Radar level measurement in the silo park: How Cementbouw is revolutionising processes with VEGAPULS 6X and PLICSMOBILE T81

Many plants still rely on mechanical or simple electronic level gauges, supplemented by manual calculations in spreadsheets or ERP systems. While this approach is tried and true, it has its weaknesses:

• No real-time level readings
• Safety reserves must still be maintained
• Lots of manual work required
• Risk of overfilling or material shortages

Cementbouw used such a system for a long time. VEGA high-level switches reliably prevented overfilling, while inventory levels were tracked in Excel files. However, with increasing demands for efficiency and transparency, there was a growing desire to use digital, non-contact level measurement that would provide exact data about filling levels and inventory at all times.

VEGAPULS 6X is a universal radar level transmitter for liquids and bulk solids. In Zwijndrecht, it was mounted on a swivel flange, allowing the radar beam to be optimally directed to the silo outlet. Installation and commissioning are remarkably simple. Rob Smulders, Business Development Manager at VEGA, reports:

“Our technician installed all the transmitters on the silos and commissioned them in a single day. All you have to do is align the transmitter with the silo outlet, enter the silo’s linearisation table into the transmitter – and you’re done.”

Key advantages of radar level measurement:

• Non-contact measurement without wear
• High measurement accuracy even in dusty conditions
• Level data update in real time
• Independent of material properties
• Maintenance free

For Cementbouw, this means: Exact level data – even during ship loading and unloading.
Arjan van de Rest, Senior Operations Officer, explains:

“Radar level measurement is significantly more precise, delivers level data in real time during unloading, and allows readout at any remote location.”