A New Solution for Monitoring Baijiu Storage Levels: Low-Power Millimeter-Wave Radar Enables Precise Detection Through Ceramic Jars

During traditional base‑spirit storage, earthenware jars foster aging through their unique micro‑oxygenation environment; however, they also present the challenge of monitoring liquid‑level evaporation in real time. With the maturation of low‑power wireless millimeter‑wave radar technology, non‑contact, high‑precision monitoring of base‑spirit levels is now feasible, enabling distilleries to achieve digital management and ensuring consistent product quality and secure storage.

Low-Power Wireless Millimeter-Wave Radar Level Meter: A New Solution for Precise Monitoring of Base Liquor Levels

In the production process of baijiu, the storage of base liquor is a critical step that significantly influences the final quality of the spirit. Traditional earthenware jar storage, with its unique micro‑oxygen environment, promotes esterification and aging; however, it also carries the risk of liquid level decline due to evaporation. Consequently, how to monitor liquid level changes in real time and with high precision—without compromising the storage environment—has become a central concern in the industry. In recent years, advances in millimeter‑wave radar technology have enabled the gradual adoption of low‑power wireless millimeter‑wave level sensors in base‑liquor monitoring, offering a reliable technical solution to this challenge.

I. What is a millimeter-wave radar level gauge?

Millimeter-wave radar level gauges are based on frequency-modulated continuous wave ( A non-contact measurement device based on the FMCW principle. Its operating frequency typically exceeds 60 GHz, offering wide bandwidth, narrow beamwidth, and strong penetration capabilities. Compared with conventional ultrasonic or capacitive level sensors, millimeter-wave radar exhibits distinct advantages in measurement accuracy, anti-interference performance, and environmental adaptability.

The device emits millimeter-wave signals and receives the echoes, calculating the round-trip time to precisely determine the liquid level. Thanks to its narrow beam angle and concentrated energy, it delivers stable measurements even in confined vessels or those with slight obstructions.

II. Technical Features of the Low-Power Wireless Millimeter-Wave Level Meter

1. High Frequency and High Precision

This type of level gauge employs Operating at a 60 GHz transmission frequency, it offers a measurement range from 30 mm to 5,000 mm with an accuracy of up to ±2 mm. The high‑frequency signal makes it highly sensitive to even the slightest changes in the liquid level, making it ideally suited for monitoring high‑value liquids such as base spirits.

2. Strong Penetration and Weak Interference

Millimeter waves possess a certain degree of penetration, enabling them to pass through thin materials such as the kraft paper covering earthenware jars and thus achieve “measurement through the lid.” Moreover, they are unaffected by condensation, dust, or temperature gradients inside the vessel, making them well-suited to the complex environments found in distilleries.

3. Low Power Consumption and Wireless Transmission

The equipment adopts Powered by an 8,500 mAh lithium‑thionyl battery and supporting wireless communication protocols such as LoRa, LoRaWAN, Wi‑Fi, and Cat‑1, it enables long‑term, maintenance‑free operation. Its low‑power design ensures continuous operation for several years even in scenarios without an external power source.

4. Multiple installation options

Supports bracket mounting, threaded installation, or flat placement, accommodating various tank configurations and site conditions for flexible and straightforward installation.

III. Specific Applications in Base Liquor Level Monitoring

During the storage of baijiu base liquor, the microporous structure of earthenware jars, while conducive to aging, also facilitates the volatilization of alcohol and flavor compounds. If an abnormal drop in liquid level is not detected promptly, it can result in financial losses and may even compromise the quality of the entire batch.

By mounting the millimeter-wave radar level gauge on a kraft paper or thin cover placed atop the ceramic jar, the device can continuously monitor the liquid level through the covering. Measurement data is transmitted wirelessly to a management platform; if the rate of level decline becomes abnormal, the system automatically issues an alert, enabling operators to promptly inspect the seal integrity or replenish the liquor.

System Architecture Diagram

The entire monitoring system consists of three components:

Perception Layer : The millimeter-wave radar level gauge is responsible for acquiring level data;

Transport Layer : through Wireless protocols such as LoRa, LoRaWAN, and Cat1 transmit data to the cloud platform.

Platform Layer Data aggregation and analysis enable level‑trend alerts and remote management.

This architecture requires no wiring and does not compromise the wine‑storage environment, truly enabling an unmanned, real‑time‑controllable management model for base wines.

IV. Technological Advantages and Industry Value

1. Non-contact measurement ensures the safety of the wine.

Radar waves do not come into direct contact with the liquid, thereby eliminating the risk of contamination and making this technology particularly well-suited for the food and beverage industries.

2. High Precision and High Reliability

With a measurement accuracy of ±2 mm, this system significantly outperforms conventional methods, enabling the detection of minute level changes and providing data to support process adjustments.

3. Adapting to Complex Industrial Environments

The device is equipped with With an IP67 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, it can operate reliably even in high‑temperature, high‑humidity wine cellars.

4. Promote the digital transformation of the liquor industry

By accumulating long-term liquid-level data, enterprises can analyze the relationship between the volatility of base spirits and storage conditions, thereby further optimizing the sealing process for earthenware jars and refining aging management strategies.

V. Conclusion

As IoT technologies and sensing devices continue to mature, low‑power wireless millimeter‑wave radar level gauges offer a smarter, more efficient solution for base‑spirit storage management. With their high precision, non‑contact operation, and ease of deployment, these systems are not only well suited for monitoring baijiu base spirits but can also be extended to the warehousing and process management of various high‑value liquids. Looking ahead, as more distilleries embrace digitalization, this technology is poised to become a standard component of the brewing industry, infusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting‑edge technological capabilities.