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Chemical Technology • November/December 2016
Scientists are deploying new measurement technologies to better understand and calculate the transfer of carbon and other
materials between the atmosphere and forests.
Mist rising from gaps in the forest at the La Selva Biological
Station in Costa Rica.
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.
CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION
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
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)
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.
For more information contactChantal Groom
at or
.
A new radar level sensor for water-supply and sewage systems
FOCUS ON CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION