From complex automated systems with pneumatic lines to straight-forward gravity chutes, solids flow monitors can help to improve process performance. They are effective in detecting flow problems, as well as enhancing the level of automation at a facility. Solids flow monitors can assist in detecting problems in flow caused by equipment failures, plugged lines, leaks, material bridges upstream, low or no material, etc. They can also be used to add automation to a process like opening or closing valves, turning a conveyor on or off, and initiating a process function (spraying of a product additive).

The Model SFI and SFD-2 line of solids flow detectors from Monitor Technologies, LLC provide analog or relay outputs to indicate the flow / no-flow condition of powder and bulk solids materials in chutes and pneumatic conveying lines. Using microwave Doppler radar technology these units are non-invasive and extremely reliable and rugged to withstand the rigors of the installation and your process extremes. Since there are no moving parts, these monitors can provide dependable, low-maintenance service for many years.

Solids flow detectors like the Model SFI and SFD-2 can be used in applications for a variety of industries including construction materials (cement, sand, gypsum, etc.), wood chips / sawdust, feed mills & grain processing, consumer foods (cereal, coffee, sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, barley), plastics, chemicals & pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more.

One customer uses the analog signal from a Model SFI unit to monitor the flow of carbon black in toner cartridge manufacturing to ensure positive flow before further processing and to detect no-flow and possible plugged conditions. Another company uses the Model SFD-2 solids flow detector to monitor the flow of coal into the burner of a coal-fired power plant to detect no-flow conditions and ensure safety.

Whether a solids flow monitor is used to detect problems, increase automation or both, the end result is a substantial long term cost savings through: eliminating product waste, cutting “downtime”, reducing employee time spent on watching the processes or cleaning up spills/messes, increasing product quality (reducing defective product), and decreasing maintenance time / replacement costs on other methods of flow detection.

For more information about solids flow detectors from Monitor Technologies, LLC please visit www.monitortech.com or call us in the USA at 800-766-6486 or from anywhere at 630-365-9403. Also, visit our Level Measurement blog at http://monitortech.typepad.com.