Technologies, Solutions, and Applications

Guided Wave Radar

for Level and Interface
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Contents Leadership in Guided Wave Radar 3
How We Earn Your Business 4
Models and Versions 5
MLI/Bridle Measurements 7
About Guided Wave Radar 8
Guided Wave Radar in the plics System 9
Application Areas 10
Setup and Adjustment 14
Simplify Your Safety Program 15
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Leadership in Guided Wave Radar
Advanced Design & Development
The VEGAFLEX 80 was designed to make level
measurement simpler and more reliably self-sufcient.
It regulates complex processes and responds to changes
automatically. On its own, it adapts to the most difcult
measuring conditions. Hardware, software, and intelligent
signal processing form the solid foundation that allows
VEGAFLEX 80 to provide reliable measurement data at all
times, ofering superior measurement reliability at a low
instrument cost.
The sensors will never need to be recalibrated after initial
conguration, and will not experience zero point drift or
uctuations due to specic gravity, temperature, dust, or
pressure. This translates into less time spent on setup,
maintenance, and troubleshooting, resulting in a worry-free
installation that will perform beyond expectation.
VEGA is proud to be a leading provider of microwave radar measurement technology. When it comes
to measuring the level of a wide spectrum of process and stored materials, the VEGAFLEX 80 Series of
guided wave radar represents the most advanced technology available. With the VEGAFLEX 80 Series,
VEGA has created intelligent guided wave radar.
Benets of the VEGAFLEX 80 Series
Self-learning echo processing makes the
measurement more reliable as time passes
Guided setup procedure makes commissioning
simple and safe
Real time clock in the sensor enhances diagnostic
capabilities and process insight
Easy probe length modications with automatic
probe length determination ofers purchasing
exibility and reduced inventory needs
New features, such as automatic run time
correction for measurement in high temperature
steam environments and seals for ammonia
measurement, answer industry-specic demands
VEGAFLEX
80 Series
2012
VEGAFLEX
60 Series
2003
VEGAFLEX
50 Series
VEGA
Founded
Ohmart
Founded
1950 1959 1998
Looking Forward
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Lead Times Start at 5 Days
Nearly 80% of VEGAs standard products are available
with 5-day lead times or less under the SPEED program!
These lead times are symbolic of VEGAs commitment to
solving the ever-changing needs of the market through
continuous improvement.
24 Hour Support
The VEGA Field Service team is trained to provide telephone,
email, or on-site customer service. Whether starting up,
conguring, or troubleshooting the system, VEGA Field
Service provides necessary steps to ensure the measuring
device and its outputs run efciently. Through service and
training, VEGA supports all users throughout the life of the
installed solutions.
Performance Guarantee
To demonstrate our commitment to specifying the right
instrument for each application, VEGA Americas ofers a
Performance Guarantee if our recommended solution does
not perform exactly as expected, well make it right.
The Right Instrument for Every Application
VEGA is committed to supplying instruments that work
in all applications, not just those with ideal conditions. All
new instruments are tested in extreme heat, dust, chemical,
moisture, and cold environments before they are released.
VEGA's goal is to enable customers to achieve operational
efciency with every measured process.
How We Earn Your Business
You are the center of our commitment to value and service. We hold our customers in the highest
regard. Every action and interaction undertaken by a VEGA employee is to ensure that the customer
gets the most out of their experience. Service is our top priority.
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The VEGAFLEX 80 Series is classied by application type (liquid or solids) and allows for easy selection
of the right instrument for each installation. By simply changing a setting, VEGAFLEX 80 sensors can
measure either level or interface.
Models & Versions
VEGAFLEX 82
VEGAFLEX 81
Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level measurement of bulk solids
Cable and rod probes specically designed to withstand tensile forces and abrasion
Measures extremely low DK (1.2) bulk material by utilizing probe end tracking
Preconguration available from the factory so that the sensor is completely ready to measure once it is installed
Probe: Cable, rod
Measuring Range: Cable: 0 246 ft (0 75 m)
Rod: 0 20 ft (0 6 m)
Process Temperature: -40 +392F (-40 +200C)
Process Pressure: -14.5 +580 psi (-1 +40 bar)
Measurement Medium: Bulk solids
Accuracy: 2 mm
Outputs: 4 20 mA/HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Probus

Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids
Versatile sensor with a variety of probes available for the measurement of all liquids
SIL2 (SIL3 with homogeneous redundancy) qualied
Special sensor option specically designed for the measurement of ammonia
Switch between level and interface measurement by making a simple software adjustment
Probe: Cable, rod, coaxial
Measuring Range: Cable: 0 246 ft (0 75 m)
Rod: 0 20 ft (0 6 m)
Coaxial: 0 20 ft (0 6 m)
Process Temperature: -40 +392F (-40 +200C)
Process Pressure: -14.5 +580 psi (-1 +40 bar)
Measurement Medium: Liquids
Accuracy: 2 mm
Outputs: 4 20 mA/HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Probus

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Models & Versions
VEGAFLEX 86
VEGAFLEX 83
Guided wave radar sensor for continuous level and interface measurement of sanitary conditions
Sensor probe meets 3A and EHEDG standards
Both high polished stainless steel and PTFE/PFA coated probes are available
Autoclaving version available with easily removed housing
All-plastic wetted parts ofer the highest chemical resistance
Probe: Cable, rod
Measuring Range: Cable: 0 104 ft (0 32 m)
Rod: 0 13 ft (0 4 m)
Process Temperature: -40 +302F (-40 +150C)
Process Pressure: -14.5 +232 psi (-1 +16 bar)
Measurement Medium: Liquids
Accuracy: 2 mm
Outputs: 4 20 mA/HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Probus

Guided wave radar for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids in high pressure/high
temperature applications
Flexible 2 mm and 4 mm cables can be used directly in the vessel or in a bridle/standpipe
Run time correction allows for use in high pressure steam applications
Cable or rod probes can easily be shortened in the eld, allowing for use in a variety of diferent sized vessels
Probe: Cable, rod, coaxial
Measuring Range: Cable: 0 246 ft (0 75 m)
Rod: 0 20 ft (0 6 m)
Coaxial: 0 20 ft (0 6 m)
Process Temperature: -321 +842F (-196 +450C)
Process Pressure: -14.5 +5,800 psi (-1 +400 bar)
Measurement Medium: Liquids
Accuracy: 2 mm
Outputs: 4 20 mA/HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Probus

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VEGA designs probes specically for measuring in chambers, pipes, stilling wells, and bypass tubes.
These probes are optimized for best performance when measuring in a pipe. The choice of which
probe to use is determined by the application parameters such as chemical compatibility, temperature,
and pressure. VEGA has made considerations for ease of shipping, handling, and installation. Using
rigid rod probes or exible cables allow for application-specic customization.
MLI/Bridle Measurements
VEGAMAG and VEGAPASS
Combination chamber guided wave radar and magnetic level indicator or single bridle chamber
Ideal for installations when mounting on the top of a vessel is not possible
Manufactured to meet a wide range of pipe specications
Unafected by specic gravity, temperature, or pressure
VEGAMAG: for any application that requires visual and electronic level monitoring
Mount to most standard tank process connections as well as applications where interface measurements are needed
Measuring Range: Up to 50 ft (15 m); Consult factory for lengths over 50 ft
Process Temperature: -320 842F (-195 450C)
Mounting Options: NPT, ange
Flag Assembly: VEGAMAG Yes
VEGAPASS No
Probe Congurations:









Spacers:







Rod Cable with
centering weight
Plastic
spacer
Stainless
steel spacer
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Pulse
Return Time
The VEGAFLEX emits a microwave
pulse that travels down to the
process surface guided by a
metallic cable, rod, or coaxial tube.
The Guided Wave
Principle of Operation
The microwave pulses are reected
from a solid or liquid material.
The transit time of the microwave
pulse returning to the electronics is
measured and used to calculate the
distance to the process medium.
Guided wave technology is ideal for applications with a variety of process conditions. The VEGAFLEX
has no moving parts and is factory-programmed for its operating span. Guided wave radar is
unafected by shifts in pressure, temperature, or product specic gravity, making it reliable for
level measurement.
Why Use Guided Wave Radar?
Guided wave radar has many benets over traditional level
measurement technologies. With no moving parts and easy
to congure electronics, the VEGAFLEX eliminates many of
the measurement and maintenance issues associated with
DP cells and mechanical oat systems.
Guided wave radar does not experience errors caused by
temperature, pressure, or specic gravity shifts, making
the technology less susceptible to the measurement
errors often associated with capacitance probes and
ultrasonic transmitters. In solids applications, the
VEGAFLEX is able to reliably measure during the ll and
empty cycles, overcoming the common errors seen with
ultrasonic sensors.
About Guided Wave Radar
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Guided Wave Radar
in the plics System
plics Advantages
As the world's rst modular measurement system,
plics provides these benets to VEGA customers:
Local display and adjustment module with the
PLICSCOM
PC connection through the VEGACONNECT
Ability to easily change the electronics of a device
in the eld
Echo trend recording through plics electronics
Modular system allows quick manufacturing and
speedy product delivery
Cost-efective instrumentation with customized
instrument congurations
Ability to exchange sensors if damaged in
the eld
Safety standards Explosion protection
Certications
Guided wave radar instrumentation is designed for
certication compliance with the following programs:
ATEX Standard
CSA
FM Standard
GOST-R Standard
SIL2
Inmetro
IECEx
WHG
FDA
ABS
3A
Indicating &
Adjustment Module
Electronics
Housings
Sensors
Process Fittings
4 20 mA/
HART
Probus PA Foundation
Fieldbus
Modbus
PLICSCOM VEGACONNECT DTM
Plastic
Dual Chamber
Stainless Steel
Dual Chamber
Aluminum
Dual Chamber
Aluminum Stainless Steel Plastic
Thread Flange Custom Design Sanitary
Cable Rod Coaxial Bridle
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Application Areas
The VEGAFLEX is ideal for continuous level measurement in a wide variety of industries and
applications. The instruments are unafected by foam, dust, and vapor, making the guided wave
principle multi-functional across liquids and solids measurements. With no moving parts, the
VEGAFLEX is an ideal candidate for retrotting mechanical technologies.
Liqueed Gas Measurement
The VEGAFLEX 81 is the ideal instrument for measuring
the level of liqueed gases in horizontal bullet tanks. The
coaxial probe focuses the microwave energy to the surface
of the liquid, and channels the reected energy. This is
important because liqueed gases often reect microwave
energy poorly. The measurement takes place inside the
perforated tube of the VEGAFLEX 81, so the measuring
value is not afected by the mounting nozzle height or
obstructions in the tank.
Robust materials allow for measurement in extremely
low temperatures
Coaxial probe is suitable for products with poor
reective properties
Crude Oil
The VEGAFLEX 81 is ideal for measuring the level and
produced water interface of crude oil at tank battery
locations. The length of the cable can easily be shortened,
allowing the user to quickly adapt a single instrument to a
variety of tank sizes. After shortening, the sensor only needs
to be programmed with the new length in order to allow the
output signal to correspond to the actual tank level. The
VEGAFLEX 81 is immune to condensation and buildup, and
is suitable for use in metal or plastic vessels.
Cable probe is easily shortened or exchanged, reducing
inventory costs
Guided wave principle's insensitivity to vapor or buildup
minimizes maintenance
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Factory precalibration to the length of the probe allows for easy eld installation and commissioning
with an electrical connection.
Ammonia
Historically, cold process temperatures and difusion of
process material through the sensor cause problems for
measurement technologies. VEGAFLEX 81 has everything
needed to measure ammonia simply and reliably. The
glass process seal safely keeps the ammonia in the vessel.
This means freedom from maintenance and considerable
savings. The coaxial probe easily installs in small containers
or tall mounting nozzles. Mechanical obstructions inside the
container do not afect the measurement.
Easy installation with a small process connection (" NPT)
that ts practically anywhere
Mounts easily on small containers and in nozzles with a
coaxial probe
Storage of Aggregates & Cement
The VEGAFLEX 82 is an ideal solution for continuous
measurement in aggregate and cement silos. By virtue
of the guided wave measuring principle, adjustment with
product is not necessary. The instrument comes pre-
adjusted by the factory, so on-site setup only involves
an electrical connection. The measuring results are not
inuenced by product quality, dust generation, or by the
shape of the material heap.
Non-moving parts are wear- and maintenance-free
SIL2 design ensures high operational reliability
Guided wave principle is insensitive to dust and buildup,
allowing for reliable measurement during lling and
emptying of vessels
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Application Areas
The small process connections of the VEGAFLEX t practically anywhere. This makes project
planning easier. It also provides a sensor that can be used for various refrigeration systems.
Fluidized Bulk Material
Air in light or uidized bulk materials causes the reectivity
of microwave energy used to measure the level to drop.
When this happens, the VEGAFLEX 82 stops looking for a
signal of the top of the product and measures using Probe
End Tracking. The VEGAFLEX begins to track the end of the
probe and measures how far it is displaced from its known
length. In this way, the VEGAFLEX 82 always provides a
reliable level measurement directly or indirectly.
Factory pre-adjustment expedites setup time
Guided wave technology is unafected by dust, vapor,
buildup, and condensation
Probe End Tracking provides a reliable measurement, even
when a direct reading is not possible
Food and Dairy Production
VEGAFLEX 83 ofers the ideal solution for level
measurement in food and dairy production. The guided
wave device is immune to temperature shocks and pressure
changes. It performs reliably under the changing and
sometimes foaming applications common in the food and
dairy industries.
High accuracy is not afected by foam generation
Coated rod and cable design with sanitary connections
enables easy cleaning for hygienic applications
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The rugged construction and dual seals used to produce the VEGAFLEX ensure that the integrity
of the measuring sensor and your process is kept intact.
Distillation Columns
The VEGAFLEX 86 is used for distillation columns in place
of a less reliable displacer system in a chamber. Existing
chambers can be used for the measurement, making
mechanical modications unnecessary.
The VEGAFLEX 86 is an optimum solution for this
measurement because of its high operating temperature
and pressure capability.
Easy retrot allows use of existing bypass tubes
without modication
Guided wave principle is unafected by existing process
connections of the bridle
High Pressure Steam
Steam at high pressures behaves a lot like a low DK liquid,
causing the microwave pulse to propagate at a much
slower rate than normal. The VEGAFLEX 86 with steam
compensation is ideal for measurement in these conditions.
The automatic transit time correction with reference
signal provides security and accuracy in saturated steam
environments. The sensor constantly updates the pulse
velocity used in the level measurement calculation.
Automatically corrects measurement in saturated steam
Guided wave principle is unafected by vapor
and condensation, eliminating false reading
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Setup and Adjustment
Step 7 of 7
Additional settings
Create a backup file of the device parameterization?
For backup purposes, the current parameter adjustment of the instrument is stored in a file. You can use this file at a later time
to restore the device configuration. All data is downloaded fromthe device for this purpose. This procedure can take a few
minutes.
Carry out now
i
Prepare device documentation?
This function is used to print and create a PDF file containing the current device parameterization. To read the PDF file, you need
a suitable program(e.g. Adobe Reader). All data is read out of the instrument to create and print the PDF file. This procedure
can last a fewminutes.
Carry out now
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Store echo curve of the setup in the sensor?
Have you finished the first setup of the instrument? If so, we recommend storing the acutal signal situation in the instrument for
later instrument tests.
Carry out now
i
Block adjustment after input with PIN?
The instrument is locked wiht current PIN. A parameter change is only possible after reentering the PIN.
Block now
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Instrument Indication and Adjustment
PLICSCOM of ers local measured value indication
and adjustment
All sensor data may be saved on to the PLICSCOM and
copied into a new sensor
Sensors are easily congurable and important adjustments
are done quickly with DTMs
EDD descriptions are available for all plics devices

