ROTARY PADDLE BIN MONITOR

BULLETIN 213

Monitor's line of rotary paddle bin monitors consists of the most reliable, rugged and economical point level control sensors available for detection of dry bulk materials. These easy to install units are proven performers in a wide variety of bulk materials. Monitor's paddle units can be used to eliminate bin overflow, maintain a predetermined material level, indicate plugging of conveyors and pneumatic lines or provide any of a number of level control functions. Unlike many other available paddle units, Monitor's paddle level indicators incorporate a feature that automatically shuts off the motor of the unit when the paddle is in a stalled position, which both extends the life of the motor and minimizes maintenance.

Principle of Operation

The operation of Monitor's paddle level control products is quite simple. The unit is installed through the wall of the vessel, so that the paddle protrudes inside the vessel. A small electric motor drives a paddle which rotates freely in the absence of material.

When the paddle is impeded by material, the motor rotates within the housing which triggers two switches. The first switch is a “dry” electrical contact closure that is available to control a process function or alarm circuit. The second switch cuts the power to the motor, preventing a locked rotor condition, thus extending motor life. This also activates the signaling device which is wired through that same motor switch. When the material level drops, the loaded stretched tension spring returns the motor to its original running position and the unit is reactivated.

Applications

Monitor’s rugged, reliable design make the paddle units compatible with many granular, pelletized and powder bulk applications. Monitor paddle units can be used for high level indication of materials over 10 lb/ft³ (160 kg/m³ ) and for low and intermediate level indication for materials over 5 lb/ft³ (80 kg/m³). Monitor paddle units can be installed almost anywhere dry bulk materials are stored, including bins, hoppers, silos and tanks. Monitor’s KA unit is the most popular of our paddle bin monitors. This model is ideal for use in standard applications with a wide variety of materials. The KAX incorporates all the features of the KA model, but is specially designed to meet explosion-proof standards.

Features

Available Models

Monitor’s KA unit is the most popular of our paddle bin monitors. This model is ideal for use in standard applications with a wide variety of materials. The KAX incorporates all the features of the KA model, but is specially designed to meet hazardous location standards.

This installed KA unit is being used
as a high-level alarm in a grain storage
application.

Available Configurations

MOTOR VOLTAGES
Monitor offers several motor voltages to serve most power requirements. Available AC motors include 115 VAC, 230 VAC, 24 VAC and 48 VAC. Superior 12/24 VDC design available uses low voltage AC motor for longer lie in all applications.

OUTPUT CIRCUITS
Monitor paddle units are available with 1, 2 or 3 output contacts. The cost effective 1-circuit model utilizes the motor switch (SPDT) as the output contact, as long as the alarm device operates on the same voltage as the motor. The most popular 2-circuit design contains the motor SPDT switch and a second SPDT isolated switch for control outputs (See wiring diagram for illustration). The 3-circuit configuration provides the user with the SPDT motor switch and an isolated DPDT switch for control outputs.

PROCESS CONNECTIONS
Monitor offers a choice of either a 1-1/4” NPT or 1-1/2” BSPT process connection. Model KA units with the 1-1/2” BSPT connection also include M20 cable glands.

APPROVALS/LABELING
Monitor paddle units are available approved to UL, CSA and ATEX/IECex requirements. Various models are approved for either general purpose, dust/ignition-proof and/or explosion-proof applications. In addition, all models carry the CE mark. See “Specifications” section for more details.

HIGH TEMPERATURE UNITS
Monitor’s high temperature models incorporate all the standard features of the KA or KAX models, but can be used in applications where temperatures reach as high as 750°F (399°C). The hi-temp models incorporate a specially designed mounting plate, pipe extension with air purge connection, shaft extension, couplings and bushings. The high-temp assembly is available in either a carbon steel or stainless steel version. See “Ordering Information” for applicable part numbers.

Accessories

PADDLE ASSEMBLIES
Monitor offers a variety of interchangeable paddle assemblies to meet the needs of a wide variety of applications. Different material densities, particle sizes and flow characteristics require specific paddles to provide optimum performance. See Monitor’s Material Characteristic Guide for more detailed application recommendations.

Dimensions are shown in inches with millimeter equivalent in brackets.

MOUNTING PLATES
Mounting plates allow the paddle units to be mounted from the outside of a vessel to curved or flat surfaces. All mounting plates featured below mount via six bolts.

