VEGA VEGAPULS Air 23 Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

Radar sensor for continuous level measurement in plastic vessels

VEGAPULS Air 23

Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology

Document ID: 64314

Contents

Contents

1 About this document................................................................................................................		4
1.1	Function............................................................................................................................	4
1.2	Target group......................................................................................................................	4
1.3	Symbols used...................................................................................................................	4

2 For your safety..........................................................................................................................		5
2.1	Authorised personnel........................................................................................................	5
2.2	Appropriate use................................................................................................................	5
2.3	Warning about incorrect use.............................................................................................	5
2.4	General safety instructions................................................................................................	5
2.5	Lithium cells......................................................................................................................	6
2.6	Country of use..................................................................................................................	6

3 Product description..................................................................................................................		7
3.1	Configuration....................................................................................................................	7
3.2	Principle of operation........................................................................................................	8
3.3	Adjustment........................................................................................................................	9
3.4	Packaging, transport and storage.....................................................................................	9
3.5	Accessories....................................................................................................................	10

4	Mounting..................................................................................................................................		11
	4.1	General instructions........................................................................................................	11
	4.2	Mounting instructions......................................................................................................	11
	4.3	Mounting preparations....................................................................................................	12
	4.4	Installation procedure......................................................................................................	13
	4.5	Transportation lock after mounting..................................................................................	14
5	Setup - the most important steps.........................................................................................		15
6	Activate, device functions.....................................................................................................		17
	6.1	Activate...........................................................................................................................	17
	6.2	Measurement function, localization.................................................................................	19
7	Transfer measured values and data to the cloud................................................................		20
	7.1	Communication basics....................................................................................................	20
	7.2	NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Inventory System........................................................................	20
	7.3	LoRa-WAN (Fall back) - VEGA Inventory System............................................................	21
	7.4	NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Cloud..........................................................................................	21
	7.5	LoRaWAN - private networks..........................................................................................	22
8	Operate via VEGA Inventory System (mobile radio)...........................................................		23
9	Diagnostics and servicing.....................................................................................................		24
	9.1	Maintenance...................................................................................................................	24
	9.2	Rectify faults...................................................................................................................	24
	9.3	How to proceed if a repair is necessary..........................................................................	25
10	Removal with glue connection..............................................................................................		26
	10.1	Dismounting instructions.................................................................................................	26
	10.2	Dismounting steps mounting ring....................................................................................	26
	10.3	Disposal..........................................................................................................................	27
11	Certificates and approvals....................................................................................................		28
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		Contents
11.1	Radio licenses................................................................................................................	28
11.2	EU conformity.................................................................................................................	28
11.3	Environment management system..................................................................................	28
12 Supplement.............................................................................................................................		29
12.1	Technical data.................................................................................................................	29
12.2	Radio networks LTE-M and NB-IoT.................................................................................	32
12.3	Radio networks LoRaWAN - Data transmission..............................................................	32
12.4	Dimensions.....................................................................................................................	35
12.5	Industrial property rights.................................................................................................	36
12.6	Licensing information for open source software..............................................................	36
12.7	Trademark.......................................................................................................................	36

Safety instructions for Ex areas

Take note of the Ex specific safety instructions for Ex applications.

These instructions are attached as documents to each instrument with Ex approval and are part of the operating instructions.

Editing status: 2021-04-21

VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology

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1 About this document

1 About this document

1.1Function

This instruction provides all the information you need for mounting, connection and setup as well as important instructions for maintenance, fault rectification, the exchange of parts and the safety of the user. Please read this information before putting the instrument into operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate vicinity of the device.

1.2Target group

This operating instructions manual is directed to trained personnel.

The contents of this manual must be made available to the qualified personnel and implemented.

1.3Symbols used

Document ID

This symbol on the front page of this instruction refers to the Document ID. By entering the Document ID on www.vega.com you will reach the document download.

Information, note, tip: This symbol indicates helpful additional information and tips for successful work.

Note: This symbol indicates notes to prevent failures, malfunctions, damage to devices or plants.

Caution: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol may result in personal injury.

Warning: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol may result in serious or fatal personal injury.

Danger: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol results in serious or fatal personal injury.

Ex applications

This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.

•ListThe dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.

1Sequence of actions

Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.

Battery disposal

This symbol indicates special information about the disposal of batteries and accumulators.

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2 For your safety

2 For your safety

2.1Authorised personnel

All operations described in this documentation must be carried out only by trained, qualified personnel authorised by the plant operator.

