New Radar Sensor for Liquids — with 80 GHz in the Spotlight

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Ideal for Installation in Smaller Processing Systems

The new instrument is thus ideal for installation in smaller processing systems and filling vessels, e.g. in the pharmaceutical and food industry, but also in pilot plants. In this area there have always been physical obstacles, such as the blocking distance (i.e. the minimum distance between process fitting and liquid surface, also called dead band) of the sensor, the size and design of the antenna or the measurement uncertainty at the tank bottom. Thanks to the new antenna designs, interfering signals in the close range are significantly reduced, and since the whole antenna system has been integrated into the process fitting, the antenna no longer protrudes into the vessel.

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Germany: First 80-GHz Radar Level Sensor for Liquids

Vega to Start a New Era of Radar Level Measurement with a “Game Changer”

So now it is possible to measure reliably right up close to the process fitting. And the tank volume is better utilized not only in the direction of the tank ceiling but also in the direction of the tank bottom. When measuring products with small dielectric constants, the user is always faced with the problem that some of the signals pass right through the product and get reflected by the underlying tank floor.

As a consequence, two signals are received: one from the liquid surface and one from the tank floor. The signals from the tank floor are all the greater, the lower the dielectric constant of the medium is and the better the floor reflects (e.g. flat metal floor). Due to the significantly shorter wavelength of the 80-GHz signals from Vegapuls 64, the signals are more strongly attenuated by the medium than is the case with 26-GHz sensors. The reflection from the tank floor is thus considerably weaker, making measurement all the way to the bottom of the tank a lot easier than before.

Outlook

“80-GHz technology will change the world of level measurement technology”, says Kech, clearly convinced. “To be sure, we will continue to build instruments of the 26-GHz series and of course maintain and support them. However, the time will soon come when 26-GHz technology will only find use in exceptional cases, such as in standpipes or bypass systems. We estimate that in about two years, every second radar instrument in new installations will be equipped with the higher frequency.” But Kech does not want to gauge success just in terms of the number of units sold. “The key to success is to get people enthused about the technology — then Vegapuls 64, just like Vegapuls 69,will find application in ever more areas of industry.”

To get users even more excited, Vega has a second ace up its sleeve — Plicscom with Bluetooth (see box below). Kech emphasizes that 80-GHz technology will not be the last big change in this dynamic field. “In the future, servicing will be done less and less with laptops and more and more with smartphones with appropriate apps.”

Additional Information

When a 13-Year-Old Instrument Speaks Bluetooth

In the digital age, a year can sometimes pass by very quickly, and an instrument series can quickly become obsolete. So it is all the more astonishing that the modular instrument platform plics is as relevant today as it was over 13 years ago. “There are now more than 1.5 million plics instruments in use,” says Ralf Höll, product manager in the area of system components and communication at Vega. The company has continued to develop and update Plicscom to ensure that the platform remains consistent and sustainable.

Its new wireless Bluetooth communication is particularly interesting for tight spaces, harsh industrial environments and Ex hazardous areas. The module is backward compatible and can be used for the entire installed base of plics sensors — in pressure and level applications, with 60 different types of instruments and the service-proven adjustment structure, with no software update required. “The user interface of Plicscom is completely intuitive. Just insert Plicscom into the instrument, download the Vega Tools app and then configure and parameterize the plics sensor from a safe distance with a smartphone or tablet, whether Apple or Android device.” Display and diagnostic functions are also at the user's disposal.

Another option: “Via Plicscom, the sensor can be operated with a magnetic pen, right through the viewing window of the closed lid,” explains Höll. The instruments are always well protected this way, even bad weather conditions and soiling do not matter — a major advantage over optical methods. What is more, magnetic pen operation and Bluetooth communication make costly, time-consuming approvals for Ex hazardous areas (fire prevention certificates) unnecessary.

Read on the next page an interview with Jürgen Skowaisa, Product Manager Radar/Ultrasonics at Vega about the new Vegapuls 64.

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