VEGA PULS54K User Manual

Operating Instructions

VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Contents

Sicherheitshinweise ..................................................................... 3

Safety information ........................................................................ 3

Note Ex area ................................................................................ 3

1 Product description .................................................................. 4

1.1 Function................................................................................. 4

1.2 Application features ............................................................. 6

1.3 Adjustment ............................................................................ 6

1.4 Antennas............................................................................... 8

2 Mounting and installation ....................................................... 9

2.1 General installation instructions .......................................... 9

2.2 Measurement of liquids ..................................................... 10

2.3 False echoes ...................................................................... 11

2.4 Common installation mistakes ........................................... 13

3 Electrical connection .............................................................. 15

3.1 Connection and connection cable .................................... 15

3.2 Connecting the sensor ...................................................... 16

3.3 Connecting the external indicating instrument

VEGADIS 50 ....................................................................... 19

3.4 Configuration of measuring systems ............................... 20

Contents

4 Set-up ........................................................................................ 28

4.1 Adjustment media .............................................................. 28

4.2 Adjustment with PC............................................................ 28

4.3 Adjustment with adjustment module MINICOM ............... 30

4.4 Adjustment with HART® handheld ................................... 36

5 Diagnostics............................................................................... 38

5.1 Simulation ............................................................................ 38

5.2 Error codes ........................................................................ 38

2 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Sicherheitshinweise

6 Technical data .......................................................................... 3 9

6.1 Technical data ..................................................................... 39

6.2 Approvals ........................................................................... 43

6.3 Dimensions ......................................................................... 44

Supplement..................................................................................... 46

Safety Manual ................................................................................. 46

1 General ............................................................................... 46

1.1 Validity ................................................................................. 46

1.2 Area of application............................................................... 46

1.3 Relevant standards ............................................................. 46

1.4 Determination of safety-related characteristics .................. 47

2 Planning .............................................................................. 48

2.1 Low demand mode ............................................................... 48

2.2 High demand or continuous mode ....................................... 48

2.3 General ................................................................................ 48

3 Set-up ................................................................................. 49

3.1 Mounting and installation..................................................... 49

3.2 Adjustment instructions and parameter settings ................ 49

3.3 Configuration of the processing unit ................................... 49

4 Reaction during operation and in case of failure ............. 50

5 Recurring function test ....................................................... 50

6 Safety-related characteristics ........................................... 51

SIL declaration of conformity .................................................... 52

CE declaration of conformity..................................................... 53

Safety information

Please read this manual carefully, and also take
note of country-specific installation standards
(e.g. the VDE regulations in Germany) as well
as all prevailing safety regulations and acci­dent prevention rules.
For safety and warranty reasons, any internal

Note Ex area

Please note the attached safety instructions
containing important information on installation
and operation in Ex areas.
These safety instructions are part of the oper­ating instructions manual and come with the Ex

approved instruments.
work on the instruments, apart from that in­volved in normal installation and electrical con­nection, must be carried out only by VEGA
personnel.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 3

1 Product description

Product description

VEGAPULS series 50 sensors are a newly
developed generation of extremely compact,
small radar sensors.

Due to their small housing dimensions and
process fittings, the compact sensors are an
unobstrusive, and most of all, very cost­effective solution for your level measurement
applications. With their integrated display
and many of the features of the VEGAPULS
81 series, they bring the advantages of radar
level measurement to applications where
previously, due to high costs, the advan­tages of non-contact measurement had to be
forgone.

The VEGAPULS 54 radar sensor is perfectly
suitable for two-wire technology, however, it is
also available in four-wire technology where
the output signal and power supply are car­ried on in two separate circuits. The supply
voltage and the output signal are transmitted
via one two-wire cable. The instruments pro­duce an analogue 4 … 20 mA output signal
as output, i.e. measuring signal.

In the enamelled version, the sensors have
exceptional chemical resistance, and repre­sent the ideal level sensor technology for
corrosive processes.

Radio detecting and ranging: Radar.
VEGAPULS radar sensors are used for non­contact, continuous distance measurement.
The measured distance corresponds to a
filling height and is outputted as level.

1.1 Function

Measuring principle:

emission – reflection – reception

Extremely small 5.8 GHz radar signals are
emitted from the antenna of the radar sensor
as short pulses. The radar pulses reflected
by the sensor environment and the product
are received by the antenna as radar ech­oes. The running period of the radar pulses
from emission to reception is proportional to
the distance and hence to the level.

Meas.
distance

emission - reflection - reception

The radar pulses are emitted by the antenna
system as pulse packets with a pulse dura­tion of 1 ns and pulse intervals of 278 ns; this
corresponds to a pulse package frequency
of 3.6 MHz. In the pulse intervals, the antenna
system operates as a receiver. Signal run­ning periods of less than one billionth of a
second must be processed and the echo
image evaluated in a fraction of a second.

4 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Product description

Puls

1 ns

278 ns

Pulse
break

Pulse sequence

VEGAPULS can achieve this through a spe­cial time transformation procedure which
spreads out the more than 3.6 million echo
images per second in a slow-motion picture,
then freezes and processes them.

t

Time transformation

t

Hence, it is possible for the VEGAPULS 50
radar sensors to process the slow-motion
pictures of the sensor environment precisely
and in detail in cycles of 0.5 to 1 second
without using time-consuming frequency
analysis (e.g. FMCW, required by other radar
techniques).

Nearly all products can be measured

Radar signals display physical properties
similar to those of visible light. According to
the quantum theory, they propagate through
empty space. Hence, they are not depend­ent on a conductive medium (air), and they
spread out like light at the speed of light.
Radar signals react to two basic electrical
properties:

- the electrical conductivity of a substance

- the dielectric constant of a substance.

All products which are electrically conductive

reflect radar signals very well. Even slightly

conductive products provide a sufficiently

strong reflection for a reliable measurement.

All products with a dielectric constant ε

greater than 2.0 reflect radar pulses suffi-

ciently (note: air has a dielectric constant ε

1).

%

50
40
30
20
10

5 %

5

0

2

0

Reflected radar power dependent on the dielectric

constant of the measured product

25 %

4 6 8 12 14 16 18

10

40 %

20

r

r

ε

r

Signal reflectivity grows stronger with in-

creasing conductivity or increasing dielectric

constant of the product. Hence, nearly all

substances can be measured.

As process fitting, standard flanges of DN

150, DN 200, ANSI 6“ or ANSI 8“ are used.

Due to high quality enamel coating, the sen-

sors withstand even extreme chemical and

physical conditions. The sensors deliver

stable, reproducible analogue or digital level

signals with reliability and precision, and

have a long useful life.

of

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 5

Product description

Continuous and accurate

Unaffected by temperature, pressure and
atmosphere content, VEGAPULS radar sen­sors measure quickly and accurately the
levels of widely varying products.

%

0,03
0,02
0,01

0

100 500 1000 1300 ˚C

0

0,018 %

Temperature influence: Temperature error absolutely
zero (e.g. at 500°C 0.018 %)

%

10

5

0,29 %

0

10

0

1,44 %

20 30 40 60

50

70 80 90 110 120 130 140

Pressure influence: Error with pressure increase very
low (e.g. at 50 bar 1.44 %)

VEGAPULS 50 sensors allow radar level
measurement in plants where they were it
was hitherto unthinkable because of high
costs.

2,8 %

100

0,023 %

3,89 %

bar

Rugged and abrasionproof

• non-contact

• high-resistance materials

Exact and reliable

• meas. resolution 1 mm

• unaffected by noise, vapours, dusts, gas
compositions and inert gas stratification

• unaffected by varying density and tem­perature of the medium

• measurement in pressures of -1 … 16 bar
and product temperatures of

-40°C … 200°C

Communicative

• integrated measured value display

• optional display module separate from
sensor

• connection to all BUS systems: Interbus S,
Modbus, Siemens 3964R, Profibus DP,
Profibus FMS, ASCII

• adjustment from the PLC level with the PC

• adjustment with HART

®

handheld

• adjustment with detachable adjustment
module, pluggable in the sensor or in the
external display

Approvals

• CENELEC, ATEX, PTB, FM, CSA, ABS,
LRS, GL, LR, FCC

1.3 Adjustment

Every measurement set-up is unique. For

1.2 Application features

Applications

• level measurement of any liquid, limited use
in solids

• measurement also in vacuum

• all slightly conductive materials and all
substances with a dielectric constant > 2.0
can be measured

• measuring range 0 … 20 m

Two-wire technology

• power supply and output signal on one
two-wire cable (Loop powered)

that reason, every radar sensor needs some
basic information on the application and the
environment, e.g. which level means "empty“
and which level "full“. Beside this "empty and
full adjustment“, many other settings and
adjustments are possible with VEGAPULS
radar sensors.

The adjustment and parameter setting of
radar sensors is carried out with

- the PC

- the detachable adjustment module MINI­COM

- the HART

®

handheld

• 4 … 20 mA output signal

6 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Product description

Adjustment with the PC

The set-up and adjustment of the radar sen­sors is generally done on the PC with the
adjustment software PACT
gram leads quickly through the adjustment
and parameter setting by means of pictures,
graphics and process visualisations.

