28 TechnicalExclusive 28 TechnicalExclusive

April 2007

April 2007
Ensuring Successful Use of Ensuring Successful Use of
Guided-Wave Radar Level Guided-Wave Radar Level
Measurement Technology Measurement Technology

G G
By Joseph D. Lewis By Joseph D. Lewis

Guided-wave radar and time domain reflectometry Guided-wave radar and time domain reflectometry
(TDR) have become increasingly popular for mea- Dielectric Bulk Density (TDR) have become increasingly popular for mea- Dielectric Bulk Density
Material (lb/cu ft) Material (lb/cu ft)
suring the level of powders and bulk solids in bins Constant (Ƹr) suring the level of powders and bulk solids in bins Constant (Ƹr)
and silos. Its use is growing at an estimated rate of and silos. Its use is growing at an estimated rate of
12–15% per year, and the size of the worldwide mar- Air 1.0 0 12–15% per year, and the size of the worldwide mar- Air 1.0 0
ket for guided-wave radar level measurement devices ket for guided-wave radar level measurement devices
Almonds, shelled 9.0 30–35 Almonds, shelled 9.0 30–35
is estimated to be nearly $65 million, with about $25 is estimated to be nearly $65 million, with about $25
million being in solids measurement. This means that million being in solids measurement. This means that
more than 13,000 units are sold for use in powder and Asphalt, liquid 2.5 65 more than 13,000 units are sold for use in powder and Asphalt, liquid 2.5 65
bulk solids applications every year, and that number is bulk solids applications every year, and that number is
growing.1 There is a good reason for the technology’s Baking soda 5.7 70–80 growing.1 There is a good reason for the technology’s Baking soda 5.7 70–80
increasing use and popularity: it works. However, a increasing use and popularity: it works. However, a
few tips will enable users to start up and apply the Coffee beans, roasted 1.9 22–40 few tips will enable users to start up and apply the Coffee beans, roasted 1.9 22–40
instrument successfully. instrument successfully.
Calcium carbonate 9.1 75 Calcium carbonate 9.1 75
How Guided-Wave Radar Began Carbon black,
How Guided-Wave Radar Began Carbon black,
and How It Works powder
1.4–6.0 4–25 and How It Works powder
1.4–6.0 4–25
Guided-wave-radar continuous-level sensors typically Guided-wave-radar continuous-level sensors typically
use TDR technology. This technology was pioneered Cement powder 1.5–2.5 85–95 use TDR technology. This technology was pioneered Cement powder 1.5–2.5 85–95
in the first half of the 20th century for use in geologi- in the first half of the 20th century for use in geologi-
cal applications and later was used to detect cable Clinker 2.7 75–90 cal applications and later was used to detect cable Clinker 2.7 75–90
breaks. In the 1990s, TDR was applied as a means for breaks. In the 1990s, TDR was applied as a means for
measuring the level of material in a vessel. In less than Corn, whole 5.0 45 measuring the level of material in a vessel. In less than Corn, whole 5.0 45
two decades, TDR and guided-wave radar have become two decades, TDR and guided-wave radar have become
mainstays for mea- Diesel fuel 1.8 52 mainstays for mea- Diesel fuel 1.8 52
5.00 v 5.00 v
Reflection off suring the levels of Reflection off suring the levels of
Application: top of Application: top of
56-ft (17-m) silo counterweight solids and liquids. Ethanol 24.3 56 56-ft (17-m) silo counterweight solids and liquids. Ethanol 24.3 56
with cement 53.3 ft (16.2 m): In order to iden- with cement 53.3 ft (16.2 m): In order to iden-
powder cement surface powder cement surface
reflection tify and explain Flour, wheat 5.0 30–35 reflection tify and explain Flour, wheat 5.0 30–35
the key issues that the key issues that
must be properly Fly ash 1.9–2.6 35–45 must be properly Fly ash 1.9–2.6 35–45
2.50 v t addressed to ensure 2.50 v t addressed to ensure
1.04 1.04
successful use of a HDPE 1.6 35–40 successful use of a HDPE 1.6 35–40
Signal initiated guided-wave-radar Signal initiated guided-wave-radar
(in hatched area) (in hatched area)
level sensor in a Lime, quicklime 4.8 25–30 level sensor in a Lime, quicklime 4.8 25–30
bulk solids applica- bulk solids applica-
Reflection off tion, it is necessary Milk powder 1.7 15–20 Reflection off tion, it is necessary Milk powder 1.7 15–20
end of counterweight to illustrate how the end of counterweight to illustrate how the
0.00 v 0.00 v
technology works. Nylon 4.0 35–45 technology works. Nylon 4.0 35–45
Figure 1: Guided-wave-radar sensor The level sensor consists of a set of electronics and a Figure 1: Guided-wave-radar sensor The level sensor consists of a set of electronics and a
signal in cement application probe element. The probe element is called the wave- Paraffin wax 2.1 45 signal in cement application probe element. The probe element is called the wave- Paraffin wax 2.1 45
guide. The electronics continuously generate micro- guide. The electronics continuously generate micro-
Polystyrene, Polystyrene,
wave/radar pulses that are transmitted down the probe. expanded beads 2.2 1.5 wave/radar pulses that are transmitted down the probe. expanded beads 2.2 1.5
The frequency of the pulses is on the low-end of the The frequency of the pulses is on the low-end of the
radar or microwave spectrum—about 1 GHz. These low- Potash 5.6 50–60 radar or microwave spectrum—about 1 GHz. These low- Potash 5.6 50–60
power electromagnetic pulses are 1 ns in width. power electromagnetic pulses are 1 ns in width.
Because the radar energy is guided to the material PVC 1.8 48–52 Because the radar energy is guided to the material PVC 1.8 48–52
surface by the waveguide, the energy is focused and surface by the waveguide, the energy is focused and
not dispersed into the air, unlike open-air (radar or Table I: Examples of material dielectric constants. Results not dispersed into the air, unlike open-air (radar or Table I: Examples of material dielectric constants. Results
sonic-type) devices. The size of the energy field sur- can vary. sonic-type) devices. The size of the energy field sur- can vary.
 www.PowderBulkSolids.com 29 www.PowderBulkSolids.com 29

April 2007

April 2007
5.00 v 5.00 v
rounding the waveguide or probe depends on granular plastics with Application: rounding the waveguide or probe depends on granular plastics with Application:
31-ft (9.4-m) silo 30.2 ft (9.2 m): 31-ft (9.4-m) silo 30.2 ft (9.2 m):
the type of waveguide used, which is based on dielectrics of 1.6 reflect with feed pellet empty vessel the type of waveguide used, which is based on dielectrics of 1.6 reflect with feed pellet empty vessel
the specific application. This energy field can only 1.6% of the energy. the specific application. This energy field can only 1.6% of the energy.
be as small as 1 in. in diameter or up to about Dielectric constant values be as small as 1 in. in diameter or up to about Dielectric constant values
24 in. in diameter around the probe waveguide. for some typical bulk solids 24 in. in diameter around the probe waveguide. for some typical bulk solids
In applications involving powders and granular are shown in Table I. In applications involving powders and granular are shown in Table I.
materials, a single heavy-duty stainless-steel When the reflected pulses 2.50 v materials, a single heavy-duty stainless-steel When the reflected pulses 2.50 v
1.04 1.04
cable is typically used as the waveguide. These return, the guided-wave- Signal initiation Counterweight in contact
cable is typically used as the waveguide. These return, the guided-wave- Signal initiation Counterweight in contact
cable probes are as large as 0.31 in. in diameter radar sensor measures the (in hatched area) with vessel floor cable probes are as large as 0.31 in. in diameter radar sensor measures the (in hatched area) with vessel floor
(no negative pulse from (no negative pulse from
and can handle traction loads up to nearly 4 time of flight between the Possible anomaly
counterweight). and can handle traction loads up to nearly 4 time of flight between the Possible anomaly
counterweight).
in flange area in flange area
tons, which is important for solids applications. emission and reception of (did not affect ability Use of TBF mode not tons, which is important for solids applications. emission and reception of (did not affect ability Use of TBF mode not
to measure in this possible, but not needed to measure in this possible, but not needed
Figure 1 illustrates the level of cement pow- the pulse signals. Half of the application) in this application Figure 1 illustrates the level of cement pow- the pulse signals. Half of the application) in this application
der in a silo measured using a 56-ft cable probe time measured is related to der in a silo measured using a 56-ft cable probe time measured is related to
0.00 v 0.00 v
with a 0.31-in. diameter. The installation was the distance of the instru- with a 0.31-in. diameter. The installation was the distance of the instru-
good and the signal clean. Radar energy pulses ment mounting point to the Figure 2: Guided-wave-radar signal in feed application. good and the signal clean. Radar energy pulses ment mounting point to the Figure 2: Guided-wave-radar signal in feed application.
travel at the speed of light along the waveguide. material surface. The differ- travel at the speed of light along the waveguide. material surface. The differ-
Upon reaching the material surface, the pulses ence between the vessel height pneumatic conveying systems, In addition, Upon reaching the material surface, the pulses ence between the vessel height pneumatic conveying systems, In addition,
are reflected back with an intensity that depends and the measured distance is the level of the ma- TDR is not influenced by temperature, pres- are reflected back with an intensity that depends and the measured distance is the level of the ma- TDR is not influenced by temperature, pres-
on the dielectric constant, Ƹr, of the material terial in the vessel. sure, or density variations. on the dielectric constant, Ƹr, of the material terial in the vessel. sure, or density variations.
being measured. If the material Ƹr is 2.0, ap- Measurements using TDR are not influ- being measured. If the material Ƹr is 2.0, ap- Measurements using TDR are not influ-
proximately 2.0% of the energy will be reflected. enced by dust. This is a particularly impor- Ensuring Success proximately 2.0% of the energy will be reflected. enced by dust. This is a particularly impor- Ensuring Success
While approximately 80% of the energy is re- tant feature of the technology when powders In addition to following supplier recommenda- While approximately 80% of the energy is re- tant feature of the technology when powders In addition to following supplier recommenda-
flected from the surface of water (Ƹr = 80), are measured, especially during filling with tions, users of guided-wave-radar technology flected from the surface of water (Ƹr = 80), are measured, especially during filling with tions, users of guided-wave-radar technology

The Smartest Distance The Smartest Distance


   

Between Two Points.


   

Between Two Points.

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from VAC-U-MAX. from VAC-U-MAX.
VAC-U-MAX is a premier manufacturer of VAC-U-MAX is a premier manufacturer of
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equipment for conveying, batching, and equipment for conveying, batching, and
weighing materials. weighing materials.
Count on us for: Count on us for:
• Decades of engineering and conveying • Decades of engineering and conveying
expertise. expertise.
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specific needs. Because our systems are specific needs. Because our systems are
not “off the shelf,” they are always on not “off the shelf,” they are always on
the mark. the mark.
• Reliable equipment that’s proudly made • Reliable equipment that’s proudly made
  

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 And we say it in writing.  

 And we say it in writing.








  
 


  
 

  
 






 

  
 

 
 
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   "# 
   "#
   #&
 #  For more information about our custom-    #&
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    engineered pneumatic systems and 
   
    engineered pneumatic systems and
   !  #% solutions, call:    !  #% solutions, call:
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"   

#    #  1-866-239-8449 "   

#    #  1-866-239-8449
or visit online at: or visit online at:
  $ %
     $ %
  
  &' www.vac-u-max.com/convey   &' www.vac-u-max.com/convey

         
     

         
     

##!
   % ##!
   %
 # Air-driven solutions.  # Air-driven solutions.

Belleville, New Jersey Belleville, New Jersey






                    convey@ vac-u-max.com





                    convey@ vac-u-max.com

See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1842 See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1705 See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1842 See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1705
 30 TechnicalExclusive Powder/Bulk Solids 30 TechnicalExclusive Powder/Bulk Solids
April 2007

