A new dimension in modularity

A multitude of solutions with plics®plus

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Content

Trend-setting measurement technology 3

plics® – easy is better 4

More application possibilities through additional housings 6

Improved down to the last detail: the electronics modules 7

Adjustment – simpler than ever 8

Level measurement from the radar market leader 10

Level measurement: reliability in all processes 12

Level detection: maximum safety in every application 14

Pressure measurement: dependable in any position 16

Radiation-based measurement: for extreme process conditions 18

For the best connections: communication with VEGA 20

Service every day, all around in the world 22

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With plics®plus, the ingenious modular concept is even better! Easy is better – that rule also applies to plics®plus. Setup and adjustment were simplified even further. New housing versions and additional measuring principles extend the range of application and simplify selection of the right technology. Quite special importance was given to ensuring general compatibility between the existing and the new instrument adjustment concept. In the VEGA product system everything fits together perfectly: housings, electronics and software as well as process fittings and sensors.

plics®plus – the consistent development of plics®

Trend-setting measurement technology

Perfectly simple, simply perfect

VEGA Grieshaber KG is a worldwide leading company in the area of level, switching and pressure instrumentation. This strong position was achieved through consistent, goal-oriented development of innovative, trend-setting products. Sensors from VEGA solve the most demanding measurement problems in many different fields. When it comes to cost-effective technical solutions, VEGA is a trusted partner for all industries. Because they all profit from VEGA’s core philosophy: simplify the application and increase safety.

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plics®plus – still more advantages

The modules

Every plics® instrument is assembled from several modules: the sensor is joined via a process fitting to a housing of plastic, aluminium or stainless steel. Then comes the electro-nics module, which is installed in the housing. The indicating and adjustment module PLICSCOM is located on top of the electronics, making it directly accessible after the lid is unscrewed. Anyone who has once operated a plics® instrument can operate all other plics® instruments.

New measuring principles: microwave barrier ■and radiation-based measurementNew areas of application through double-chamber ■housings of stainless steel and plasticNew sensor for differential pressure measurement ■Higher accuracy through more powerful ■hardware and softwareSimplified commissioning ■Improved diagnosis, servicing and ■maintenance optionsImproved instrument documentation ■

plics® – easy is better

Easy is better

plics® makes measurement technology simpler than ever before: from selecting and ordering, setup and commis-sioning, right through to maintenance and service. VEGA has thought through this “easy is better” principle consis-tently right down to the last detail. As a result, plics® is able to solve the most demanding measurement prob-lems dealing with level, switching and pressure.

The plics® modular concept

The idea behind plics® is simple: after an order is received, the measuring instrument is assembled from prefabricated individual components. In this way, VEGA customers get the optimal instrument for their particular application requirements – custom-made and fast. The modular principle also brings its cost advantage to bear, because these instruments are simply more cost-effective – throughout their entire life cycle.

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Hydrostatic

Custom-designed

Hygienic fitting

FlangeThread

Stainless steel Double chamber

Plastic Double chamber

Aluminium Double chamber

Stainless steel AluminiumPlastic

Level switchFoundationFieldbus

Profibus PA4 … 20 mA/ HART

VEGACONNECTPLICSCOM

Sensor types

Process fittings

Housings

Electronics

Indicating and adjustment module

Differential pressure

Proccess pressure

Microwave barrier

Capacitive VibrationGuided microwave

UltrasonicRadarOverfill protection

Hygienic standards

Ship approvals

Explosion protection

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Double-chamber plastic housing

The light plastic housing of Valox is predestined for all standard applications in which a lateral display is required. The lateral connection compartment provides room for additional compo-nents, such as the PLICSMOBILE, a GSM/GPRS radio module. The low weight and the compact dimensions make handling the instruments really easy. When the sensors are supplied via intrin-sically safe circuits, the housing can also be deployed in Ex areas of category Ex ia.

