The first radar level sensor for liquids with 80 GHz technology
Vega Grieshaber
Measuring the level of liquids with 80 GHz allows considerably better focusing of the radar beam, even under difficult conditions, such as tanks fitted with heating coils, baffles or agitators. Levels can now be measured in applications where the process or structural conditions were previously not suitable for radar. The new level radar sensor Vegapuls 64 (photo) has a beam angle of only 3 deg. Until now, a radar sensor with a transmission frequency of 26 GHz and an 80 mm-diameter antenna had a beam angle of approximately 10 deg. The antenna — said to be the smallest of its kind — is encapsulated in PTFE or PEEK, so there are no cavities or crevices in which product can accumulate. In addition, special software algorithms filter out interference caused by buildup on the antenna system. With the high dynamic range of the sensor, signal attenuation caused by deposits is largely compensated. This allows the level to be reliably detected, even with contamination on the sensor. Hall 5, Stand 239/338 — Vega Grieshaber KG, Schiltach, Germany