On the journey to achieve this position, the company always had one basic objective: the development of innovative market leading products.
In the last 10 years there has not been such rapid development with any measuring principle as there has with radar. VEGA recognised very early-on the advantages and application possibilities of radar technology for level measurement in the process industry. The first VEGA radar sensor, based on 5,8 GHz pulse technology was introduced into the market in 1991.
In 1997, VEGA set new standards in level measurement technology by developing the first two-wire radar sensor and advanced rapidly to a position of leadership in this area. The reason for this: a convincing combination of technology, function and price.
eric
The company continued systematically with the development of radar sensors and revolutionised the radar market with the VEGAPULS 50 series, the first intrinsically safe, two-wire instruments.
Christened ‘eric’, these VEGA sensors have proven their virtually unlimited application potential. Their high process reliability and compact size made them an ideal, versatile level measuring instruments for all industries. This is true for the measurement of products with poor reflective properties (liquid gas, solvents, hydrocarbons), for vessels with complex installations (struts, heating spirals, stirrers), and for very agitated or foaming product surfaces.
‘eric’ can handle measuring distances up to 35 metres, highly corrosive products, measurements in blast furnaces, molten metals in steel production and can be implemented in existing standpipes or bypass tubes. The choice of two different emitting frequencies ensures the highest degree of operational reliability. In 1999, VEGA advanced to international market leader in the area of radar level measurement.
A new system platform
The concept that made 'eric' successful laid the groundwork for a new VEGA system platform called plics (plug in concepts). The system standardises the company's level, switching and pressure measurement products, by fundamental parameters, to achieve a simple modular design approach. The result is standardised housings and programming philosophy, a common interface and one remote software system, PACTware. The system also has universal displays, communication protocols, approvals, fittings and electronic inserts.
According to VEGA, plics demonstrates how good design can effectively reduce time and expenditure when using modern measuring technologies. These savings concern the complete lifecycle of the instruments: from selection; ordering; installation; set-up; operation and servicing.
Into the 21st Century
When the radar sensors of the VEGAPULS 60 series were introduced in 2003, the tried-and-trusted VEGA pulse technology evolved into the current generation. The experience of more than 10 years of radar level measurement and more than 60 000 successfully installed ‘erics’ formed the basis for the development of the VEGAPULS 60 series.
In November 2004 the company produced its 100 000th radar instrument. In the same year, VEGAPULS 68, the first radar sensor specially developed for level measurement of bulk solids was introduced. With a measuring range up to 70 m and a wide operating temperature range, up to 200°C, it represented a breakthrough in the level measurement of bulk solids.
Guaranteeing reliable level measurement even under the most difficult process conditions of extreme dust, heat and filling noise, the product quickly established itself solidly in the market.
Finally, with the introduction of VEGAPULS 67, VEGA closed the remaining gap for standard applications in the bulk solids industry. This instrument fills the need for a measuring technology that was previously filled, for reasons of economy, by ultrasonic instruments. The sensor is the ideal solution for applications in medium-sized silos up to 15 m high and thus covers the majority of standard applications in bulk solids.
The 21st century has seen level measurement with two-wire radar become accepted as a dependable technology. Their versatility and high reliability in liquids and bulk solids has made them an ideal solution for all industries and process conditions.
For more information contact John Groom, Vega Instruments SA, +27 (0)11 958 1901, [email protected], www.vega.com
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