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Microwave 320

Non-Contact Microwave Switch

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Microwave 320

The Microwave 320 is designed for process engineers, plant operators, EPC designers, and maintenance teams who require reliable point-level or object detection in harsh, dusty, corrosive, or high-temperature environments.

The device uses non-contact microwave sensing to detect the presence of liquids or solids without contacting the process media.

Unlike capacitive, ultrasonic, or photoelectric switches, and contact-based switches, the Microwave 320 is immune to dust, vapor, coating, vibration, and buildup. It can also be mounted externally through a sight glass or non-metallic wall.

This makes it ideal for abrasive materials, corrosive chemicals, high-temperature ducts, and plugged chute detection where traditional contact sensors often fail.

The Microwave 320 is the preferred solution when contact with the process is not possible, environmental conditions are extreme, or long-term maintenance-free operation is required.

Microwave 320
Microwave 320 Non-Contact Microwave Switch
Microwave 320

Features

Non-Contact Detection

Microwave sensing eliminates probe intrusion, preventing coating, corrosion, erosion, or plugging while ensuring reliable switching in abrasive, sticky, or fast-moving materials.

Dust and Vapor Immunity

Pulse-coded microwave technology maintains accurate detection through dust clouds, fog, steam, or aerated vapor spaces where photoelectric or ultrasonic devices typically fail.

High-Temperature Capability

Optional MT/MR water-cooled sensors withstand extreme radiant heat, enabling safe operation near boilers, kilns, or high-temperature process streams without signal degradation.

External Sightglass Mounting

Ability to detect through sightglasses or non-metallic vessel walls eliminates process penetrations and protects sensors from corrosive or pressurized service conditions.

False-Trip Prevention

Adjustable ON/OFF delays and microwave discrimination reject intermittent flow noise, falling material, or vibration disturbances, improving switching reliability in dynamic systems.

Rugged Industrial Construction

Glass-reinforced polyester housings and stainless hardware offer long-term resistance to chemicals, outdoor exposure, and harsh mechanical environments with zero moving parts.

Applications

  • Dusty Storage Silos: Provides accurate level switching in grain, cement, and powder silos where dust clouds blind optical sensors and interfere with contact-based probes.
  • Abrasive Solids & Mining: Monitors level or blockage in coal, sand, aggregate, and ore systems without suffering wear, erosion, or buildup from abrasive bulk materials.
  • Corrosive Chemical Tanks: Allows external sightglass mounting to avoid chemical attack on wetted components, providing reliable detection in corrosive or vapor-rich environments.
  • High-Temperature Processes: Withstands harsh thermal conditions using optional water-cooled MT/MR sensors, delivering stable performance near boilers, kilns, or heated vessels.
  • Plugged Chute Detection: Detects material backups in chutes, hoppers, or conveyor transitions, preventing equipment overload, belt damage, and costly unplanned downtime.
  • Vapor or Fog Environments: Maintains reliable detection in steam-filled or foggy spaces where photoelectric and ultrasonic devices false-trip or lose signal integrity.
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Specifications

Parameter

Value

Technology

Non-contact microwave sensing (X-band 10.525 GHz)

Media

Liquids, solids, and slurries (presence or absence detection)

Output

SPDT relay

Switching Action

ON / OFF

Detection Range

Several feet air gap (application dependent)

Beam Angle

Approximately 40°

Power Supply

120 VAC, 240 VAC, or 24 VDC

Housing

Sealed industrial glass-reinforced polyester

Temperature Capability

High-temperature option with water-cooled MT/MR assemblies

Environmental Resistance

Immune to dust, fog, vapor, and vibration

Adjustments

Independent ON and OFF time delay

Certifications

FM Approved when used with MT 851 / MR 851 heads

Mounting

External mounting through sight glass or non-metallic wall; bracket mounting available

Contact Support
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Contact Support

If you have questions not covered here, please contact the Cognesense support team for assistance.

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Why choose the Microwave 320 instead of capacitive, ultrasonic, or photoelectric switches?

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Microwave sensing is unaffected by buildup, dust, fog, and vibration — making it far more reliable in rugged industrial environments.

Can the Microwave 320 detect solid materials?

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Yes — it excels in solids applications like grains, powders, pellets, cement, and mining materials.

Does the sensor come into contact with the product?

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No. It provides true non-contact detection, ideal for corrosive, abrasive, or sanitary processes.

Can it be mounted outside of the tank or vessel?

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Yes — microwave waves transmit through non-metallic walls or sightglass, eliminating process penetration.

How does the switch perform in high-temperature processes?

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For extreme heat applications (500°F or higher), the Microwave 320 offers optional water-cooled sensor assemblies. This accessory isolates the electronics from the process heat, ensuring the sensitive components remain within their operating temperature range for safe, stable, and long-term performance.

When should a Sonac ultrasonic switch be used instead?

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  • Use Sonac 110/220 for simple, direct-contact switching in clean liquids.
  • Use Microwave 320 when contact is not acceptable or environment is harsh.
Summary

The Microwave 320 is the industry-proven non-contact microwave switch for solids and liquids in harsh industrial environments. Designed for abrasives, high temperature, corrosive conditions, and dusty atmospheres, it delivers reliable on/off level and object detection without contacting the product. Choose the Microwave 320 when application demands non-intrusive sensing, no moving parts, and reliable operation in hostile spaces making it the ideal solution where magnetostrictive, ultrasonic, photoelectric, or capacitance switches are not suitable.

L&J
Measure.
Monitor.
Protect.