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Technologies, Solutions, and Applications

Guided Wave Radar for Level and Interface

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Contents Leadership in Guided Wave Radar 3

How We Earn Your Business 4

Models and Versions 5

MLI/Bridle Measurements 7

About Guided Wave Radar 8

Guided Wave Radar in the plics System 9

Application Areas 10

Setup and Adjustment 14

Simplify Your Safety Program 15

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Leadership in Guided Wave Radar

Advanced Design & Development

The VEGAFLEX 80 was designed to make level measurement simpler and more reliably self-sufficient. It regulates complex processes and responds to changes automatically. On its own, it adapts to the most difficult measuring conditions. Hardware, software, and intelligent signal processing form the solid foundation that allows VEGAFLEX 80 to provide reliable measurement data at all times, offering superior measurement reliability at a low instrument cost.

The sensors will never need to be recalibrated after initial configuration, and will not experience zero point drift or fluctuations due to specific gravity, temperature, dust, or pressure. This translates into less time spent on setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, resulting in a worry-free installation that will perform beyond expectation.

VEGA is proud to be a leading provider of microwave radar measurement technology. When it comes to measuring the level of a wide spectrum of process and stored materials, the VEGAFLEX 80 Series of guided wave radar represents the most advanced technology available. With the VEGAFLEX 80 Series, VEGA has created intelligent guided wave radar.

Benefits of the VEGAFLEX 80 Series

▪ Self-learning echo processing makes the measurement more reliable as time passes

▪ Guided setup procedure makes commissioning simple and safe

▪ Real time clock in the sensor enhances diagnostic capabilities and process insight

▪ Easy probe length modifications with automatic probe length determination offers purchasing flexibility and reduced inventory needs

▪ New features, such as automatic run time correction for measurement in high temperature steam environments and seals for ammonia measurement, answer industry-specific demands

VEGAFLEX 80 Series

2012

VEGAFLEX 60 Series

2003

VEGAFLEX 50 Series

VEGA Founded

Ohmart Founded

1950 1959 1998

Looking Forward

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Lead Times Start at 5 Days

Nearly 80% of VEGA’s standard products are available with 5-day lead times or less under the SPEED program! These lead times are symbolic of VEGA’s commitment to solving the ever-changing needs of the market through continuous improvement.

24 Hour Support

The VEGA Field Service team is trained to provide telephone, email, or on-site customer service. Whether starting up, configuring, or troubleshooting the system, VEGA Field Service provides necessary steps to ensure the measuring device and its outputs run efficiently. Through service and training, VEGA supports all users throughout the life of the installed solutions.

Performance Guarantee

To demonstrate our commitment to specifying the right instrument for each application, VEGA Americas offers a Performance Guarantee — if our recommended solution does not perform exactly as expected, we’ll make it right.

The Right Instrument for Every Application

VEGA is committed to supplying instruments that work in all applications, not just those with ideal conditions. All new instruments are tested in extreme heat, dust, chemical, moisture, and cold environments before they are released. VEGA's goal is to enable customers to achieve operational efficiency with every measured process.

How We Earn Your Business

You are the center of our commitment to value and service. We hold our customers in the highest regard. Every action and interaction undertaken by a VEGA employee is to ensure that the customer gets the most out of their experience. Service is our top priority.

MADE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS

DUST

HEAT

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MOISTURE

CHEMIC

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The VEGAFLEX 80 Series is classified by application type (liquid or solids) and allows for easy selection of the right instrument for each installation. By simply changing a setting, VEGAFLEX 80 sensors can measure either level or interface.

Models & Versions

VEGAFLEX 82

VEGAFLEX 81

Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level measurement of bulk solids

▪ Cable and rod probes specifically designed to withstand tensile forces and abrasion

▪ Measures extremely low DK (1.2) bulk material by utilizing probe end tracking

▪ Preconfiguration available from the factory so that the sensor is completely ready to measure once it is installed

Probe: Cable, rod

Measuring Range: Cable: 0 … 246 ft (0 … 75 m) Rod: 0 … 20 ft (0 … 6 m)

Process Temperature: -40 … +392°F (-40 … +200°C)

Process Pressure: -14.5 … +580 psi (-1… +40 bar)

Measurement Medium: Bulk solids

Accuracy: ± 2 mm

Outputs: 4 … 20 mA/HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Profibus

Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids

▪ Versatile sensor with a variety of probes available for the measurement of all liquids