Adjustment with the PC on the analogue 4 … 20 mA
signal and supply cable or directly on the sensor
(four-wire sensor)

The PC can be connected at any measuring
site in the system or directly to the signal
cable. It is connected by means of the two­wire PC interface converter VEGACONNECT 3
to the sensor or the signal cable. The adjust­ment and parameter data can be saved with
the adjustment software on the PC and can
be protected by passwords. On request, the
adjustments can be quickly transferred to
other sensors.

2

2

ware

2

2

TM.

PLC

The pro-

4 ...20 mA

Adjustment with the adjustment module
MINICOM

With the small (3.2 cm x 6.7 cm) 6-key ad­justment module with display, the adjustment
can be carried out in clear text dialogue. The
adjustment module can be plugged into the
radar sensor or into the optional, external
indicating instrument.

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

Detachable adjustment module MINICOM

Unauthorised sensor adjustments can be
prevented by removing the adjustment mod­ule.

ESC

+

-

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

OK

2

4 ... 20 mA

ESC

+

-

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

OK

4

ESC

+

-

OK

Adjustment with detachable adjustment module. The
adjustment module can be plugged into the radar
sensor or into the external indicating instrument
VEGADIS 50.

Adjustment with the PC on the 4 … 20 mA signal and
supply cable to the PLC or directly on the sensor
(figure: a two-wire sensor)

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 7

Product description

Adjustment with the HART® handheld

Series 50 sensors with 4 … 20 mA output
signal can also be adjusted with the HART
handheld. A special DDD (Data Device De­scription) is not necessary - the sensors can
be adjusted with the HART

®

standard menus

of the handheld.

HART Communicator

HART® handheld

To make adjustments, simply connect the

®

HART

handheld to the 4 … 20 mA output
signal cable or insert the two communication
cables of the HART

®

handheld into the ad-

justment jacks on the sensor.

®

1.4 Antennas

The antenna is the eye of the radar sensor.
The shape of the antenna, however, doesn’t
give a casual observer the slightest clue on
how carefully the antenna geometry must be
adapted to the physical properties of electro­magnetic waves. The geometrical form deter­mines focal properties and sensitivity - the
same way it determines the sensitivity of a
unidirectional microphone.

Horn antennas

The horn antenna is the classi­cal radar antenna in level
measurement. The antenna
focuses the radar signals very
well. Fabricated of 1.4571
(stainless steel) with enamel
coating or Hastelloy C22, the
antenna is physicaly resistant,
and is well suited for pres­sures up to 16 bar at product
temperatures up to 200°C.

2

4 ...20 mA

2

HART® handheld on the 4 … 20 mA signal cable

8 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Mounting and installation

2 Mounting and installation

2.1 General installation instructions

Measuring range

The reference plane for the measuring range
of the sensor is the enamelled sensor seal
shoulder, against which the enamelled vessel
seal is placed. The measuring range is
0 … 20 m. For measurements in surge or
bypass tubes (pipe antenna) the max. meas­uring distance decreases by approx. 0.5 m.

Keep in mind that in measuring environments
where the medium can reach the sensor
flange, buildup may form on the antenna and
later cause measurement errors.

empty

Reference plane

max. filling

max. meas. distance 20 m

Measuring range (operating range) and max. measur­ing distance
Note: Use of the sensors for applications with solids
is limited.

full

Measuring range

False echoes

Flat obstructions and struts cause strong
false echoes. They reflect the radar signal
with high energy density.

Interfering surfaces with rounded profiles
scatter the radar signals into the surrounding
space more diffusely and thus generate false
echoes with a lower energy density. Hence,
those reflections are less critical than those
from a flat surface.

Profiles with flat interfering surfaces cause large
false signals

If flat obstructions in the range of the radar
signals cannot be avoided, we recommend
diverting the interfering signals with a deflec­tor. The deflector prevents the interfering
signals from being directly received by the
radar sensor. The signals are then so low­energy and diffuse that they can be filtered
out by the sensor.

Round profiles diffuse radar signals

Cover flat interfering surfaces with deflectors

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 9

Mounting and installation

Emission cone and false echoes

The radar signals are focused by the an­tenna system. The signals leave the antenna
in a conical path similar to the beam pattern
of a spotlight. This emission cone depends
on the antenna used.

Any object in this beam cone will reflect the
radar signals. Within the first few meters of
the beam cone, tubes, struts or other installa­tions can interfere with the measurement. At a
distance of 6 m, the false echo of a strut has
an amplitude nine times greater than at a
distance of 18 m.

At greater distances, the energy of the radar
signal distributes itself over a larger area,
thus causing weaker echoes from obstruct­ing surfaces. The interfering signals are
therefore less critical than those at close
range.

If possible, orient the sensor axis perpen­dicularly to the product surface and avoid
vessel installations (e.g. pipes and struts)
within the 100% emission cone.

If possible, provide a "clear view“ to the
product inside the emission cone and avoid
vessel installations in the first third of the
emission cone.

Optimum measuring conditions exist when
the emission cone reaches the measured
product perpendicularly and when the emis­sion cone is free from obstructions.

2.2 Measurement of liquids

Horn antenna on DIN socket piece

Radar sensors are usually mounted on short
DIN socket pieces. The lower side of the
instrument flange is the reference plane for
the measuring range. The antenna must
always protrude out of the flange pipe.

Reference plane

Mounting on DIN socket piece

If the DIN socket piece is longer, please
make sure that the horn antenna protrudes at
least 10 mm out of the socket.

> 10 mm

Mounting on longer DIN socket pieces

When mounting on dished or rounded vessel
tops, the antenna must also protrude at least
10 mm (longer side of socket).

> 10 mm

Mounting on round vessel tops

10 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Mounting and installation

On dished vessel tops, please do not mount
the instrument in the centre or close to the
vessel wall, but approx.½ vessel radius from
the centre or from the vessel wall.

Dished tank tops can act as paraboloidal
reflectors. If the radar sensor is placed in the
focal point of the parabolic tank top, the radar
sensor receives amplified false echoes. The
radar sensor should be mounted outside the
focal point. Parabolically amplified echoes are
thereby avoided.

Reference plane

1

/2 vessel

radius

Mounting on round vessel tops

Horn antenna directly on the vessel top

If the stability of the vessel will allow it (sensor
weight), flat mounting directly on the vessel
top is a good and cost-effective solution. The
top side of the vessel is the reference plane.

2.3 False echoes

The radar sensor must be installed at a loca­tion where no installations or inflowing material
cross the radar pulses. The following exam­ples and instructions show the most frequent
measuring problems and how to avoid them.

Vessel protrusions

Vessel forms with flat protrusions can make
measurement very difficult due to their strong
false echoes. Baffles mounted above these
flat protrusions scatter the false echoes and
guarantee a reliable measurement.

Correct Incorrect

Vessel protrusions (ledge)

Intake pipes, i.e. for the mixing of materials ­with a flat surface directed towards the sen­sor - should be covered with an angled baffle
that scatters false echoes.

Reference plane

Mounting directly on flat vessel top

Vessel protrusions (intake pipe)

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 11

Correct Incorrect

Mounting and installation

Vessel installations

Vessel installations, such as e.g. ladders,
often cause false echoes. Make sure when
planning your measuring location that the
radar signals have free access to the meas­ured product.

Correct Incorrect

Ladder

Vessel installations

Ladder

Struts

Struts, like other vessel installations, can
cause strong false echoes that are superim­posed on the useful echoes. Small baffles
effectively prevent a direct reception of false
echoes. These false echoes are scattered
and diffused in the surrounding space and
are then filtered out as "echo noise“ by the
measuring electronics.

Inflowing material

Do not mount the instrument in or above the
filling stream. Ensure that you detect the
product surface and not the inflowing mate­rial.

Correct

Inflowing material

Incorrect

Buildup

If the sensor is mounted too close to the
vessel wall, product buildup and other de­posits on the vessel wall cause false echoes.
Position the sensor at a sufficient distance
from the vessel wall. Please also note chapter
"4.1 General installation instructions“.

Correct

Incorrect

Correct Incorrect

Shields

Struts

12 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Buildup

24 101-EN-041227

Mounting and installation

Strong product movements

Strong turbulence in the vessel, e.g. caused
by powerful stirrers or strong chemical reac­tions, can seriously interfere with the meas­urement. A surge or bypass tube (see
illustration) of sufficient size always enables
reliable and problem-free measurement even
if strong turbulence occurs in the vessel,
provided there is no product buildup in the
tube.

Correct Incorrect

> 500 mm

100 %

75 %

0 %

Strong product movements

Products tending to slight buildup can be
detected by using a measuring tube with
150 mm nominal width or more. In a measur­ing tube of this size, buildup does not cause
any problems.

2.4 Common installation mistakes

Socket piece too long

If the sensor is mounted in a socket exten­sion that is too long, strong false echoes are
generated which interfere with the measure­ment. Make sure that the horn antenna pro­trudes at least 10 mm out of the socket piece.

Correct Incorrect

> 10 mm

Correct and incorrect socket length

Parabolic effects on dished or arched
vessel tops

Round or parabolic tank tops act on the radar
signals like a parabolic mirror. If the radar
sensor is placed at the focal point of such a
parabolic tank top, the sensor receives am­plified false echoes. The optimum mounting
location is generally in the range of half the
vessel radius from the centre.