Guided Setup
Conguring the sensor in the proper way is perhaps the
most important step in commissioning a new device. It
is important that the technician easily understand the
parameter settings and what efect they have on the output
of the instrument. VEGA recognizes that this is not only
important to running a protable operation, but to having a
safe work environment as well.
Do you want to change the 100% point, switch over from
level to interface measurement, or shorten the measuring
probe? The easy, guided setup of the VEGAFLEX 80 is for
you. Whether with a PLICSCOM directly on the instrument,
DTM (operating on a PC), or EDD, it is easy to congure the
VEGAFLEX 80. By simply answering a few questions, the
VEGAFLEX 80 is fully congured in a short time.
The additional on-screen information makes it easy
to understand the purpose of each step. Thanks to
the guided setup, the user can count on a safe and
reliable measurement.
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Simplify Your Safety Program
Lengthened Test Intervals
When used in a Safety Instrumented System (SIL), the
VEGAFLEX 80 Series excels. Maintenance costs will be
reduced with VEGAFLEX 80 instruments. Cost savings
can be achieved through longer test intervals, as well as
faster and simpler tests. The PFD values used to calculate
the test interval are such that test intervals are longer
when compared with other level sensors or even the other
instruments in the same safety system.
Online Proof Tests and Automatic
Documentation
The best feature of the VEGAFLEX 80 recurring function test is
that the user can let his production processes remain running
while the test is performed. The test is performed in just a few
steps, regardless of the level. This reduces routine testing time
and, more importantly, cost associated with downtime. Outside
of the actual function test, the VEGA DTM also performs a
documentation evaluation that ensures vital sensor settings have
not been altered. When it comes to SIL, VEGA understands how
to make it easy and cost efective.
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VEGA Americas, Inc.
4170 Rosslyn Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45209
USA
Toll Free +1 800 367 5383
Phone +1 513 272 0131
Fax +1 513 272 0133
E-mail americas@vega.com
Web www.vega-americas.com