VEGA VEGAPULS C 22 80 GHz Radar Level Sensor HART 20 m

Ceiling-mount radar with HART for pump stations and basins

The VEGAPULS C 22 is a 20 m, 80 GHz radar sensor whose lateral cable outlet and ceiling adapter are designed for mounting under a roof or manhole cover in water and wastewater works. VEGA calls it the ideal sensor for non-contact level measurement with high accuracy demands wherever a high degree of protection is required: water treatment, pumping stations, rain overflow basins, flow measurement in open channels and level monitoring. The PVDF housing and PUR-insulated cable give IP66/IP68 (3 bar, 24 h) protection, and the two-wire 4…20 mA/HART electronics can alternatively be ordered with SDI-12 or Modbus/Levelmaster digital protocols.

Technical specifications

Electronics, adjustment and cabling

VEGA offers the C 22 with three electronics versions. The 4…20 mA/HART version is the usual choice for PLC or DCS loops, while the SDI-12 and Modbus versions suit data loggers and remote telemetry units in water networks. Adjustment is possible from the VEGA app over Bluetooth, from a PC via PACTware and the VEGACONNECT interface adapter, or through remote systems with HART communicators and asset tools such as AMS or PDM. The permanently connected cable carries brown (+) to the supply or processing system, blue (−) to the return and the shield.

Selection against the C 21 and C 23

Compared with the C 21, the C 22 has the same 20 m range and 2 mm deviation but is built for ceiling mounting through a G1½, 1½ NPT or R1½ adapter. The C 23 narrows the beam to 4° for 30 m; use it where pipework or ladders in a narrow shaft could otherwise cast false echoes. In VEGA’s mounting guidance the sensor should be kept at least 200 mm from the wall, so decide the shaft position before ordering the adapter. A mounting strap with adjustable holder is the listed accessory for ceiling or wall installation.

Ex approvals are shown as available or applied for in the product information (ATEX/IEC, EAC, NEPSI and others); confirm the exact marking for your site before ordering.

Key features of the VEGAPULS C 22

• 80 GHz radar with an 8° beam: the high frequency focuses the microwave energy into a narrow cone, so the sensor can measure past nearby walls and fittings that would disturb lower-frequency instruments.
• Non-contact measurement: nothing touches the medium, so there is no fouling of floats or probes by sludge, grease or debris common in wastewater.
• Fully encapsulated PVDF sensor: the plastic housing resists aggressive atmospheres and the IP68 rating allows temporary flooding of the sensor in a basin or chamber.
• Fixed connection cable: the sensor comes with a permanently connected cable, which removes the need for a separate terminal housing at the measuring point.
• Wireless adjustment: Bluetooth operation from a smartphone or tablet means the sensor can be configured from the edge of a pit without climbing down or opening covers.
• Low supply range: 12 to 35 V DC loop power suits standard PLC analogue inputs and many solar-powered outstation designs.

Measuring open-channel flow

Open-channel flow measurement is one of the listed applications. In this arrangement the radar is mounted above a flume or weir and measures the water level, which a controller or the evaluation unit converts into flow using the characteristic curve of that structure. The accuracy of the result depends on correct installation of the flume or weir and on mounting the sensor at the measuring point specified by the structure’s standard, so plan both together. The narrow beam and 2 mm deviation help keep the level measurement stable at the low heads typical of small channels.

Installation and maintenance practice

• Align the sensor vertically to the surface to be measured; a tilted sensor reduces the reflected signal.
• Keep the beam clear of ladders, pipes, agitators and inlet streams, and respect the minimum wall distance in VEGA’s mounting guidance.
• Avoid installing directly above a falling inlet stream, where foam or turbulence can weaken the echo.
• Route the cable in conduit or a protected tray, and seal cable entries into control panels against moisture and gas.
• Radar sensors need little routine maintenance, but check periodically for heavy build-up, spider webs or insect nests on the antenna face in outdoor chambers.

Use in Oman and GCC conditions

Pumping stations, sewage lift stations, treated effluent tanks and storm water basins across Oman are often unmanned and exposed to high temperatures, direct sun and occasional flash flooding. The -40 to +80 °C temperature range covers typical shaded installation points, while the IP68 rating protects against temporary submersion during heavy rain events. For remote sites without a PLC, the SDI-12 or Modbus versions connect directly to data loggers and telemetry units used by water utilities. Where the sensor is mounted under a metal cover in strong sun, a sunshade or ventilated cover helps keep the electronics within their rated temperature.

What to include in your RFQ

• Required output version: 4…20 mA/HART, SDI-12 or Modbus/Levelmaster
• Measuring range, medium and the type of vessel, channel or basin
• Process fitting thread (G1½, 1½ NPT or R1½) and required cable length
• Any hazardous area approval needed at the site
• Mounting accessories such as the mounting strap, and the quantity of sensors

Documents and quotation

The official VEGA VEGAPULS C 22 specification sheet (58356-EN, version 241118) is attached to this page for download and covers the technical data, dimensions and wiring summarised above. Related C 22 versions with SDI-12 and Modbus have their own sheets on the VEGA download centre.

Share the application details with our sales desk in Muscat and we will match them to the right variant and prepare a quote. Seven Star LLC supplies these instruments as an independent company, not as the manufacturer’s agent; see our level instrumentation category for related products. Please confirm approvals, cable length and fitting against the manufacturer’s data before ordering.