Level Indicators & Flow Measurement Spotlight - July 08

Smart, Cable-Based Inventory Monitors
SiloPatrol SE smart, cable-based sensors eliminate the danger of plant personnel climbing silos to take measurements of the material level. The sensors minimize risk to plant workers and can even reduce insurance rates through improved safety. A leading inventory-measurement sensor for granular plastic materials, the SiloPatrol SE uses time-proven weight and cable techniques and combines patent-pending technology, a new split-compartment enclosure design, state-of-the-art optics, surface-mount electronic technology, and other features to produce a rugged and accurate measuring system designed for the harshest and most dynamic conditions.
Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, IL 800-601-5953 www.monitortech.com

Plugged-Chute Detector
The plugged-chute detector provides reliable indication of a blocked chute. If process material stops flowing due to a plugged condition, a switch on the detector will sound an alarm, allowing further action such as alerting an operator or shutting down a conveyor belt or other device. The unit features a flush-mounted sensor design. Its rugged construction is well suited for heavy, granular materials. Patented Cote-Shield circuitry allows the detector to ignore coatings and buildup on the sensing element that might result in a false alarm.
Ametek Drexelbrook, Horsham, PA 215-674-1234 www.drexelbrook.com

Easy-Mount Level Sensors
This compact line of CycloLevel level sensors offers mounting and probe options for new and retrofit applications. The modular design of the sensor probes allows flexibility in providing customized capacitance sensors to meet a variety of customer needs. When integrated with the company’s controls, the sensors can start or stop conveying systems and other machinery instantly at the point where product reaches a specified level. They can also indicate whether or not product is flowing freely. These sensors read the presence or absence of material in contact with the sensor probe by monitoring changes in the capacitance caused by the difference in the dielectric constant of the vessel material and air.
Cyclonaire Corp., York, NE 800-445-0730 www.cyclonaire.com

Vibration Switch
The level-sensing arrangement used in the Gladiator vibration smart switch is suitable for a wide range of solids, including slurries and pelletized materials. The sensing element includes two prongs or vanes. When the prongs on the fork are free to vibrate, they are driven to their resonant frequency by piezo ceramic elements. As the level of the material to be sensed rises, the material blocks the movement of the fork. The electronics in the unit sense this change and produce an output that can be used for indication or control. This type of switch is suitable for many situations requiring level detection, including pump control, high-or low-level alarms, and detection of an interface between two different materials. Typical industrial uses include pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, mining/metals, water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing, and refining.
Hawk Measurement, Phoenix, AZ 888-429-5538 www.hawkmeasure.com

Rotary-Paddle Switch Level Indicator
The Mucon Rotalog rotary-paddle switch is designed to signal the presence or absence of bulk materials in silos and hoppers as well as for blockage detection in conveyor chutes. Ideal for dry bulk solids, including powders, chips, and granules, the unit detects the product when the rotation of the paddles inside the container is impeded. A control signal is deployed, and after approximately one-half second, the motor circuit switches off. All active parts become stationary, resulting in long motor life and no paddle wear. The switch is available in either side- or top-mounted models.
Kemutec Powder Technologies, Bristol, PA 215-788-8013 www.kemutec.com

Guided-Wave Radar
The TDR-1000 guided-wave radar provides continuous nonmechanical level measurement by way of low-power radar pulses guided along a stainless-steel cable. The unit is particularly suited for measuring the level of solids, granules, and powders. It delivers accurate level measurement over a wide range of process conditions and is unaffected by dust or filling conditions. Other key benefits are its easy installation and low maintenance requirements.
Bindicator, Spartanburg, SC 800-778-9242 www.bindicator.com

Rotary-Level Indicator
The Maxima+ is a state-of-the-art, microprocessor-based, fail-safe, fool-proof rotary-level indicator. A distinguishing feature is its ability to continuously self-diagnose, and in the event of a failure, give an immediate warning and instant corrective response. This is ideal for applications for which continuous operation of the unit must be confirmed.
BinMaster, Lincoln, NE 800-278-4241 www.binmaster.com

Tuning-Fork Level Switch
The Series-TFLS tuning-fork level switch incorporates a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates the fork at its natural frequency. The switch changes state when the vibration is dampened by sensed material. Features include user-selectable fail-safe operation of the contacts and LED indication of switch status. The unit is not affected by vibration from conveying systems, motors, or the movement of material. It can be installed in any position and is available with factory-built extensions for mounting on top of the storage vessel. It is ideal for level control of powders and fine-grained solids, especially those with a low bulk density.
Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com