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Autonomous radar sensors: VEGAPULS Air

Autonomous radar sensors deliver digital measured values – anywhere and at any time

The sensors of the VEGAPULS Air series are the right solution for almost all autonomous level measurements of bulk solids and liquids – whether in plastic containers, IBC containers, mobile silos, process vessels or tanks. The protection classes of the housings ensure continuous, maintenance-free operation, even outdoors.

VEGAPULS Air sensors operate wirelessly and are powered by a battery. This means they can be put into operation immediately after simple installation. Thanks to their wide range of possible applications, the autonomous radar sensors can be used in cities and various areas of industry, such as logistics, production or agriculture, to optimise processes.

Overview of the autonomous VEGAPULS Air level sensors

for small plastic containers
For all types of bulk solids silos and liquid tanks

VEGAPULS Air 23

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

Ceiling mounting

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VEGAPULS Air 23

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

flexible, interchangeable holder

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VEGAPULS Air 23

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

Bonded connection

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VEGAPULS Air 41

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 15 m
Accuracy ± 2 mm
Thread 1½
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VEGAPULS Air 42

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 30 m
Accuracy ± 2 mm
Flange from DN80
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Wireless technologies: Mobile telephony and LoRa

Mobile telephony or LoRaWAN – which technology is the most suitable?

The two mobile communications technologies NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) and LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) as well as LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Networks) belong to the Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN). They are all characterised by low costs, low energy consumption and high building penetration. The batteries last for many years and both technologies provide the necessary security thanks to their encryption.

LoRaWAN: This wireless standard transmits measurement and sensor data continuously – even over long distances.

Mobile telephony: The two technologies NB-IoT and LTE-M access the existing network of established mobile communications providers and can therefore be operated almost anywhere – without any complications or additional costs.

Both wireless technologies afford reliable data transmission, which noticeably simplifies the user’s processes.

 

Mobile telephony

VEGAPULS Air sensors transmit the data directly to VEGA Inventory System. To do this, they use the technologies NB-IoT and LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines), which are based on the 4G and 5G mobile communications standards. These wireless communication technologies were developed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT). They offer a reliable and energy-efficient way to connect smart devices to each other. Thanks to the good building penetration, users also have reception in places where private mobile phones wouldn’t work. 

The stand-alone sensors utilise the existing mobile communication infrastructure so that users do not have to worry about network setup and maintenance. This avoids additional costs and effort. 

The advantages at a glance:
• Low energy consumption
• Long service life without maintenance
• High building penetration
• Reliable data transmission

 

LoRa

Inexpensive and smartly connected: LoRaWAN is used for communication over long distances. With just a modest expenditure, the network protocol can also be used by small businesses. It requires very little energy, yet actually receives data over distances of up to 20 kilometres. This allows different sensors to be operated in a network and the data to be managed locally.

The data can be easily integrated into the user's own network. VEGA offers a LoRa parser for this purpose, with which the data packets can be decoded quickly and easily. The required network infrastructure and its maintenance and servicing are the responsibility of the user.

The advantages at a glance:
• Data directly into a company’s own network
• Large range
• High building penetration
• Energy efficient

How long do the batteries of VEGAPULS Air sensors last?

  • Depending on the model, the battery life can be up to
    > 10 years (LoRa, 4 measurements/data transmissions per day at 25 °C)
    > 6 years (mobile telephony, 4 measurements per day, 1 daily data transmission at 25 °C)
  • The autonomous sensors VEGAPULS Air 41 and 42 also have a replaceable battery
  • The standard battery is available worldwide
  • Replacement is carried out on site – quickly, easily and without any special tools

> Battery life calculator

IIoT ecosystem

The IIoT ecosystem optimises industrial processes. The data from VEGA sensors plays a key role in this. It is transmitted directly to the VEGA Cloud and fed into VEGA Inventory System (VIS). There, it ensures transparent monitoring of inventory levels and creates the basis for intelligent decisions in demand planning. 

