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Posted on 11/11/09, under Aggregates & Mining, Bulk Solids Handling, Bulk Solids Measurement, Cement, Food, Information, Level Measurement, Level Switching, Power Generation, Radar, Steels and Metal Manufacturing, VEGA Product News, Vibration Measurement Solid Switches · RSS · No Comments
VEGA has released a NEW Microwave Barrier Switch
The microwave barrier VEGA‘MIP’ (Microwave Impulse Point-level) is especially designed for the special needs of the bulk solids industry. As this is a non-contact measurement, VEGAMIP 61 has no direct contact with the medium. This provides reliability for abrasive, aggressive or high temperature applications. In such cases VEGAMIP can measure from the outside through a microwave permeable window, e.g. in ceramic, glass or plastic material. It can also be applied to liquid level detection or object detection, such as truck positioning and on conveyors etc. and operates consistently with dirt, dust or build up. Ranges are up to 100m.
VEGAMIP 61 is fully integrated into VEGA’s plics® modular system. There are a range of plastic, aluminium or stainless steel housings as well as different antenna systems and process fittings, thus allowing configuration of the sensor precisely to specific requirements.
Want more information on the NEW VEGAMIP then click on this link.
 - NEW Microwave Barrier Swicth from VEGA
Posted on 27/10/09, under Industries, Information, Instrument Ranges, Measurement Principles, VEGA Events · RSS · No Comments
The Institute of Measurement & Control
“The Institute brings together thinkers and practitioners from the many disciplines which have a common interest in measurement and control. It organises meetings, seminars, exhibitions, and national and international conferences on a large number of topics. It has a very strong level of local section activity, providing opportunities for interchange of experience and for introducing advances in theory and application.”
VEGA are an active participant in the Instrumentation Sector in the UK on a business, educational & social level.
VEGA regularly particpate in evening events & meetings presenting level measurement systems & solutions for radar level, guided microwave, ultrasonic & pressure sensors and also nucleonic level detectors.
Recent IMC Event VEGA attended was ‘Manchester & Chester: Annual Dinner’
Posted on 19/10/09, under Application News, Applications, Food, Information, Level Measurement, Radar, Ultrasonic · RSS · No Comments
Here is Part 2 of our Application Story, discussing the use of level measurement in the final stages of flavouring and the finishing quality of Tortilla Chips. Also, how level measurement can help towards being environmentally friendly…
We left the last blog at the point where the Tortilla Chips have been freshly cooked, with the help of our VEGAPULS radar level transmitters measuring the level of oil.
Now, the moisture of the freshly cooked corn chips is monitored, this is done through a combination of a moisture sensor with our VEGASON ultrasonic level sensor. The moisture sensor is measuring, obviously, the moisture in the chips, but without the VEGASON it can’t determine the depth or amount of chips going along the conveyor, so alone the moisture sensor would give an unreliable reading and the quality of the corn chips would be all over the place… so this is where our ultrasonic sensor helps. The VEGASON will measure the bed depth of the conveyor and the volume of tortilla chips flowing through, using the same principle as explained above, sending out ultrasonic impulses and receiving a reading. The measurement from both sensors makes sure the moisture is consistent on the product and makes sure us as the consumer don’t get soggy or dry corn chips!
The final stage is the flavouring, here we use another ultrasonic sensor. The VEGASON collects data which lets the company know how long the flavour tumbler is, this determines how long the corn chips stay in the tumbler and the strength of the flavouring. This means that the machine can be altered for different type of flavours, again keeping quality consistent. The Corn chips are tumbled to give them even flavouring, then sent down a conveyor for packaging. The consumer then is provided with a quality product which is what keep the customers coming back for more.
Finally, this major crisp manufacturer also using our level instrumentation to help stay environmentally friendly when it comes to waste produce. The use of a VEGAPULS for solids measures the amount of solid waste product which is recovered from the effluent solid separator. Water is run through a drum with the waste product which is then compressed, they are then left with a dry cake product. This process also helps minimise the amount of effluent in waste water which is poured down the drain. The majority of the dry waste product is suitable for animal feed, this prevents sending it all to landfills, instead they are making use out of waste for supply of other products.
Throughout this process level measurement was important, when seeing it all in action, its surprising how much goes into the end of product we see. VEGA level instrumentation plays a vital role in applications and processes that produce the things we buy. Food and beverage is one of the many industries VEGA helps out in. From aggregates to pharmaceuticals, level measurement is an undeniable part of everyday life.
