VEGA VEGACAL 63 Capacitive Rod Level Probe

Overview

The VEGA VEGACAL 63 is a capacitive rod electrode for continuous level measurement of liquids, delivered with two-wire 4–20 mA/HART electronics. VEGA states that the VEGA VEGACAL 63 can be used universally in conductive and non-conductive liquids, and that the rod probe is fully insulated, with a proven mechanical construction that offers high functional safety. It is a simple, robust and economical alternative to radar in small and medium vessels, particularly where the product is aggressive, where the vessel is crowded with internals, or where a rugged in-tank probe is preferred.

Seven Star LLC supplies the VEGA VEGACAL 63 to chemical plants, utilities, oil and gas operators and OEM skid builders in Oman and the GCC, from our office in Muscat. The probe is often specified for acid and caustic storage, for sump and drain vessels, and for process vessels where a fully insulated electrode avoids contact between metal and the medium.

Measurement Principle

The operating instructions describe the principle clearly. The probe, the measured product and the vessel wall form an electrical capacitor. Capacitance depends on three main factors: the distance between the electrode surfaces, the size of the electrode surfaces and the type of dielectric between them. In the VEGA VEGACAL 63 the probe and the vessel wall are the capacitor plates, while the measured product and the insulation form the dielectric. Because the insulation and a conductive product have a higher dielectric constant than air, the capacitance rises as the probe is gradually covered.

The electronics convert the change in capacitance and resistance into a level-proportional signal using phase-selective admittance processing (PSA) at a measuring frequency of 270 kHz, with a measuring range of 0 to 3000 pF. As general engineering context, this method has no moving parts and nothing to wear, and the fully insulated rod is tolerant of conductive media that would short an uninsulated electrode. The minimum dielectric constant for the product is 1.5, so oils and solvents can also be measured.

Engineering Design of the VEGA VEGACAL 63

The VEGA VEGACAL 63 rod is 316L, fully insulated with PTFE or PE,. Sensor length ranges from 0.1 to 6 m for threaded and flanged versions and 0.15 to 6 m for PTFE-plated flanges. Process fittings include cylindrical pipe threads G½, G¾, G1 and G1½, conical threads ½ NPT to 1½ NPT, and flanges from DN 20 or ASME 1 inch, in 316L, steel C22.8, Alloy C22 or Duplex steel, with PTFE plating available for flanges. Optional screening tubes and concentric tubes in 316L or Duplex improve measurement in non-metallic vessels or with low-dielectric products.

Housings are available in PBT plastic, die-cast aluminium and 316L stainless steel, with M20 x 1.5 or ½ NPT cable entries and IP66/IP67 or IP66/IP68 versions. Adjustment is possible with the plug-in display and adjustment module, with PACTware and a DTM through VEGACONNECT, or with HART tools. The two-wire output follows HART 5.0, has a signal resolution of 1.6 µA, adjustable damping of 0 to 999 s, a rise time of 500 ms and fault signalling in line with NAMUR NE 43. Operating voltage is 12 to 36 V DC.

Key Features

The technical data chapter of the VEGA VEGACAL 63 operating instructions supports the following features.

• A fully insulated rod probe measures both conductive and non-conductive liquids with high functional safety.
• Sensor lengths from 0.1 to 6 m suit small dosing tanks as well as medium storage vessels.
• Process pressure ratings up to 64 bar for threaded and flanged versions cover pressurised process vessels.
• PTFE insulation allows process temperatures from -50 to +150 °C, extended to +200 °C with a temperature adapter.
• Linearity error below 0.25 % of the complete measuring range gives stable continuous indication.
• Two-wire 4–20 mA/HART electronics with NAMUR NE 43 fault signalling integrate into standard loops.
• Wetted materials including 316L, Alloy C22, Duplex steel and PTFE plating match aggressive chemicals.
• Plastic, aluminium and stainless steel housings with IP66/IP67 or IP68 protection suit indoor and outdoor plants.

Industrial Applications

Typical duties for the VEGA VEGACAL 63 in Oman include sulphuric acid and caustic soda storage at water treatment and desalination plants, ferric chloride and hypochlorite day tanks, closed drain and sump vessels on oil and gas sites, condensate pots, and process vessels in chemical and fertiliser plants in the Sohar Industrial Port area. The PTFE-insulated, PTFE-plated flange option keeps every wetted surface non-metallic for strong acids, while the Duplex and Alloy C22 options serve brine and chloride-rich water.

Seven Star LLC supplies the VEGA VEGACAL 63 to these sectors across the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC and can complete the measuring point with matching VEGA devices, such as the VEGASWING 61 vibrating level switch for independent high-level protection, the VEGA VEGADIS 176 loop-powered display for a remote reading, or the VEGA VEGAFLEX 86 guided wave radar sensor where higher temperatures or interface measurement are required.

Technical Specifications

The VEGA VEGACAL 63 values below are taken from the technical data chapter of VEGA operating instructions 30027-EN.

How to Order

Seven Star LLC can quote the VEGA VEGACAL 63 once we know the medium, probe length, process fitting, pressure, temperature and housing requirement; send these details in your RFQ for a confirmed order code. The VEGA operating instructions with full technical data are available for download on this page. Our Muscat team supplies VEGA level instruments throughout Oman and the GCC with sourcing and model selection support.