Chemical Technology November-December 2016

CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION

Scientists are deploying new measurement technologies to better understand and calculate the transfer of carbon and other materials between the atmosphere and forests.

Performing additional measurements using a 3D mea- surement system will provide the data needed to validate the so-called ‘Gap Theory’ hypothesis that carbon transfer occurs unevenly across the rain forest. Gaps in the forest canopy are sources of carbon loss while the canopy is a source of carbon absorption, which increases as the density of canopy vegetation increases. With this research, scien- tists will better understand the carbon absorption impact of rain forests and potentially calculate the carbon absorption value of an acre of forest, ultimately providing a method of quantifying carbon credits.

Mist rising from gaps in the forest at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica.

FOCUS ON CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION

A new radar level sensor for water-supply and sewage systems

when combined with a Bluetooth USB adapter; this makes commis- sioning and diag- nosis even sim- pler. Correspond- ing display and signal processing units enable the display of mea- surements and provide the relay outputs needed, for example, to control a pump.

an accuracy of ± 5 mm, the VEGAPULS WL S 61 covers a wide range of applications. This sensor is particularly suitable for level and flowmeasurement in water treat- ment plants. Its excellent focusing enables its use in pumping stations and rainwater overflow basins, for flow measurement in open channels, and for level monitoring. The sensor’s robust housing is wear- and maintenance-free, and its high degree of protection, IP 68 (2 bar), also makes it suitable for applications where the sensor may be temporarily submerged. The unit complies with the latest LPR standard (Level Probing Radar), and is approved for open-air use without restrictions or special attachments. An entirely new feature is Bluetooth wireless operation from a smartphone or tablet (and/or a PC with PACTware)

The VEGAPULS WL S 61 radar sensor is ideal for all simple applications in the water supply and sewage sectors. Featuring a wide range of mounting options, it is an especially cost-effective radar solution, because it can be readily integrated into existing infrastructure. Just as with the VEGAPULSWL 61, which has been available for several years and has a large installed base, the new VEGA- PULSWL S 61 offers a design optimised for use in thewater supply and sewage sectors. Radar technology offers numerous advan- tages compared with ultrasonic sensors, which used to be standard in this sector; radar is independent of weather conditions such as strong sun, wind, fog or rain. In addition, no compensation is needed for variations in the signal transmission time due to air temperature fluctuations. With

For more information contact Chantal Groom at Chantal.groom@vega.com or tel: +27 11 795 3249.

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Chemical Technology • November/December 2016