Sensors for level measurement are exposed to very special process and environmental conditions. They must resist liquids or dust and they also come into contact with product residues such as cement, lime or flour. All the same, these sensors must function smoothly and reliably. A failure can have fatal consequences.
VEGA Grieshaber KG from Schiltach is having to cope with these challenges. Their sensors are used in very different applications. These challenges naturally also apply to the individual components of the systems. Particular attention is given to such exposed components as cable connections for power supply and data transmission. Here, VEGA relies on the cable gland range of HUMMEL AG from Denzlingen. "Quality, service life and the sealing concept have persuaded us," says Holger Sack, Head of Product Management at VEGA Grieshaber KG. In addition, he appreciates that HUMMEL, as a manufacturer, is in a position to respond time and again to customer-specific requests and to implement product adaptations.
An essential feature of a cable gland, is the sealing concept. This includes protection against powerful water jets (protection class IP 66) or watertightness when submerged (IP 68/10 bar). A particularly important aspect for applications in the process industry is the cleanability of systems, components and parts. This is why HUMMEL cable glands also offer protection against water during high-pressure and steam jet cleaning (IP 69K).
VEGA products are used worldwide in the building materials and cement industries, in metal extraction, offshore in the oil and gas industry and in the recycling industry. This is why the company only uses cable glands that provide the best possible fire behaviour and are classified with the fire protection class V0 in accordance with UL 94. In addition, there are aspects such as vibration protection and impact resistance. For outdoor applications, UV resistance must also be taken into account.
Another very important topic is explosion protection. "40% of all our devices are delivered with approvals for Ex areas. In certain industries, such as chemicals, oil and gas, the figure is 100%," explains Holger Sack, head of VEGA Product Management. As a global supplier of sensor solutions, VEGA is required to comply with the standards for Europe (ATEX), America (FM, CSA) and Asia (IEC). The components of HUMMEL AG meet these standards. The screw connections are available in protection classes "d" and "e".