Double-chamber stainless steel housing

The extremely robust, solidly built stainless steel housing is ideal for the rough operating conditions in offshore, petro-chemical and shipbuilding applications. Mounting even in very exposed locations is no problem thanks to the high protection rating up to IP 68. This universal housing concept also makes implementation possible in areas with special requirements, like Ex areas of category Ex ia or Ex d.

Electropolished single-chamber stainless steel housing

Due to its very smooth surface, the electropolished stainless steel housing is optimally suited for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Its high protection rating of IP 67 or IP 68 makes thorough cleaning possible. The high corrosion resistance of the polished stainless steel surface is of great advantage particularly in harsh environments. When the sensors are supplied via intrinsically safe circuits, the housing can be used for all applications in explosion-endangered areas of category Ex ia.

More application possibilities through additional housings

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a few seconds. Guide rails secure the electronics in the housing even under extreme mechanical loads and thus make application possible under very rough operating conditions. The low operating voltage of only 9.6 V allows connection of the new electronics modules to all control systems or exist-ing evaluation systems – even supply via batteries or solar panels is feasible.

Electronics module with a new connection concept

The supply and signal lines of every plics®plus elec-tronics module are connected with new spring-loaded terminals that do not require the use of any tools. Plug-gable terminal blocks and mechanical disassembly aids make an exchange of electronics possible within

More performance for more safety

All new plics®plus instruments were developed according to IEC 61508. VEGA also implemented an extensive safety management system that guarantees highest standards in the development of safety-oriented instruments. This makes it possible to use all the instruments for appli-cations up to SIL2, and with redundant configuration even up to SIL3. Of course, these high requirements at VEGA also guarantee a plus in safety in applications that are not specifically safety-oriented.

Optimised electronics for use in Ex areas

Because the latest Ex guidelines were taken into account in their development, the sensors are available in different Ex versions and thus cover the requirements of all current standards. Whether intrinsically safe Ex ia or pressure-tight encapsulation Ex d, whether gas Ex or dust Ex – plics®plus instruments meet every requirement.

Improved down to the last detail: the electronics modules

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“Intelligent electronics” for asset management

Asset management reports according to NE 107 enable foresightful sensor servicing and effective protection of production processes. For analysis and diagnosis, plics®plus sensors have a data memory holding a total of 100,000 measured values and 500 events with real time information, which provides the basis for initiating appropriate servicing measures.

VEGA DTMs according to the FDT Style Guide

In the plics®plus system, all VEGA DTMs have been converted to the new standard according to the FDT Style Guide. As a result, all field instruments can be adjusted with one standardised, user-friendly inter-face. Measured values and similar recurring infor-mation on the instruments can be found simply and quickly without a long search.

Sensor adjustment in a new quality – compatibility guaranteed

Like their predecessors, the new DTMs are fully compatible with all VEGA instruments. And they can be used for adjustment independent of the instru-ment software version. A laborious coordinating of instrument software and DTM version is thus not necessary. That’s a clear plus in convenience and user-friendliness – simply plics®plus.

Operation with the optimised PLICSCOM

Work is easier with plics®plus: the PLICSCOM under the lid of VEGA instruments now provides new foil buttons with an optimised pressure point for a more direct response when pressed. The fast serial bus connection increases the reaction speed. A self- explanatory menu structure makes navigation easier and simplifies the adjustment of parameters. And the new PLICSCOM is of course fully compatible with all plics® and plics®plus sensors!

Simplified setup and analysis

Adjustment – simpler than ever

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Configuration and parameter adjustment with PACTware

PACTware is the ideal configuration software for all field instruments, from mobile computer to process control centre. On the system level, the operator experiences application-optimised, user-friendly interfaces in the usual VEGA quality. As a manufacturer and fieldbus independent interface, PACTware coordinates the data exchange and supports all standard protocols of communication-capable field devices. Advantage: this free-of-charge, manufacturer independent software enables adjustment and operation of all plics® and plics®plus instruments in a plant.

