Budget water radar cuts flood risk

Although the VEGAPLUS WL 61 level sensor is primarily for water and sewerage level measurement, another interesting application is for the level measurement of waterways, drainage channels, rivers and estuaries in the context of assessing flood risk. Flood risk is increasingly widespread, as the result of more concentrated heavy rainfall in some areas and rising sea levels in others.

Although radar measurement technology is already well established across many process industries, many water monitoring bodies have less experience with the technology. This is due in part to the cost of radar instruments, which in the past were considerably higher than others like ultrasonic and hydrostatic, as well as the technology still carrying the image of being complicated.

Radar technology claims advantages over ultrasonic devices. Measurement is independent of temperature, high winds, fog or rain. New generation, high sensitivity radar electronics ensure security of measurement, even under turbulent, challenging surface conditions. A radar sensor offers higher accuracy, where in open channel flow, for example, the sun shining on ultrasonic transducers can create large temperature errors, especially when measured data is factored through flow equations. The focused radar signal means it can be deployed into crowded pumping chambers and the sealed cable and robust housing provide a high protection rating of IP 66/68 (1 bar).

The VEGAPLUS WL61 features an 80 mm plastic encapsulated antenna which provides excellent focusing, with its measuring range extending up to 15m.

The variety of mounting options easily mechanically integrate into existing applications, and units can directly connect to existing field-bus systems or loop-powered from a signal conditioning instrument for pump control. Integrated sensor linearization curves can be programmed in using free FDT/DTM software, allowing direct output of flow rate in open channels.