April 2007
should consider the following four topics to can also present parasitic reflections that may should consider the following four topics to can also present parasitic reflections that may
ensure its successful use in measuring powder be greater than the reflection off the material ensure its successful use in measuring powder be greater than the reflection off the material
or bulk solid materials. surface. The lower the Ƹr and the greater the or bulk solid materials. surface. The lower the Ƹr and the greater the
Dielectric Constant/Measuring Range. distance, the lower the signal strength of the Dielectric Constant/Measuring Range. distance, the lower the signal strength of the
Dielectric constant and measuring range are reflection. Obstructions within the electromag- Dielectric constant and measuring range are reflection. Obstructions within the electromag-
interdependent. The lower the Ƹr of the target netic field, from the mounting to the probe interdependent. The lower the Ƹr of the target netic field, from the mounting to the probe
material, the more challenging the application end, can affect the dielectric constant and material, the more challenging the application end, can affect the dielectric constant and
becomes. The higher the measuring range, range that can be measured. becomes. The higher the measuring range, range that can be measured.
the more challenging. The exact relationship Tech Tip no. 2: Users should ensure that the more challenging. The exact relationship Tech Tip no. 2: Users should ensure that
depends on the brand and implementation of the mounting method and location will not depends on the brand and implementation of the mounting method and location will not
TDR technology in the level sensor. Therefore, obstruct the electromagnetic field along the TDR technology in the level sensor. Therefore, obstruct the electromagnetic field along the
users should consult with a reliable supplier. entire length of the probe, from the mounting users should consult with a reliable supplier. entire length of the probe, from the mounting
Materials that are shown to have Ƹr values to the end of the counterweight at the bottom Materials that are shown to have Ƹr values to the end of the counterweight at the bottom
<2.0 do not necessarily generate the signal of the probe. <2.0 do not necessarily generate the signal of the probe.
strength in the reflected pulses to allow the Selecting the Optimal Mounting strength in the reflected pulses to allow the Selecting the Optimal Mounting
sensor electronics to receive and process it. Location. When considering the optimal sensor electronics to receive and process it. Location. When considering the optimal
However, in some units, the signal threshold However, in some units, the signal threshold
can be adjusted so that ranges of several me- Dielectric Typical can be adjusted so that ranges of several me- Dielectric Typical
ters can be measured with Ƹr values down to Material Constant Range ters can be measured with Ƹr values down to Material Constant Range
1.6. Table II presents examples of the relation- (Ƹr) (m/ft) 1.6. Table II presents examples of the relation- (Ƹr) (m/ft)
Figure 3: Mounting nozzle, which can be used if nec- ship between Ƹr and range. Some manufactur- Figure 3: Mounting nozzle, which can be used if nec- ship between Ƹr and range. Some manufactur-
essary but should be avoided if possible. The nozzle ers have developed a modified version of TDR Almonds, shelled 9.0 30+/100+ essary but should be avoided if possible. The nozzle ers have developed a modified version of TDR Almonds, shelled 9.0 30+/100+
height should never be greater than its diameter. technology known as tank-bottom-following height should never be greater than its diameter. technology known as tank-bottom-following
(TBF), which is used Asphalt, liquid 2.5 30+/100+ (TBF), which is used Asphalt, liquid 2.5 30+/100+
in applications in in applications in
which the dielectric Baking soda 5.7 30+/100+ which the dielectric Baking soda 5.7 30+/100+
America’s Best Source for constant of the target America’s Best Source for constant of the target
material is <2.0. Coffee beans, roasted 1.9 12/40 material is <2.0. Coffee beans, roasted 1.9 12/40
Tech Tip no. 1: Tech Tip no. 1:
It is important for Calcium 9.1 30+/100+ It is important for Calcium 9.1 30+/100+
users in this area carbonate users in this area carbonate
to have an accurate to have an accurate
and known Ƹr value Carbon black, powder 1.4–6.0 0–30+/0–100+ and known Ƹr value Carbon black, powder 1.4–6.0 0–30+/0–100+
for the material to for the material to
be measured. This Cement powder 1.5–2.5 0–30+/0–100+ be measured. This Cement powder 1.5–2.5 0–30+/0–100+
enables manufac- enables manufac-
turers to provide Clinker 2.7 30+/100+ turers to provide Clinker 2.7 30+/100+
presale application presale application
advice based on the Corn, whole 5.0 30+/100+ advice based on the Corn, whole 5.0 30+/100+
material and range, material and range,
as well as the manu- Diesel fuel 1.8 12/40 as well as the manu- Diesel fuel 1.8 12/40
facturers’ technology facturers’ technology
CEMA Standard Parts and product. Reliable Ethanol 24.3 30+/100+ CEMA Standard Parts and product. Reliable Ethanol 24.3 30+/100+
manufacturers will manufacturers will
By the Truckload or By the Package. request samples of Flour, wheat 5.0 30+/100+
By the Truckload or By the Package. request samples of Flour, wheat 5.0 30+/100+
low-dielectric or low-dielectric or
Sectional and Helicoid Screws Before You Pay questionable materi- Fly ash 1.9–2.6 12–30+/40–100+
Sectional and Helicoid Screws Before You Pay questionable materi- Fly ash 1.9–2.6 12–30+/40–100+
Too Much, als so that they can Too Much, als so that they can
Troughs, End Plates and Covers determine their Ƹr. HDPE 1.6 6/20
Troughs, End Plates and Covers determine their Ƹr. HDPE 1.6 6/20
Call Respecting the Call Respecting the
Inlets and Discharges 864-338-7793 Electromagnetic Lime, quicklime 4.8 30+/100+
Inlets and Discharges 864-338-7793 Electromagnetic Lime, quicklime 4.8 30+/100+
Field. Any item that Field. Any item that
may come within the Milk powder 1.7 10/33 may come within the Milk powder 1.7 10/33
Couplings and Shafts electromagnetic field Couplings and Shafts electromagnetic field
of the radar pulses Nylon 4.0 30+/100+ of the radar pulses Nylon 4.0 30+/100+
Cover Clamps can affect the suc- Cover Clamps can affect the suc-
cess of the measure- Paraffin wax 2.1 30+/100+ cess of the measure- Paraffin wax 2.1 30+/100+
Screw QuickFix® Couplings ment. Obstructions Screw QuickFix® Couplings ment. Obstructions
can present “para- Polystyrene, 2.2 30+/100+ can present “para- Polystyrene, 2.2 30+/100+
End Bearings and Seals site” reflections. expanded beads End Bearings and Seals site” reflections. expanded beads
Mounting nozzles Mounting nozzles
Hangers and Hanger Bearings or obstructions on Potash 5.6 30+/100+
Hangers and Hanger Bearings or obstructions on Potash 5.6 30+/100+
the underside of the the underside of the
roof, when they are PVC 1.8 12/40 roof, when they are PVC 1.8 12/40
within the electro- within the electro-
magnetic field, can Table II: Examples of material dielectric constants and magnetic field, can Table II: Examples of material dielectric constants and
Belton, South Carolina 29627 Phone: 864.338.7793 Fax: 864.338.8732 Belton, South Carolina 29627 Phone: 864.338.7793 Fax: 864.338.8732
E-Mail: good_people@GOODMANconveyor.com www.GOODMANconveyor.com absorb energy and measuring range. The data do not include measuring E-Mail: good_people@GOODMANconveyor.com www.GOODMANconveyor.com absorb energy and measuring range. The data do not include measuring
QuickFix is a registered trademark of Goodman Conveyor Company.
®
weaken reflected capability using the TBF method. Results can vary from QuickFix is a registered trademark of Goodman Conveyor Company.
®
weaken reflected capability using the TBF method. Results can vary from
© 2006 All rights reserved. signal strength. They brand to brand. © 2006 All rights reserved. signal strength. They brand to brand.
 www.PowderBulkSolids.com 31 www.PowderBulkSolids.com 31

April 2007

mounting location for a continuous-level sen-
sor, the following factors should be considered:
• Angle of repose.
• The desired measuring range.
• Vessel dimensions.
• Internal obstructions.
• Mounting on roof.
• The location of the fill inlet.
method that might be needed for very-low-
dielectric materials (<2.0; range dependent).
The roof structure should be strong enough
to withstand the anticipated traction loading
on the probe, which is based on the material
density, the probe length, vessel dimensions,
and mounting location. While users themselves
must decide how strong the roof structure
should be, they can learn the basic guidelines
from the supplier. For example, a 33-ft silo with
cement powder and a guided-wave radar level
sensor with 0.31-in. diameter cable probe pro-
duces approximately 1800 lb of traction load
on the cable probe during discharge of a full
vessel. A load of less than 1 ton is far less
than the capacity of the cable probe.
mounting location for a continuous-level sen-
sor, the following factors should be considered:
• Angle of repose.
• The desired measuring range.
• Vessel dimensions.
• Internal obstructions.
• Mounting on roof.
• The location of the fill inlet.
method that might be needed for very-low-
dielectric materials (<2.0; range dependent).
The roof structure should be strong enough
to withstand the anticipated traction loading
on the probe, which is based on the material
density, the probe length, vessel dimensions,
and mounting location. While users themselves
must decide how strong the roof structure
April 2007
should be, they can learn the basic guidelines
from the supplier. For example, a 33-ft silo with
cement powder and a guided-wave radar level
sensor with 0.31-in. diameter cable probe pro-
duces approximately 1800 lb of traction load
on the cable probe during discharge of a full
vessel. A load of less than 1 ton is far less
than the capacity of the cable probe.

Wikipedia defines the angle of Wikipedia defines the angle of

repose as an engineering property
of granular materials. When bulk
granular materials are poured onto
a horizontal surface, a conical pile
forms. The angle between the sur-
face of the pile and the horizontal
surface is known as the angle of
repose and is related to the density,
surface area, and coefficient of fric-
tion of the material. Material with
a low angle of repose forms flatter
piles than material with a high an-
gle of repose. It is also important to
note that materials have a positive
and a negative angle. That is, the
angle is positive during filling but
decreases and becomes negative at
some point during discharge.
Tech Tip no. 3: Users should
choose a mounting location for the
guided-wave-radar level sensor that
creates a net-zero effect in regard
to the angle of repose. In a cylin-
drical vessel with center fill and
discharge, this location is one-sixth
Other Valves Fight Friction repose as an engineering property
of granular materials. When bulk
Other Valves Fight Friction
MOBILE RAILCAR MOVERS MOBILE RAILCAR MOVERS
We Designed It Out granular materials are poured onto We Designed It Out
a horizontal surface, a conical pile
Up to 6 Million Cycles forms. The angle between the sur- Up to 6 Million Cycles
Unlike other valves that seal face of the pile and the horizontal Unlike other valves that seal
with friction, Posi-flate’s surface is known as the angle of with friction, Posi-flate’s
unique butterfly valve repose and is related to the density, unique butterfly valve
uses an inflatable seat surface area, and coefficient of fric- uses an inflatable seat
to seal with air pressure. to seal with air pressure.
tion of the material. Material with
Thus it requires less Thus it requires less
torque and a smaller a low angle of repose forms flatter torque and a smaller
actuator, resulting in lower piles than material with a high an- actuator, resulting in lower
cost. Plus, the seat automatically gle of repose. It is also important to cost. Plus, the seat automatically
compensates for wear, providing note that materials have a positive compensates for wear, providing
longer life. Some users have and a negative angle. That is, the longer life. Some users have
reported over 6 million angle is positive during filling but reported over 6 million
cycles and the valves are cycles and the valves are
decreases and becomes negative at
still going strong. 6KXWWOHZDJRQŠ &HQWUDO3RZHU3URGXFWV,QF still going strong. 6KXWWOHZDJRQŠ &HQWUDO3RZHU3URGXFWV,QF
some point during discharge.
• Less Friction Tech Tip no. 3: Users should • Less Friction
• Low Torque 7KHPRVWHIILFLHQWUDLOFDU choose a mounting location for the • Low Torque 7KHPRVWHIILFLHQWUDLOFDU
• Low Maintenance guided-wave-radar level sensor that • Low Maintenance
• Lower Actuator Costs VZLWFKLQJVROXWLRQDYDLODEOH creates a net-zero effect in regard • Lower Actuator Costs VZLWFKLQJVROXWLRQDYDLODEOH
• Longer Valve Life to the angle of repose. In a cylin- • Longer Valve Life
• More Reliable
drical vessel with center fill and • More Reliable
discharge, this location is one-sixth
of the diameter from the edge of
the vessel. However, it is important
to consider the effect of discharging
See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1833
material from the vessel on moving
the sensor probe. Even if the effect
is slight, users must ensure that the
cable probe does not contact the
vessel wall (while respecting the
electromagnetic field). If needed,
users may choose a sensor location
slightly closer to the center of the
!%%

!%%

vessel, but anything closer than
one-half the radius of the cylindri-
cal vessel is unadvisable. It is also
necessary to ensure that the sensor
mounting location does not cause
internal obstructions to be within
%.
%.
the electromagnetic field.
The measuring range and the
roof structure itself should also
be considered. Ideally, the probe
length should be sized to maxi-
• Detachable feet for
(651) 484-5800 • Fax (651) 484-7015
www.posiflate.com
vessel wall (while respecting the
Tri-Lobe® Heavy Duty High Efficiency
Positive Displacement Blowers
• Requires less HP to produce same
performance as current blowers.
• Non-contacting oil and air
seals for long life and no oil
leaks.
application flexibility.
For more information call  of the diameter from the edge of (651) 484-5800 • Fax (651) 484-7015 For more information call 
or visit ZZZVKXWWOHZDJRQFRP the vessel. However, it is important www.posiflate.com or visit ZZZVKXWWOHZDJRQFRP
to consider the effect of discharging
See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast, Booth 1833
material from the vessel on moving
the sensor probe. Even if the effect
#! is slight, users must ensure that the
cable probe does not contact the
#!
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electromagnetic field). If needed,
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users may choose a sensor location
slightly closer to the center of the Tri-Lobe® Heavy Duty High Efficiency
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one-half the radius of the cylindri-
  • Requires less HP to produce same  
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necessary to ensure that the sensor # $%&
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mounting location does not cause seals for long life and no oil
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internal obstructions to be within leaks.
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the electromagnetic field.
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The measuring range and the
roof structure itself should also





 be considered. Ideally, the probe
length should be sized to maxi-
• Detachable feet for
application flexibility. 






mize the measuring range, while • Complete blower and mize the measuring range, while • Complete blower and
keeping the end of the probe vacuum pump packages    !" keeping the end of the probe vacuum pump packages    !"
counterweight off of the cone for all applications.   counterweight off of the cone for all applications.  
or vessel wall. The amount of '%.23**$$$"$!  or vessel wall. The amount of '%.23**$$$"$! 
separation needed may depend *($ $4 separation needed may depend *($ $4
on the specific technology in '
+ 4 !"# $ on the specific technology in '
+ 4 !"# $
question. Figure 2 illustrates the '5"6# ) question. Figure 2 illustrates the '5"6# )
effect on the signal when the effect on the signal when the
www.blowerengineering.com


 www.blowerengineering.com




   
   

   
counterweight contacts the vessel Lewiston, New York Enfield, Connecticut

 

counterweight contacts the vessel Lewiston, New York Enfield, Connecticut

 


cone wall. This effect excludes 800-388-1339 860-749-7431 cone wall. This effect excludes 800-388-1339 860-749-7431
the use of a TBF measuring
  
 the use of a TBF measuring
  












32 TechnicalExclusive
April 2007
Mount sensor
x x
at center of nozzle
Nozzle diameter
must be greater than
nozzle height
Figure 4: View of mounting nozzle
Tech Tip no. 4: The sensor mounting loca-
tion will be affected by the fill stream, which
is based on the fill inlet location. The sen-
sor should not be installed so that the sensor
probe will be in the path of the incoming ma-
terial. A location as far from the fill inlet as
possible should be chosen, although the other
sensor location issues should be optimized.
Sensor Mounting. The method for mount-
ing the sensor to the roof of the vessel can
&RQYH\RU %HOW 6FDOH 0DLQWHQDQFH :HLJKLQJ <RX 'RZQ"
For five decades we’ve pioneered
 for
level measurement and indication
bulk solids. 
determine the difference between success and
failure. Users should pay careful attention to
this issue in the supplier’s installation and
operation manual.
Tech Tip no. 5: Whenever possible users
should avoid employing mounting nozzles.
Figures 3 and 4 present examples of typi-
cal mounting-nozzle installations. The ideal
mounting method is to mount guided-wave
radar sensors plumb, directly inserting them
into a welded coupling on top of the silo.
Alternatively, an angled or flat mounting flange
can be directly mounted to the vessel roof
without a nozzle.
If a mounting nozzle of some type must
be used (as in the case of a domed roof),
the internal diameter of the nozzle must be
greater than the height of the nozzle. For a
given nozzle height, the greater the diameter,
the better. The sensor probe must always be
mounted in the center of the nozzle, which
eliminates the possibility that the cable probe
will become shorted on the nozzle edge during
filling or discharge.
The vast majority of guided-wave radar instal-
lations are completed without any problem.
Eliminating the mounting nozzle or ensuring
that it is appropriately sized can resolve 80% of
the installation and start-up problems that arise
with guided-wave radar units. The remaining in-
stallation issues can be addressed by eliminating
Powder/Bulk Solids
April 2007
obstructions within the electromagnetic field or
by selecting the proper mounting location.
Conclusion
The demand for guided-wave radar devices has
never been higher, and it is growing rapidly. The
reasons are simple. The sensors are accurate, reli-
able under heavy dust conditions (even during
filling), and cost-effective (approximately $1800–
$2000 on average).
When manufacturers’ installation guides and the
tips offered in this article are followed, most pow-
der and bulk solids applications will benefit from
the use of these sensors. Guided-wave radar tech-
nologies have fast become plug-and-play devices,
offering greater reliability than other technologies,
especially in powders with dielectric constants of
•2.0. However, even lower-dielectric materials
can be measured. For more information, search
the Level Measurement blog at www.monitortech.
typepad.com.
1 Marketdata based on research performed in 2000 by
Venture Development Corp. (Natick, MA) for the U.S.
Process Level Measurement market.
Joseph D. Lewis is vice president of marketing
and sales at Monitor Technologies (Elburn, IL).
The company specializes in level measurement
and inventory management. For information about
guided-wave radar or the company’s offerings, call
800-601-6302 or visit www.monitortech.com.
32 TechnicalExclusive
Mount sensor
at center of nozzle
Nozzle diameter
must be greater than
nozzle height
Figure 4: View of mounting nozzle
Tech Tip no. 4: The sensor mounting loca-
tion will be affected by the fill stream, which
is based on the fill inlet location. The sen-
sor should not be installed so that the sensor
probe will be in the path of the incoming ma-
terial. A location as far from the fill inlet as
possible should be chosen, although the other
sensor location issues should be optimized.
Sensor Mounting. The method for mount-
ing the sensor to the roof of the vessel can
&RQYH\RU %HOW 6FDOH 0DLQWHQDQFH :HLJKLQJ <RX 'RZQ"
For five decades we’ve pioneered
 for
level measurement and indication
determine the difference between success and
failure. Users should pay careful attention to
this issue in the supplier’s installation and
operation manual.
Tech Tip no. 5: Whenever possible users
should avoid employing mounting nozzles.
Figures 3 and 4 present examples of typi-
cal mounting-nozzle installations. The ideal
mounting method is to mount guided-wave
radar sensors plumb, directly inserting them
into a welded coupling on top of the silo.
Alternatively, an angled or flat mounting flange
can be directly mounted to the vessel roof
without a nozzle.
If a mounting nozzle of some type must
be used (as in the case of a domed roof),
the internal diameter of the nozzle must be
greater than the height of the nozzle. For a
given nozzle height, the greater the diameter,
the better. The sensor probe must always be
mounted in the center of the nozzle, which
eliminates the possibility that the cable probe
will become shorted on the nozzle edge during
filling or discharge.
The vast majority of guided-wave radar instal-
lations are completed without any problem.
Eliminating the mounting nozzle or ensuring
that it is appropriately sized can resolve 80% of
the installation and start-up problems that arise
with guided-wave radar units. The remaining in-
stallation issues can be addressed by eliminating
Powder/Bulk Solids
obstructions within the electromagnetic field or
by selecting the proper mounting location.
Conclusion
The demand for guided-wave radar devices has
never been higher, and it is growing rapidly. The
reasons are simple. The sensors are accurate, reli-
able under heavy dust conditions (even during
filling), and cost-effective (approximately $1800–
$2000 on average).
When manufacturers’ installation guides and the
tips offered in this article are followed, most pow-
der and bulk solids applications will benefit from
the use of these sensors. Guided-wave radar tech-
nologies have fast become plug-and-play devices,
offering greater reliability than other technologies,
especially in powders with dielectric constants of
•2.0. However, even lower-dielectric materials
can be measured. For more information, search
the Level Measurement blog at www.monitortech.
typepad.com.
1 Marketdata based on research performed in 2000 by
Venture Development Corp. (Natick, MA) for the U.S.
Process Level Measurement market.
Joseph D. Lewis is vice president of marketing
and sales at Monitor Technologies (Elburn, IL).
The company specializes in level measurement
and inventory management. For information about
guided-wave radar or the company’s offerings, call
800-601-6302 or visit www.monitortech.com.



 bulk solids. 





Exemplifying our products today:

  
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• SafePoint®, the safest bin level 9ROXPHWULF 0HDVXUHPHQW RI %HOW &RQYH\HG 0DWHULDOV • SafePoint®, the safest bin level 9ROXPHWULF 0HDVXUHPHQW RI %HOW &RQYH\HG 0DWHULDOV
indicator available for your indicator available for your

 
 
process. “Truly” fail-safe and process. “Truly” fail-safe and
use of self-validating patented N ',3 %#,' '0,#%'-'.3 ,3'1.#3+5' use of self-validating patented N ',3 %#,' '0,#%'-'.3 ,3'1.#3+5'
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the only choice for safe and N /. /.3#%3 /.5'7/1 !/,4-' #.& 0''& '#241'-'.3 the only choice for safe and N /. /.3#%3 /.5'7/1 !/,4-' #.& 0''& '#241'-'.3
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N .3')1#, /. /.3#%3 ',3 0''& '.2/1 N .3')1#, /. /.3#%3 ',3 0''& '.2/1
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continuous level sensor is N /41
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state-of-the-art and offered N /3#,+8'1 (/1 '#, +-' #22 *1/4)*043 #,%4,#3+/. state-of-the-art and offered /3#,+8'1 (/1 '#, +-' #22 *1/4)*043 #,%4,#3+/.
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N /.31/, /( #3'1+#, ''&'12 


N /.31/, /( #3'1+#, ''&'12

 
 For more information
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 For more information
and products visit



www.monitortech.com/BIOFUELS See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast   #37 1''6#7 4+3'  /423/. " 



www.monitortech.com/BIOFUELS See us at Powder/Bulk Solids Southeast   #37 1''6#7 4+3'  /423/. " 

 
Booth 1905 

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  800-601-3232 M 630-365-9403 M L S M w w w. f l e x a r. i n f o
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666#2++.2314-'.32%/-0$2   800-601-3232 M 630-365-9403 M L S M w w w. f l e x a r. i n f o
w w w. m o n i t o r t e c h . c o m / B I O F U E2#,'2#2++.2314-'.32%/-
666#2++.2314-'.32%/-0$2
44W320 Keslinger Road M P.O. Box 8048 M Elburn, IL 60119-8048 M 800-766-6486 M 630-365-9403 M Fax 630-365-5646 44W320 Keslinger Road M P.O. Box 8048 M Elburn, IL 60119-8048 M 800-766-6486 M 630-365-9403 M Fax 630-365-5646
www.flexar.info M www.monitortech.com M monitor@monitortech.com www.flexar.info M www.monitortech.com M monitor@monitortech.com