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The measuring techniques

UltrasonicShort ultrasonic pulses are emitted by the transducer in the direction of the measured product, reflected by its surface and received back again by the transducer. The temperature-compensated signal running time meas-ured from emission to reception is proportional to the level in the vessel.

RadarExtremely short microwave pulses are emitted by the antenna in the direction of the measured product, reflected by its surface and received back again by the antenna system. The measured time between emission and reception of the signals is proportional to the level in the vessel.

VEGAPULS – radar even more capable

plics®plus brings to the VEGAPULS instrument series a new antenna system for process temperatures up to 450 °C. The antennas with higher chemical resistance widen the application range even further. New, fast microprocessors provide more computing power for signal analysis and allow complex processing algorithms. This opens up new possibilities for measurement under the difficult measuring conditions in reactors or bulk solids silos. At the same time, setup is further simplified and new application parameters added to make adjustment simpler for complex applications.

Non-contact level measurement

Whether radar or ultrasonic: both VEGA technologies combine high process reliability with low operating costs. They operate without touching the medium and thus remain unaffected by its properties. Radar measurement in par-ticular has gained great acceptance: difficult process condi-tions like pressure, temperature or overlying gas do not influence it. The instruments are compact, maintenance-free and universally applicable.

From pioneer to market leader

The first intrinsically safe radar instrument in two-wire technology was pioneer work that quickly made VEGA the world market leader in radar level measurement. Application-optimised hardware and software as well as compact dimensions make VEGAPULS so extremely versatile and reliable. This is not only for liquid media, but also under the problematic conditions of bulk solid measurement, like intense dust generation, unfavour-able repose angles, filling noise and difficult mounting situations.

Level measurement from the radar market leader

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Ultrasonic sensorVEGASON

Radar sensorVEGAPULS

Non-contact ■Sensors for different ■measuring rangesIndependent of ■product properties

Non-contact ■Accuracy +/-2 mm ■Measuring range up to 70 m ■Unaffected by ■process conditionsIndependent of ■product properties

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Capacitive measurementSensor and vessel form the two electrodes of a capacitor. A change of level causes a capacitance change that is evaluated by the electronics and outputted as a level signal.

Guided microwaveHigh frequency microwave pulses are coupled to a cable or rod, guided along the probe and reflected by the product surface. The measured time from emission to reception of the signals is proportional to the level in the vessel.

The measuring techniques

Contacting measurement techniques

Measurement with guided microwave is insensitive to dust, steam and foam. Product changes and buildup are also no problem. This reasonably priced technology lends itself well for measurement of all liquids like solvents or hydro-carbons – even in bypass tubes. Guided microwave is a tried-and-trusted solution for bulk solids, from granulates to cement or flour. Capacitive measuring probes stand out due to their ruggedness and low maintenance require-ments and allow level measurement in places where other contacting techniques cannot be used.

VEGAFLEX – guided microwave still better

The VEGAFLEX instruments with their guided microwave measuring principle (also called TDR) also profit from the increased efficiency of the plics®plus hardware and software. The intelligent and extremely fast measured value processing leads to even higher measurement reliability and a widened application range. Special versions for process temperatures from -200 °C to +450 °C for interface measurement and boiler applications extend the already wide performance spectrum of VEGAFLEX.

Keeping the process under control with continuous level measurement

In the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, in environmental engineering as well as in many other areas, VEGA measurement technology creates a reliable substructure for control and monitor-ing functions. plics® offers products that cover all the requirements of bulk solids and liquids applications. For example, the most optimal application-specific housing, whether of plastic, aluminium or high-grade steel, can be selected independently of the measuring technique.

Level measurement: reliability in all processes

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Capacitive electrodeVEGACAL

Guided microwaveVEGAFLEX

Robust ■Very good chemical resistance ■Cable and rod versions ■

Insensitive to dust, ■vapour and foamNo adjustment with ■product necessaryCable, rod and coaxial versions ■

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Vibrating level switchVEGAVIB

Vibrating level switchVEGASWING

Level detection in bulk solids

The vibrating level switches VEGAVIB and VEGAWAVE are used on vessels, silos and conveying and filling systems for bulk solids. While VEGAWAVE, with its tuning fork, displays its strengths in powdered media, the vibrating rod of the VEGAVIB fulfils all requirements for use in granular materials. Bulk solid material cannot jam the instrument. When robust construction or insensitivity to strong buildup is required, the capacitive level switch VEGACAP is unbeatable in bulk solids.

Level detection in liquids

plics® vibrating level switches VEGASWING serve as level detectors in liquids like water, acids, lyes, hydro carbons and emulsions. They can be used on containers, tanks, apparatuses and processing machines. VEGASWING can be deployed in processes with pressures from -1 to +63 bar and temperatures from -50 °C to +250 °C. In cases where heavy buildup forms on the sensor, the capacitive measuring probe VEGACAP is the right choice.

Setup without adjustment ■Optimum rod design ■prevents buildup and jamming of bulk solidsNo alignment needed ■for lateral mountingEasy cleaning ■

Setup without adjustment ■Product-independent ■switching pointHigh-resistance materials ■Hygienic versions ■up to Ra < 0.3 µmComplete function test ■with SIL and WHG

VEGAMIP – non-contact level detection in bulk solids

The new plics®plus microwave barrier is employable as mini-mum and maximum detector. It is particularly suitable for rough operating conditions, because it is impaired neither by strong dust generation, nor by fluctuating product temperatures. Changing product properties like density, granulation, dielectric figure, humidity and conductivity have practically no effect on VEGAMIP.

Level detection: maximum safety in every application

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Capacitive level switchVEGACAP

Vibrating level switchVEGAWAVE

The measuring techniques

highly sensitive receiver detects the attenuation of the signal caused by the medium. A damping of the signal generates a switching command.

Capacitive level switchesSensor and vessel form the two electrodes of a capacitor. A capacitance change caused by a change of level is processed by the built-in electronics.

Vibrating level switchesThe tuning fork or vibrating rod is made to vibrate at resonance frequency by piezoceramic elements. In liquids, a frequency change triggers the switching com-mand; in bulk solids, an attenuation of the amplitude.

Microwave barrierA microwave transmitter generates a continuous microwave signal with a frequency of 24 GHz. The

Easy setup ■Very rugged sensor construction ■Buildup-proof versions ■Cable and rod versions ■Shortenable, blank probes ■

Setup without adjustment ■Rugged construction ■Insensitive to buildup and ■statically charged productsBulk solids with densities ■> 8 g/l detectable

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Measuring cells developed by VEGA

The heart of most of the pressure transmitters is the CERTEC® measuring cell, which was developed by VEGA and fabricated of sapphire-ceramic®. This oilfree measur-ing cell stands out due its very high overload resistance, excellent long-term stability as well as high corrosion and abrasion resistance. For high temperatures up to 200 °C and extremely aggressive media there is the metallic METEC® measuring cell, also developed by VEGA. It is completely welded, can be mounted front flush and boasts full vacuum resistance and good thermal shock behaviour. VEGA pressure measuring cells automatically compensate the influence of product temperature.

Differential pressure measurement with VEGADIF

Another innovation plics®plus brings is the differential pressure transmitter VEGADIF. Among its impressive features is the very high unidirectional overload resistance, which provides protection under system pressures up to 420 bar, and its excellent long-term stability. With function monitoring spanning from measuring cell to electronics, VEGADIF lends itself well to applications in plant construction, in the chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as in environmental and process engineering.

Suspension pressure transmitter VEGABAR 60

Pressure transmitter VEGABAR 50

Suspension pressure ■transmitterMetal-free versions ■Product temperatures ■up to +100 °C

Process pressures ■up to 1000 barCustomer-specific ■process fittingsProduct temperature ■without isolating diaphragm up to +200 °CCIP and SIP capable ■

Always the most suitable product

Hot and corrosive media in the chemical industry belong just as much to the application range of VEGA pressure transmitters as drinking water production and treatment. VEGA also offers solutions that guarantee aseptic clean-liness in the pharmaceutical and food processing industry. When it comes to measurement of hydrostatic pressure, process pressure and differential pressure, VEGA offers housing versions and measuring cells that can meet the needs of practically any application.

Pressure measurement: dependable in any position

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Differential pressure measurementThe two hydrostatically connected process dia-phragms act on a measuring cell. Depending on the pressure difference, the diaphragm of the measuring cell is deflected in one direction or the other. The deflection is measured electrically and converted into a level-proportional signal.

Hydrostatic level measurementThe weight of the liquid column deflects the diaphragm of the measuring cell. The deflection is measured elec-trically and converted into a level-proportional signal.

Process pressure measurementThe pressure force of a gas or a liquid deflects the diaphragm of the measuring cell. The deflection is measured electrically and converted into a level- proportional signal.

The measuring techniques

Differential pressure transmitter VEGADIF

Suspension pressure transmitter VEGAWELL

Level and gauge measurement ■Diameter 22 or 32 mm ■Built-in overvoltage protection ■

Differential pressure and ■level measurementUnilateral overload resistance ■up to 420 bar Fault monitoring of ■measuring cellMeasuring cell fully welded ■

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Level and density measurement with PROTRAC

Special applications …

… require special solutions. For some areas of application, no alternative to radiation-based measurement has been found to this day. Extreme tempera-tures, high process pressures and difficult installation condi- tions represent a challenge that only non-contact radiation-based measurement can handle reliably. The different detector variants make ProTrac instruments quite flexible, allowing them to be adapted to the most difficult measurement tasks.

Application areas

Continuous level measurement ■Density and concentration measurement ■Interface measurement ■Point level detection ■Mass flow measurement ■

Simple adjustment and safe operation

With plics®plus and ProTrac, the setup and operation of a radiation-based measurement is simpler than ever before. The local adjustment module PLICSCOM can be used to set parameters in simple level or density applications. High-performance DTMs with helpful assistants for setup and analysis are available for complex measurement tasks requiring in some cases several detectors or additional sensors for temperature or flow rate measurement.

The latest IEC 61508 (SIL) compliant detectors as well as SHLD source holders meeting the most stringent requirements to guarantee safe operation of the entire system. This all adds up to a maximum of user convenience and safety for people and the environment.

Level gauge SOLITRAC

Level gauge FIBERTRAC

PVT rod detector for ■cylindrical vesselsMeasuring range up to 3 m ■Rod detectors cascadable ■for larger measuring ranges

Flexible plastic detector for ■round and conical vesselsMeasuring range up to 7 m ■Detectors cascadable for ■larger measuring ranges

Radiation-based measurement: for extreme process conditions

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received by the detector. This measured radiation inten-sity is directly proportional to the continuous level, point level, density or mass flow rate. Radiation-based meas-urement is independent of process pressure, process temperature and all chemical properties of the medium.

Mass flow gauge WEIGHTRAC

Density gauge MINITRAC

PVT rod detector ■Mass flow measurement ■of bulk solidsFor belt and screw conveyors, ■chain trough conveyors

NaI detector ■Density and concentration ■measurementFlow rate measurement in pipes ■Point level detection ■

Radiation-based measurement In radiation-based measurement, a low level source is safely embedded into a shielded source holder with an aperture that emits focussed gamma rays. Process medium or level changes progressively shield the electromagnetic energy emitted from the source and

The measuring technique

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Radio-supported communication with PLICSRADIO

With PLICSRADIO, sensors can transmit their measured values and settings wirelessly and absolutely reliably to the control centre or a relay station. Depending on radio frequency and antenna version, the maximum transmis-sion distance can be up to 1,000 m (2.4 GHz) or 1,600 m (902 MHz). Because the system employs a license and registration free radio frequency range, PLICSRADIO represents a simple, dependable radio link for over-coming obstacles, expanding existing systems or inte-grating mobile system components. PLICSRADIO makes radio-supported measurement technology simple, safe and reliable.

