January saw the launch of VEGA’s latest offering in radar sensors to the market. At a packed presentation at the Roodepoort Country Club customers were introduced to the Vegapuls 69 by Clemens Hengstler, product manager radar from VEGA Grieshaber, Germany. Hengstler took guests through the latest innovations of the new technology, stopping to give live demonstrations to prove some of the points he was making. The morning’s presentation ended on a light note, with comedian Mel Miller causing more than a few laughs. Afterwards guests spent the day on the golf course, enjoying the fun of the game before the hard work begins in the year ahead.
John Groom (right) and Clemens Hengstler at the launch.
For nearly 20 years, VEGA has been a market leader in the radar level measurement sector. After listening to customer needs, the company set out to research and develop the Vegapuls 69 as an ideal all-round radar level measuring instrument for bulk solids.
The transmitter operates at a frequency of 79 GHz, which allows considerably better focusing of the output signal, a distinct improvement on the previous models which operated at 26 GHz. In containers and silos with many internal obstructions, this enhanced focusing helps to reduce the influence of background noise. This means that reliable measurement is also possible even with complex internal structures.
New microwave components allow the sensor to detect even the smallest reflected signals. Products such as plastic powders or wood chips, which until recently were very difficult to measure because of their poor reflective properties, can now be measured with very high reliability. This considerably extends the application range for radar technology in the bulk solids industry and opens up new application areas as well.
With a measuring range of up to 120 m and an accuracy of 5 mm, the sensor has sufficient performance capability even for the out of the ordinary tasks such as level gauging in mine shafts or distance measurement on conveyor systems. Despite its large measuring range, the sensor is also an ideal solution for small hoppers or containers; the different antenna designs enable the optimum solution to meet the application needs.
Completely unaffected by dirt and build-up, the innovative lens antenna guarantees maintenance-free operation even in harsh environments.
To make setup and commissioning easier, an intelligent app for smartphones has been developed that allows quick and easy alignment of the sensor on a swivel holder. By entering the vessel height and the distance from the discharge opening, the app automatically calculates the optimum tilt angle.
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