The new radar level instruments by VEGA defy buildup to deliver reliable measurement in the water and wastewater industry
In many level measurement applications, sensors constantly struggle with buildup. For example, when using ultrasonic sensors, buildup influences the reliability of the measuring signal and increases what is called the ?dead band?.
The situation is quite different with radar technology. Because of their optimised signal processing, radar sensors can suppress interference caused by buildup on the antenna system. Radar sensors are not sensitive to dirt and contamination, so they don't require cleaning.
All radar level sensors make a measurement by emitting microwaves from the sensor?s antenna system to the measured product. Those microwaves are reflected by the product surface and received by the antenna system, and the signal?s time of flight from emission to reception is used to calculate a distance, which then will be converted into a level.
German manufacturer of level sensors VEGA claims: ?Radar is the better ultrasonic?. VEGA has extended the proven VEGAPULS series with a new radar sensor for level measurement. This new product range is based on 80 GHz technology. In price and performance, it represents a real alternative to ultrasonic technology, delivering reliable and precise measured values as it is unaffected by environmental influences.
In the wastewater industry for example, level measurement of lime in silos, which is used to stabilise the pH value, is an ideal area of application for the new instrument series. The radar sensors measure reliably irrespective of the intense dust generation during filling. Buildup and deposits on the container wall or on the sensor itself are also no problem thanks to the strong signal focusing.
Another application is in sewage treatment plants, for instance in mechanical precleaning, where floating materials are removed with screens or sieves. The difference of the water level in front of and behind the screen is used to determine the degree of contamination and control the cleaning of the screen. Even in direct sunlight or heavy rain, the new radar sensors deliver accurate performance.
Very simple setup
With their compact dimensions, the new devices lend themselves to quick and easy installation, too. Thanks to the proven VEGA Tools app, any user can set up and operate the instruments via Bluetooth quickly, wirelessly and from a safe distance. Reliable and accurate level readings are available after just few simple steps. The remote operation makes setup, display and diagnostics considerably easier, especially in harsh environments. Along with higher accuracy and reliability, these are important additional reasons for choosing radar technology on standard measuring tasks.
