Measurement technology firm Vega has introduced a new Bluetooth radar level sensor aimed at the water and wastewater sectors. The VEGAPULS WL S 61 contactless radar sensor is said to combine a competitive price with a rich array of features.
Radar technology offers numerous advantages over ultrasonic level sensors, says the firm; radar is independent of weather influences such as strong sun, wind, surface turbulence, condensation, fog or rain. In addition, no compensation is needed for signal transmission time due to air temperature fluctuations. The new radar sensors are said to be ideal for level control and flow measurement in water treatment plants. A high performance focusing capability makes them a suitable candidate for applications including sewage pumping stations, rainwater overflow basins, digesters, sludge tanks, open channel flow measurement and for open water level gauging too.
The device is a compact, loop-powered sensor with an accuracy of +/- 5 mm and range up to 8m. Available with flexible mounting options, it can be easily installed into new or existing applications, says Vega, and connection to level controllers, telemetry or SCADA systems is straightforward too. It joins another water radar device in Vega’s portfolio: the VEGAPULS WL 61, which has been available for several years and now has a very large installed and working base of over 40,000 units world-wide.
Previously, cost was perceived as an issue with radar technology, but this new variant VEGAPULS WL S 61 offers a price comparable to short range ultrasonic systems.
Its design and performance are optimized for use in the water-supply and sewage sectors.
The housings are specified to IP 68 (2 bar), a high degree of protection that makes the product suitable for applications where the sensor may be temporarily submerged. Described as wear and maintenance-free, the product also complies with the latest Level Probing Radar standard (LPR): approved for open-air use without restrictions or special attachments.
Another entirely new feature is Bluetooth wireless operation from a free app installed on an IOS or Android smartphone or tablet and/or PC.
The device will be demonstrated at the forthcoming WWEM Exhibition in November.
