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Check out www.Monitortech.com
for the full story. |
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Diaphragm Switch Provides
Economical, Reliable Level Detection
(more) |
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Using Extensions with Rotary Paddle Level
Switches
(more) |
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View our entire list of Technical Articles,
Whitepapers and Case Studies
(more) |
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Featured Product:
VibraRodTM
(more) |
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www.grainnet.com
(more) |
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Industry News Center
at
www.powderandbulk.com
(more) |
2nd
Quarter Question:
What was the first musical instrument Chef Emeril Lagasse played?
Win an item by E-mailing
us the correct answer at
monitor@monitortech.com
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A Wisconsin-based
manufacturer of PVC pipes up to 24" in diameter
was looking for a level measurement system for
their raw material storage silos that would help them with
two major issues: timely inventory control and safety. They
have 14 silos ranging from 12 ft. to 60 ft. for storing raw
materials like calcium, resins and mixed powders (compounds).
This facility has the capability to produce around 500,000
lbs. of pipe in a 24 hour period and when production is really
going it was hard in the past to keep proper track of material
inventory.
They needed a level measurement system
that would help make sure they ordered the proper material
amounts. Too little of the material ordered could cause costly
downtime. Too much material ordered could mean returning material
or even overfilled silos. An overfilled silo could cost them
up to 4,000 lbs. of lost material plus the labor cost and downtime
to clean up and unplug the system.
After some research, they
felt that the Flexar® guided wave radar level
sensor in conjunction with the SiloTrackTM Inventory
Management software would provided them with the most accurate
and reliable solution for their inventory control needs. Especially
with the dusty conditions inside the silos.
As for safety, they did not want the risk of their people
having to consistently climb up the sides of the silos. With
the SiloTrack PC-based software, the inventory levels in the
silos could be monitored from the office or the Production
Manager and Plant Manager could login from home to see the
silo levels if needed.
Their initial purchase was for 5 Flexar units and the
SiloTrack software for their most used silos. After using the
Flexar they would like to replace all of their old units with
Flexar. Besides the reliability of the sensors and software,
they were also pleased the the response time of the technical
support they have received.
Flexar® guided wave radar sensor is a continuous
level measurement system using TDR (time domain reflectometry)
principles where radar pulses are focused down to the material
surface by the unit's wave guide (a heavy duty cable) and the
time-of-flight of the pulse reflection back to the instrument
electronics is directly related to the empty
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distance in the vessel and the material level. Guided wave
radar technology has proven successful and an excellent choice
for most powder and bulk solids applications as well as a multitude
of liquids applications.
Benefits of Flexar® include no moving parts
for less wear and tear; the employed technology allows the
sensor to be virtually unaffected by and reliable in dusty
conditions; no field calibration is required to provide easy
installation; and setup and a universal power supply for high
or low voltage options.
The Flexar sensor can also be supplied
with a choice of outputs. The analog 4-20mA output version
can be interfaced to your existing PLC or DCS and the “Smart” RS-485
output version is compatible with the PC-based SiloTrackTM
Inventory Management software. The SiloTrack software automates
level monitoring and report generation, sends email notifications
to suppliers or corporate locations and allows remote viewing
of material level inventory.
For more information, please visit
www.monitortech.com/product_c_f_flexar.shtml
or www.flexar.info or
call us in the USA at 800-766-6486 or from anywhere at 630-365-9403.
Also, check out our Level
Measurement blog at http://monitortech.typepad.com. |
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Upcoming Shows |
|
Booth
# 131019, West Hall
June 22 - 26, 2009
McCormick Place, Chicago IL
www.npe.org
|
We invite
you
to stop by our booth at NPE2009: The International Plastics Showcase.
Register online as our guest to receive $20 off standard online
registration fee. To Register,
Visit: http://www.NPEDiscount.org/519127
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| Tech Tip: |
Using extensions with rotary
paddle switches |
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Rotary paddle switches are a
great way to detect when your material reaches or leaves
a point in your silo. Frequently we see paddles
being ordered with extensions, and occasionally, we see a
significant length of extension. With an extension, you can
mount your paddle switch in a top mount location, and ‘extend’ the
paddle into the bin at just about any length (up to 144 inches),
but when doing this; you have to take into consideration
a few things.
The extensions are solid; they are subject to lateral forces that may end up
doing damage to your paddle, the extension, or in few cases, the switch itself.
This is why Monitor recommends the use of a guard, which surrounds the extension
and prevents it from doing much traveling while in the vessel.
The use of our
Springflex coupling is also highly recommended when the length
of the insertion is greater than 18 inches. This takes a
lot of lateral force off the paddle and extension by acting
as a ‘shock absorber’ for the switch itself.
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Example of a rotary
paddle switch with an extension and guard |
Also, keep in mind that the guard and extension,
when ordering, are always going to be the same length, and
with a guard, a full coupling mounting plate must be used.
This will ensure that you get the most life out of your rotary
paddle switch.
Please visit our blog at . . .
http://monitortech.typepad.com
John Mish
Sales / Technical Support |
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Featured
Product: VibraRod TM
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The VibraRodTM vibratory style point
level sensor for solids provides more sensitivity especially
on materials with lower bulk densities (less than 5 lbs./ft3)
where other sensor technologies might be ineffective.
Plus, the VibraRod requires no calibration and has no
mechanical moving parts.
The unique design of the VibraRod
level sensor makes it vitually immune to changes
in many different application variables including:
vessel contents, material composition, density of
material, dielectric constant, particle size, moisture
content, pressure and humidity,
and temperature.
The VibraRod line of is offered in standard
length, cable extension or pipe extension versions...creating
flexibility for virtually any bulk solids point level
application.
Each
version can be provided with either a plastic or
aluminum housing. VibraRod units also include a bi-color
LED indication (on Ordinary Loc.) and a traditional
relay output.
Recently, the inserted
portion of probe on the Ordinary Location Unit Only
has been shortened by 1.1 inches (28mm) to withstand
stronger lateral forces than previously.
For more information please visit: http://www.monitortech.com/product_p_vrod.shtml |
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