During work on and with the device, the required personal protective equipment must always be worn.

2.2Appropriate use

The VEGAPULS Air 23 is an autarkic sensor for continuous level measurement in plastic vessels.

You can find detailed information about the area of application in chapter " Product description".

Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly used according to the specifications in the operating instructions manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.

2.3Warning about incorrect use

Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica- tion-specific hazards, e.g.vessel overfill through incorrect mounting or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the instrument can be impaired.

2.4General safety instructions

This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing regulations and directives. The instrument must only be operated in a technically flawless and reliable condition.The operator is responsible for the trouble-free operation of the instrument. When measuring aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.

The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the national installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.

For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbitrary conversions or modifications are explicitly forbidden.For safety reasons, only the accessory specified by the manufacturer must be used.

To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on the device must also be observed.

The low transmitting power of the radar sensor as well as the integrated LTE-NB1, LTE-CAT-M1 or LoRa radio module is far below the internationally approved limits. No health impairments are to be expected with intended use. The band range of the transmission frequency can be found in chapter " Technical data".

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2 For your safety

2.5Lithium cells

The power supply of the device is provided by integrated lithium cells in the housing. If the device is used as intended with the lid closed within the temperatures and pressures specified in the technical data, it is thus adequately protected.

Note:

Please observe the specific safety instructions in the scope of delivery of the device.

2.6Country of use

Country-specific settings for transmission into the mobile radio network or LoRaWan are defined by selecting the country of use.It is absolutely essential to do this during the job-specific device configuration.

Caution:

Operation of the device with a false country of use selection can lead to malfunctions and constitutes a violation of the radio licensing regulations of the respective country.

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6	VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology

3 Product description

3 Product description

	3.1		Configuration
Scope of delivery	The scope of delivery encompasses:
	•	Radar sensor
	•	Integrated identification card for LTE (eSIM) (optional)
	•	Magnet for activation
	•	Mounting ring with glued surface, cleaning cloth (version for glued
		connection)
	•	Tension belt (for version with flexible changeable holder)
	•	Information sheet " Documents and software" with:
		–– Instrument serial number
	•	–– QR code with link for direct scanning
		Information sheet " PINs and Codes" with:
		––	Identifier for LoRaWAN network (Device EUI, Application EUI,

App Key)

The further scope of delivery encompasses:

•Documentation

––Safety instructions for lithium metal cell

––If necessary, further certificates

Note:

Optional instrument features are also described in this operating instructions manual. The respective scope of delivery results from the order specification.

Scope of this operating				This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
instructions				versions:
				•	Hardware version from 1.0.0
				•	Software version from 1.1.0
				Note:
				Details of the hardware and software history can be found on our
				homepage.
Versions				The radar sensorVEGAPULS Air 23 is available with different mount-
				ing techniques:
				•	Adhesive joint (antenna side)
				•	Flexibly exchangeable holder
				•	Ceil mounting

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3 Product description

Constituent parts

5 4

3

2 1

Fig. 1: Components of the VEGAPULS Air 23 sensor (example version for adhesive joint)

1Radar antenna

2Unscrewable mounting ring with glue surface

3Eyelets for transport lock

4Housing lid

5Contact surface for activation by NFC or magnet

Type label	The type plate contains the most important data for identification and
	use of the device. This is located on the sensor housing.
		LTE-NB-IoT, LTE-Cat-M1, LoRa		Date:
		B3 B8 B20		www.vega.com
	VEGAPULS Air 23	EU868	IP66/69
				Made in Germany
		1,2m	PVDF
	AR - 222 22C s/n 49663242			D-77761 Schiltach
		Device EUI E8E8B7000040BA20

1

2

3

4

5

Fig. 2: Layout of the type label (example)

1Order number

2Wireless signal outputs, frequency bands

3Device EUI LoRa

4Technical data

5QR code for device documentation

		3.2 Principle of operation
Application area		VEGAPULS Air 23 is a radar sensor for continuous level measure-
		ment of plastic vessels, e.g. IBC containers. 1)
		The device is suitable for almost all liquids.
		Depending on the version, it is mounted to the vessel or to the ceiling
		by means of:
		•	Glue surface on the bottom side of the sensor (vessel mounting)
		•	Tension belt (vessel mounting)
		•	Mounting brackets on the housing (ceiling mounting)
Functional principle		The instrument emits a continuous, frequency-modulated radar signal
		through its antenna.The emitted signal is reflected by the medium
		and received by the antenna as an echo with modified frequency.The
		frequency change is proportional to the distance and is converted into
		the level.
		The measurement is made through the closed plastic ceiling of the
		vessel.
		1)	IBC = Intermediate Bulk Container
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3 Product description

Measured value transmis- Depending on the availability of the radio networks, the device trans- sion mits its measured values wirelessly to an LTE-M (LTE-CAT-M1) or NB-

IoT (LTE-CAT-NB1) mobile radio or a plant-side LoRaWAN network.

