Compact Radar Sensor for Simple Level Measurement
The VEGAPULS C 11 is designed for continuous, non-contact level measurement where the application does not require a complex communication or configuration platform.
It uses 80 GHz radar technology to measure the distance to the product surface and determine the corresponding level. Because the sensor does not contact the measured medium, there are no moving sensing parts inside the process.
80 GHz Radar Technology
The VEGAPULS C 11 operates at 80 GHz with an approximately 8° beam angle. The focused radar beam supports level measurement in tanks, containers and other installations where a compact sensor is required.
Continuous Non-Contact Measurement
The radar principle allows the VEGAPULS C 11 to measure liquids and bulk solids without direct contact with the product.
This makes it suitable for applications where the sensor should remain outside the process medium and where regular maintenance of wetted mechanical components is undesirable.
Designed for Simple Applications
VEGA positions the C 11 specifically for simple measuring tasks. Typical applications include water treatment, pumping stations, rain overflow basins and general level monitoring.
For bulk solids, it can be used in small bulk solid silos and open containers.
4–20 mA Output
The VEGAPULS C 11 provides a standard 4–20 mA output, allowing it to be integrated into conventional process control and instrumentation systems.
Unlike VEGAPULS C 21, C 22 and C 23, the C 11 is specified with a basic 4–20 mA output rather than the additional HART, Modbus or SDI-12 interfaces available on those models.
High Protection for Outdoor and Wet Environments
The VEGAPULS C 11 is designed with a high level of ingress protection. The current VEGA specification lists IP66/IP68 at 3 bar and Type 6P protection.
This makes the sensor suitable for installations where exposure to water, moisture or temporary submersion protection is important.
PVDF Wetted Construction
The wetted parts of the VEGAPULS C 11 are made from PVDF, with FKM used for the process seal. This material combination supports applications involving water and selected industrial liquids within the specified process conditions.
Flexible Threaded Installation
The sensor is available with threaded process connections including G1½, 1½ NPT and R1½. Mounting connections include G1, 1 NPT and R1, depending on configuration.
Bluetooth Adjustment
Although the C 11 uses a basic 4–20 mA output, VEGA lists Bluetooth adjustment through a smartphone, tablet or PC, as well as adjustment through PC, PACTware and DTM.
This allows configuration and commissioning without requiring a dedicated local display on the sensor.
Key Features
- Product type: Radar level sensor
- Continuous, non-contact level measurement
- Suitable for liquids and bulk solids
- 80 GHz radar technology
- Measuring range up to 10 m
- Accuracy ±5 mm
- Approx. 8° beam angle
- 4–20 mA output
- IP66/IP68 (3 bar) protection
- Type 6P protection
- PVDF wetted parts
- FKM process seal
- Process temperature -40 to +60°C
- Process pressure -1 to +3 bar
- G1½, 1½ NPT and R1½ process connections
- Bluetooth adjustment via smartphone, tablet or PC
- PC, PACTware and DTM adjustment
- Fixed cable connection
- Two-wire measuring principle
- Suitable for simple level measurement applications
Typical Applications
Water Treatment
The VEGAPULS C 11 is designed for continuous level measurement in water treatment installations where a simple, non-contact radar sensor is required.
Pumping Stations
The high protection rating and non-contact radar principle make the C 11 suitable for level monitoring in pumping stations and similar installations. VEGA specifically lists pumping stations among its application areas.
Rain Overflow Basins
The VEGAPULS C 11 can be used for level monitoring in rain overflow basins, where reliable level information and high environmental protection are important.
General Level Monitoring
For tanks, containers and open installations requiring continuous level information, the C 11 provides a straightforward 4–20 mA radar measurement solution.
Open Containers
The non-contact radar principle allows the sensor to be mounted above an open container and measure the distance to the product surface.
Small Bulk Solid Silos
The VEGAPULS C 11 can also be used for level measurement of bulk solids in small silos and open containers, provided the application remains within the sensor's specified measuring range and process conditions.
Water and Similar Liquids
The sensor is suitable for standard liquid-level applications involving water and other compatible liquids within the specified temperature, pressure and material limits.
FAQ
What is the VEGA VEGAPULS C 11?
The VEGAPULS C 11 is an 80 GHz radar level sensor for continuous, non-contact level measurement of liquids and bulk solids.
What is the measuring range of the VEGAPULS C 11?
The current VEGA product page specifies a measuring range of up to 10 m.
What is the accuracy of the VEGAPULS C 11?
The specified accuracy is ±5 mm, with the official data sheet stating a measurement deviation of ≤5 mm.
What radar frequency does the C 11 use?
The VEGAPULS C 11 uses 80 GHz radar technology in the W-band.
What output does the VEGAPULS C 11 provide?
The C 11 provides a 4–20 mA output.
Does the VEGAPULS C 11 support HART?
The current official specifications for the C 11 list 4–20 mA as the output. HART is not listed as an output for this model. The C 21, C 22 and C 23 are the related models with additional communication options.
Can the VEGAPULS C 11 measure bulk solids?
Yes. VEGA specifies the C 11 for bulk solid applications including small bulk solid silos and open containers.
What process temperature can the VEGAPULS C 11 handle?
The specified process temperature range is -40 to +60°C.
What process pressure is supported?
The specified process pressure range is -1 to +3 bar.
What protection rating does the C 11 have?
The current VEGA specification lists IP66/IP68 at 3 bar and Type 6P protection.
What materials are used for the wetted parts?
The wetted parts are made from PVDF, while the process seal is specified as FKM.
Can the VEGAPULS C 11 be configured wirelessly?
Yes. VEGA lists Bluetooth 5.0 adjustment, with smartphone, tablet or PC available as adjustment devices. PC, PACTware and DTM adjustment are also supported.
Does the VEGAPULS C 11 have a local display?
The C 11 is not specified with an integrated display. Its adjustment can be performed through Bluetooth or PC/PACTware/DTM instead.
What is the difference between VEGAPULS C 11 and VEGAPULS 11?
Both are compact 80 GHz radar sensors with a 10 m measuring range and ±5 mm accuracy. The C 11 uses a fixed cable connection and has IP66/IP68, Type 6P protection, while the VEGAPULS 11 uses a cable connection compartment and is specified with IP66/IP67, Type 4X protection.
What is the difference between VEGAPULS C 11 and C 21?
The C 11 is the simpler model with 4–20 mA output, 10 m measuring range and ±5 mm accuracy. The C 21 extends the range to 20 m, improves accuracy to ±2 mm, and adds communication options including HART, Modbus and SDI-12.