Correct

< 10 mm

1

/

2

radius

Incorrect

Incorrect

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 13

Mounting on a vessel with parabolic tank top

Mounting and installation

Wrong orientation to the product

Weak measuring signals are generated if the
sensor is not directly pointed at the product
surface. Orient the sensor axis perpendicu­larly to the product surface to achieve opti­mum measuring results.

Correct Incorrect

Ladder

Direct sensor vertically to the product surface

Ladder

Sensor too close to the vessel wall

If the radar sensor is mounted too close to
the vessel wall, strong false echoes can be
caused. Buildup, rivets, screws or weld joints
superimpose their echoes onto the product
i.e. useful echo. Please ensure a sufficient
distance from the sensor to the vessel wall.

If there are good reflection conditions (liquid
medium, no vessel installations), we recom­mend locating the sensor where there is no
vessel wall within the inner emission cone. For
products in less favourable reflection envi­ronments, it is a good idea to also keep the
outer emission cone free of interfering instal­lations. Note chapter "4.1 General installation
instructions“.

Foam generation

Thick, dense and creamy foam on the prod­uct can cause incorrect measurements. Take
measures to avoid foam, measure in a by­pass tube or use another measuring technol­ogy, e.g. capacitive meas. probes or
hydrostatic pressure transmitters.

Foam generation

Sensor too close to the vessel wall

14 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Electrical connection

3 Electrical connection

3.1 Connection and connection
cable

Note!

In Ex applications, grounding on both ends is
not allowed due to potential transfer.

Safety information

As a rule, do all connecting work in the com­plete absence of line voltage. Always switch
off the power supply before you carry out
connecting work on the radar sensors. Pro­tect yourself and the instruments, especially
when using sensors which do not operate
with low voltage.

Qualified personnel

Instruments which are not operated with
protective low voltage or DC voltage must
only be connected by qualified personnel.

Connection and screening

A standard two or four-wire cable (sensors
with separate supply) with max. 2.5 mm
cross-section can be used for connection.
Quite often, the "electromagnetic pollution"
caused by electronic actuators, energy ca­bles and transmitting stations is so consider­able that the sensor cable should be
screened.

We recommend the use of screened cable.
Screening is also a good preventative meas­ure against future sources of interference.
Ground the cable screen preferably on the
sensor.

It is a good idea to ground the cable screen
on both ends. However, you must make sure
that no ground equalisation currents flow
through the cable screening. Ground equali­sation currents can be avoided by potential
equalisation systems. If ground equalisation
cables are not available, grounding on both
ends can be realised by connecting (e.g. in
the switching cabinet) one end via a capaci-

1)

tor

to the ground potential. Use a very low­resistance ground connection (foundation,
plate or mains earth).

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 15

2

wire

Ex protection

If an instrument is used in hazardous areas,
the respective regulations, conformity certifi­cates and type approvals for systems in Ex
areas must be noted (e.g. DIN 0165).

Intrinsically safe circuits must not be con­nected with more than one active instrument
(i.e. an instrument delivering electrical en­ergy) must not be connected. Please note
the special installation regulations (DIN 0165).

Connection cable

Make sure that the connection cables are
specified for the expected conditions in your
systems. The cable must have an outer diam­eter between 5 and 9 mm (1/2 to 1/3 inch), or
with Ex d housing, 3.1 … 8.7 mm (0.12 to

0.34 inch). Otherwise, the seal effect of the
cable entry would not be ensured.

Cables for intrinsically safe circuits must be
marked blue and may not be used for other
circuits.

Earth conductor terminal

On VEGAPULS 54 sensors, the earth con­ductor terminal is galvanically connected to
the flange.

1)

max. 10 nF, e.g. voltage resistance 1500 V,
ceramic.

Electrical connection

3.2 Connecting the sensor

After mounting the sensor at the measure­ment location according to the instructions in
chapter "4 Mounting and installation“, loosen
the closing screw on top of the sensor. The
sensor lid with the optional indication display
can then be opened. Unscrew the sleeve nut
and slip it over the connection cable (after
removing about 10 cm of cable mantle). The
sleeve nut of the cable entry has a self-lock­ing ratchet that prevents it from opening on
its own.

Version with plastic housing

Power supply
4 … 20 mA (passive)

+

-

1)

To the indicating instrument in the
sensor lid or to the external indicating
instrument VEGADIS 50

Now insert the cable through the cable entry
into the sensor. Screw the sleeve nut back
onto the cable entry and clamp the stripped
wires of the cable into the proper terminal
positions.

The terminals hold the wire without a screw.
Press the white opening levers with a small
screwdriver and insert the copper core of the
connection cable into the terminal opening.
Check the hold of the individual wires in the
terminals by lightly pulling on them.

Power supply

4 … 20 mA (active)

-

+

+

-

2)

12 C 567843

12 C 5678

Commu-

+-

4...20 mA

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

nication

Display

+

ESC

-

OK

Two-wire technology in
plastic housing

(loop powered)

1)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the sensor
consumes a level-dependent current of
4 … 20 mA (consumer).

Terminals
(max. 2.5 mm
wire cross-section)

Sockets for connection of
the HART
the VEGACONNECT

Pluggable
adjustment
module
MINICOM

2

®

handheld or

12 C 567843

12 C 567843

(+) (-)

L1 N

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

Commu-

nication

-

+ -

4...20 mA

+

Display

ESC

OK

Opening
tabs

Four-wire technology in
plastic housing

(separate supply)

2)

4 … 20 mA active means that the sensor provides
a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA (current
source).

16 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Electrical connection

ESC

OK

ESC

OK

Ver sion with aluminium housing

Two-wire technology

(loop powered)

4 … 20 mA passive

+

-

1)

To the indicating instrument in the
sensor lid or to the external indicating
instrument VEGADIS 50

M20 x 1.5
(diameter of the
connection cable
5…9 mm)

Four-wire technology

4 … 20 mA active

+

Voltage supply

M20 x 1.5
(diameter of
the connection
cable
6…9 mm) M20 x 1.5

+

-

2)

-

To the indicating
instrument in the sensor
lid or to the external
indicating instrument
VEGADIS 50

12 C 567843

12 C 5 6 7 843

(+) (-)

Commu­nication+-4...20mA

-

+

Display

ESC

OK

L1 N

1)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the sensor
consumes a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA
(consumer).

Sockets for connec­tion of
VEGACONNECT
(communication
sockets)

2)

4 … 20 mA active means that the sensor provides
a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA (current
source).

12 C 567843

12 C 5 6 7 843

(+) (-)

Commu-

L1 N

nication+-4...20mA

-

Display

ESC

+

OK

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 17

Electrical connection

ESC

OK

ESC

OK

Ver sion with aluminium housing and pressure-tight encapsulated terminal
compartment

Two-wire EEx d terminal compartment

(opening in Ex atmosphere not allowed)

Power supply

-+

Locking of the cover

ser.no ********

R

FM

ATEX

APPROVED

Supply: 20...36V DC/4...20mA HART

R

-+

IS

21

GND

Exd terminal compart­ment

1

/2“ NPT EEx d
diameter of the
connection cable

3.1…8.7 mm
(0.12…0.34 inch)

Two-wire adjustment module terminal
compartment

(opening in Ex area permitted)

Exd safe connection to the
Exd terminal compartment

1

/2“ NPT EEx d
diameter of the
connection cable
to the Exd
terminal com­partment

3.1…8.7 mm
(0.12…0.34 inch)

12 C 5678

12 C 5 6 7 8

(+) (-)

Commu­nication

Display

ESC

-

+

OK

L1 N

Four-wire EEx d terminal compartment Four-wire adjustment module terminal

compartment

(opening in Ex area permitted)

Exd safe connection to the
Exd terminal compartment

1

/2“ NPT EEx d

Locking of the cover

Exd terminal
compartment

1

/2“ NPT EEx d
diameter of the
connection cable
to the Exd terminal
compartment

3.1…8.7 mm
(0.12…0.34 inch)

12

+-

-+-+

Power supply

R

20...72V DC

20...250V AC

4...20mAsupply

543

R

HART

IS

+-

GND

ser.no ********

4 ... 20 mA

18 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

diameter of the
connection cable
to the Exd
terminal com­partment

3.1…8.7 mm
(0.12…0.34 inch)

12 C 5678

12 C 5 6 7 8

(+) (-)

Commu­nication

Display

ESC

-

+

OK

L1 N

24 101-EN-041227

Electrical connection

ESC

OK

ESC

OK

3.3 Connecting the external indicat­ing instrument VEGADIS 50

Loosen the four screws of the housing lid on
VEGADIS 50.
The connection procedure can be facilitated
by fixing the housing cover during connec­tion work with one or two screws on the right
of the housing.