Instruments

Whether it's a mobile application with just one daily measurement or a fixed measuring station with several measurements per day – the requirements are as diverse as the possible ways in which the self-sufficient VEGA sensors can be used. What is always the same: VEGA offers the most suitable hardware solution to reliably send the sensor data to the cloud and securely transmit it to VIS, in order to make optimal use of all the advantages.

VEGA Cloud

The measured values are stored securely in the VEGA Cloud and are available to users quickly and easily at any time. Reliable encryption mechanisms, authentication and comprehensive rights management are used for the local server – not only for storing the data, but also transmitting it. Users can manage the data conveniently via tablet, smartphone or PC.

That’s VEGA Cloud Security (ISO 27001).

VEGA Inventory System

Whether global or regional: VEGA Inventory System provides users with an overview of all levels in the connected tanks, silos or rivers. The data forms the basis for efficient decisions. 

VIS makes the following possible:
• Quick access to current and historical consumption data
• Economical production and supply planning
• Increased operational efficiency
• Cost savings through optimised logistics
• Notifications/alarm messages by e-mail, push messages or SMS
VEGA Inventory System

Integration into third-party systems

IoT and IIoT enable data exchange across the boundaries of individual systems or platforms. VEGA Inventory System therefore offers the option of integrating data from the VEGA Cloud into any other third-party system such as SAP or Salesforce. Data is exchanged conveniently via a RESTfull API. 

VEGAPULS Air in use

VEGAPULS Air delivers precise measuring results regardless of the medium, process and ambient conditions. These radar sensors guarantee maintenance-free operation through non-contact, 80-GHz radar technology as well as simple installation thanks to their independent power supply and wireless technology.

This makes VEGAPULS Air the right choice for autonomous level measurement in mobile diesel tanks, animal feed silos, sanitary tanks and salt silos as well as sewer measurements for flood protection and many other applications.


for plastic containers
For transport containers
For street gullies
Level measurement of liquids in transport containers
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

VEGAPULS Air 23

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

flexible, interchangeable holder

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LoRa Gateway

The gateway collects the received data and passes it on to VEGA Inventory System via mobile communications networks.
Transmission: GSM/GPRS/UMTS/LTE network

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VEGA Inventory System

VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple remote enquiry, visualisation and trend analysis.
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VEGA-Tools-App Screenshot

VEGA Tools app

Keeps an eye on mobile inventory.
Parameterises measuring instruments remotely.

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Level measurement in the transport container
Measuring range up to 30 m
Accuracy ± 2 mm
Thread 1½

VEGAPULS Air 42

Autonomous radar sensor with measured value transmission via wireless network

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 30 m
Accuracy ± 2 mm
Thread 1½

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LoRa Gateway

The gateway collects the received data and passes it on to VEGA Inventory System via mobile communications networks.
Transmission: GSM/GPRS/UMTS/LTE network

Show Product

VEGA Inventory System

VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple remote enquiry, visualisation and trend analysis.
Show Product
VEGA-Tools-App Screenshot

VEGA Tools app

Keeps an eye on mobile inventory.
Parameterises measuring instruments remotely.

Show Product
Level measurement for detection of deposits in gullies
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

VEGAPULS Air 23

Autonomous radar sensor with measured value transmission via wireless network

NB-IoT/CAT-M1, LoRa
Measuring range up to 3 m
Accuracy ± 5 mm

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LoRa Gateway

The gateway collects the received data and passes it on to VEGA Inventory System via mobile communications networks.
Transmission: GSM/GPRS/UMTS/LTE network

Show Product

VEGA Inventory System

VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple remote enquiry, visualisation and trend analysis.
Show Product
VEGA-Tools-App Screenshot

VEGA Tools app

Keeps an eye on mobile inventory.
Parameterises measuring instruments remotely.

Show Product

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