First radar level sensor for liquids with 80 GHz

VEGA, for more than 20 years the market leader in radar level measurement, is ushering in a new age of radar instrumentation: VEGAPULS 64 is the first radar level sensor for liquids that operates at a frequency of 80 GHz.
With the smallest antenna of its kind, VEGAPULS 64 is unbeatable for use in small storage or process vessels. Its versatility also makes it ideal for general use across widely different industrial sectors.

Setting new standards with 80 GHz

Level in the focus
VEGAPULS 64 operates with a transmission frequency of 80 GHz. With an 80-mm antenna, this results in a beam angle of only 3°. The radar sensor receives only distinct, definitive reflections from the product surface. This makes the measurement more accurate and reliable.

Small but mighty

Previous radar sensors required process fittings with a minimum size of 1½" to achieve adequate signal focusing. For that reason it was virtually impossible to use radar sensors on very small containers with their typically small mounting sockets. VEGAPULS 64 operates with a transmission frequency of 80 GHz. This corresponds to a factor of 3 compared to the technologies used until now. For that reason, the antenna system and the process fitting can have correspondingly smaller dimensions.

Messy conditions – so what?

The antenna system of VEGAPULS 64 is encapsulated in PTFE or PEEK, so there are no cavities or crevices in which product can accumulate. The surface of the material is very finely processed with diamond tools, which also considerably reduces product adhesion. In addition, special software algorithms filter out interference caused by buildup on the antenna system. Thanks to the high dynamic range of the sensor, signal attenuation caused by product deposits is largely compensated. This allows the level to be reliably detected even with contamination on the sensor.

Measurement certainty in all media
With a dynamic range of 120 dB, VEGAPULS 64 sets new standards for the detection of even the lowest reflected signals. Especially when measuring the level of hydrocarbons that have poor reflective properties, the high dynamics delivers a significantly increased measurement certainty. This means virtually all media in the petrochemical
industry, from crude oil to liquefied gases, can be measured reliably. What is more, the excellent signal focusing enables simple deployment, even when there are heating pipes and other internal vessel structures.

A radar beam with 80 GHz only reflects from the product surface. A wider radar beam with 26 GHz also reflects from internal fixtures and agitators.

Sensor version and area of application


	VEGAPULS 64 in threaded version	VEGAPULS 64 in flange version	VEGAPULS 64 with hygienic fittings	VEGAPULS 64 with plastic antenna
Process fitting and beam angle	Thread G¾, ¾ NPT Beam angle 14° Thread G1½, 1½ NPT Beam angle 7°	Flanges from DN 50, 2" Beam angle 6° Flanges from DN 80, 3" Beam angle 3°	Clamp from 2" Pipe coupling DRD connection NEUMO BioControl® and others Beam angle ≤6°	Collar flange DN 80 Adapter flanges from DN 100 Mounting strap Beam angle 3°
Process temperature	-40 … +200 °C	-40 … +200 °C	-40 … +200 °C Dependent on process fitting	-40 … +80 °C
Process pressure	-1 … +20 bar	-1 … +20 bar	-1 … +16 bar Dependent on process fitting	-1 … +2 bar
Media-contacting materials	Process fittings: 316L Antenna: PEEK Seal: FKM, FFKM	Antenna: PTFE, PFA	Antenna: PTFE Seal: FKM, EPDM	Antenna: PP Adapter flange: PPGF 30 Seal: FKM, EPDM Mounting strap: 316L
Approvals	ATEX, IEC FM, CSA Ship approvals	ATEX, IEC FM, CSA FDA, EC 1935/2004 Ship approvals	ATEX, IEC FM, CSA 3A, EHEDG FDA, EC 1935/2004	ATEX, IEC FM, CSA Ship approvals

Focusing

Buildup

Dynamic range

High sockets

Low dielectric constant

Instrument adjustment via smartphone or tablet

The innovative PLICSCOM display and adjustment module is mounted directly on the sensor for measured value indication, adjustment and diagnostics. This new optional Bluetooth feature allows any transmitter to be adjusted wirelessly from a distance of approximately 25 meters.

PLICSCOM