Four-wire sensor in aluminium housing

(separate supply)

OUTPUT
(to the sensor)

SENSOR

Power supply

+

-

DISPLAY
(in the lid of the indicating
instrument)

DISPLAY1234 56 78

4 … 20 mA
active

VEGADIS 50

Adjustment
module

+

ESC

-

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

OK

Screws

Two-wire sensor in aluminium housing

(loop powered)

4 … 20 mA
passive

+

-

to VEGADIS 50 or to the
display in the sensor lid

M20x1.5

12 C 567843

12 C 5 6 7 843

(+) (-)

Commu­nication+-4...20mA

-

+

Display

ESC

OK

12 C 567843

12 C 5 6 7 843

(+) (-)
L1 N

Commu­nication+-4...20mA

-

+

L1 N

Display

ESC

OK

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 19

Electrical connection

3.4 Configuration of measuring systems

A measuring system consists of a sensor
with 4 … 20 mA signal output and a unit that
evaluates and further processes the level­proportional current signal.

On the following pages, you will see a
number of instrument configurations, desig­nated as "measuring systems“, some of
which are shown with signal processing
units.

Measuring systems with VEGAPULS 54K on any voltage source

• Two-wire technology (loop powered), supply and output signal via one two-wire cable.

• Output signal 4 … 20 mA (passive).

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
into the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

VEGADIS 50

®

handheld or the adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged

Measuring systems in two-wire technol­ogy:

• 4 … 20 mA shown without processing unit

• 4 … 20 mA on active PLC

• 4 … 20 mA on active PLC (Ex area),

• 4 … 20 mA on passive PLC

• 4 … 20 mA on indicating instrument
VEGADIS 371 Ex

Measuring systems in four-wire technol­ogy:

• 4 … 20 mA shown without signal condition­ing instrument

4

20 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

4 … 20 mA

1)

-

> 250 Ω

+

HART® handheld

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC
would not be ensured.

24 101-EN-041227

Electrical connection

Measuring system with VEGAPULS 54K on active PLC

• Two-wire technology, power supply from active PLC.

• Output signal 4 … 20 mA (passive).

• Measured value display integrated in the sensor.

• Optional external indicating instrument (can be mounted up to 25 m away from the sensor in
Ex area).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
into the sensor or into the external indication instrument).

VEGADIS 50

®

handheld or the adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged

4

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems

2

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

2

connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC
would not be ensured.

4 … 20 mA

2)

passive

1)

2

PLC (active)

HART® handheld

2)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the sensor

3)

consumes a level-dependent current of
4 … 20 mA. The sensor reacts electrically like a
varying resistor (consumer) to the PLC.

3)

4 … 20 mA active means that the PLC delivers a
level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA. The PLC
reacts electrically like a current source.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 21

Electrical connection

Measuring system with VEGAPULS 54K in four-wire technology

• Four-wire technology, power supply and output signal via two separate two-wire cables.

• Output signal 4 … 20 mA active.

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital indication (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

• max. resistance on the signal output (load) 500 Ω

VEGADIS 50

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

4

2

2

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC
would not be ensured.

2

-

2

1)

250 Ω

2)

+

4 … 20 mA

2)

(active)

HART® handheld

4 … 20 mA active means that the sensor delivers
a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA (source).
The sensor reacts electrically in the processing
system (e.g. indication) like a current source.

24 101-EN-041227

22 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Electrical connection

Measuring system with VEGAPULS 54K via separator in Ex areas on active
PLC (Ex ia)

• Two-wire technology (loop powered), power supply via the signal line of the PLC; output
signal 4 … 20 mA (passive).

• Separator transfers the non intrinsically safe PLC circuit to the intrinsically safe circuit, so
that the sensor can be used in Ex zone 1 or Ex zone 0.

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

VEGADIS 50

4

Zone 0 or
Zone 1

Ex area

EEx ia

Non Ex area

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

Barriers (e.g. Stahl)
(see "3.2 Approvals“)

4 … 20 mA

passive

2

2

1)

2

2)

PLC (active)

HART® handheld

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be

2)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the sensor or the
PLC consumes a level-dependent current of
4 … 20 mA. The PLC reacts electrically like a
varying resistor (consumer) to the PLC. The PLC
operates actively, i.e. as current or voltage

source.
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC
would not be ensured.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 23

Electrical connection

Measuring system with VEGAPULS 54K via separator (Smart-Transmitter)
on passive PLC

• Two-wire technology (loop powered), intrinsically safe ia supply via the signal cable of the
separator for operation of the sensor in Ex zone 1

• Output signal sensor 4 … 20 mA passive.

• Output signal separator 4 … 20 mA active

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

Ex area Non Ex area

VEGADIS 50

EEx ia

4

or
Zone 1

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

-

2)

+

PLC (passive)

HART® handheldZone 0

3)

Separator (e.g. VEGATRENN 149 Ex see
"3.2 Approvals“)

2

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

1)

4 … 20 mA

(active)

2

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC

2)

4 … 20 mA active means that the separator
delivers a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA
The separator reacts electrically to the PLC like a
current source.

3)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the PLC consumes
a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA. The PLC
reacts electrically like a varying resistor (con­sumer).

would not be ensured.

24 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Electrical connection

Measuring system with VEGAPULS 54K on VEGADIS 371 Ex indicating
instrument with current and relay output

• Two-wire technology (loop powered), intrinsically safe ia supply via the signal cable of the
VEGADIS 371 Ex indicating instrument for operation of the sensor in Ex zone 1

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

Ex area Non Ex area

VEGADIS 50

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

-

+

EEx ia

4

2

2

4 ... 20 mA

(passive)

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

Zone 0 or
Zone 1

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance of 250 Ω up to 350 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC
would not be ensured.

1)

VEGADIS
371 Ex

(see „3.2 Approvals“)

HART® handheld

Relay

0/4 … 20 mA

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 25

Electrical connection

VEGAPULS 54K Ex (loop powered) with pressure-tight encapsulated
connection compartment on active PLC

• Two-wire technology, supply via the cable from active PLC to Exd connection housing for
operation in Ex-Zone 1 (VEGAPULS …K Ex) or Ex-Zone 0 (VEGAPULS …K Ex0).

• Output signal 4 … 20 mA (passive).

• Measured value display integrated in the sensor.

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor in Ex area).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

Ex area

VEGADIS 50 Ex

Non Ex area

EEx d ia EEx e

4

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems

2

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

2

connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance between 250 Ω up to 300 Ω.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC or
the HART

®

handheld would not be ensured.

4 … 20 mA

2)

passive

1)

2

PLC (active)

®

HART
handheld

2)

4 … 20 mA passive means that the sensor
consumes a level-dependent current of
4 … 20 mA. The sensor reacts electrically like a
varying resistor (consumer) to the PLC.

24 101-EN-041227

26 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Electrical connection

VEGAPULS 54K Ex with pressure-tight encapsulated connection
compartment in four-wire technology

• Four-wire technology, supply and output signal via two separate two-wire cables for opera­tion in Ex-Zone 1 (VEGAPULS …K Ex) or Ex-Zone 0 (VEGAPULS …K Ex0).

• Output signal 4 … 20 mA (active).

• Optional external indicating instrument with analogue and digital display (can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor in Ex area).

• Adjustment with PC, HART
the sensor or into the external indicating instrument VEGADIS 50).

• Load max. 500 Ω.

®

handheld or adjustment module MINICOM (can be plugged into

Ex area

VEGADIS 50 Ex

4

EEx d ia

Non Ex area

2

VEGA­CONNECT 2

2

-

2

1)

250 Ω

+

4 … 20 mA

2)

active

2

HART® handheld

1)

If the resistance of the processing systems
connected to the 4 … 20 mA signal output is less
than 200 Ω, a resistor must be connected to the
connection cable during adjustment to get a loop
resistance between 250 Ω up to 300 Ω.

2)

4 … 20 mA active means that the sensor delivers
a level-dependent current of 4 … 20 mA (source).
The measuring signal of the sensor reacts
electrically to the processing system (e.g. display)

like a current source.
The digital adjustment signal would otherwise be
severely damped or short-circuited due to
insufficient resistance of the connected process­ing system. Digital communication with the PC or
the HART

24 101-EN-041227

®

handheld would not be ensured.

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 27

4 Set-up

Set-up

4.1 Adjustment media

Radar sensors can be adjusted with the

- PC (adjustment software PACT

- detachable adjustment module
MINICOM

®

- HART

handheld.
The adjustment must be carried out with only
one adjustment device. If, for example, you
attempt to adjust the parameters with the
MINICOM and the HART

®

handheld at the

same time, the adjustment will not work.

PC

With the adjustment program PACT
the PC, you can adjust the radar sensors
quickly and conveniently. The PC communi­cates via the interface adapter
VEGACONNECT 3 with the sensor. During
the process, a digital adjustment signal is
superimposed on the signal and supply
cable. The adjustment can be carried out
directly on the sensor or at any desired loca­tion along the signal cable.

Adjustment module MINICOM

With the adjustment module MINICOM, you
adjust directly in the sensor or in the external
indicating instrument VEGADIS 50. With a
dialogue text display and 6 keys, the module
offers the same adjustment functionality as
the adjustment software VVO.

