The "Vegapuls 64" level sensor follows on from the "Vegapuls 69" - a sensor for the continuous measurement of bulk solids - which was launched on the market 18 months ago. This sensor already measures at a transmission frequency of 80 GHz, which is three times higher than the previously widely used frequency of 26 GHz. And as Jürgen Skowaisa, Product Manager for radar measurement technology at Vega Grieshaber, describes, "the market is proving this technological trend right - over 10,000 Vegapuls 69 level sensors have been installed since the market launch".

This spring, the "Vegapuls 64" for liquid applications will follow. It allows "media with low reflective properties, i.e. low dielectric constant, to be measured much better than with previous radar sensors," says Skowaisa. The sensors no longer work with the pulse method, but rely on the FMCW method(frequency modulated continuous wave radar). Thanks to the significantly better focusing, the beam simply bypasses fixtures or attachments. Interference signals, which previously could only be suppressed with additional interference signal storage, now play virtually no role in reliable measurement. It is also possible to use a much smaller antenna - process connections with an antenna size of ¾ inch are possible. The new technology also makes it possible to determine the fill level very close to the bottom of the container, so that applications for determining the fill level in small containers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and for determining the residual quantity in large tanks with fuels are also feasible. The accuracy of the level sensor is +/- 2 mm, so that even foam, extremely turbulent product surfaces, condensate or build-up on the antenna do not affect the measurement result.

Approvals such as 3A and EHEDG are ready for the market launch at the beginning of May.

Bluetooth for level and pressure sensors

Another innovation concerns the "Plicscom" display and operating module: Vega is launching a Bluetooth solution on the market that allows all process sensors from the modular "plics" device platform to be operated remotely via an app.

The 'Plicscom' display and operating module with Bluetooth enables wireless commissioning, measured value displays and sensor diagnostics via smartphone or tablet.

© Vega Grieshaber

Wireless Bluetooth communication is suitable for all industries and is particularly interesting for hard-to-reach places, harsh industrial environments and hazardous areas. The module is backwards compatible and can be used for the entire installed base of over 1.5 million "plics" sensors, which have been in use in systems worldwide since 2002 - across all measuring principles, without software updates and with the familiar operating structure.

"Plicscom" is simply inserted into the respective device and the "Vega Tools App" is downloaded - the user can then configure and parameterize their sensors from a safe distance using a smartphone or tablet. Display and diagnostic functions are also available.

For users who still want to operate their "plics" sensors directly on site, there is also a clever variant: a magnetic pen enables contactless operation through the viewing window when the cover is closed. This means that the devices remain well protected at all times; even difficult weather conditions and dirt do not play a role. A positive side effect: both magnetic pen operation and Bluetooth communication do not require any complex approvals in hazardous areas (fire certificates).