Safety instrumented systems (SIS) operated in ‘low demand mode’ require a regular functional check. The safety characteristics of the components (sensor, logic and final control element) determine the interval.
To verify its function in such an application, the sensor usually has to be dismounted or brought in contact with the measured medium – a procedure that in most cases cannot be accomplished while production is in progress. Moreover, this kind of test is usually very cost-intensive, and filling a vessel up to the overfill protection trigger point to verify sensor functionality also carries risks.
A function test on Vega’s vibrating level switches Vegaswing, Vegavib and Vegawave can be done via keystroke from the Vegator 636 signal conditioning instrument, or shortly interrupting the signal line. The scope of this test, which can be carried out in the middle of a running process, fulfils the requirements of both WHG (Water Resource Act) and SIL (Safety Integrity Level) as a periodic check.
What about continuously measuring sensors?
Previously, continuous level transmitters could not be checked extensively without influencing the ongoing process and without a reference measurement. There is now a testing method available for Vega’s guided microwave and radar sensors to allow a ‘recurring function test’ to be performed without influencing the ongoing process. The operator of a plant can thus reduce the work and costs that are otherwise involved in such checks – eg, dismounting the sensor or bringing the sensor and the measured product into contact – and so avoid the production stoppages resulting from these checks.
The function check reduces test overheads considerably and consists of:
* A restart of the sensor.
* The simulation of 4 and 20 mA current.
* A check of the parameter settings and echo data.
Groundwater level measurement using LoRa module Instrotech
Level Measurement & Control
Monitoring groundwater levels across large industrial sites is critical. Salzgitter Digital Solution was tasked with developing a fully automated and digital monitoring system using Long Range Wide Area Network technology.
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...Measuring what matters in oilfields VEGA Controls SA
Mass Measurement
In the oil and gas industry, enhanced oil recovery addresses key industry challenges. However, the extraction process often results in a mixture of materials that is hard to characterise.
Read more...Reinventing grain silo management VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice
The VEGAPULS 6X radar sensor is designed for continuous level measurement to help overcome the challenges faced by storage in grain silos.
Read more...Enhancing efficiency and reliability in the energy sector VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
VEGA offers practical, reliable solutions through specialised measuring instruments and deep industry know-how, all tailored to help energy companies keep costs under control while meeting strict regulatory standards.
Read more...Lifting the lid on bulk packaging VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice
Authorities impose strict requirements on pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging. Choosing the right instrumentation, such as VEGA’s VEGAFLEX 83 for level measurement, helps manufacturers navigate the challenges with accuracy, reliability and compliance.
Read more...Sensors measure palm oil tank level Instrotech
Level Measurement & Control
The Senix ToughSonic 30 accurately measures and monitors the level of palm oil in large tanks approximately nine metres in height.
Read more...Precise level control
Level Measurement & Control
Whether in silos, tanks or process containers, the exact detection of fill levels is crucial for stable, safe and economical production processes. However, many common measuring methods quickly reach their limits in practice.
Read more...Powering Africa’s sustainable mining VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
At the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, one theme rises above all others, progress through precision. For VEGA, a global leader in process instrumentation, this mission aligns perfectly with its core purpose, which is turning measurement into meaningful progress.
Read more...VEGA is redefining synthetic fuel production VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Polish company, Ekobenz specialises in producing bio-hydrocarbons. The company utilises advanced manufacturing techniques where VEGA sensors monitor levels and interfaces, essentially overseeing separation layers in the process.
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.
printer friendly version