▪ SIL2 (SIL3 with homogeneous redundancy) qualified

▪ Special sensor option specifically designed for the measurement of ammonia

▪ Switch between level and interface measurement by making a simple software adjustment

Probe: Cable, rod, coaxial

Measuring Range: Cable: 0 … 246 ft (0 … 75 m) Rod: 0 … 20 ft (0 … 6 m) Coaxial: 0 … 20 ft (0 … 6 m)



Measurement Medium: Liquids

Accuracy: ± 2 mm


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Models & Versions

VEGAFLEX 86

VEGAFLEX 83

Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level and interface measurement of sanitary conditions

▪ Sensor probe meets 3A and EHEDG standards

▪ Both high polished stainless steel and PTFE/PFA coated probes are available

▪ Autoclaving version available with easily removed housing

▪ All-plastic wetted parts offer the highest chemical resistance

Probe: Cable, rod

Measuring Range: Cable: 0 … 104 ft (0 … 32 m) Rod: 0 … 13 ft (0 … 4 m)




Accuracy: ± 2 mm


Guided wave radar for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids in high pressure/high temperature applications ▪ Flexible 2 mm and 4 mm cables can be used directly in the vessel or in a bridle/standpipe

▪ Run time correction allows for use in high pressure steam applications

▪ Cable or rod probes can easily be shortened in the field, allowing for use in a variety of different sized vessels

Probe: Cable, rod, coaxial

Measuring Range: Cable: 0 … 246 ft (0 … 75 m) Rod: 0 … 20 ft (0 … 6 m) Coaxial: 0 … 20 ft (0 … 6 m)


Process Pressure: -14.5 … +5,800 psi (-1 … +400 bar)


Accuracy: ± 2 mm


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VEGA designs probes specifically for measuring in chambers, pipes, stilling wells, and bypass tubes. These probes are optimized for best performance when measuring in a pipe. The choice of which probe to use is determined by the application parameters such as chemical compatibility, temperature, and pressure. VEGA has made considerations for ease of shipping, handling, and installation. Using rigid rod probes or flexible cables allow for application-specific customization.

MLI/Bridle Measurements

VEGAMAG and VEGAPASS

Combination chamber — guided wave radar and magnetic level indicator or single bridle chamber

▪ Ideal for installations when mounting on the top of a vessel is not possible

▪ Manufactured to meet a wide range of pipe specifications

▪ Unaffected by specific gravity, temperature, or pressure

▪ VEGAMAG: for any application that requires visual and electronic level monitoring

▪ Mount to most standard tank process connections as well as applications where interface measurements are needed

Measuring Range: Up to 50 ft (15 m); Consult factory for lengths over 50 ft

Process Temperature: -320 … 842°F (-195 … 450°C)

Mounting Options: NPT, flange

Flag Assembly: VEGAMAG — Yes VEGAPASS — No

Probe Configurations:

Spacers:

Rod Cable with centering weight

Plastic spacer

Stainless steel spacer

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Pulse

Return Time

The VEGAFLEX emits a microwave pulse that travels down to the process surface “guided” by a metallic cable, rod, or coaxial tube.

The Guided Wave

Principle of Operation

The microwave pulses are reflected from a solid or liquid material. The transit time of the microwave pulse returning to the electronics is measured and used to calculate the distance to the process medium.

Guided wave technology is ideal for applications with a variety of process conditions. The VEGAFLEX has no moving parts and is factory-programmed for its operating span. Guided wave radar is unaffected by shifts in pressure, temperature, or product specific gravity, making it reliable for level measurement.

Why Use Guided Wave Radar?

Guided wave radar has many benefits over traditional level measurement technologies. With no moving parts and easy to configure electronics, the VEGAFLEX eliminates many of the measurement and maintenance issues associated with DP cells and mechanical float systems.

Guided wave radar does not experience errors caused by temperature, pressure, or specific gravity shifts, making the technology less susceptible to the measurement errors often associated with capacitance probes and ultrasonic transmitters. In solids applications, the VEGAFLEX is able to reliably measure during the fill and empty cycles, overcoming the common errors seen with ultrasonic sensors.