®

HART

handheld

VEGAPULS radar sensors, like other HART
protocol compatible instruments, can be
adjusted with the HART

®

handheld. A manu­facturer-specific DDD (Data-Device-Descrip­tion) is not required. The radar sensors are
adjusted with the HART

®

standard menus. All
main functions are therefore accessible.
Functions that are rarely used, such as, for
example, scaling of the A/D converter for
signal output or adjustment with medium, are
not possible or are blocked with the HART
handheld. These functions must be carried
out with the PC or the MINICOM.

ware

ware

TM

)

TM

on

®

4.2 Adjustment with PC

When using a sensor in conjunction with a
VEGA signal conditioning instrument, use a
communication resistor according to the
following schedule:

VEGA signal conditioning instr. Rx

VEGAMET 513, 514, 515, 602 50 … 100 Ohm

VEGAMET 614 no additional
VEGADIS 371 resistor

necessary

VEGAMET 601 200 … 250 Ohm

VEGASEL 643 150 … 200 Ohm

VEGAMET 513 S4, 514 S4
515 S4, VEGALOG EA card 100 … 150 Ohm

®

24 101-EN-041227

28 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Set-up

+

-

PLC

Ri ≥ 250 Ω

+

250 Ω

-

PLC

Ri < 250 Ω

Rx

VEGAMET/VEGALOG

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 29

Set-up

4.3 Adjustment with adjustment

module MINICOM

You can set up and operate the sensor with
the small, detachable adjustment module
MINICOM as well as with the PC. The adjust­ment module is simply plugged into the sen­sor or into the external indicating instrument
(optional).

ESC

+

-

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

OK

2

4 ... 20 mA

ESC

+

-

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

OK

4

The adjustment module, like the adjustment
program VVO on the PC, provides adjust­ment options for all sensor versions. There
are some differences with MINICOM, how­ever. It is not possible to enter your own
linearisation curve. This must be done with
the PC.

You carry out all adjustment steps with the 6
keys of the adjustment module. A small dis­play shows you, apart from the measured
value, a short message on the menu item or
the value entered in a menu item.

The volume of information of the small display,
however, cannot be compared with that of the
adjustment program VVO, but you will soon
get used to it and be able to carry out your
adjustments quickly and efficiently with the
small MINICOM.

Error codes:

E013 No valid measured value

- Sensor in the warm-up phase

- Loss of the useful echo
E017 Adjustment span too small
E036 Sensor program not operating

- Sensor must be reprogrammed

(service)

- Fault signal also appears during

programming

E040 Hardware failure, electronics

defective

Adjustment steps

On pages 34 and 35 you will find the com­plete menu schematic of the adjustment mod­ule MINICOM.
Set up the sensor in the numbered se­quence:

1. Measuring tube adjustments (only for

measurement in a standpipe)

2. Operating range

3. Adjustment

4. Conditioning

5. Meas. conditions

6. False echo storage (only required when

errors occur during operation).

7. Indication of the useful and noise level

8.Outputs
Short explanations to the setup steps 1 … 8
follow.

1. Measurement in a standpipe

Adjustment is only necessary if the sensor is
mounted in a standpipe (surge or bypass
tube). When measuring in a standpipe, do a
sounding of the distance and correct the
measured value display (which can differ
several percent from the sounded value)
according to the sounding. From then on, the
sensor corrects running time shift of the ra­dar signal and displays the correct value of
the level in the standpipe (measuring tube).

24 101-EN-041227

30 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Set-up

2. Operating range

Without special adjustment, the operating
range corresponds to the measuring range.
It is generally advantageous to set the oper­ating range slightly larger (approx. 5 %) for
than for the measuring range.

Example:
Min./max. adjustment: 1.270 … 5.850 m;
adjust operating range to approx.

1.000 … 6.000 m.

3. Adjustment

Max.

Min.

Under the menu item "
the sensor of the measuring range it should
operate in.

You can carry out the adjustment with or
without medium (dry adjustment). Generally,
you will carry out the adjustment without me­dium, as you can then adjust without a filling/
emptying cycle.

100 % (1.270 m) correspond
to 1200 liters

Span (4.58 m)

0 % (5.850 m) corresponds
to 45 liters

Adjustment

“ you inform

Adjustment without medium

(adjustment independent of the level)

Key entry Display indication

Sensor

m(d)

4.700

Para-

OK

OK

OK

OK

meter

Adjust­ment

w.o
medium

Ad­just­ment
in

m(d)

(min. adjustment)

The distance indication flashes

+

and you can choose "feet“ and
"m“.

OK

+ –

or

Confirm the adjustment with
"

OK

“.

m(d)

0.0%

at

m (d)

XX.XXX

Ad­just­ment
in

With "+“ and "–“ you adjust the
percentage value for the min.
value (example 0.0 %).

The entered percentage value

OK

is written in the sensor and the
min. distance value corres­ponding to that percentage
value flashes.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 31

Set-up

+ –

or

With the "
assign a level distance (exam-

+

“ or "–“ key you can

ple 5.85 m) to the previously
adjusted percentage value. If
you do not know the distance,
you have to do a sounding.

The adjusted product dis-

OK

tance is written in the sensor
and the display stops flash­ing.

You thereby adjusted the lower product dis­tance as well as the percentage filling value
corresponding to the lower product distance.

Note:

For level detection outside the operating range,
the operating range must be corrected accord­ingly in the menu "

ing range“

Sensor optimisation/Operat-

.

100.0%

at

m (d)

XX.XXX

(max. adjustment)

Now you make the max. adjustment (upper
product distance) (example: 100 % and

1.270 m product distance). First, enter the
percentage value and then the product dis­tance corresponding to that percentage value.

Note:

The difference between the adjustment val­ues of the lower product distance and the
upper product distance should be as big as
possible, preferably at 0 % and 100 %. If the
values are very close together, e.g. lower
product distance at 40 % (3.102 m) and
upper product distance at 45 % (3.331 m),
the measurement will be less accurate. A
characteristic curve is generated from the
two points. Even the smallest deviations
between actual product distance and en­tered product distance will considerably
influence the slope of the characteristic
curve. If the adjustment points are too close
together, small errors inflate to considerably
larger ones when the 0 % or the 100 % value
is outputted.

Adjustment with medium

with
medium

Min.

Max.

adjust

adjust

at %

at %

XXX.X

XXX.X

Fill the vessel e.g. to 10 % and enter 10 % in
the menu "

Min. adjust

“ with the "+“ and "–“
keys. Then fill the vessel, e.g. to 80 % or
100 % and enter 80 % or 100 % in the menu
"

Max. adjust

“ with the "+“ and "–“ keys.

4. Conditioning

Signal
condit
ioning

Scal
ing

0 %

corres

Deci-

prop.

corres

ponds

ponds

XXXX

Under the menu item "

XXXX

mal
point

888.8

Conditioning

assign a product distance at 0 % and at 100
% filling. Then, you enter the parameter and
the physical unit as well as the decimal point.

Enter in the menu window "
the numerical value of the 0 % filling. In the
example of the adjustment with the PC and
the adjustment software VVO, this would be
45 for 45 liters.

• Confirm with "

OK

“.

With the "—>“ key you switch to the 100 %
menu. Enter here the numerical value of your
parameter corresponding to a 100 % filling.
In the example 1200 for 1200 liters.

Unit

to

Mass

Kg

“, you

0 % corresponds

“

24 101-EN-041227

32 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Set-up

• Confirm with "OK“.

If necessary, choose a decimal point. How­ever, note that only max. 4 digits can be
displayed. In the menu "

prop. to

“ you choose
the physical quantity (mass, volume, dis­tance…) and in the menu "
unit (kg, l, ft

3

, gal, m3 …).

Unit

“ the physical

Linearisation:

Adjust
ment

Signal
condit
ioning

Scal
ing

Lin.
curve

Linear

Integra
tion
time

0 s

A linear correlation between the percentage
value of the product distance and percent­age value of the filling volume has been pre­set. With the menu "Lin. curve“ you can
choose between linear, spherical tank and
cylindrical tank. The generation of a custom­ized linearisation curve is only possible with
the PC and the adjustment program VVO.

5. Meas. conditions

(see menu schematic)

7. Useful level, noise level

In the menu

you get important information on the signal
quality of the product echo. The greater the
"S-N“ value, the more reliable the measure­ment (menu schematic MINICOM).

Ampl.: means amplitude of the level echo in

S-N: means Signal-Noise, i.e. the useful

The greater the "S-N“ value (difference be­tween the amplitudes of the useful signal level
and the noise level), the better the measure­ment:
> 50 dB Measurement excellent
40 … 50 dB Measurement very good
20 … 40 dB Measurement good
10 … 20 dB Measurement satisfactory
5 … 10 dB Measurement sufficient
< 5 dB Measurement poor

Example:

Ampl. = 68 dB
S-N = 53 dB

Ampl.:

XX dB

S-N:

XX

dB

dB (useful level)

level minus the level of the back­ground noise

6. False echo storage

A false echo storage is always useful when
unavoidable false echo sources (e.g. struts)
must be minimised. By creating a false echo
storage, you authorise the sensor electronics
to record the false echoes and save them in
an internal database. The sensor electronics

68 dB – 53 dB = 15 dB

This means that the noise level is only
68 dB – 53 dB = 15 dB.

A 15 dB noise level and a 53 dB signal differ­ence yield a high degree of measurement
reliability.

treats these (false) echoes differently from
the useful echoes and filters them out.

8. Outputs

Under the menu "Outputs“ you determine, for
example, whether the current output should
be inverted, or which unit of measurement
should be shown on the sensor display.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 33

Menu schematic for the adjustment module MINICOM

Sensor

m(d)

4.700

Para­meter

Sensor
opti­mize

PULS

After switching on, the sensor

54

type and the software version are

K

displayed for a few seconds.

