VEGABAR series 80 – could it change the way you measure pressure?

VEGA has completely re-engineered their VEGABAR pressure transmitter family and simplified them down to just three innovative model ranges; meaning it is now much easier for the user to choose their perfect instrument from this full-range supplier of pressure technology.

These three transmitter variants can solve practically any process pressure application. VEGABAR 82 is the all-rounder: its ceramic measuring cell covers 60 to 70 % of all applications. If high temperature and resistance is required, the VEGABAR 81, with its chemical seal assembly, is the first choice. And for very high pressures, VEGABAR 83 with its metallic measuring cell is recommended.

Fig 1 VEGABAR 82

VEGABAR 82 The talented all rounder with patented temperature measurement

Rugged reputation

One major feature that underpins and differentiates all VEGA pressure transmitters (also nicknamed the ‘Yellow Ones’) is their unique design of CERTEC® ® ceramic measuring cell. It has an extremely high overload resistance; up to 200 times – more than double that of other ceramic transmitters. Another unique feature is the ‘radial sealing’ concept of the VEGABAR 82 ceramic cell – a design that fully protects the elastomeric seal behind the metal body . This allows truly front-flush mounting as well as delivering ultimate wear resistance (other designs seal against the front of the cell, which inevitably creates a small recess and also exposes the elastomer seal to scouring, wear and damage).  It’s no wonder then that this design is used so frequently in applications where particulates can easily damage the sensitive diaphragm. Build up is also consigned to the past; the sensor simply cleans itself in the flowing medium, no pockets, however small, to block up. VEGA pressure sensors have many devoted users in the water, aggregates, metals, chemicals and ever increasing numbers in oil and gas sectors.  They are used across more than 20,000 measuring points in the worldwide paper industry.

No shocks

When it comes to ceramic measuring cell innovation, one of the major breakthroughs is the virtual elimination of temperature shock susceptibility. For example, after hot cleaning, when chilled processes are reintroduced, thermal shock in the sensor often occurs (in metal or ceramic sensors). The rapid increase in temperature causes the transducer’s diaphragm to deform in response to the thermal stress, a sensor in the transducer is designed to compensate, but it always takes time for the ‘new temperature’ to travel to it. So it can take quite a while, sometimes hours, to recover sensible readings.  For the VEGABAR 82, a new temperature measurement system for fast shock compensation has resulted in a patent-pending design. But now, these fast temperature fluctuations have minimal influence on the measurement, this new direct diaphragm temperature compensates faster and is even responsive enough to be transmitted as a temperature value. Also, a new internal cell design virtually eliminates moisture sensitivity in the heart of the measuring cell itself, particularly useful in chilled products and humid environments.

Hotting up

Progress has also been made with an increase in temperature range: from previously 120°C,  CERTEC®  can now withstand temperatures up to 130 °C. This additional 10 degrees Celsius doesn’t sound much, but for the food and pharmaceutical industry this is of particular interest, as in many cases customers will no longer have to buy special high-temperature versions for their CIP/SIP sterilization processes. In the other ranges, VEGABAR 81 sensors in the range can go to 400°C, VEGABAR 83 to 200°C.

Although direct temperatures have increased in smaller steps, the situation is very different when it comes to measuring ranges: they have been extended, in leaps and bounds, at both ends of the range. The new generation of CERTEC®  ceramic measuring cells now boasts a tiny nominal measuring range of 25 mbar (previously 100 mbar) and that is completely without electronic turndown. In the area of gauge and absolute pressure transmitters there has never been anything like it before, and it gives the pressure instrumentation expert a lead in this sector. At the other end of the scale, the measuring range for ceramic has also significantly increased upwards, from 60 to 100 bar. This means customers will be able to solve even more applications with VEGABAR sensors in the future, without resorting to DP transmitters, reducing their needs for spares and decreasing installation complexity.

Fig 2 3D-CERTEC-cutaway

CERTEC Measuring cell now boasts sensor ranges from 0-25mBar up to 100 Bar and patented direct temperature measurement

Defensive measures

Another important topic: Second Line of Defence. This feature is absolutely indispensable in applications involving products such as chlorine, ammonia or phosgene. It is imperative that any risk of toxic leaks into the terminal compartment is prevented to protect people and the environment. At present, users have to resort to fully encapsulated absolute pressure sensors in such applications. A new electronics design allows VEGA to offer a fully isolated and welded sensor module – with a ceramic measuring cell for the gauge reference measurement. So they can use small process fittings, realise very high measurement accuracy and solve another testing application.

The difference is easy

A new innovative software and hardware design makes it possible to combine all instruments of the new VEGABAR 80 family into an electronic differential pressure system (e-D.P.), whether it is an all-rounder, high-pressure or high-temperature sensor. So what does this mean in practice? To create an e-D.P. system, the customer only has to use any standard unit (which they could have in stock anyway) such as a VEGABAR 83, and order an additional matching sensor with “slave” electronics. Connect them together and job done. Further advantages of the electronic differential pressure system (e-D.P) is that there are no oil-filled capillary tubes or impulse lines that need to be installed, insulated, engineered and maintained – saving costs and avoiding environmental influences such as temperature changes or strong vibration and therefore the resulting measurement errors. Buying oil-filled capillary chemical seals also represent a significant cost factor, as they are mostly in the upper end of the price range. Once you add everything up, an electronic differential pressure system probably represents not only a simpler, but also more cost-effective solution in many cases.  VEGA is the only supplier on the market that has an e-D.P. capability for all sensors in the range, including self-monitoring, temperature compensated ceramic sensors. In summary, users benefit from the simple selection, identical adjustment and operation, as well as simplified stocking.

Speaking of handling: there is also positive feedback again and again on the simplicity and ease of use of the ‘classic’ VEGADIF differential pressure transmitters: according to a direct quote from one customer, they think it’s the “easiest to use system on the market today”, without any sacrifice in performance.

Fig 3 VEGABAR eDP

A modular and flexible electronic DP system, select any pair of sensors then connect and configure.

 

Three for any eventuality

VEGA has revolutionised their pressure transmitter family, adding extra capabilities and reducing it to just a few models to facilitate easy selection.

In future, users across almost any industry will be able to  solve most application challenges, whether gauge, absolute or differential – with only three process pressure transmitters. For standard applications, the all-rounder VEGABAR 82 is the ideal solution. In high temperatures and aggressive media, VEGABAR 81 can’t be beat; and, for high pressures, VEGABAR 83 is the sensor you won’t want to be without. Maybe connect two together for differential, or perhaps use the temperature output? So, why not try one of “The Yellow Ones” yourself?

Fig 4 VEGABAR 81

 

VEGABAR 81 designed for chemical seal solutions at temperatures up to 400C

 Fig 5 VEGABAR 83

VEGABAR 83 Metallic flush diaphragms and pressures up to 1000 Bar

 Web Address: www.vegacontrols.co.uk

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