Simple inventory monitoring with WEB-VV

Convenient visualization, long-term data storage, exten-sive notification functions and interfaces to current mer-chandise management systems – that’s WEB-VV. Based on modern web technologies, this software from VEGA enables simple and reliable inventory management of all tank data, both locally in a company network and worldwide over the Internet. Its use extends from visuali-zation of levels for simple manual inventory management to completely automatic recording and further processing of inventory data for merchandise management systems. The basis for this is the perfect data interaction between it and the on-site VEGA measurement technology.

For the best connections: communication with VEGA

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Signal conditioning instrument VEGAMET 391

VEGA signal conditioning instruments assume simple monitoring and control functions. VEGAMET 391 is a new instrument version with interfaces for Ethernet, USB 2.0 and RS232 for PCs as well as for control and process manage-ment systems. For safety-oriented applications there is also an SIL version available. The requested measurement is shown on the display and can be passed on to an external display or a superordinate control system. Integration into WEB-VV can be carried out with no problem.

New application areas in communication

Long-distance data transmission with PLICSMOBILE

PLICSMOBILE integrates long-distance data transmission to the VEGA product line. Making use of quad-band technology, it performs measurement transmission, remote diagnosis and maintenance worldwide via the public telephone network. The PLICSMOBILE has a standard SIM card integrated in the double-chamber plastic housing – optionally together with the sensor, or in a separate housing with an accumulator or battery. Application areas are e.g. mobile silos, deep wells, high vessels, waste oil collection points as well as river and sea levels.

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SPEED – VEGA’s delivery time concept

Products with the stopwatch symbol in the VEGA cata-logue are ready for despatch within 5 working days. This production speed is made possible by a cleverly devised cooperation between EDP and work planning that begins the moment an order is received. SPEED also shortens the general response time: enquiries are immediately answered either directly on the telephone or by e-mail. VEGA also sets a brisk pace when it comes to drafting tenders and carrying out repairs. When necessary, VEGA provides a substitute instrument during the repair so that uninterrupted production and safety are guaranteed.

Present all around the world

VEGA is where the customers are: in many countries, on all continents. With subsidiaries and select distribu-tion partners. We are present in Europe in 27 countries and in North and South America in 10 countries. In Asia and Australia we maintain intensive market contact in 17 countries. No matter where you contact us: the comprehensive know-how of our qualified experts will offer a solution to your measurement problem.

Service every day, all around in the world

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Web shop “vega-line”

VEGA products that are easy to implement and that require hardly any consultation can be quickly and easily ordered by telephone, fax, or e-mail or via the web shop. And that at attractive net prices.

www.vega-line.com

24-hour service hotline

Get any question on setup, operation or servicing answered quickly – even on weekends. The service is in English and free of charge. The only costs incurred are the usual telephone charges.

Service hotline: +49 1805 85 85 50

www.vega.com – Know-how and service

The “finder”

It only takes a few mouse clicks to specify your application and receive straightaway a recommendation for the most suitable measuring principle.

The “configurator”

After selecting a measuring principle, you can assemble all instrument components online – from housing to electronics to process fitting.

“Serial number search”

Besides article number, delivery date and exact instrument configuration you get all documentation and approvals associated with the instrument in PDF format.

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VEGA Grieshaber KGAm Hohenstein 11377761 SchiltachGermanyPhone +49 7836 50-0Fax +49 7836 50-201E-mail info@de.vega.comwww.vega.com