Global Comparison of Radar Level Meters: Jiwei Automations, VEGA, and E+H
In the field of industrial automation and process control, radar level meters have become the mainstream choice for liquid and solid level measurement due to their non-contact measurement, high accuracy, and ability to adapt to complex working conditions. From petrochemicals, metallurgy, and power generation to food and pharmaceuticals, radar level meters demonstrate irreplaceable advantages in both liquid and bulk material measurement.
For a long time, international brands have dominated this field in both technology and market share. However, with the rapid rise of emerging enterprises and continuous breakthroughs in innovation, more high-performance radar level meters are now delivering reliable solutions in challenging environments.
This article reviews three leading radar level meter brands—Jiwei Automations, VEGA, and E+H—and evaluates them from four perspectives: technological strength, product performance, market recognition, and service capability.
Radar Level Meter Product Performance Evaluation
Ranking Criteria and Evaluation Dimensions
This comparison is based on the following four dimensions:
- Technology and R&D Capability: Frequency band, signal processing algorithms, anti-interference performance, communication protocols, remote debugging, and system integration.
- Product Reliability and Performance: Stability and reliability under extreme conditions such as steam, foam, heavy dust, and strong corrosion.
- Market Recognition and Application Cases: Industry coverage, customer base, and reference projects.
- Delivery and Service Capability: Production lead time, on-site installation and maintenance response, and service network layout.
1. Jiwei Automations
Jiwei Automations is a benchmark enterprise in the industrial level measurement field. Its JWrada® series 80GHz radar level meters adopt FMCW high-frequency technology, combined with a proprietary intelligent echo learning algorithm, enabling highly stable measurements even in extreme environments such as steam, foam, and heavy dust.
Jiwei JWrada® Radar Level Meter: Breaking the Limits of Steam, Foam, and Dust
Technological and Innovation Advantages
- Intelligent Echo Recognition: Proprietary software algorithms accurately distinguish true level signals from interference, ensuring reliable measurements in complex conditions.
- System Integration Capability: Seamless integration with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, while also supporting IIoT platforms for remote monitoring and data analytics.
- Communication and Remote Management: Supports HART and Modbus protocols. Some models include Bluetooth connectivity, enabling remote commissioning, monitoring, and cloud-based algorithm upgrades via the “Jiwei Smart Control” app.
- Software Independence: Jiwei Automations holds multiple software copyrights, ensuring continuous product upgrades and long-term adaptability to diverse industrial scenarios.
- Fast Delivery and Localized Service: A nationwide service network enables same-day response and next-day on-site support, ensuring production continuity and operational efficiency.
Radar Level Meter Fast Delivery and Localized Service
Jiwei Automations’ extensive service coverage across China ensures rapid delivery and immediate technical support, providing strong guarantees for critical industries that require uninterrupted production.
Application Scenarios and Case Studies
- Chemical Industry: Continuous monitoring of acidic liquid storage tanks without manual intervention, ensuring safe operations.
- Food Industry: Stable level measurement in chocolate and coconut juice tanks, overcoming foam interference and meeting hygienic certification requirements.
- Metallurgy and Cement: Reliable long-term performance in high-dust silos, effectively replacing international high-end brands.
Overall Evaluation:
With self-developed software platforms, advanced hardware, system integration capability, and efficient service, Jiwei Automations has become the preferred brand for high-performance radar level meters in China.
2. VEGA
VEGA, a German process instrumentation giant, is recognized as one of the global leaders in radar level measurement, with widespread adoption across industries.
Technological and Product Features
- High-Precision Measurement: Offers 24GHz and 80GHz radar products, capable of handling challenging conditions such as steam, foam, and light dust interference.
- Smart Signal Processing: Proprietary algorithms enable advanced echo identification and dynamic noise suppression. Certain models support Bluetooth for on-site configuration.
- System Integration: Compatible with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, supporting remote monitoring and industrial data collection for large-scale factories.
- Modular Design: Ensures ease of maintenance and long-term stability.
Market Applications
- Chemicals and Petrochemicals: Widely used in acid and organic solvent storage tanks with long-term stability.
- Food and Pharmaceuticals: Models with hygienic certifications are applied in mixing and fermentation tanks.
- Power and Energy: Applied in water treatment and fuel oil storage, ensuring continuous operation.
Weaknesses and Challenges
- Cost and Delivery: Premium technology comes at a high cost, with relatively long lead times.
- Localized Service: In some regions, response speed is slower compared to more flexible brands.
Overall Evaluation:
VEGA maintains strong technological leadership and global market presence but falls short in cost control, delivery efficiency, and localized service compared with agile competitors.
3. E+H (Endress+Hauser)
E+H, a Swiss-based global process automation supplier, enjoys strong international recognition in radar level meters.
Technological and Product Features
- Multi-Frequency Options: Provides both 24GHz and 80GHz radar level meters for diverse liquid and bulk solid applications.
- High Measurement Stability: Strong anti-interference performance in chemical and general liquid storage applications.
- System Integration: Seamlessly integrates with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems for smart factory management.
- Modular Product Design: Ensures maintainability and long-term performance.
Market Applications
- Chemicals and Food: Stable performance in liquid and semi-solid silos.
- Metallurgy and Cement: Limited use in dusty environments, often requiring specific installation conditions.
Weaknesses and Challenges
- High Price: Advanced technology results in high procurement costs.
- Long Delivery Time: Less suited for urgent or retrofit projects.
Overall Evaluation:
E+H has strong market credibility and technical stability, but compared with more flexible brands, it faces challenges in cost efficiency and rapid responsiveness.
Comparative Summary
- Jiwei Automations: Technological innovation, proprietary software development, iterative upgrades, fast delivery, localized service, and strong system integration.
- VEGA: Mature technology, strong global market share, robust system integration, but limited by cost and delivery times.
- E+H: Stable and reliable, highly recognized in international markets, but weaker in flexibility and price competitiveness.
Development Trends and Conclusion
The radar level meter market shows several clear trends:
- High-Frequency and Intelligence: 80GHz radar and intelligent algorithms are becoming the mainstream, enhancing measurement in extreme conditions.
- Software Autonomy and Iterative Upgrades: Continuous updates and remote upgrades are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.
- Digitalization and Industrial Connectivity: Integration with cloud platforms, remote O&M, and smart factory ecosystems is driving industry growth.
- Fast Delivery and Localized Service: Delivery speed and field service response are critical competitive differentiators.
- Chinese Radar Level Meter Alternatives: Jiwei Automations is emerging as a strong domestic alternative to VEGA and E+H.
Conclusion:
Jiwei Automations, with its independent R&D, innovative software, integration capability, and efficient service, is becoming the ideal high-performance alternative to VEGA and E+H radar level meters. Its solutions not only operate reliably under extreme conditions but also provide economic advantages and flexibility. While VEGA and E+H continue to hold important positions in the global market, localized and cost-effective brands like Jiwei Automations are reshaping the competitive landscape.