AM845 Thickener Interface Gauge (TIG)

Continuous On-Line Measurement of Liquid/Solid Interface

Analyze Detect Measure ControlTM

INTRODUCTION
The Thickener Interface Gauge (TIG) provides continuous on-line measurement of the level of the liquid/solid interface in thickeners and counter-current decantation (CCD) washers. Unlike other interface level measurement systems the TIG also measures the span and positioning of the transition zone. The transition zone is the region between the clear liquid and the solids compression zone. A narrow transition zone indicates a well defined liquid/solid interface while a broad transition zone indicates a poorly defined bed due to slow or impeded settling of the solids. This information can be used for better control of flocculant addition rates. The TIG determines the level of the liquid/solid interface by either measuring the natural gamma

emissions from the product (TIG 1), or the attenuation of gamma emissions from a reference standard (TIG 2). The information from the array of detectors is analysed and processed by a sophisticated algorithm which outputs continuous level measurements.

TIG 1
Suitable for a process with low levels of naturally occurring radioactivity (Th, U or K-40) in the slurry (such as red mud in alumina plants or monazite in the mineral sands industry). This unit has a detector array which is immersed in the thickener or CCD washer. The gauge is specifically ruggedised to tolerate high temperature and corrosive environments.

TIG 2
Suitable for a process with no naturally occurring radiation in the slurry. The TIG detector array is mounted in parallel, 200mm away from a reference standard rube which is filled with mineral sands. The gauge measures the level of the zones in the tank by the amount of radiation that is absorbed by the slurry at different densities. No radiation licensing is required for any version of the gauge.

INSTALLATION
The Thickener Interface Probe is mounted vertically either inside the vessel or down the outside (refer sketches). If the bottom of the probe is above the level of the rake then the probe is normally fixed in position. However, if the bottom of the probe is below the rake then the probe can be mounted on a support which allows the probe to tilt when it comes in contact with the rake. Alternatively, the probe may be mounted on the front edge of the rake assembly with power provided through sealed slip-rings. As an option, the probe can be supplied with a radio modem to enable remote transmission of the output signals.

SPECIFICATIONS
Thickener Interface Probe Assembly (AM204) Probe Dimensions Probe lengths depends upon application, 12 metres maximum. Probe diameter is 50mm. Probe Material 316 grade stainless steel, other materials available on request Number of Detectors Application dependant Operating Temperature Power Interface Probe Assembly (AM274) 0-110C Probe Head Unit (AM284) 0-60C Options Teflon, Halar or Linotex sheath ro reduce the rate of precipitation onto the probe and assist with cleaning. Radio modem for remote communications Processor Transmitter Unit (AM542) Operating Voltage Mains input voltage continuous range from 110 to 240 volts AC, 50 to 60 Hz, 30 watts, 24 volts DC option. Outputs Two 4-20 mA individually isolated outputs (one for the level of the liquid/solid interface and the other for the span or position of the transition zone). Isolated 2 wire RS-485 or 4 wire RS-485 (downwards compatible with RS-422) multi-drop serial data link. Two user selectable alarm outputs (eg. high and low level alarm) via voltage-free contacts rated at 110 volts DC, 125 volts AC, 1 amp maximum). Resolution 5mm Typically + Update Time 10 to 900 seconds (user selectable), with rolling average over last 1 to 10 measurements (user selectable) Distance between Probe and Transmitter Up to 1000 meters. 20 meter cable supplied as standard. Operating Temperature 0-50C Enclosure 316 stainless steel, wall mounted with IP66 environmental rating. 400 H x 300 W x 195 D (in mm) The Thickener Interface Gauge (TIG 1) manufactured under license from the CSIRO. Specifications are subject to change without notice. is

TIG 3
In applications where high temperature and internal tank access is prohibitive, a detector array may be mounted on the outside of the vessel, to measure natural radiation through the vessel wall. The system is suitable for applications where the process contains elements emitting low level radioactivity as per TIG 1.SPECIFICATIONS.

Thermo Electron Corporation Australia 11 West Thebarton Road, Thebarton Adelaide, South Australia 5031 AUSTRALIA PO Box 292 Torrensville Plaza 5031 AUSTRALIA Telephone: +61 8 8150 5300 Facsimile: +61 8 8234 5882 email: sales.pid.adelaide@thermo.com USA Office 5788 Pacific Center Blvd San Diego CA 92121 USA Telephone: +1 858 458 1700 Facsimile: +1 858 452 9250 Chile Office San Crescente 448 Las Condes, Santiago CHILE 755-0315 Telephone: +56 2 335 3388 Facsimile: +56 2 335 1590

TIG 4/2006

Analyze Detect Measure ControlTM