Page 51 - Hub-4 Magazine Issue 67

Quarrying
Handles build up and noise.
Many non-contact sensors constantly struggle with the problem of short- or long-term dust and build-up - maintenance call outs to ultrasonic, laser or infra-red devices, ‘needing a wipe’, are commonly reported. This is because contamination or condensation on the sensor face can greatly affect the reliability of the sensing or measurement signal, resulting in unreliable indication or control. Using radar technology, the situation is different, a combination of the microwave-based measuring principle and optimized signal processing, enables these radar sensors to better ignore the interference caused by build-up on their antenna system. This means bulk solids can be measured and controlled reliably with radar - no effect from dust or even acoustic noise generated during the process. This is because they are highly resistant to the individual, or combined, effect of condensation and dust, noise and dirt thus reducing nuisance outages and cleaning.
Liquids, Chemicals and EX approval.
Storage and buffer tanks supply fuels, oils, flux, and special chemicals for various plant applications. The new radar sensors can exploit their strengths here too, as they can be installed in very confined spaces and small process fittings. Or they can look through plastic tanks and safely measure the chemicals inside. Even if the medium generates gases, or condensation,
the sensors remain unaffected and deliver reliable measuring results. In addition, they have an Ex-approval for flammable media. So, it makes them highly versatile for use in a
wide range of applications.
Reliable level independent of process and environmental influences.
Due to their physical measuring principle, traditional
ultrasonic sensors are easily affected by ambient conditions: for example, strong air and dust
movement can all affect measurement reliability. Strong winds, rain, or even fog, extremes of
temperature can affect the transducer efficiency, damp the emitted sound waves, and restrict their measuring range,
for example when out measuring on open heaps or hoppers. Radar sensors, however, are not affected by these conditions - or even temperature change, pressure, vapours, gases, or vacuums - they continue with accurate readings.
In some areas such as run off from the quarry or processing site, open channel flow measurement needs to be made for discharge into local rivers. The radar sensors offer the highest possible accuracy and stability. In applications like lagoons or collection basins, whether in rain or intense sunlight, the new radar sensors still perform accurately without any temperature effects.
Low power for remote sites and telemetry.
There are also devices that can be completely battery powered and use wireless networks, GPS, and mobile networks to send their data, measuring ranges for bulk solids up to 30m silos, and up to 10 years battery life, depending on how often the measurements are made and reported.
Simple wiring, with optional controllers and Bluetooth built in.
Radars do not require an external control box, unlike long range ultrasonic sensors with dedicated cables and big transducers. Radar can operate from a single, standard 24V DC two core cable, measuring up to mighty 120m with their big brother – the VEGAPULS 69 (that's a tall silo!). However, an optional controller is available if needed for local display, extra outputs, and level alarms. Both sensors and controllers can be easily and safely adjusted remotely via Bluetooth with a smartphone or tablet using the award-winning VEGA TOOLS App – ideal for harsh environments, tall silos, operational safety, or Ex areas. All your PIN codes are also securely, safely, and automatically stored in the cloud, if you register for a free ‘myVEGA’ account.
If you would like a personal video demonstration, distanced site visit, discuss a requirement or a free trial unit to test, please contact us.
www.hub-4.com Mar-Apr 21 - Issue 67
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