2.00

Confi­gura­tion

Set-up

®

Multidrop operation (HART
dress):

• Sensor address zero: The sensor outputs
beside the 4…20 mA signal also a digital

®

(HART

) level signal.

• Sensor address 1…15: the sensor delivers
only a digital (HART®) level signal. The
sensor current is frozen to 4 mA (power
supply).

sensor ad-

Sensor
Tag

Verdam

pfer

Meas.
enviro
nment

2.

Opera­ting
range

Begin

3. 4. 8.

Adjust
ment

w.out
medium

m (d)

0.50

with
medium

End

m (d)

6.00

5. 1.

Meas.
condit
ions

Condit

Fast

ion

change

liquid

No

Signal
condit
ioning

Sca­ling

Lin.
curve

Linear

Agitat
ed sur
face
No

Meas­ure in
tube

Tube
diamet

mm (d)

Correc
tion
Now!

Foam­ing
prod.
No

Integr
ation
time

Sensor
addr.

50

OK?

0 s

0

Correc
tion
factor

2,50 %

Correc
tion
Now!

High
dust
level
No

Meas.
unit

m (d)

OK?

Low DK
pro­duct
No

Large
angle
repose
No

Meas­ure in
tube

No

Out­puts

Curr.
out­put

Multi
ple
echo
No

Sensor
displ.

Prop.
to

di­stance

Fail­ure
mode

22mA

Adjust
ment
in

m(d)

Min­adjust
at %

XXX.X

0.0 %

at

m (d)

XX.XXX

Max­adjust
at %

100.0%

at

m (d)

XX.XXX

XXX.X

0 %
corres
ponds

XXXX

100 %
corres
ponds

XXXX

Deci­mal
point

888.8

Prop.
to

Mass

Unit

Kg

Curr.
out­put

4-20mA

34 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Set-up

With these keys you move in
the menu field to the left, right,
top and bottom

ESC

6. 7.

False
echo
memory

Create
new

Meas.
dist.

m (d)

X.XX

Create
new

OK?

Lear­ning!

Simu­lation

Simu­lation
Now!

OK ?

Simu­lation

XXX.X

act.
dist.

m (d)

4.700

Update

Meas.
dist.

m (d)

X.XX

Update
Now!

OK?

Lear­ning!

Simulation:Simulation:

Simulation:

Simulation:Simulation:
One hour after the last simulation
adjustment, the sensor returns
automatically to normal operating
mode.

Error codes:Error codes:

Error codes:

Error codes:Error codes:
E013 No valid measured value

E017 Adjustment span too small
E036 Sensor program not operating

%

E040 Hardware failure

Ampl.:

XX dB

S-N:

XX

dB

Delete

Delete
Now!

OK?

Delet­ing!

- Sensor in the warm-up phase

- Loss of the useful echo

- Sensor must be
reprogrammed (service)

- Fault signal also appears
during programming

Add’l
func­tions

Info

Sensor
Tag

Sensor

Sensor
type

PULS54
K

Reset
to de
fault

Reset
Now!

OK?

Reset
ing!

Act.
dist.
m

High
dust
level
No

Fast
change

Ye s

Serial
no.

X,XX

1094
0213

OK

Lan­guage

Eng­lish

Softw.

Softw.

Vers.

date

2.00

15.09.
1999

Act.

max.
range.

m (d)

7.000

Menu items in bolt print provide
sensor and measured value
information and cannot be
modified in this position.

Light grey menu fields are only
displayed if required (dependent
on the adjustments in other
menus).

White menu items can be
modified with the "+“ or "–“ key
and saved with the "OK“ key.

dist.

m (d)

4.700

Ampl.:
S-N:

Sensor
addr.

XX dB

XX

dB

0

Act.
current

mA

8.565

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 35

4.4 Adjustment with HART® handheld

With any HART® handheld you can set up the
VEGAPULS series 50K radar sensors like all
other HART

®

compatible sensors. A special
DDD (Data Device Description) is not neces­sary.

+

-

Just connect the HART

®

handheld to the
signal cable, after having connected the
sensor to power supply.

Ri ≥ 250 Ω

Set-up

Note:

If the resistance of the power supply is less
than 250 Ohm, a resistor must be connected
into the signal/connection loop during adjust­ment.

250 Ω

Connection to a VEGA signal conditioning
instrument

If you operate a HART

®

compatible sensor on
a VEGA signal conditioning instrument, you
have to connect the sensor via a resistor
(see following table) during HART

®

adjust­ment. This resistor, together with the internal
resistance of the instruments, provides the
value of 250 Ohm required for the HART

®

instrument. An inherent system load resist­ance allows a corresponding reduction of Rx.

The digital adjustment and communication
signals would otherwise be short-circuited
due to insufficient resistance of the supply
current source or the processing system,
and as a result, communication with the sen­sor would not be ensured.

+

-

Ri < 250 Ω

VEGA signal conditioning instr. Rx

VEGAMET 513, 514, 515, 602 50 … 100 Ohm

VEGAMET 614 no additional
VEGADIS 371 resistor

required

VEGAMET 601 200 … 250 Ohm

VEGASEL 643 150 … 200 Ohm

VEGAMET 513 S4, 514 S4
515 S4, VEGALOG EA card 100 … 150 Ohm

24 101-EN-041227

36 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

Set-up

Rx

VEGAMET VEGALOG

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 37

5 Diagnostics

5.1 Simulation

To simulate a certain filling level, you can call
up the function “Simulation” in the adjustment
module MINICOM, in the adjustment software
PACT
You simulate a vessel filling and thereby a
certain sensor current. Please note that con­nected instruments, such as e.g. a PLC,
react according to their settings and will
probably activate alarms or system func­tions. One hour after the last simulation ad­justment, the sensor returns automatically to
standard operating mode.

5.2 Error codes

Display Meaning Rectifying measure

TM

ware

or in the HART® handheld.

Diagnostics

E013 No valid measured value Message is displayed during warm-up phase

- Sensor in the warm-up
phase

- Loss of the useful echo If the message remains, a false echo storage
must be made with the adjustment module
MINICOM in the menu “sensor optimisation” or
better, with the PC and VVO.
If the message still remains, carry out a fresh
adjustment.

E017 Adjustment span too small Carry out a readjustment.

Make sure that the difference between
min. and max. adjustment is at least 10 mm.

E036 Sensor software does not - Sensor must be programmed with new

run software (service)

- Message appears during a software update.

E040 Hardware failure/Electronics Check all connection cables.

defective Contact our service department.

38 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Technical data

6 Technical data

6.1 Technical data

Power supply

Power supply

- four-wire sensor 24 V DC (20 … 72 V DC)

- two-wire sensor 24 V DC (14 … 36 V DC)

- two-wire Ex ia sensor 24 V DC (14 … 29 V DC)

- two-wire Ex d ia sensor 24 V DC (20 … 36 V DC)
Current consumption

- four-wire sensor max. 60 mA

- two-wire sensor max. 22.5 mA
Power consumption

- four-wire sensor max. 200 mW, 1.2 VA

- two-wire sensor 55 … 810 mW
Load

- four-wire sensors max. 500 Ohm

- two-wire sensors see load diagram

230 V AC (20 … 250 V AC), 50/60 Hz
fuse 0.2 A TR

Ω

max. load non-Ex

max. load Ex d ia

Non-Ex and Ex ia

19,5

20

max. voltage limit

non-Ex and
Ex d ia sensors

max. Spannungsgrenze
Ex ia-Sensoren

Exd ia

min. voltage limit when using the HART
adjustment resistance:

- non-Ex and Ex ia sensors

- Ex d ia sensors

25,5

25

29

30 35

36

V

®

Load resistance
(HART® and
VEGACONNECT)

24 101-EN-041227

975

720
670

250

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

14

max. load Ex ia

15

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 39

Technical data

Measuring range

1)

Standard 0 … 20 m

Output signal

4 … 20 mA current signal in two or four-wire technology
Fault signal current signal unchanged,

20.5 mA, 22 mA (adjustable)
Integration time 0 … 999 seconds (adjustable)
Two-wire technology 4 … 20 mA:
The analogue 4 … 20 mA output signal (measuring signal) is transmitted together with the
power supply via one two-wire cable.
Four-wire technology 4 … 20 mA:
Separate power supply. The analogue 4 … 20 mA output signal (measuring signal) is trans­mitted in a cable separate from power supply.

