Apparatus for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container

An apparatus for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container, the filling material defining a surface in the container, comprising:

• a signal production unit which generates measurement signals;
• at least one antenna which transmits the measurement signals in the direction of the surface of the filling material and receives the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material;
• a control/evaluation unit which uses the delay time of the measurement signals to determine the filling level of the filling material in the container;
• and
• a sensor which determines at least one process variable in the container, wherein:
• an opening is provided in the upper region of one sidewall of the container;
• said at least one antenna is positioned relative to said opening, and arranged and configured such that the measurement signals are emitted essentially in the direction of the surface of the filling material, and such that the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material are received by said at least one antenna;
• and
• said sensor is connected to said at least one antenna.

An apparatus for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container, the filling material defining a surface in the container, comprising:

• a signal production unit which generates measurement signals;
• at least one antenna which transmits the measurement signals in the direction of the surface of the filling material and receives the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material;
• and
• a control/evaluation unit which uses the delay time of the measurement signals to determine the filling level of the filling material in the container, wherein:
• an opening is provided in the upper region of one sidewall of the container;
• said at least one antenna is positioned relative to said opening, and arranged and configured such that the measurement signals are emitted essentially in the direction of the surface of the filling material, and such that the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material are received by said at least one antenna;
• said at least one antenna is integrated into an elongated element, the external dimensions of which in the longitudinal direction are greater, and in the transverse direction are less, than the internal dimensions of said opening;
• and
• said at least one antenna is one of:
• a leaky waveguide, a ridge waveguide, a Yagi antenna, a horn antenna, any one with a symmetrical, or asymmetrical aperture, a rod antenna, and a horn antenna which are preferably arranged such that they can be folded in the region of the end face of said elongated element.