1.) Half Coupling Mounting Plate: For use in side mount installations. Available in powder coated carbon steel for general purpose applications and stainless steel for use in corrosive environments. Stainless Steel Plate: P/N 1-0112. Carbon Steel Plate: P/N 1-0101 for 1-1/4” NPT connection and P/N 1-0100 for 1-1/2” BSPT connection.

2.) Full Coupling Mounting Plate: For use in top mount installations where a shaft extension and shaft guards are required. Available in powder coated carbon steel for general purpose applications and stainless steel for use in corrosive environments. Stainless Steel Plate: P/N 1-0113. Carbon Steel Plate: P/N 1-0102 for 1-1/4" NPT connection and P/N 1-0115 for 1-1/2" BSPT connection.

3.) ?K-Flange Aluminum Mounting Plate: For flat surfaces or thin walled vessels where extra strength is required. Ideal for semi-corrosive environments, including out doors. P/N 1-3316.

Dimensions are shown in inches with millimeter equivalent in brackets.

SHAFT EXTENSIONS
Many top mount installations require that the paddle extends into the vessel to a predetermined level. Solid shaft extensions are available in a variety of lengths up to 144 inches (3.6 m) to meet these demands. A flexible cable extension is also available. This 6.5 foot (2.0 m) flexible extension can be easily shortened in the field by the user. The use of the flexible cable extension for lengths greater than 3 feet (0.9m) requires the use of a guard to ensure proper activation of the rotary paddle bin monitor.

SHAFT GUARDS
Shaft guards are recommended for use with solid shaft extensions to limit the movement caused by side loading that would otherwise damage the working components of the paddle unit. Shaft guards should be the same length as the extension and should always be used when the extension meets or exceeds 18 inches (460 mm) in length.

Specifications

Warranty

Monitor Technologies LLC warrants each rotary paddle bin indicator it manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service within two (2) years from the date of purchase. The purchaser must give notice of any defect to Monitor within the warranty period, return the product intact and prepay transportation charges. The obligation of Monitor Technologies LLC under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement at its factory. This warranty shall not apply to any product which is repaired or altered outside of the Monitor Technologies LLC factory, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, incorrect wiring by others or improper installation. Monitor Technologies LLC reserves the right to change the design and/or specifications without prior notice.

DOC-000-213A
Rev.14.11142008

SiloPatrol^® SE
Inventory control of raw materials for pre-blended masonry products….

A company in Crystal Lake with 13 silos who provides pre-blended masonry products and automated mixing stations to construction sites or as they like to call it “mortar at a push of a button” was looking for a way to better control the inventory levels of their raw materials instead of having to do a “visual”. They are very proactive in trying to find ways to make themselves more cost-efficient and effective on all levels of operation. After some research they decided to go with the SiloPatrol® cable-based smart sensor (SMU) with the SiloTrackTM inventory management software from Monitor Technologies. Even though the system cost more than they initially were willing to spend, they were able to justify the expenditure because of the added benefits of time saved to manually measure the material levels and for the personnel safety reasons. Now with automatic or on-demand readings, they have better control of when they need to re-order raw materials and when the silos are getting full during refilling to prevent the downtime and clean-up costs of an over-filled silo. Plus, personnel make a lot fewer trips up the silos.

Their initial purchase was for 6 SMU’s and the SiloTrack software. Once they realized the value of the continuous level measurement system, they were able to justify the purchase of additional SMU’s for more of their silos.

Other features that they have come to appreciate about the SiloPatrol is the simplicity of installation (including wiring and set-up) for the sensor and the software, that the software works with the current PC on their desk, the sensor’s compartmental isolation of the electrical and mechanical components which eliminates much of the dust from going into the electrical area, and the ability to replace the sensor’s wiper and brush that cleans the cable without having to actually cut the cable for servicing. They also mentioned that technical support has been very responsive. They once had a computer board issue that caused software re-installation problems and technical support spent the time to talk them through the issue and shared knowledge for future prevention.

The SiloPatrol SE inventory management system is the second edition of the industry-leading cable-based smart sensor system that is designed to handle some of the harshest and most dynamic conditions imaginable. The SiloPatrol SE system incorporates state-of-the-art sensors with a wide choice of operator interfaces to fit all types of situations.

For more information on the SiloPatrol SE click here or contact Monitor Technologies LLC at 800-766-6486 in the USA and 630-365-9403 worldwide.

>>Click here for more information about SiloPatrol SE from Monitor Technologies.
>>Download Product Bulletin 343A