VEGA level transmitters in open-cast mining: Precise measurement under harsh conditions with 80-GHz radar
Open-cast mining is faced with harsh conditions which can push even the measurement technology used to its limits. Fortunately, Regnars can rely on the precise measurement data to control their production processes. Radar-based level transmitters from VEGA provide the necessary transparency even under difficult conditions of open cast mining, guaranteeing efficiency and safety.
Melaphyre is a fine-grained basalt rock is used in mining as raw material for building materials, concrete and road aggregates. Melaphyre processing is a multi-stage process that requires precise measurement at many points. At the Tłumaczów open-cast mine operated by Regnars in Lower Silesia, Poland, level measurement of the material in crushers, mills and silos is extremely important. The ultrasonic measuring instruments previously used for this purpose were unreliable and unsuitable for the harsh operating conditions. The solution to these problems came in the form of VEGA level transmitters, in particular the VEGAPULS BASIC series.
How VEGA radar transmitters withstand the harsh conditions in open-cast mining
The 80-GHz radar technology used by VEGA enables non-contact measurement, keeping the transmitter at a safe distance from the actual measuring point. This minimises the risk of damage or interference from the production processes themselves. Additionally, VEGA radar level sensors are unaffected by temperature fluctuations, vacuum, or pressure, and unaffected by dirt and dust.
Conditions like dust, vibration, stone chips and changing weather conditions greatly affect ultrasonic transmitters cause malfunctions. These such conditions are no problem for VEGAPULS BASIC level transmitters. The instruments are robust and hard-wearing, and operate continuously with high accuracy. With 80 GHz radar sensors, you can focus the beam precisely, allowing VEGA radar transmitters to measure even in narrow shafts, through dust clouds or in vessels with internal fixtures. Even dust-covered antennas have little effect on the measuring result.
Endurance test for VEGA level transmitters
The VEGAPULS BASIC radar transmitters demonstrated their strengths at Regnars. To ensure smooth operation, they measure the level of melaphyre in the crushers and buffer silos. Whether as wire-connected VEGAPULS C 21 and VEGAPULS C 23 in the silo or as VEGAPULS 11 and VEGAPULS 31 with local display, the transmitters provide transparency and keep the process running.
Simple mounting, trouble-free installation
VEGA offers a wide range of accessories and various mounting brackets alongside intuitive setup and commissioning to ensure smooth into existing processes.
To make it as easy as possible to access measured values and parameters, the transmitters can be operated both locally and remotely with our free VEGA Tools App and via Bluetooth communication with a smartphone or tablet. This feature is particularly useful for difficult to access areas, like those located in Ex hazardous zones or under harsh environmental conditions of open-cast mining, such as in Tłumaczów.
Conclusion
Regnars has been using VEGAPULS BASIC transmitters since summer of 2023. The results speak for themselves: Trouble-free and precise measurement of the required levels under difficult conditions. VEGA level transmitters not only ensure the required product quality by guaranteeing efficient, stable and uninterrupted mine operation and ensuring safety above all.