Your Toughest Offshore Measurement Questions, Answered
- Robert Robinson
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Practical insights for reliable level and radiation-based control in oil & gas environments.
As the offshore industry continues to push technical boundaries, reliable instrumentation becomes critical to maintaining safety, performance, and uptime. Following on from SPE Offshore Europe 2025, we’re sharing expert answers to the most common challenges we help customers solve — from harsh process conditions to ageing assets.
Whether you’re operating in high-pressure separators, dealing with emulsion layers, or looking to modernise your radiometric systems, VEGA delivers practical, proven solutions for offshore measurement reliability.
Q: How does VEGA’s guided wave radar perform with emulsion layers?
A: VEGA’s Guided wave radar sensors are well-suited for measuring across emulsion layers — provided there’s a step change in dielectric constant between the phases. This dielectric constant difference is what the microwave signal relies on to generate a reliable echo. Even with small step changes, VEGA’s guided wave radar performs strongly. Where a clear step change isn’t present, we offer alternative technologies to ensure dependable interface measurement under all conditions.
Benefit to You: Reliable level visibility in complex separation processes.
Q: Can I replace a displacer with a VEGA guided wave radar?
A: In many cases, yes. VEGA provides off-the-shelf guided wave radars that are compatible with existing displacer cages. Where the chamber design doesn’t allow for a direct swap, our engineering team can assess and recommend a tailored solution that fits your process and reliability needs.
Benefit to You: Modern, low-maintenance upgrades designed for you with minimal disruption.
Q: What impact do higher process pressures and temperatures have on guided wave radar measurement?
A: At process pressures above 30 bar, changes in gas composition can slow down microwave velocity. This causes a lower indicated level than the actual one. VEGA’s systems allow for microwave velocity correction, applied under live process conditions to ensure accurate level readings.
Benefit to You: Reliable measurement, even in demanding pressure and temperature environments.
Q: What MLG (Multi-Level Gauge) solutions does VEGA offer?
A: VEGA offers flexible magnetic indicator solutions, with or without integrated guided wave radar, tailored to suit a range of process conditions. As with all VEGA technologies, these are designed for long-term reliability and are backed by fast lead times across the board.
Benefit to You: Optimised, ready-to-install solutions with industry-leading delivery.
Q: My radiometric system is becoming noisy and less responsive. Do I need to replace the radioactive source?
A: Not necessarily. Modern detector technology can significantly extend the working life of older systems. Upgrading the detector, rather than replacing the source, reduces ongoing costs and avoids unnecessary disposal.
Benefit to You: Cost-effective system upgrades with improved performance.
Q: How often should I calibrate my VEGA radiometric system?
A: We recommend annual calibration as standard, though this may vary depending on your process. Our team can also conduct a full system health check and issue certified leak test documentation at the same time.
Benefit to You: Continued measurement accuracy and regulatory compliance
Q: How does VEGA support ALARP compliance for radiometric systems?
A: Thanks to our range of scintillation detectors, VEGA can offer solutions using lower activity radioactive sources without sacrificing response time. This supports adherence to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) safety principles while maintaining measurement performance.
Benefit to You: Safer systems that help you meet your radiation safety obligations (COMAH).
Q: How fast can VEGA deliver?
A: VEGA is recognised for market-leading delivery performance. Our supply chain and efficient production allow us to support urgent projects with reliable turnaround times, without compromising quality.
Benefit to You: Reasonable lead times to keep your operations moving.
Need tailored advice?
Contact us now to discuss your process and find the best-fit solution, backed by expert support, onshore and offshore.
+44 1444 870055
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