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.



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