ATEX Zones 1 & 20 made easier with new 80 GHz compact radar

13 November 2020

VEGA have always developed their sensors with approvals for use in hazardous areas. The new 80 GHz compact series designed for the water and environmental industry is no exception, and heralds a new feature, by offering the first compact radar with an ATEX/IEC certification class ‘by encapsulation’.

VEGAPULS C22 15m range sensor

This means the fully enclosed, ready-cabled, IP68 protected device is suitable for operation, without any barrier required, in Zone 1/Zone 20 hazardous area and cabled back to any standard/safe area SCADA control system, controller, transmitter, telemetry or datalogger.

Image right: VEGAPULS C22 15m range sensor, with sealed lateral cable entry, ideal for confined spaces. This ATEX IEC Zone 1/20 compact 80 GHz radar level device has a threaded mounting for easy installation to measure liquid or solids.

Simple solution for many applications

It provides a great solution for many applications - for example, monitoring sludge level in sealed vessels or open channel flow in Zone 1 hazardous areas - at remote sites with battery powered telemetry systems - as long as the transmitter/controller equipment is properly sited in a ‘safe area’. Resulting costs and complexity normally associated with barriers, isolators, special cabinets or hybrid electrical designs, are thus removed. The device set up and operational monitoring is done wirelessly via Bluetooth using iOS/Android App or PACTware with a PC, from a convenient, safe area (subject to programming equipment approvals).

Dual certified and available on-line

The units are also dual certified with ATEX/IEC to provide a pan-global classification in the same device, e.g. particularly useful for plant and equipment manufacturers who export their goods. As usual, there is a separate option for Zone 0 EX ‘ia’ versions with intrinsic safety where required. VEGA always recommend that you consult with accredited experts regarding any hazardous area applications. Information, pricing, specifications and more detail on this certification and others, can be found under the section for VEGAPULS C21, C22, C23 radar sensors at vega.com/uk or visit: https://www.vega.com/en-uk/products/product-catalog/level/radar/vegapuls-c-21

Classifications explained

For those unfamiliar to ATEX/IEC classifications: Gas Zone 1: An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation*. This device has a dual certification, so it also covers Dust ATEX protection to the highest protection class of ‘Zone 20’: A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently (source - HSE.gov.uk).

(For specialists the coding is: ATEX/IEC; gas, encapsulation, Zone 1, 1/2, 2 + Dust, protection by enclosure, Zone 20, 21/22, 21,22)

The units are also dual certified with IEC to additionally provide a pan-global classification all with the same device, which is particularly useful for plant and equipment manufacturers who export their goods.