About Guided Wave Radar

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Guided Wave Radar in the plics System

plics Advantages

As the world's first modular measurement system, plics provides these benefits to VEGA customers:

▪ Local display and adjustment module with the PLICSCOM

▪ PC connection through the VEGACONNECT ▪ Ability to easily change the electronics of a device in the field

▪ Echo trend recording through plics electronics ▪ Modular system allows quick manufacturing and speedy product delivery

▪ Cost-effective instrumentation with customized instrument configurations

▪ Ability to exchange sensors if damaged in the field

Safety standardsExplosion protection

Certifications

Guided wave radar instrumentation is designed for certification compliance with the following programs:

▪ ATEX Standard ▪ CSA ▪ FM Standard ▪ GOST-R Standard ▪ SIL2 ▪ Inmetro

▪ IECEx ▪ WHG ▪ FDA ▪ ABS ▪ 3A

Indicating & Adjustment Module

Electronics

Housings

Sensors

Process Fittings

4 … 20 mA/ HART

Profibus PA FoundationFieldbus

Modbus

PLICSCOM VEGACONNECT DTM

Plastic Dual Chamber

Stainless Steel Dual Chamber

Aluminum Dual Chamber

AluminumStainless SteelPlastic

Thread Flange Custom DesignSanitary

Cable Rod Coaxial Bridle

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Application Areas

The VEGAFLEX is ideal for continuous level measurement in a wide variety of industries and applications. The instruments are unaffected by foam, dust, and vapor, making the guided wave principle multi-functional across liquids and solids measurements. With no moving parts, the VEGAFLEX is an ideal candidate for retrofitting mechanical technologies.

Liquefied Gas Measurement

The VEGAFLEX 81 is the ideal instrument for measuring the level of liquefied gases in horizontal bullet tanks. The coaxial probe focuses the microwave energy to the surface of the liquid, and channels the reflected energy. This is important because liquefied gases often reflect microwave energy poorly. The measurement takes place inside the perforated tube of the VEGAFLEX 81, so the measuring value is not affected by the mounting nozzle height or obstructions in the tank.

▪ Robust materials allow for measurement in extremely low temperatures

▪ Coaxial probe is suitable for products with poor reflective properties

Crude Oil

The VEGAFLEX 81 is ideal for measuring the level and produced water interface of crude oil at tank battery locations. The length of the cable can easily be shortened, allowing the user to quickly adapt a single instrument to a variety of tank sizes. After shortening, the sensor only needs to be programmed with the new length in order to allow the output signal to correspond to the actual tank level. The VEGAFLEX 81 is immune to condensation and buildup, and is suitable for use in metal or plastic vessels.

▪ Cable probe is easily shortened or exchanged, reducing inventory costs

▪ Guided wave principle's insensitivity to vapor or buildup minimizes maintenance

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“Factory precalibration to the length of the probe allows for easy field installation and commissioning

with an electrical connection.”

Ammonia

Historically, cold process temperatures and diffusion of process material through the sensor cause problems for measurement technologies. VEGAFLEX 81 has everything needed to measure ammonia simply and reliably. The glass process seal safely keeps the ammonia in the vessel. This means freedom from maintenance and considerable savings. The coaxial probe easily installs in small containers or tall mounting nozzles. Mechanical obstructions inside the container do not affect the measurement.

▪ Easy installation with a small process connection (¾" NPT) that fits practically anywhere

▪ Mounts easily on small containers and in nozzles with a coaxial probe

Storage of Aggregates & Cement

The VEGAFLEX 82 is an ideal solution for continuous measurement in aggregate and cement silos. By virtue of the guided wave measuring principle, adjustment with product is not necessary. The instrument comes pre-adjusted by the factory, so on-site setup only involves an electrical connection. The measuring results are not influenced by product quality, dust generation, or by the shape of the material heap.

▪ Non-moving parts are wear- and maintenance-free ▪ SIL2 design ensures high operational reliability ▪ Guided wave principle is insensitive to dust and buildup, allowing for reliable measurement during filling and emptying of vessels

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Application Areas

“The small process connections of the VEGAFLEX fit practically anywhere. This makes project

planning easier. It also provides a sensor that can be used for various refrigeration systems.”

Fluidized Bulk Material

Air in light or fluidized bulk materials causes the reflectivity of microwave energy used to measure the level to drop. When this happens, the VEGAFLEX 82 stops looking for a signal off the top of the product and measures using Probe End Tracking. The VEGAFLEX begins to track the end of the probe and measures how far it is displaced from its known length. In this way, the VEGAFLEX 82 always provides a reliable level measurement — directly or indirectly.

▪ Factory pre-adjustment expedites setup time ▪ Guided wave technology is unaffected by dust, vapor, buildup, and condensation

▪ Probe End Tracking provides a reliable measurement, even when a direct reading is not possible

Food and Dairy Production

VEGAFLEX 83 offers the ideal solution for level measurement in food and dairy production. The guided wave device is immune to temperature shocks and pressure changes. It performs reliably under the changing and sometimes foaming applications common in the food and dairy industries.

