A leading manufacturer of roofing and insulation products in Alberta, Canada operates a major asphalt shingle plant in Calgary. At the heart of the operation are four heated asphalt storage tanks, each standing 55 feet tall.
Accurate level measurement in these tanks is essential for inventory management and uninterrupted production. Yet for years, the plant struggled with unreliable level sensors and even worse, a lack of service support when those sensors failed.
Everything changed when the company turned to VEGA.
When Level Measurement Fails, Everything Gets Harder
Precise level measurement is fundamental in asphalt production. Operators need a clear, real-time view of tank inventory to prevent overfills, maintain product flow, and keep production running smoothly.
But when sensors malfunction, the consequences can be more than inconvenient. At this plant, unreliable readings forced personnel to climb the tanks and take manual measurements; a task that was not only less accurate, but also risky.
Winter conditions in Calgary made the situation even more hazardous. Snow and ice on the steps and platforms increased the danger of slips and falls, and the frequency of these climbs grew as the old sensors continued to fail. With no service support available from their previous supplier, the company knew it was time for a change.
Reliability + Safety = VEGAPULS 6X
After a thorough assessment of the heated asphalt tanks, VEGA’s experts swiftly identified several critical challenges, including extremely high process temperatures caused by asphalt vapours, vapour-induced buildup, and the need for a measurement range of at least 18 metres from the current mounting locations.
To address these issues, VEGA recommended their latest non-contact radar sensor, the VEGAPULS 6X. Specifically designed for tough environments, the 6X® can withstand process temperatures up to 450°C, comfortably surpassing the demands of the asphalt tanks, and offers an extensive measurement range of up to 120 metres, far exceeding the plant’s requirements.
Confident in its reliability and performance, the manufacturer equipped each of their four tanks with a VEGAPULS 6X sensor.
Technology Backed by True Service
While the old sensors had caused operational headaches, the lack of service support had been just as damaging. This time, the company wanted a partner who could deliver both reliable instrumentation and dependable expertise.
VEGA’s service team handled the commissioning and setup of all four sensors; a critical step, given the plant’s urgent need for accurate measurements.
Thanks to the intuitive design of VEGAPULS 6X and the convenience of PLICSCOM, VEGA’s display and adjustment module, the process was remarkably efficient. A VEGA technician configured the first sensor, copied the settings via PLICSCOM, and uploaded them to the remaining units.
Within an hour, the entire tank farm was fully operational with new, reliable level measurement.
Expert Support Under One Roof
Today, the manufacturer benefits from precise, dependable level readings that support smoother production and safer operations. Plant personnel no longer need to climb tanks in harsh winter conditions, and the team can trust that VEGA’s service experts are always within reach.
VEGAPULS 6X delivers the accuracy and durability required for asphalt applications, while VEGA’s commitment to customer support ensures long-term confidence in the equipment.
For companies across the building materials sector, this combination of advanced technology and expert service is exactly why VEGA continues to be the partner of choice for process optimisation.
Miguel Petersen
VEGA Instruments (Pty) Ltd
Tel. +27 11 795 3249
miguel.petersen@vega.com
www.vega.com
