Selecting Continuous Level Sensors
SmartBob Weight & Cable
Strengths
• Not affected by dust or other adverse process conditions
• Not affected by material buildup on sensor
• Can be used in extremely light, signal-absorbing materials
• Measures bins up to 180 feet (SmartBob-TS1 up to 60 feet)
• Not affected by material characteristics such as low dielectric constant or angle of repose
• Remote sensor requires no calibration
• High temperature models available up to 1000°F
• Very simple setup and installation
• Consistent, repeatable, and accurate measurements
• Compatible with eBob software
• A variety of digital and analog outputs available
• Cable replacing, wireless communications available
• Hazardous location approvals available
Considerations
• On-demand system, does not provide an instantaneous response to change in the material level
• Seasonal maintenance may be required to clean out mechanical cavity in very dusty conditions, if air-purge is not used
• Not recommended in high pressure bins
• Minimal contact with stored material
GWR-2000 Guided Wave Radar
Strengths
• Continuous level measurement in powders, granules, bulk solids, and liquids
• Measuring distance up to 100 feet
• For light to heavy bulk solids
• 4-20 mA and Modbus RTU communications
• Performs in vessels prone to high dust
• Suitable for vessels of most any shape or diameter, including narrow tanks
• Immune to condensation
• Virtually maintenance free
• Reliable accuracy within 0.08”
• Hazardous location approvals
• BinDisc simple setup and configuration
• Compatible with eBob software
• Very simple setup and installation
• Cable replacing, wireless communications available
Considerations
• Sensing probe is in constant contact with material
• Minimum dielectric constant of material must be above 1.3
• Material like large rock may damage probe and be difficult to sense
3DLevelScanner Acoustic
Strengths
• Continuous level measurement
• Non-intrusive, non-contact design
• Measures uneven powder or solid material surfaces
• Detects cone up, cone down and sidewall buildup
• Provides minimum, maximum and average distances
• Performs in extreme levels of dust
• Calculates highly accurate bin volume due to mapping the surface of the material with multiple measuring points.
• Measuring range up to 200 feet
• Self-cleaning with minimal maintenance
• High temperature applications up to 365°F
• Automatic compensation for temperature changes
• Analog and digital communication options
• Leading-edge 3D MultiVision networkable PC software available for multiple vessel monitoring
• Can generate a 3D image of material surface
• Cable-replacing, wireless interfaces available
• Approved for hazardous locations
• Not affected by material characteristics or low dielectric constants
• RL model compatible with eBob software
Considerations
• The 3DLevelScanner is an acoustic device and elevated background noise can have an affect on its performance
• Setup requires care in mounting the sensor in the proper location, and mapping the vessel
• Time required to process multiple pulse echoes limits the sample rate
• Not recommended for liquid applications
• Corrugation on small vessels can cause false echoes
• Not recommended for materials with a bulk density under 11 lb./cu. ft. due to absorbing the acoustic pulse
LL-100 Laser Level Sensor
Strengths
• Measures in a very tight 1° beam with no beam divergence
• Accuracy of +/- 1 inch with range up to 160 feet
• Can track during fill in low dust environments
• Ideal for very narrow vessels or constrained spaces
• Unaffected by corrugated bin walls
• Can be precisely targeted to avoid structure inside vessel
• Use for plugged chute detection or monitoring sidewall buildup
• Versatile for bulk solids, pellets, granular materials, and opaque liquids
• Can be used in most any dielectric material
• Unaffected by heavy vapors and pressure
• Adjustable 10° mounting flange for precise aiming
• Integrated dust protection for minimal maintenance
• Easily configured in the field using a USB port
• Configuration can be performed without filling or emptying vessel
Considerations
• Single point measurement will not take into account material topography
• Laser will penetrate clear liquids
• Dusty environments will diminish performance
• Air purge may be required to keep lenses clean in dusty environments
NCR-80 Non-Contact Radar for Solids
Strengths
• Powerful 80 GHz radar significantly outperforms old 26 GHz technology
• 4° versus 10° beam angle for better precision and targeting
• Substantial 393 foot measuring range
• Same sensor technology used by self-driving cars
• Strong signal performs well in dust
• Fast reaction/update time tracks filling or emptying activity
• Versatile for use in solids, liquids, and slurries
• Signal not affected by corrugation
• Loop power capability
• Compatible with eBob software
• 4 - 20 mA and Modbus RTU communications
Considerations
• Single point measurement will not take into account material topography
• Minimum dielectric constant of material must be above 1.3