Monitor Technologies, LLC.
On The Level  
Mar / Apr 2015 eNewsletter 
In This Issue
Practical Tech Tip
Word of the Month
Product Spotlight
Holiday Schedule
Quick Links
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Practical Tech Tip -----------------------

"Truly fail-safe" rotary paddle sensor...
What is it and why use it? 
 
  SafePoint Level Sensor 
SafePoint� Truly Fail-Safe rotary paddle level sensor with a standard 3-vane paddle assembly.  
What... 
When selecting a rotary paddle level sensor, you may notice the option of fail-safe and/or the option of "fail-safe plus / pro" ("truly fail-safe").
In most cases for rotary paddle level indicators, the term fail-safe refers to the output signal condition that occurs with loss of power to the switch. However, there are some fail-safe rotary level indicators, referred to as "truly fail-safe", "self-validating" or "fail-safe plus / pro", that in essence also monitor their own ability to function in addition to loss of power. This self-analysis includes sensor health in addition to indication of a power failure. Monitor's SafePoint� achieves the "self-validation" fail-safe capability through continuously monitoring the rotation of a magnetic disk that is located between the paddle and all other operating mechanisms (including the clutch, motor and all electronics). If the electronics ever detects that lack of rotation of this magnetic disk when no material is present, then the FAULT relay will change state indicating a sensor failure of some sort.

SafePoint
SafePoint� detecting high level on a grain
load out bin to
prevent over-fill.





Why...
The "truly fail-safe" unit is an ideal choice to use in critical level sensing applications. Some examples include: 
> High level sensing situation where an over-fill caused by an undetected sensor failure would be damaging and costly.
> Heavy use, dynamic and/or demanding applications.
> Low level detection situation where no material could shut down a process and cause downtime costs.
> High level detection in dust collection hoppers.
> Plugged chute detection (more details on plugged chute).  

>> More Information on SafePoint� "Truly" Fail-Safe Rotary Paddle Level Sensors: 
http://www.monitortech.com/product_p_fails.shtml   

Click here for article regarding fail-safe rotary paddle sensors (in PBS magazine)
 

Selection of Paddles
Examples of Paddle Assemblies
Don't forget the paddle!  
Usually you have a choice on the paddle assembly you can use with the sensor. The paddle selected will help determine how successful the unit is for your specific target material. The major factors for picking a paddle assembly include: material density, material flow properties and sensor mounting location & method.  The standard 3-vane paddle is the most commonly used because it works for the widest range of target materials. "Insertable" paddles, such as a 1-vane scimitar or 2-vane collapsible paddle, are useful when fitting a paddle through a pre-existing 1-1/4" NPT or 1-1/2" BSPT coupling hole from the outside of a bin or silo.

Click here for Monitor's paddle selection chart (PDF file) 
Click here for article on selecting a paddle assembly (in PBE magazine - PDF file)


>> More Information on SafePoint� "Truly" Fail-Safe Rotary Paddle Level Sensors:
http://www.monitortech.com/product_p_fails.shtml       

>> More Information on Model KA / KAX Standard Rotary Paddle Level Switches:  
 
Word of the Month ----------------------
 
Nabob (na�bob)
sounds like:
NAY-bahb

Meaning:  
noun - 
a person of great wealth or importance

Example:
noun -
Those of us in coach had to wait while the nabobs in first class got seated in the airplane before us.
   
To translate this word into a different language using Google translate please go to http://translate.google.com.
Product Spotlight -------------------

Mercury-Free Tilt Level Switch Solution  
 
TC-3 Tilt Switch 
TC-3 Tilt Switch


The model TC-3 tilt switch is a durable, easy-to-install and cost-effective way to provide high level detection of bulk solids. 
Tilt switches are used to prevent overflow of solids from storage bins or to control material levels in open piles. The tilt switch can also be used to prevent over loading or under loading of material on conveyor belts. One example would be when conveying grain to open piles, a TC-3 tilt switch can signal when it is time to reposition the conveyor.
 
Tilt Switch
Illustration B -
TC-3 with Optional Extension Actuator



Typically, the unit is suspended above the material being detected.  Rising material makes contact with the switch enclosure actuator, causing it to tilt.  When the enclosure body is tilted by more than 17 degrees, a steel ball rolls off center causing an internal output switch to close, providing indication of high material level (see illustration B). The change in the internal switch status is user accessible for signaling alarms, lights, or interfacing with a PLC.  

Other practical features of the TC-3 include no calibration, only a few moving parts for minimal maintenance, and the unit is completely Mercury-Free.
Optional extension actuators are also available.


The model TC-3 tilt switch is constructed from cast aluminum and is suited for moderately sized materials having a density of 15-60 lb/ft3 (240-960 kg/m3) or particle sizes less than 2 inches (50 mm).  Common application materials include, but are not limited to grain, feed, pet food, sand and plastic pellets.


For more information on Monitor's tilt switches please visit: http://www.monitortech.com/product_p_tilt.shtml 
Upcoming Holiday Schedule ------
 
Lily Monitor Technologies' facility in Elburn, IL will be closed Friday, April 3rd for Good Friday.

We hope you and your family have a great Easter holiday weekend. 

Regular business hours resume on Monday, April 6th at 8 am CST.
About

About Monitor 

 

Monitor Technologies, LLC

Practical solutions at every level!

 

For over 55 years we have been providing high quality, reliable product experiences for the worldwide powder and bulk solids markets, backed by trusted customer service.

 

We believe that a practical solution is not just a plain, basic, mundane idea, but rather, a creative innovation wrapped in common sense, delivering the "exact" value that you require. 
Contact us today and let us put our solutions to work for you!

 

www.monitortech.com

http://monitortech.typepad.com (level measurement blog)

Email: customerservice@monitortech.com

Tel: 1-800-601-5946 in US & CA or 1-630-365-9403 Worldwide 

Fax: 1-630-365-5646

Elburn, IL 60119 USA

 

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