Water applications under the radar

A new radar sensor from Vega has been optimised for the widely different applications in the water/wastewater industry.

VEGAPULS WL 61 uses short radar signals to measure the distance to the surface of the water and is suitable for all applications in level, gauge and flow rate measurement in water purification and sewage treatment facilities.

Unfazed by environmental factors such as fog, snow, rain and fluctuations in temperature, the radar measurement technology is designed to enable high-precision logging of water levels. Its precision remains unaffected under all operating conditions, which is said to be a critical advantage, especially for flow rate measurement in open channels, since differences of even a few millimetres can cause significant measurement errors.

Applications under control

The large number of mounting options and different connection concepts makes the sensor suitable for many water management systems applications, including: flow rate measurement in open channels and outfall weirs; level measurement of rivers and canals; floodwater in the stormwater overflow tank; flow measurement in a chamber outfall; level measurement in the pump shaft; and screw pump in the sewage lift station.

From left to right in the diagram above: 1. Flow rate measurement in open channels; 2. Level measurement of rivers and canals; and 3. Floodwater in the stormwater overflow tank.

1. Flow rate measurement in open channels and outfall weirs

Unaffected by temperature, wind and weather, the radar sensor measures the actual flow with precision of ±2 mm. Flow measurement can be made in conjunction with VEGAMET 391.

2. Level measurement of rivers and canals

Due to the device’s compact design, it lends itself particularly well for monitoring the levels of rivers, canals and lakes. The sensor can be simply mounted on different structures like bridges or sluices. Its unobtrusive design can provide for protection against vandalism.

3. Floodwater in the stormwater overflow tank

To optimally utilise the total capacity of a stormwater overflow tank, the measuring signal of the device can be easily deflected by a sloping metal plate. The sensor is submersible due to its IP 66/68 (2 bar) rating.

From left to right in the diagram above: 4. Flow measurement in a chamber outfall; 5. Level measurement in the pump shaft and 6. Screw pump in the sewage lift station.

4. Flow measurement in a chamber outfall

Designed for more than just precision flow measurement, event-driven measured values can also be stored in the sensor and made available for later documentation. A data logger is available for up to 100,000 measured values.

5. Level measurement in the pump shaft

The device is also suitable in cramped spaces. The sensor is designed to work reliably, even if there is foam and build-up on the shaft walls.

6. Screw pump in the sewage lift station

The device can be mounted above the intake of the screw pumps. It is designed to control the operation of the pumps reliably, even if the wastewater has a high solid content.

Regardless of how the measurement signals are to be further processed, the device can be integrated into an existing control system and infrastructure. Both analog and digital sensor versions are available.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Adam Calaitzis