Flexar® Guided Wave Radar
Solves Level Measurement Problems With Flyash
Elburn, IL– Flyash and cement powder can
be difficult materials to measure within silos. The
primary reason is the heavy amount of dust during filling.
Measuring the level of these materials in their storage
silos is important to cement production and users of
cement such as concrete producers who use flyash as
an additive to concrete to improve the end product
quality. Level measurement and monitoring in these
silos is important. Many standard bin level indicators
and ultrasonic and through-air devices will not work
reliably. For this reason, flyash processors, utilities
that produce flyash, concrete producers and cement
producers have all turned to guided wave radar and
the Flexar® brand guided wave radar to measure
the continuous changing level of flyash and cement
powder in their storage silos. The success of Flexar
guided wave radar in these applications has added to
the proven nature of Flexar to continuously measure
the level of dusty powders, even during filling.
The Flexar® guided wave radar continuous level
sensor uses TDR (time domain reflectometry) technology
to continuously measure the level of a wide range of
powders, granular and liquid materials. A continuous
series of radar pulses is emitted and guided to the
material surface by the heavy duty stainless stell
cable probe. When the radar pulses reach the material
surface they are reflected because of the change in
dielectric constant. The time$#45of$#45flight of theses
radar pulses is measured and directly related to the
distance measured.
Flexar® continuous level sensors can provide
RS485 digital communications output or 4-20mA/HART
output. The RS485 can be connected to Monitor's
SiloTrack™ inventory management system. The Flexar
unit can be powered by 115VAC, 230VAC or 24VDC.
The
SafePoint rotary paddle level switch with a self-validating design
detects material presence plus continuously monitors its own ability
to function. The analysis includes sensor health and system power
failure, which makes the SafePoint truly “fail-safe”.
The SafePoint incorporates patented use of Hall-Effect technology,
dual outputs to indicate both material presence and unit health,
and microcontroller technology to continuously protect bulk solids
processing and storage from the consequences of unknown sensor
failure by providing immediate indication of a sensor failure
and confirmation of proper operation.
Other practical features of the SafePoint include rugged construction,
motor shut-off when paddle becomes impeded to maximize motor life, twist On/Off
cover for bolt free removal, and local status indicating light (except hazardous
location models)
A practical application for the SafePoint would be to use this "true"
fail-safe product if undetected sensor failure could result in a
catastrophic process problem.