Check out our website at some of our application stories in different industries. Take a look at our Case Studies, which can be found on the menu to the left, or look at specific instruments and their applications.
Posted on 15/10/09, under Application News, Applications, Food, Level Measurement, Radar, Ultrasonic · RSS · No Comments
When you first think about level measurement and what it does for us, you normally tend to think, complicated applications and big industrial projects (well I used to anyway), and you don’t link it to things we have in everyday life. Without level measurement technology, items and products we use/need/eat everyday may not be produced. OK, this may sound over the top, but, without basic technology like level switches and transmitters we cannot produce things as simple as food, milk, water, even beers & spirits. All ingredients going in to things, like food and drinks need to be monitored for level control.
If we look into the process of making crisps, for example, VEGA supply level instruments to a major crisp manufacturer in the Midlands, which I had the privilege to visit. Our instruments help to make the whole production more efficient and a high quality product possible to send out to consumers like us.
If we looked at the process of making Corn Tortilla Chips, you’ll find many of our level instruments help along the way, from the raw product, in this case corn to the end flavoured corn chip we all enjoy, especially a crisp addict like me. Our VEGAPULS radar level transmitter monitors the level of the raw corn in silos outside and in the agitated, steam heated cooker kettles, this close control is critical to optimising the product quality and consistency. The key element is to monitor the water and lime level in the kettle, making sure there is enough to cover the raw product and cook it thoroughly and also to maintain a certain level for the next batch of corn to save on energy costs. Without level monitoring, the liquor level could become low and not cook it properly lowering the quality and the taste of the product from the very beginning. The VEGAPULS works by sending out continuous stream of extremely short microwave pulses by an antenna system, which is then reflected off the product surface. The elapsed time period between the transmission and reception of the signal is then measured and calculated as a distance and is converted to a level measurement, it is this data that then determines the amount of water and lime that is needed in the cooking kettles. This method reduces energy losses, saves water, optimises energy input and enables recovery/recycling of materials on the process by keeping a certain level of the water and lime so new water isn’t heated up every time. All important factors for cost savings and the environment.
The corn is now softened and cooked, this is then milled and made into a dough, this stage of the process is where our VEGASON comes in. Our ultrasonic sensor monitors the level of corn dough being fed into the machine that rolls and cuts into the famous tortilla chip shape, this is done by sending short ultrasonic impulses which reflect back of the product surface back to the transducer, the measurement is calculated in the same way as the radar sensor. The VEGASON will take this measurement and will help determine the speed of which the dough is fed onto the conveyor by speeding up and slowing down the feed, it will stop overflow and warn when there is not enough mixture to make the product.
Once the tortilla chips are rolled and cut they then have to be toasted and cooked. Again our VEGAPULS help keep the optimum level and temperature of the oil which will cook the corn chips perfectly. If this level is not monitored and maintained this will either undercook the chips by having too much oil or overcook the chips by having too little and the oil getting to hot. This level measurement method if what helps keep the Tortilla Chips at consistent high consumer quality.
The second part of the Blog will be available next week, discussing the use of level measurement in the final stages of flavouring and the finishing quality of the product. Also, how level measurement can help towards being environmentally friendly…
Check out the rest of our website at some of our application stories in different industries, use the link Case Studies or look through each instrument category for instrument specific applications.
Posted on 25/08/09, under Application News · RSS · 1 Comment
VEGAPULS radar level transmitters are evolving into the ‘plics®plus’ generation. Using latest, ultra-fast, efficient microprocessors, means the new radars can see 5 times higher definition ‘echo’ detail with increased accuracy. Improved signal processing delivers quicker level output changes, down to 250m/s. Temperature ranges increase to 450 °C, new antenna options in Tantalum and Titanium, additional housings in dual chamber format – St.St. and plastic – offer new capabilities. An optimised in-head programmer/display, ‘new style’ free to download PACTware software and new ‘plug-in’ terminal connectors, make deployment, setup and commissioning even easier. ‘plics®plus’ units are forward and backward compatible; new sensors and existing adjustment software, new radar electronics with current housings and antennas, or vice versa. ‘plicsplus’ level radar from VEGA, state-of-the-art technology.
To see the full story go to our news page and click on “The Next Generation of VEGAPULS Radar Sensors”
 - VEGAPULS radar has new electronics for higher definition, further options for connectivity and new mechanical configurations for better process compatilibity.
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