Level Measurement & Control


Radar level sensors increase ­reliability on river sluices

October 2015 Level Measurement & Control

On the river Weaver in Cheshire, the Dutton sluice site consists of eight large sluice gates lifted by Rotork actuators. The water level in the river determines when to open or close the sluice gates and navigation is closed to river traffic if the water level is too high.

The site is a key measurement point and the level monitoring needs to be very accurate. Consequently the level of the river is now measured by four instruments. The first two are ultrasonic sensors (for redundancy) mounted in stilling tubes. These tubes are required in order to reduce loss of echo issues from weather and surface conditions. However the tubes can require substantial engineering to install, and generally they need continuous on-site maintenance to prevent blockages, or repairs to keep measurement errors to a minimum.

Even with this stilling tube installation, the scada maintenance engineer has commented, “In recent years we have experienced issues where either one or both of the ultrasonic sensors loses echo or drifts, causing level sensor failure alarms to be sent out.”

As a result, the Canal & River Trust (CRT) has installed two other devices alongside the ultrasonic sensors, as test instruments. Designed and manufactured by VEGA, the radar level sensors Vegapuls WL61 are unaffected by weather or surface conditions and were simply mounted on a unistrut adjacent to the stilling tubes. CRT has compared the data from both sets of instruments over several months and found that there was no drift with the WL61 water radars since installation.

“Whilst we have seen occasions where the water level on one or both of the ultrasonic units rises and the radars have not,” commented the engineer. “As far as I can see, the WL61 radars provide more reliable data than the ultrasonic devices. My concern with the ultrasonic sensors is that drift could create nuisance alarms and result in staff call outs.” There are also the ongoing maintenance requirements associated with the stilling tubes. “I do not have these concerns with the WL61s. In addition, I have confidence in the support from VEGA should an issue arise with any of the instruments at a later date.”

As the engineer summed up, “I am pleased with the quality and performance of the VEGA radar level sensors. We will be installing these in place of the ultrasonic sensors at the other River Weaver sites and in other CRT sites as we replace older equipment.”

For more information contact Chantal Groom, VEGA Instruments SA, +27 (0)11 795 3249, chantal.groom@vega.com, www.vega.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

VEGA handles the pressures of water treatment systems
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
A water treatment system for a major metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States demands careful monitoring and management of processes across its sprawling network. Choosing VEGA for its process automation needs meant more than just obtaining precise and reliable pressure sensors.

Read more...
VEGA takes the pressure out of water pressure measurement
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice
Water treatment systems in metropolitan areas require careful monitoring and management processes across widespread networks. However, process plants choosing VEGA for their process automation know that the company offers more than just precise and reliable pressure sensors and instrumentation.

Read more...
Cloud-based inventory management software
Endress+Hauser South Africa Level Measurement & Control
Netilion is an award-winning cloud-based IIoT ecosystem designed for industrial processes. It connects the physical and digital worlds to send valuable information from the field straight to your phone, tablet or other device.

Read more...
Sensor technology for cartonboard machine for paper and packaging
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Paper and packaging specialist, LEIPA undertook a comprehensive modernisation project, combining three stock preparation lines into one, and making investments in new plant components and extensive automation technology. Because of the good experiences the company had already had with VEGA sensors, those responsible for planning and maintenance decided in favour of the VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter as the standard instrument for level and pressure measurement in the new stock preparation system.

Read more...
Level sensing, conveyor control and grid resistors
DRH Components Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
DRH Components is a specialist electric component and systems supplier with a focus on the control of electric motors. As part of its wide variety of products, the company markets the entire Bindicator range. Bindicator manufactures sensors for dry bulk and liquid level measurement.

Read more...
Level measurement under extreme plant processing conditions
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
Level measurement in LNG and LPG processes is about answering the simple question: “How much product is in the tank?” However, obtaining an exact value is not easy. The products are often under pressure, cryogenic, and highly explosive. Sensors from Vega have been operating successfully in all stages of the LNG/LPG process for many years.

Read more...
Process measurement solution for Copper Belt’s Kansanshi Mine
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Kansanshi Mine faced measurement challenges in its gland water tanks, slurry, and raw materials in the stockpiles and crusher bins. VEGA was able to offer a suitable solution to resolve these challenges.

Read more...
Grounding of hydrostatic level sensors
WIKA Instruments Level Measurement & Control
Hydrostatic level sensors are very often installed in outdoor applications, primarily in the water and wastewater industries. A good connection to ground is essential when installing hydrostatic level sensors, since no grounding or poor grounding can result in destruction or damage to the level sensor.

Read more...
Pressure and level switches for food production
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
New compact measuring instruments from VEGA prove that automation in food production can be very simple and economical without compromising on hygiene or safety.

Read more...
The dream team for heat and condensate
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Meeting the highest safety standards in all process steps is an indispensable requirement in the chemical industry. VEGA electronic differential pressure measuring systems provide perfect safety with the innovative combination of ceramic and metallic measuring cells.

Read more...