Measured value display (optional)

Liquid crystal indication

- in the sensor scalable output of meas-

ured values as graph

and number

- in the external indicating instrument
powered by the sensor scalable output of

measured values as graph

and number. The display unit can be mounted
up to 25 m away from the sensor

Adjustment

- PC and adjustment software VEGA Visual Operating

- adjustment module MINICOM

®

- HART

Accuracy

handheld

1)

(typical values under reference conditions, all statements relate to the nominal measuring
range)

Characteristics linear
Resolution, general max. 1 mm
Resolution of the output signal 1.6 µA or 0.01 %
Accuracy see diagram

20 mm

10 mm

-10 mm

-20 mm

1,0 m 30 m

Adjustment time > 2 s (dependent on the parameter adjustment)

1)

Min. distance of the antenna to the medium 5 cm

2)

Similar to DIN 16 086, reference conditions acc. to IEC 770, e.g.
temperature 15 °C … 35 °C; moisture 45 % … 75 %; pressure 860 mbar … 1060 mbar

40 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Technical data

Measurement characteristics

1)

(typical values under reference conditions, all statements relate to the nominal measuring
range)

Min. span between

full and empty > 10 mm (recommended > 50 mm)
Frequency 5.8 GHz (USA 6.3 GHz)
Intervals

- two-wire sensor (4 … 20 mA) 1 s

- four-wire sensor 0.5 s
Beam angle (at –3 dB)

- VEGAPULS 54 with DN 150 20°

- VEGAPULS 54 with DN 200 16°
Influence of the process temperature cannot be measured at 0 bar; at 5 bar 0.004 %/

10 K;
at 40 bar 0.03 %/10 K

Influence of the process pressure 0.0265 %/bar

Ambient conditions

Ambient temperature on the housing -20°C … +60°C
Process temperature (flange temp.) -40°C … +200°C

bar

16

-40 0 175 200

˚C

Process pressure/Vessel pressure see diagram

Storage and transport temperature -40°C … +80°C
Protection IP 66 and IP 67
Protection class

- two-wire sensor II

- four-wire sensor I
Overvoltage category III

1)

Similar to DIN 16 086, reference conditions acc. to IEC 770, e.g.
temperature 15 °C … 35 °C; moisture 45 % … 75 %; pressure 860 mbar … 1060 mbar

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 41

Ex-technical data

Comprehensive data in the safety instructions manual (yellow binder)

Connection cables

Two-wire sensors power supply and signal via one

two-wire cable
Four-wire sensors power supply and signal separated
Electrical connection - spring-loaded terminal connection

(max. 2.5 mm

2

)

- plug connection (secure by cable entry)

Cable entry

-ia terminal compartment 1 … 2 x M20 x 1.5 (cable-ø 5 … 9 mm)

- Ex d terminal compartment 1 x

Ground connection max. 4 mm

1

or 2 x

/2“ NPT (cable-ø

3.6 … 8.6 mm or 0.12 … 0.34 inch)

1

/2“ NPT EEx d (cable-ø

3.6 … 8.6 mm or 0.12 … 0.34 inch)

2

Materials

Housing PBT (Valox) or

Aluminium die casting (GD-AlSi 10 Mg)
EEx d connection compartment Aluminium mould casting (GK-AlSi 7 Mg)
Process fitting/Antenna enamel/PTFE
Antenna seal special PTFE seal for enamelled vessels

Weights

DN 150 27 kg
DN 200 41 kg
ANSI 6“ 33 kg
ANSI 8“ 48 kg

Technical data

CE conformity

VEGAPULS series 50 radar sensors meet the protective regulations of EMC (89/336/EWG)
and NSR (73/23/EWG) and R & TTE directive (1999/5/EC).

Conformity was judged acc. to the following standards:
EN 300 683-1: 1997
EN 300 440-1: 1995

I-ETS 300-440
Expert opinion No. 0043052-01/SEE, Notified Body No. 0499

EN 61 326: 1997/A1: 1998 (EMC Emission/Susceptibility)
EN 61 010 - 1: 1993 (NSR)

EN 50 020: 1994 (ATEX)
EN 50 018: 1994
EN 50 014: 1997

42 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Technical data

6.2 Approvals

When radar sensors are used in Ex areas or
on ships, the instruments must be suitable
and approved for the explosion zones and
applications.
The suitability is checked by the approval
authorities and is certified in approval docu­ments.

Please note the attached approval docu­ments when using a sensor in Ex area.

Test and approval authorities

VEGAPULS radar sensors are tested and
approved by the following monitoring, test
and approval authorities:

- PTB

(Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt ­Physical Technical Approval Authority)

- FM

(Factory Mutual Research)

- ABS

(American Bureau of Shipping)

- LRS

(Lloyds Register of Shipping)

- GL

(German Lloyd)

- CSA

(Canadian Standards Association)

Intrinsically safe in Ex environment

Sensors in EEx ia (intrinsically safe) version
require for use in Ex areas special separa­tors or safety barriers. The separators or
safety barriers provide intrinsically safe (ia)
circuits. Below, a selection of instruments with
which the sensors work reliably. The resist­ance of the signal cable must not exceed 15
Ω per wire.

Separator and signal conditioning instru­ment:

- VEGADIS 371 Ex

- A puissance 3 PROFSI 37-24070A

- VEGAMET 614 Ex

- Apparatebau Hundsbach
AH MS 271-B41EEC 010

Separator, safety barrier:

- Stahl 9001/01/280/110/10

- Stahl 9001/51/280/110/14

- MTL 787 S+

- CEAG CS 3/420-106

Separator:

- VEGATRENN 149 Ex…

- Stahl 9303/15/22/11

- CEAG GHG 124 3111 C1206

Pressure-tight encapsulated in Ex area

Sensors in EEx d ia (pressure-tight encapsu­lated) version can be used in Ex areas with­out special safety barriers due to their
pressure-tight encapsulated terminal com­partment (provided the appropriate installa­tion regulations are observed).

SIL conformity and IEC 61508 /
IEC 61511

VEGAPULS radar sensors meet the require­ments of functional safety acc. to IEC 61508 /
IEC 61511. For further information see Sup­plement under „Safety Manual“.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 43

6.3 Dimensions

External indicating instrument VEGADIS 50

38

ø5

48

10

Pg 13,5

Mounting on carrier rail 35 x 7.5 acc. to EN 50 022 or flat
screwed

118

108

135

Flange dimensions acc. to ANSI

d

2

d

f

1

k

D

82

b

Technical data

Note:

The diameter of the connection cable should
be min. 5 mm and max. 9 mm.

85

Otherwise the seal effect of the cable entry
would not be ensured.

D = outer flange diameter
b = flange thickness
k = diameter of hole circle
d

= seal ledge diameter

1

f = seal ledge thickness

1

/16" = approx. 1.6 mm

d

= diameter of holes

2

Size Flange Seal ledge Holes

Db k d1No. d

2

2" 150 psi 152.4 20.7 120.7 91.9 4 19.1
3" 150 psi 190.5 25.5 152.4 127.0 4 19.1
4" 150 psi 228.6 25.5 190.5 157.2 8 19.1
6" 150 psi 279.4 27.0 241.3 215.9 8 22.4

Adjustment module MINICOM

Tank 1
m (d)

12.345

67,5

44 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

ESC

+

-

32,5

OK

Adjustment module for insertion into sensors
or into the external indicating instrument
VEGADIS 50

74

24 101-EN-041227

Technical data

VEGAPULS 54K enamel

PBT

201

165

10˚

322

182

91

101

M20x1,5

Aluminium

370

205

Aluminium with
Exd terminal
compartment

215
185

116

25

370

M20x1,5

215

185

205

116

25

½" NPT

PBT: 53
Al: 78

PBT: 53

22

30

196

ø 144
ø 212

ø22

ø 240

ø 285

DN 150 PN 16 DN 200 PN 10

45˚

Al: 78

PBT: 483

Al : 531

ø 162
ø 268

ø22

ø 295

ø 340

34

24

PBT: 535

Al: 583

242

45˚

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 45

Supplement

Supplement
Safety Manual

Functional safety acc. to IEC 61508 / IEC 61511

®

VEGAPULS series 50 radar sensors; 4 … 20 mA/HART

1 General

1.1 Validity

This safety manual applies to VEGAPULS series 50 radar sensors in two-wire version
4 … 20 mA/HART®, called “measuring system” in the following.

1.2 Area of application

The measuring system can be used for the following functions which meet the specific require­ments of the safety technology:

- overfill protection

- dry run protection

- detection of an individual level

The functions can be also used simultaneously.

The functions can be used in the low demand mode as well as in the mode of operation with
high demand or continuous mode.

compact sensor

The measuring system is qualified in all modes to meet the requirement degree SIL2 acc. to
IEC 61508-2 / IEC 61511-1.

The measuring system is designed for 15 years of use in safety-related applications.

In safety-related systems with an architecture 1oo2D and the requirement SIL3, the measuring
system must be combined with a second, different measuring system (diversely redundant).
The safety-related characteristics must be calculated separately.

1.3 Relevant standards

• IEC 61508 part 1, 2, 4
Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic systems

• IEC 61511-1
Functional safety – safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector –
Part 1: Framework, definitions, system, hardware and software requirements

46 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Supplement

1.4 Determination of safety-related characteristics

The failure limit values for a safety function, depending on the SIL class.

