The last Technology Evening was hosted and presented by Vega Instruments on 7 June at Umhambi Lodge. Vega sales manager Clint Vivers, accompanied by KZN sales engineer Shane Finn, gave a presentation on ultrasonic vs. radar level measurement. Clint started by introducing the principle of operation of both technologies. He went on to explain the application, range, effects of temperature, dead band as well as installation tips. Then he touched on the limitations of both technologies to factors like moisture, pressure, vacuum, foam, steam, turbulence, dust, noise, build-up, dead band and cross talk were also explained and compared. Lastly, guided radar/microwave principles of operation, application and limitations were explained.
SAIMC Richards Bay branch secrtary Farai Pasipamire (l) with Clint Vivers.
Clint emphasised the need for making the correct choice of the two technologies for a given application to give a solution that requires the least maintenance. To show the requirement of proper selection of level measurement instruments in critical applications, an oil refinery disaster video was played, the refinery was rocked by a series of explosions following failure to detect the level of gasoline in the splitter tower.
There was an interactive session afterwards where some demonstration ultrasonic and radar units where powered up for attendees to get a feel over snacks and drinks. The next technology evening is scheduled for 5 July.
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