Level Measurement & Control


Economy through plug in concepts

December 2003 Level Measurement & Control

'plics' is Vega's recently introduced modular system for level measurement, switching and pressure - it unites Vega's physical measuring principles of level measurement, switching and pressure into one simple, modular system.

The motivation

Products, including housings, approvals and software designs evolve over many years, at different times, across different technologies departments or divisions - especially in larger companies.

Vega formed a design group across all sections in its organisation, seeking a unified development and manufacturing platform. The result was plics, common housings, programming philosophy, selection, and one remote software system, PACTware. plics also has universal displays, communication protocols, approvals and fitting selection.

The user's advantage

The practical and technical configuration follows the same approach for all instruments. Multiply nine measuring principles, select from four different housings, all the main approvals and numerous process fittings, it makes it easy to quickly choose the correct plics sensor - the first time.

Add to this the simple adjustment of the sensor itself, or via remote PC (using PACTware) and the result is a convenient solution for many applications and conditions.

For many applications

plics is designed for level measurement, switching and pressure, for all kinds of vessels and tanks in virtually all environments - and features advances in performance safety and reliability.

Time and money saving factors continue throughout the lifetime of a plics application: logical selection of the measuring principle, easy housing options, quick mounting, menu-driven set-up, maintenance, comprehensive service. Having once used a plics instrument, it is easy to transfer this knowledge to other products in the range.

Plics features include:

* A choice of four housing versions to suit the application.

* Electronics in 4-20 mA, HART, profibus PA and FF.

* Common programming methods.

* Standardised indicating and adjustment concept.

* Easier to select approvals and specifications.

* Integral data logging on measurement instruments.

Vegabar 50 and 60 series

The new Vegabar 50 and 60 series offers solutions for pressure measurement in all industries; food, beverage, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, water/wastewater as well as in marine and offshore applications.

The proven self-monitoring, high overload Certec and Metec measuring cells provide measuring ranges between 0 to 100 kPa and 0 to 60 mPa gauge and absolute as well as accuracy of 0,1%, cover essentially all typical level measurement and pressure applications.

Sensors and electronics now operate in temperatures up to 120°C, externally direct mounted 200°C, and with remote seal options, up to 400°C. Approvals according to ATEX, Marine 3 A EHEDG etc, are the basis for use in various industries and applications.

Remote universal software tool

PACTware enables any instrument manufacturer to communicate via a standardised software program using FDT (field device transfer) technology. This specifies a common protocol for data exchange between PACTware, and the individual 'drivers' for any instrument set-up. These instrument drivers are called device type managers or DTMs. The DTMs are like printer drivers. These DTMs and PACTware are available for all plics devices from Vega, free on CD or via the Internet. Vega DTMs operate on all major comms protocols including HART, Profibus and Foundation Fieldbus.

Fast deliveries and 3-year guarantee

Vega believes that it effectively addresses the customer's need for low cost of ownership, from ordering through to operation. Vega is also offering fast delivery times (5-day build times, even for special fittings can be achieved). Vega users enjoy a 3-year warranty on all Vega products.

For more information contact Alan Wynn, Vega Instruments SA, 011 958 1901, [email protected]

Universal programming and display

plicsCOM plugs into any plics instrument to display measured values as well as for set-up and for adjustment of plics devices. Its high-resolution screen shows detailed trending and echo curves. Four keys permit quick navigation and parameter setting. 'Accidental' adjustments can be protected by pin code function. Copying the set-up of several instruments with one plicsCOM is facilitated by a data copy function. Asset-management functions are also available.

Demonstration kit

Vega has a demo case with operational instruments and samples of the entire range. This is specifically to show users, and allow them to get hands-on, discuss the philosophy and ideas to see how they could benefit from making use of plics technology.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Meeting the challenges of tank obstructions interfering with radar
Level Measurement & Control
One of the most challenging applications for non-contacting radar level transmitters is measuring level in tanks with internal obstructions, such as agitators, heating coils, pipes, ladders or baffles. Rosemount non-contacting radar level transmitters from Emerson feature an advanced solution that enables accurate and reliable level measurements in tanks with obstructions.

Read more...
A reliable water supply: The make or break in building metros across South Africa
VEGA Controls SA Flow Measurement & Control
South Africa’s urban centres encounter substantial water supply challenges. Maintaining stable water infrastructure is essential for the health, economic vitality and well-being of communities.

Read more...
A fresh approach to dairy processing
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
Ensuring the quality and safety of milk throughout the production process is of the utmost importance in the dairy industry. The VEGABAR pressure transmitters are suitable for hygienic applications. They are an asset in the dairy industry and have been used with success for measuring the milk level and the process pressure in storage tanks.

Read more...
A cure for measurement headaches in contract manufacturing
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice
A contract manufacturing organisation provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the manufacturing of medications, formulations and substances. VEGA’s measurement solutions offer accuracy and reliability for monitoring levels and pressures during the manufacturing process.

Read more...
Simple and efficient level measurement in the mining, minerals and metals industries
Endress+Hauser South Africa Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Measuring devices in the mining, minerals and metals industries face the challenge of varying material states and long distances in measurement height. Endress+Hauser’s answer to these challenges is the new Micropilot family.

Read more...
Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter

Read more...
Powering sub-Saharan Africa’s energy future
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
Crude oil storage plays an important role in the energy infrastructure of sub-Saharan Africa. The management of crude oil storage in comes with numerous challenges, including safety concerns, environmental conditions and infrastructural limitations.

Read more...
A new era in radiometric level and density measurement
Mecosa Level Measurement & Control
The LoopSeries LB 430 radiometric detector from Berthold Technologies has a revolutionary power solution and sets new standards in level and density measurement.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

Read more...
Differential pressure measurement in gas extraction and power generation project
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Methane exploration and extraction in Lake Kivu in the East African Rift Valley has primarily focused on gas composition analysis. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter was used for differential pressure measurement, the key to monitoring gas levels within the lake.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved