Radar is the better ultrasonic!

For five years, radar sensors with 80 GHz technology have been conquering new applications in level measurement every day. Now another innovation is on the horizon: VEGA developed a new series of instruments based on 80 GHz, aimed at simple applications and a real alternative to ultrasonic technology.

Radar technology has made a giant leap forward in industrial level measurement. An important role in this development is played by the German company VEGA, which has been developing sensors for level measurement with radar for thirty years. The introduction of the VEGAPULS sensors based on 80 GHz ushered in a new era. Thanks to stronger focusing of the transmission signal, measurement and interference signals can be better separated. Measurement becomes much more reliable and simple. For many measurement applications that until then had been considered unsolvable  were considered, a solution was thus found. Meanwhile, VEGA radar sensors are in use in more than 750,000 applications worldwide. One of the most important advantages of the VEGAPULS series is undoubtedly its independence from external conditions. Temperature fluctuations, vacuum, high pressures or strong contaminants ... the radar sensor does not let itself be impressed. Also, the level sensors are virtually wear- and maintenance-free and can be used continuously for years.

The heart of the new series of instruments - a new microchip

Now VEGA is expanding its portfolio with a new series of compact instruments. This series is particularly suitable for price-sensitive applications. For this purpose, VEGA developed a new radar microchip, which is distinguished by its very small size and low power requirements. These microchips are significantly more economical, so that the sensors can compete with ultrasonic measurement technology in terms of pricing. The new VEGAPULS instruments are suitable for the level measurement of liquids and bulk solids. The sensors are available both as compact versions with space for a cable connection and with a fixed cable (IP68). The series is complemented by the optionally available VEGAMET signal conditioning instruments. These are equipped with a large graphic display on which all measured values can be visualized, and the status can be shown as background color.

VEGAMET 861 measuring amplifier in action.

Independent of environmental influences

That the new series of instruments is unimpressed by external conditions is a feature that pays off especially in the water and wastewater industry. Ultrasonic sensors there suffer from weather conditions. The cause is that the sound runtime changes with temperature, for example due to solar radiation. A deviating measured value is then the result. Also with strong fogging, wind or rain, the sound waves are additionally attenuated and the measuring range further restricted. The new series of VEGAPULS instruments behaves quite differently. The high accuracy of the radar sensors, independent of solar radiation and temperature fluctuations, enables precise measured values.

Stable readings despite contaminants

In other applications, level sensors often suffer from fouling and contaminants. In ultrasonic sensors, this affects the reliability of the measurement signal and increases the dead band. Through optimized signal processing, radar sensors suppress interference caused by fouling on the antenna system. In addition, radar sensors are found to be insensitive to contaminants and do not require cleaning. Depending on the process, the sensors do get flooded in certain applications. Radar sensors do not require repair-sensitive protective sleeves at all.

That the new series of instruments is unimpressed by external conditions is a feature that pays off especially in the water and wastewater industry.

Supply guaranteed

In addition, radar sensors enable reliable measurement right up to the sensor antenna. The compact radar sensors can play to their strengths, because they know their place even with little installation space and small process connections. Because they have no dead band, the sensors reliably measure all the way to the tank edge. Even with outgassing of the medium, the sensors deliver reliable measurement results - and that independent of the medium and process properties. Since many of the new sensors have Ex certification, they can also be used with explosion-sensitive media.

Highly accurate measurement

Thanks to the strong focusing of the 80GHz technology, the radar signal can be focused almost to the millimeter on the medium to be measured. As a result, no interference signals arise in the event of built-in obstacles, in narrow shafts or fouling on walls. In addition, there are many practical reasons why radar measurement technology is increasingly replacing ultrasonic measurements. The radar measurement technology is very uncomplicated in terms of installation and in setting the parameters, as well as simple in terms of operation. Every user can, thanks to the proven VEGA Tools app, set up and operate the instruments quickly and wirelessly via Bluetooth - from a safe distance if necessary. In addition, the instruments are universally usable, allowing for minimal stock inventory.