From fuel tanks in automobiles to grain silos in food production factories, level measurement is used to determine how much liquid or bulk solid there is in a particular container. Without level measurement, it would be impossible to accurately detect how much of a particular product there is available, meaning health and safety, quality and costs would be negatively impacted without this precise information. Depending on the application, different types of level monitoring is required to produce measurement data for digital (wireless) or local indication.

Level measurement instruments are typically divided into two categories, continuous and point measurement. Point level measurement can only indicate whether something is high or low when the material reaches a specific point in the container, whilst continuous level measurement – as the name implies – constantly measures the level of the product, giving a much more accurate result without being invasive.

There are a few commonly used types of level measuring instruments, such as, ultrasonic, radar, hydrostatic, float sensors. Ultrasonic sensors function by emitting sound waves whilst radar sensors emit microwaves, the waves are then reflected back at the sensor and time interval of the process is calculated determining the level of the material. Both types are fairly similar in their function but as technology advances, radar sensors come out on top.

VEGA have developed a cutting-edge radar microchip specifically optimised for level measurement requirements. The miniature design allows it to be used in highly compact sensors, which are substantially more cost effective than their larger counterparts. With this new technology in hand, they have created the VEGAPULS Radar Non-Contact Level Sensor.

Radar sensors are highly effective in a multitude of scenarios, they are not limited to just liquids and can also measure bulk solids with great accuracy. Compared to ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors are able to measure accurately without being affected by environmental influences, such as in dusty or steamy applications. This makes them highly effective for a wide range of applications where these conditions may be present, whilst ultrasonic sensors are highly vulnerable to these conditions which cause the sound running times to change.

If flooding of the sensor occurs during certain processes, radar sensors are still able to record accurate measurements up to the antenna. Ultrasonic sensors can also be equipped with a mechanical flooding sleeve, however these components can become contaminated and impair the reliability of the measurement, causing the dead zone to increase. With radar sensor’s optimised signal processing, interference caused by build up on the antenna system can be suppressed, allowing for reliable accuracy and thus does not need cleaning.

VEGAPULS employs 80 GHz technology for precise alignment to the medium that is being measured meaning there are no interference signals with installations such as pipes or pumps in narrow shafts or with deposits in walls.

VEGAPULS can be used in a wide variety of applications such as:

• Water Treatment (Pump stations, Rake control, Stormwater overflow chambers, Open channels, Sand filters, Drinking water reservoirs)
• Food Production (Small silos for baking ingredients, Storage tanks for alcohol, Filling machine for chocolate)
• Bulk solids monitoring (Building materials, Mixing towers, Lime silos)

Features & Benefits:

• Bluetooth adjustment via VEGA Tools app on smartphone or tablet
• HART enabled options for adjustment via a signal cable
• Integrated display option for on-site adjustment

For further information on how VEGAPULS radar sensors can be suitable for your requirements, contact your local branch today and our team will be happy to assist you.