Level measurement in Silos with powder
Level measurement in Silos with powder
(OP)
We're looking for decent accuracy in weight measurement in approximately 30 silos of varying height (3- 30 meters) and width (3- 10 meters. Product is a plastic powder.
We currently have ultrasonics (convert level to weight) and they sometimes work. They don't work very well when filling the silos and/or when coated with product. The ultrasonics are probably 15-20 years old.
Options we've thought of:
Load Cells (too expensive on existing equipment, but most accurate)
Guided Wave Radar (powder may be too light, plus coating may present a problem, but repeatable and higher accuracy)
Laser (issue when filling still, possible coating issues)
Radar or ultrasonic (same problems as existing)
Are the above good for powder filled silos? Any other ideas?
We currently have ultrasonics (convert level to weight) and they sometimes work. They don't work very well when filling the silos and/or when coated with product. The ultrasonics are probably 15-20 years old.
Options we've thought of:
Load Cells (too expensive on existing equipment, but most accurate)
Guided Wave Radar (powder may be too light, plus coating may present a problem, but repeatable and higher accuracy)
Laser (issue when filling still, possible coating issues)
Radar or ultrasonic (same problems as existing)
Are the above good for powder filled silos? Any other ideas?
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RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
If the silage was liquid, it'd be easier, since most liquids are incompressible. Your powder density will vary as a function of height, particularly if the silo is filled. Pressure transducers ought to be a lot cheaper than load cells that weigh the entire silo.
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
It was designed for a company called Silomaster.
They work by using a load cell and a hanging cable. The silage always supports the cable starting right at the top of the silage. An empty silo has the sensor mounted at the top. The sensor is a load cell that a cable hangs from and a pneumatic piston. To do a silo measurement the system is installed and the cable weighed. Add silage. When you want a reading the ram retracts a short distant then extends. All the cable below the surface is supported so the only weight is the remaining cable in the air above the contents. The weight directly relates to free cable length. The unit did the math and showed the amount of fill in the silo.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
The SM 5000 (SM silomaster)
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
It seemed to track the level better, except when filling the silo, due to the dust. Both the laser and Ultrasonic have problems with the dust and both go to their 'high' level.
I'm looking into guided wave radar, or a low frequency radar (I've read they can 'punch through' the dust issue).
______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
RE: Level measurement in Silos with powder
______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.