Safety integritySafety integrity

Safety integrity Low demand mode High demand or continuous

Safety integritySafety integrity

level mode

SIL PFD

4 >10-5 up to <10

3 >10-4 up to <10

2 >10-3 up to <10

1 >10-2 up to <10

avg

-4

-3

-2

-1

(from IEC 61508, part 1/7.6.2)

Safety integrity of the hardware:
Limitations due to the architecture for safety-related subsystems of type B

Safe failure fraction SFF Hardware fault tolerance HFT

0 1 (0)

< 60 % not allowed SIL 1 SIL 2

60 % up to < 90 % SIL 1 SIL 2 SIL 3

90 % up to < 99 % SIL 2 SIL 3 (SIL 4)

> 99 % SIL 3 (SIL 4) (SIL 4)

(from IEC 61508, part 2/7.4.3)

1)

Acc. to IEC 61511-1, paragraph 11.4.4 the fault tolerance specified acc. to the above chart can be reduced
by one for all subsystems if the following conditions are met:

- instrument has proven during operation

- only process-relevant parameters can be modified on the instrument (e.g. measuring range, …)

- the adjustment of this process-relevant parameters is protected (e.g. password, …)

- the safety function needs less than SIL 4

PFH

>10-9 up to <10

>10-8 up to <10

>10-7 up to <10

>10-6 up to <10

1)

-8

-7

-6

-5

2

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 47

Supplement

2 Planning

2.1 Low demand mode

If the demand rate is only once a year, then the measuring system can be used as safety­relevant subsystem in „low demand mode“ (see IEC 61508-4, 3.5.12).

Corresponding characteristics : PFD
It is dependent on the test interval T

(average probability of dangerous failure on demand).

avg

between the function tests of the protective function.

Proof

2.2 High demand or continuous mode

If the demand rate is more than once a year, the measuring system must be used as safety­relevant subsystem in „high demand or continuous mode“ (see IEC 61508-4, 3.5.12).

The fault reaction time of the measuring system must be set to less than or at the most, equal
to the fault tolerance time of the total system. The smallest fault reaction time of the measuring
system is 60 sec.

Corresponding characteristics: PFH (probability of a dangerous failure per hour)

2.3 General

The safe condition of the measuring system in case of failure is defined for both modes of
operation at an output current > 21 mA. An output current < 3.6 mA and > 21 mA must be
configured as alarm in the processing unit.

Definition of a dangerous undetected failure:

- the instrument does not react to the demand of the process

- the output current deviates by more than 2 % from the actual value.

Otherwise the tolerance data in the operating instructions manual are applicable. Make sure
that the measuring system is used as it was intended for the application (see operating in­structions manual). The application-specific limits must be complied with and the specifications
must not be exceeded (see operating instructions manual). Use only in products against
which the materials of the antenna system are sufficiently chemically resistant.

48 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Supplement

3 Set-up

3.1 Mounting and installation

The prevailing plant conditions influence the safety of the measuring system. Therefore note
the mounting and installation instructions of the appropriate operating instructions manual.

3.2 Adjustment instructions and parameter settings

Adjustment instructions

The activation of the measuring system as safety-relevant subsystem is only possible via PC
adjustment programs. Not all safety-relevant parameters can be adjusted with the adjustment
module MINICOM. The set parameters must be checked and protected against unauthorised
access (password, screwed housing cover, …).

General instructions, see operating instructions manual

Parameter settings

The following software versions are required:

- Sensor software: from 4.50.00

- DTM-Collection: from 10/2003

With the adjustment program PACT
Device Type Manager (DTM).

Note

If a reset is triggered on the sensor after the SIL parameters are set or if the failure mode =
22 mA is changed, the sensor will loose its SIL qualification.

ware

™, the SIL parameter settings must be activated in the

3.3 Configuration of the processing unit

If the measuring system delivers output currents > 21 mA or < 3.6 mA, it must be assumed
that a failure has occurred.

The processing unit must therefore interpret such current values as a failure and trigger a
suitable fault signal.

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 49

Supplement

4 Reaction during operation and in case of failure

In case of modifications during operation, you have to take note of the safety functions. It must
be ensured that the safety-relevant parameter settings remain activated.

Occurring fault signals are described in the appropriate operating instructions manual.

In case of detected failures or fault signals, the entire measuring system must be switched out
of service and the process held in a safe condition by means of other measures.

5 Recurring function test

The recurring function test serves to reveal potential dangerous errors that are otherwise not
discernible.

The functionality of the measuring system must be checked at adequate intervals. The opera­tor is responsible for choosing the type of test and the intervals in the stated time frame.

The time intervals depend upon the applied PFD
paragraph „Safety-related characteristics“.

value acc. to the chart and diagram in the

avg

The test must be carried out in a way that verifies the flawless operation of the safety functions
in conjunction with all system components. This is ensured by a controlled reaching of the
response height during a filling.

If filling up to the response height is not possible, then a response of the measuring system
must be triggered by a suitable simulation of the level or the physical measuring effect. If the
proper functioning of the measuring system is otherwise discernible (exclusion of function­restraining errors), it is also possible to carry out the test by simulating the appropriate output
signal.

If the function test proves negative, the entire measuring system must be switched out of
service and the process held in a safe condition by means of other measures.

24 101-EN-041227

50 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

2

2

2

2

2

2

Supplement

6 Safety-related characteristics

The failure rate of the electronics and the antenna system was determined by an FMEDA (Fail­ure Mode, Effects and Diagnostics Analysis) acc. to IEC 61508. The number values are based
on an output current tolerance of max. 2 %.

Architecture 1oo1D SIL 2

VEGAPULS 51 Overfill protection Dry run protection Individual level
VEGAPULS 52
VEGAPULS 53
VEGAPULS 54
VEGAPULS 56

HFT 0

SFF > 86%

1)

PFD

avg

PFH [1/h]

3)

Max

< 0.12 •10
< 0.60 •10

< 0.28 •10

Min

-2

-2

-6

bei T
bei T

= 1 Jahr

Proof

= 5 Jahre

Proof

2)

Failure reaction time T

PFD

avg

-

0,60·10

-

0,48·10

-

0,36·10

-

0,24·10

-

0,12·10

-

0,00·10

0 1 2 3 4 5
T

T
T

1)

PFD

this value correlates almost linearly to the operating time. It is only valid for the corresponding

avg

selection circuit.

2)

T

is the interval after which a periodically recurring complete function test (to check the safety function)

Proof

must be carried out.

3)

PFH is valid for the stated Failure reaction time T
tolerance time of the complete system must be higher than T

24 101-EN-041227

= 1 year

proof

= 3 years

proof

= 5 years

proof

Reaction

= 60 sec

Reaction

years

of the measuring system. This means that the failure

.

Reaction

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 51

SIL declaration of conformity

Safety related characteristics:

SIL Safety Integrity Level SIL 2 SIL 2

HFT Hardware Fault Tolerance

SFF Safe Failure Fraction > 88 % > 86 %
PFD

average Probability of dangerous

avg

(for low demand mode)
PFH Probability of a dangerous Failure per

[1/h] (for high demand or continuous mode)

The failure rates were determined by a FMEDA ( Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostics Analysis )

λ

sd

λ

su

λ

dd

λ

du

MTTF Mean Time To Failure 60 years 56 years MTTR = 8h

1)

Safety Manual see supplement of the operating instructions

2)

HFT is reduced by one according to IEC 61511-1, section 11.4.4

3)

PFD

is valid only for the T

avg

4)

PFH is constant over the time. According to the standard, a recurring function test is not necessary.

The failure tolerance time of the overall system must be higher than the error response time of the sensor.

5)

FIT = failure in time [10

The assessment of the modification management was part of the proof for

Schiltach, 28.10.03
VEGA Grieshaber KG

i.V. Frühauf i.A. Blessing
Head of Certification department Commissioner for functional safety

S I L d e c l a r a t i o n of c o n f o r m i t y

Functional safety according to IEC 61508 / IEC 61511

VEGA Grieshaber KG, Am Hohenstein 113, D-77761 Schiltach

declares as manufacturer, that for the radar sensors of the product families

VEGAPULS series 40 and 50 ( 4 ... 20 mA HART® )

the reliability (“proven in use”) was verified according to IEC 61508 / IEC 61511.

Therefore the devices are suitable for safety-related applications

e.g. overfill protection, dry run protection or recording of an arbitrary fill level.

The corresponding instructions of the safety manual must be considered.

Failure on Demand

Hour

safe detected failure

safe undetected failure

dangerous detected failure

dangerous undetected failure

interval according to which a recurring function test must be carried out

Proof

-9

h]

Füllstand - Grenzstand - Druck

VEGAPULS 40 VEGAPULS 50

2)

0 0

< 0,10 x 10-2 < 0,12 x 10-2 T

3)

4)

< 0,50 x 10

< 0,22 x 10

-2

< 0,60 x 10-2 T

-6

< 0,28 x 10-6

VEGAPULS 40 VEGAPULS 50

107 FIT 111 FIT

1 year

Proof

5 years

Proof

Error response time

5)

494 FIT 518 FIT

1090 FIT 1140 FIT

221 FIT 277 FIT

reliability (“proven in use”).

1)

Supplement

60sec

SIL-KE_PULS40+50_EN_031028

52 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Supplement

CE declaration of conformity

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 53

Supplement

54 VEGAPULS 54K enamel

24 101-EN-041227

Supplement

24 101-EN-041227

VEGAPULS 54K enamel 55

VEGA Grieshaber KG
Am Hohenstein 113
77761 Schiltach
Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail [e-mail]

www.vega.com

ISO 9001

All statements concerning scope of delivery, application, practical
use and operating conditions of the sensors and processing sys­tems correspond to the information available at the time of printing.

Technical data subject to alterations

24 101-EN-041227