▪ High accuracy is not affected by foam generation ▪ Coated rod and cable design with sanitary connections enables easy cleaning for hygienic applications

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“The rugged construction and dual seals used to produce the VEGAFLEX ensure that the integrity

of the measuring sensor and your process is kept intact.”

Distillation Columns

The VEGAFLEX 86 is used for distillation columns in place of a less reliable displacer system in a chamber. Existing chambers can be used for the measurement, making mechanical modifications unnecessary. The VEGAFLEX 86 is an optimum solution for this measurement because of its high operating temperature and pressure capability.

▪ Easy retrofit allows use of existing bypass tubes without modification

▪ Guided wave principle is unaffected by existing process connections of the bridle

High Pressure Steam

Steam at high pressures behaves a lot like a low DK liquid, causing the microwave pulse to propagate at a much slower rate than normal. The VEGAFLEX 86 with steam compensation is ideal for measurement in these conditions. The automatic transit time correction with reference signal provides security and accuracy in saturated steam environments. The sensor constantly updates the pulse velocity used in the level measurement calculation.

▪ Automatically corrects measurement in saturated steam ▪ Guided wave principle is unaffected by vapor and condensation, eliminating false reading

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Setup and Adjustment

Step 7 of 7

Additional settings

Create a backup file of the device parameterization?

For backup purposes, the current parameter adjustment of the instrument is stored in a file. You can use this file at a later time to restore the device configuration. All data is downloaded from the device for this purpose. This procedure can take a fewminutes.

Carry out now

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Prepare device documentation?

This function is used to print and create a PDF file containing the current device parameterization. To read the PDF file, you needa suitable program (e.g. Adobe Reader). All data is read out of the instrument to create and print the PDF file. This procedurecan last a few minutes.

Carry out now

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Store echo curve of the setup in the sensor?

Have you finished the first setup of the instrument? If so, we recommend storing the acutal signal situation in the instrument forlater instrument tests.

Carry out now

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Block adjustment after input with PIN?

The instrument is locked wiht current PIN. A parameter change is only possible after reentering the PIN.

Block now

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Instrument Indication and Adjustment

▪ PLICSCOM off ers local measured value indication and adjustment

▪ All sensor data may be saved on to the PLICSCOM and copied into a new sensor

▪ Sensors are easily configurable and important adjustments are done quickly with DTMs

▪ EDD descriptions are available for all plics devices

Guided Setup

Configuring the sensor in the proper way is perhaps the most important step in commissioning a new device. It is important that the technician easily understand the parameter settings and what effect they have on the output of the instrument. VEGA recognizes that this is not only important to running a profitable operation, but to having a safe work environment as well.

Do you want to change the 100% point, switch over from level to interface measurement, or shorten the measuring probe? The easy, guided setup of the VEGAFLEX 80 is for you. Whether with a PLICSCOM directly on the instrument, DTM (operating on a PC), or EDD, it is easy to configure the VEGAFLEX 80. By simply answering a few questions, the VEGAFLEX 80 is fully configured in a short time.

The additional on-screen information makes it easy to understand the purpose of each step. Thanks to the guided setup, the user can count on a safe and reliable measurement.

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Simplify Your Safety Program

Lengthened Test Intervals

When used in a Safety Instrumented System (SIL), the VEGAFLEX 80 Series excels. Maintenance costs will be reduced with VEGAFLEX 80 instruments. Cost savings can be achieved through longer test intervals, as well as faster and simpler tests. The PFD values used to calculate the test interval are such that test intervals are longer when compared with other level sensors or even the other instruments in the same safety system.

Online Proof Tests and Automatic

Documentation

The best feature of the VEGAFLEX 80 recurring function test is that the user can let his production processes remain running while the test is performed. The test is performed in just a few steps, regardless of the level. This reduces routine testing time and, more importantly, cost associated with downtime. Outside of the actual function test, the VEGA DTM also performs a documentation evaluation that ensures vital sensor settings have not been altered. When it comes to SIL, VEGA understands how to make it easy and cost effective.

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VEGA Americas, Inc.4170 Rosslyn DriveCincinnati, OH 45209USA

Toll Free +1 800 367 5383Phone +1 513 272 0131Fax +1 513 272 0133E-mail [email protected] www.vega-americas.com

guided wave radar for level and interface - spd sales · pdf fileguided wave radar for level...

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