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Flexar® Continuous Level Systems Used For Critical Level Control in Seed Treating System

PROBLEM:
The level of seed in treater bins needs to be monitored closely to help control the filling and discharging so that a continuous treating operation can be implemented.  A level sensor is needed that will detect and measure the level of the seed accurately, quickly and reliably.

EXPLANATION:
As a leading supplier of seed says, “Seeds carry crops' genetic potential.......... they also carry substantial amounts of energy, which makes them highly attractive for pests and diseases.  Seed treatments are chemical or biological substances or physical processes applied to seeds or seedlings........... to protect the seeds and assure optimum emergence of the crop. Application of a chemical to seeds is a ........... method of reducing pests and diseases' attacks on the growing plant.”

SOLUTION:
Bins in a seed treatment system may not be very large.  In this specific application the largest measuring range needed was 15.75’ (4.8m) and the shortest measuring range was 5.25’ (1.6m).  With measurement accuracy to 0.8” (20mm) and measurement technology that works at the speed of light, guided wave radar proved to be the best solution.  This seed treatment operation utilizes a total of fifteen (15) Flexar® guided wave radar continuous level sensors.  These instruments use TDR (time domain reflectometry) technology.  The distance/level of the seed is measured by the time-of-flight of the reflection of a microwave signal (1Ghz), transmitted down the wave-guide at the speed of light, off the material surface.  The sensor cable probe is a heavy-duty 0.3” (8mm) diameter stainless steel cable.  The seed in this application is corn and has a bulk density of about 45 lbs/ft3 and a dielectric constant of about 5.0.

The signal from the Flexar level sensors indicates the seed dielectric was actually about 3.5.  The signal diagram indicates the measurement reflection as well as the reflection from the top and bottom of the counterweight.  The time lag from the material level to the counterweight was due to the material presence.

This was an excellent application for guided wave radar technology and the units are functioning to specification.

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