Level sensors with bluetooth offer more efficiency and intelligence

The efficiency of production facilities can be decisively optimised in all phases of their life cycle. Chemical plants are not static, unchanging entities, as one might suppose in view of the complex processes, immense reactor vessels or extensive pipelines they encompass. Instead, they are in a constant process of modernisation.

Bluetooth is one of several ways VEGA makes extended communication available for almost its entire instrument portfolio. The option of wireless communication with sensors is integrated in thePLICSCOMuniversal, modular display and adjustment module. VEGA is now optimising older plants with the new Bluetooth option: the modular PLICSCOM display with integrated Bluetooth function is downward compatible with most of the VEGA sensors already in the field that currently operate without Bluetooth. In fact, this downward compatibility goes all the way back to sensors manufactured in 2002.

Chemical companies can achieve tangible added value with the help of wireless communication. Wireless operation makes life easier for people who control and monitor manufacturing processes: for example; when measurement has to be carried out in inaccessible places or over large distances, such as: on top of high silos, or in harsh industrial environments or Ex areas. The optional feature allows a sensor to be parameterised wirelessly from a distance of up to 25 meters.

Focusing on process security and reliability, VEGA offers a Bluetooth function based on a multi-level concept that implements even the highest safety requirements flexibly and appropriately to the situation at hand. For those who do not want or need wireless, the PLICSCOM adjustment module is still available without Bluetooth. But even when using the Bluetooth module, the wireless function can be temporarily or permanently deactivated as required. Alternatively, digital encryption can be used, which also provides security against attempts to eavesdrop or copy data. For Bluetooth, this corresponds to the high "Bluetooth standards"; for networks, to the TLS/PSK protocols.

In order to develop sensible communication scenarios based on Industry 4.0, it is important to know exactly what the individual strengths and requirements of a company are. The best data networking solution is different for every process. Encrypted data transmission via wireless is ideal for some processes, whereas for others, a VEGA solution with heterogeneous networks, wireless HART or classic parallel wiring may be the right choice.