into radar level measurement systems.
One approach uses an external 4G industrial gateway to transmit instrument data to a remote monitoring platform through a compatible communication interface. This solution can support wireless upgrades for existing installations.
For new product development, Jiwei is also exploring the integration of 4G communication modules directly into instruments, potentially enabling measurement data transmission and remote equipment monitoring without a separate external gateway.
These approaches provide different options for existing equipment upgrades and future instrument development.
4G Wireless Connectivity for Level Switches
In addition to radar level meters, Jiwei is exploring 4G wireless connectivity for level switches, including tuning fork, vibrating rod, RF admittance, and rotary paddle level switches.
Depending on the instrument’s output characteristics, digital input modules or multi-channel 4G industrial gateways can collect switching states and alarm signals and transmit the information to a remote monitoring platform.
This approach can support applications such as chemical storage tanks, mining silos, cement production facilities, and grain storage systems.
For conventional level switches with relay outputs, wireless connectivity primarily enables remote status monitoring and alarm transmission. For intelligent instruments with digital communication interfaces, additional diagnostic capabilities may be possible, depending on the supported interfaces and communication protocols.
By combining continuous radar level measurement with point-level detection, industrial users can monitor both real-time material levels and critical high-level or low-level conditions.
Reducing Cabling and Installation Costs
Industrial level instruments commonly connect to control systems through interfaces such as 4–20 mA, HART, and RS485.
In installations with widely distributed measurement points, long distances, or difficult construction conditions, cable routing may require cable trays, conduits, and other supporting infrastructure. These requirements can increase installation time and project costs.
4G wireless communication can reduce the need for some long-distance communication cables by transmitting measurement data through cellular networks.
For existing installations, adding a compatible 4G gateway can provide a practical way to collect instrument data remotely without extensive changes to the original measurement equipment.
This approach may be particularly useful for large tank farms, outdoor silos, wastewater treatment facilities, and remote monitoring points where conventional cabling is difficult or expensive.
However, wireless communication does not automatically eliminate the need for instrument power supplies or safety-related wiring. Actual cost savings depend on the number of measurement points, network coverage, installation conditions, communication equipment, and ongoing data service costs.
Improving Remote Commissioning and Diagnostics
Industrial radar level meters can encounter measurement challenges caused by installation geometry, material characteristics, unwanted echoes, and changing process conditions.
Effective commissioning and diagnostics are therefore essential for maintaining reliable measurement performance.
Jiwei JWrada radar level meters already support wireless parameter configuration and diagnostic functions through Bluetooth communication. These capabilities provide a foundation for further development of remote maintenance solutions.
With compatible 4G communication and remote monitoring infrastructure, engineers could access measurement data, instrument status, and diagnostic information over a network to investigate abnormal readings.
Where the instrument interfaces, platform, and access permissions support it, remote parameter verification and adjustment may also help reduce unnecessary site visits.
For remote factories, distributed storage facilities, hazardous measurement environments, and overseas installations, remote diagnostics can improve technical support efficiency and help shorten response times.
Remote maintenance must also incorporate appropriate authentication, access controls, and operation records to protect equipment and maintain operational safety.
Expanding Industrial Applications
4G wireless level monitoring can be particularly valuable in industrial environments where measurement points are dispersed, cabling is difficult, or centralized monitoring is required.
Oil and Gas and Chemical Processing
Wireless data acquisition can support remote monitoring of distributed storage tanks and level switch alarms, subject to the communication system and applicable hazardous-area requirements.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Remote level data from wastewater tanks, pumping stations, and water storage facilities can help operators monitor operating conditions and coordinate maintenance.
Mining and Building Materials
Radar level meters and level switches can provide information from multiple silos, supporting inventory monitoring, material replenishment, and production planning.
Grain Storage and Bulk Material Handling
Wireless monitoring can help consolidate level information from distributed storage facilities, reducing dependence on manual inspections and supporting more efficient operational management.
For remote locations without reliable wired infrastructure, future solutions may also combine low-power designs, solar power, and periodic data transmission where application requirements permit.
As Industrial IoT platforms continue to evolve, level measurement data can provide a foundation for historical trend analysis, abnormal-condition alerts, and equipment management.
Advancing 4G Wireless Technology Toward Industrial Applications
The successful application of 4G wireless communication in industrial instruments requires more than establishing a network connection. Measurement reliability, communication stability, power consumption, electromagnetic compatibility, network recovery, and data security must all be considered.
Engineering validation is also necessary to confirm that communication modules do not adversely affect instrument performance. Applications in potentially explosive atmospheres require appropriate equipment certification and compliance with relevant safety requirements.
Jiwei Automations will continue exploring the application of 4G wireless communication in industrial level measurement, building on its existing radar level meters, level switches, and wireless commissioning technologies.
By combining industrial level measurement with wireless data transmission and remote maintenance technologies, Jiwei aims to provide more flexible equipment deployment and monitoring options for industrial users while helping reduce installation complexity and maintenance workload.