VEGA Inventory System

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Fig. 3: Wireless measured value transmission via mobile radio

The transmission or evaluation is carried out via an Asset Manage-

ment System, e.g. VEGA Inventory System.

Voltage supply

The device is supplied with energy by non-exchangeable primary

cells. The lithium cell used for this purpose is a compact storage

device with high cell voltage and capacity for a long service life.

3.3 Adjustment

The device is activated contactlessly from outside:

	•	Via magnet
	•	By NFC technology via smartphone/tablet with VEGA Tools app
	There are no additional adjustment options.
	3.4 Packaging, transport and storage
Packaging	Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
	capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
	based on ISO 4180.
	The packaging consists of environment-friendly, recyclable card-
	board. For special versions, PE foam or PE foil is also used. Dispose
	of the packaging material via specialised recycling companies.
Transport	Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
	transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
	damage to the device.

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3 Product description

Transport inspection The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or concealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.

Storage

Storage and transport temperature

Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the outside.

Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under the following conditions:

•Not in the open

•Dry and dust free

•Not exposed to corrosive media

•Protected against solar radiation

•Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration

•Storage and transport temperature see chapter " Supplement - Technical data - Ambient conditions"

•Relative humidity 20 … 85 %

3.5Accessories

LoRa-Gateway	Thw LoRa gateway receives via LoRaWAN the measurement and
	diagnosis data of appropriately configuredVEGA LoRaWAN sensors.
	The gateway combines the received data and transmits them via
	mobile network to the VEGA Inventory System.
	The measured values and messages are transmitted via the GSM/
	GPRS/UMTS/LTE network.

VEGA Inventory System VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple recording, presentation and further processing of measured values. The measured values can be transmitted via network, internet or mobile network to the central server.

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4 Mounting

4 Mounting

Ambient conditions

Process conditions

Measurement function and transport

4.1General instructions

The instrument is suitable for standard and extended ambient conditions acc. to DIN/EN/IEC/ANSI/ISA/UL/CSA 61010-1. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

Note:

For safety reasons, the instrument must only be operated within the permissible process conditions.You can find detailed information on the process conditions in chapter " Technical data" of the operating instructions or on the type label.

Hence make sure before mounting that all parts of the instrument exposed to the process are suitable for the existing process conditions.

An activated device (see chapter " Activate device") also carries out measurements in horizontal alignment. This also applies if it is mounted on a mobile container and the container is transported in a tilted state.

Note:

When mounting the device in a mobile container, ensure that it is protected against damage throughout transport.

4.2Mounting instructions

Container requirements The containers can be commercially available combination IBC containers with a nominal volume of e.g. 1000 l. These typically consist of an inner container made of HDPE, a metal outer cage and a pallet.

Fig. 4: IBC container - Example

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4 Mounting

Installation position	The device can only be mounted on the top of an IBC container in one
	of the areas shown below:

100 mm
(3.94")
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			50 mm
			(1.97")
	1	2	3	4	5

Fig. 5: Mounting position on the tank ceiling

1Recommended mounting position

2Permissible mounting range

3Filling opening

4Cross strut

5Vessel edge

To avoid air bubbles in the area of the adhesive surface, the selected mounting position should be as flat as possible or slightly curved outwards.

Note:

Mounting positions or vessel ceilings with an inwardly curved surface are not suitable for fastening.

4.3Mounting preparations

Mounting preparation	The intended mounting position must be dry and free of dust, oil and
adhesive joint	grease before mounting the sensor.

Note:

For this reason, clean the container ceiling in particular with the isopropanol-based cleaning cloth supplied. After cleaning the surface, first allow it to flash off well so that any residual solvent can evaporate.

Warning:

The 2-propanol contained in the cleaning cloth is highly flammable and harmful to health. Observe the hazard warnings on the packaging and the safety data sheet on our homepage.

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