Compact Radar Level Measurement
The VEGAPULS 31 uses 80 GHz radar technology for continuous, non-contact level measurement. The radar signal is transmitted toward the product surface and the reflected signal is evaluated to determine the distance and corresponding level.
Because the measurement is non-contact, there is no sensor element immersed in the process medium.
Designed for Standard Level Applications
The VEGAPULS 31 is intended for standard measuring tasks involving both liquids and bulk solids. Typical applications include water treatment, storage tanks containing acids, lyes and additives, as well as small bulk solid silos and open containers.
80 GHz Radar Technology
The 80 GHz operating frequency provides a focused radar beam with an approximately 8° beam angle. This helps concentrate the measurement signal toward the product surface and supports reliable measurement in compact vessels and tanks.
Non-Contact Measurement
The radar measuring principle eliminates direct contact between the sensor and the measured medium. This makes the VEGAPULS 31 suitable for applications involving liquids or bulk solids where contact-based level instruments may be less convenient.
VEGA also specifies radar measurement as largely independent of changing medium properties and process conditions compared with other measurement principles.
Integrated Local Display
Unlike the VEGAPULS 21, the VEGAPULS 31 includes an integrated on-site display and adjustment unit. The local display allows operators to check the measured level directly at the instrument and perform on-site adjustment.
4–20 mA/HART Communication
The VEGAPULS 31 uses a two-wire 4–20 mA/HART signal output, making it suitable for integration into conventional industrial control and instrumentation systems.
Depending on the selected version, wireless adjustment via Bluetooth is also available for connection to smartphones, tablets or PCs.
Suitable for Plastic Tanks
The integrated PVDF horn antenna and non-contact measuring principle make the VEGAPULS 31 suitable for level measurement in plastic tanks. VEGA specifically lists measurement through plastic tank walls among its application areas.
Compact Plastic Housing
The VEGAPULS 31 uses a compact PBT plastic housing with IP66/IP67 protection and Type 4X classification. This construction provides a practical solution for standard industrial level measurement installations.
Key Features
- Product type: Radar level transmitter
- Continuous non-contact level measurement
- Suitable for liquids and bulk solids
- 80 GHz radar technology
- Measuring range up to 15 m according to the official data sheet
- Measurement accuracy ±2 mm
- Approx. 8° beam angle
- 4–20 mA/HART output
- Integrated on-site display and adjustment
- 3-key local operation
- Bluetooth adjustment available depending on configuration
- Integrated PVDF horn antenna
- PBT plastic housing
- IP66/IP67, Type 4X
- Process temperature -40 to +80°C
- Process pressure -1 to +3 bar
- G1½, 1½ NPT or R1½ process connections
- Explosion-protection approvals available depending on configuration
Typical Applications
Water Treatment
The VEGAPULS 31 can be used for continuous level measurement in water treatment applications, including tanks and containers where non-contact measurement is preferred.
Chemical Storage Tanks
The non-contact radar principle makes the VEGAPULS 31 suitable for storage tanks containing acids, lyes and additives, particularly where the measuring instrument should remain outside the process medium.
Plastic Tanks
The sensor can be installed for level measurement on plastic tanks and, depending on the application and tank construction, can also measure through a plastic tank wall.
Small Bulk Solid Silos
The VEGAPULS 31 can be used for level measurement of bulk solids in small silos and containers, providing non-contact measurement without moving mechanical parts.
Open Containers
For open containers holding liquids or bulk solids, the radar sensor can provide continuous level measurement from above.
Industrial Storage and Process Tanks
The VEGAPULS 31 is suitable for general industrial storage and process vessels where the measurement requirements fall within its specified pressure, temperature and measuring-range limits.
FAQ
What is the VEGA VEGAPULS 31?
The VEGAPULS 31 is a compact radar level transmitter for continuous, non-contact level measurement of liquids and bulk solids.
What measuring principle does the VEGAPULS 31 use?
It uses 80 GHz radar technology. The sensor transmits radar signals toward the product surface and evaluates the reflected signal to determine the distance and level.
What is the measuring range of the VEGAPULS 31?
The official data sheet specifies a measuring range of up to 15 m. VEGA's current product overview may display higher range figures depending on the current product configuration, so the exact measuring range should be confirmed against the selected version.
What is the accuracy of the VEGAPULS 31?
The specified measurement deviation is ≤2 mm under the conditions stated in the official data sheet.
Can the VEGAPULS 31 measure liquids and solids?
Yes. VEGA specifies the VEGAPULS 31 for both liquids and bulk solids, including small bulk solid silos and containers.
What output does the VEGAPULS 31 provide?
The standard electronics version provides 4–20 mA/HART output.
Does the VEGAPULS 31 have a display?
Yes. The VEGAPULS 31 has an integrated on-site display and adjustment unit, allowing the measured value to be viewed and the instrument to be adjusted locally.
Can the VEGAPULS 31 be configured wirelessly?
Depending on the selected version, the VEGAPULS 31 supports Bluetooth wireless adjustment using compatible smartphones, tablets or Windows PCs.
What process temperature can the VEGAPULS 31 handle?
The official data sheet specifies a process temperature range of -40 to +80°C.
What process pressure is supported?
The specified process pressure range is -1 to +3 bar.
Can the VEGAPULS 31 be used on plastic tanks?
Yes. VEGA specifically lists applications involving plastic tanks, including level measurement through a plastic tank or IBC container where the installation conditions are suitable.
What process connections are available?
The official data sheet lists G1½, 1½ NPT and R1½ threaded process connections.
Is the VEGAPULS 31 suitable for hazardous areas?
Explosion-protection approvals are available depending on the selected configuration. The exact approval and associated operating limits should be confirmed against the relevant product configuration and safety documentation.
What is the difference between VEGAPULS 21 and VEGAPULS 31?
Both are compact 80 GHz radar sensors for standard level measurement. The VEGAPULS 31 adds an integrated on-site display and adjustment unit, while the VEGAPULS 21 relies on other adjustment methods.
