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Rotary level indicators
A rotary paddle level switch is the most common point level indicator. It detects high, mid and low levels of material in bins, tanks, and silos. Rotary level indicators wire to a horn, alarm or light panel. They send an alert when a relay switch activates when material covers or falls away from the paddle. BinMaster's standard and fail-safe rotaries can be customized with a wide assortment of paddles, mounting plates, and extensions. Plus, a compact mini rotary is ideal for constrained spaces.
MAXIMA + Fail-Safe Rotary
Innovative Foolproof Design
The MAXIMA+ is BinMaster’s state-of-the-art microprocessor-based, fail-safe rotary level indicator. It has all the benefits of the BRMX, plus the ability to continuously self-diagnose. In the event of a failure, it provides an immediate warning and instantaneous corrective response. This distinguishing feature makes the MAXIMA+ the ideal rotary for operations where it is crucial to confirm a paddle level switch operates continuously.
Immediate Status Notification
Knowing the status of the rotary saves time and money by preventing overfilling and empty conditions. BinMaster’s MAXIMA+ rotary offers status notification that alerts to paddle rotation, a covered condition, or fault condition via an LED light. A valuable feature not offered by every rotary manufacturer, the MAXIMA+ is the best choice for applications where it is essential the user knows the sensor’s status.
Visual Monitoring via LED
The microprocessor-based MAXIMA+ rotary is completely fail-safe for mechanical and power failures. The supervisory circuit monitors shaft rotation and determines if the paddles are not rotating because of a covered condition, mechanical failure, or a loss of power.
Process Control Capability
Users demand more from their level controls than just material detection—they also want genuine fail-safe response. MAXIMA+ is designed for integration into process control systems. Its advanced circuitry lets the user monitor material levels and automatically control the process system if there is an unexpected unit failure or power loss. This means the MAXIMA+ provides maximum protection and cost savings through added flexibility when designing a process control system.
BMRX Standard Rotary
Simple, Rugged, Reliable Operation
BinMaster has built advanced technology and design features into the BMRX to create a significantly advanced rotary paddle switch that exceeds the performance of competitive rotaries. The BMRX is designed to provide security from system power failure, easy access to all components, and reliable performance. It features the same explosion-proof housing that is standard on every BinMaster paddle level switch. The BMRX is cost-effective and the easiest-to-implement solution for reliable point level control.
Built for Long Life
BinMaster builds the BMRX with a specially designed synchronous motor that features “de-energized” operation. The motor automatically shuts down when material is present rather than remaining in a “stalled” condition. This minimizes “wear & tear” and reduces the operating temperature to extend motor life. Plus, the motor features a built-in bi-directional slip-clutch that protects the gear assembly from damage due to over rotation. The BMRX has a standard four-bearing drive shaft assembly that reduces motor drag during paddle rotation.
Compact MINI Rotary
Ideal for Small Bins & Hoppers
This economical and compact paddle level switch is designed for controlling material levels in smaller bins and hoppers that contain plastics, food, seed, chemicals, and other dry powder and bulk solid materials. Its small size, yet rugged design allows for use of a level sensor where other types of equipment simply will not fit.
Small, Yet Versatile
The Mini Rotary features a slow-speed synchronous motor appropriate for a variety of light to heavy materials – and adjustable motor torque sensitivity. Two different paddles are available, making it suitable for a wide range of powders or bulk solids. A four-vane polycarbonate paddle is appropriate for light to medium density materials, while a bayonet style polycarbonate paddle is easily insertable through a ¾” pipe fitting and can be used with higher density materials.
| MAXIMA + | BMRX | MINI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| De-Energized Motor | |||
| Fail-Safe | |||
| Status Light | |||
| Time Delays | |||
| Auto Sensing | |||
| Built-In Slip Clutch | |||
| Screw-Off Cap | |||
| Tight Spaces |
Top Mounting
For high level detection use a full coupling mounting plate available in 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° angles. Use a flexible shaft coupler to absorb impact when loading.
Side Mounting
For low or mid-level detection, use a half coupling mounting plate and a solid shaft coupler to install the rotary on the side wall or in the cone of the bin.
Mounting plates are available in carbon steel or stainless steel.
| MODEL | MOUNT | ANGLE | COUPLING | CONSTRUCTION | FINISH | GASKET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRMP-1 | Side | 0° | Half - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | White Powder Coat | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-3 | Side | 0° | Half - 1.25” | Stainless Steel | Bare | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-14 | Side | 0° | Half - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | Bare | White Silicone |
| GRMP-2 | Top | 0° | Full - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | White Powder Coat | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-4 | Top | 0° | Full - 1.25” | Stainless Steel | Bare | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-15 | Top | 0° | Full - 1.25” | Stainless Steel | Bare | White Silicone |
| GRMP-9 | Top | 10° | Full - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | White Powder Coat | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-16 | Top | 20° | Full - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | White Powder Coat | Black Neoprene |
| GRMP-13 | Top | 30° | Full - 1.25” | Carbon Steel | White Powder Coat | Black Neoprene |
High Level Indication
For high level applications, the rotary is mounted on the roof of the bin or near the top of the bin wall. While the bin is being filled, the paddle continually rotates until material reaches it. The paddle stops turning when it senses resistance. The motor rotates an actuator arm that activates a relay switch wired to an alarm, light, or process equipment to prevent overfilling.
Low Level Indication
The rotary is mounted in the cone of the bin or near the bottom of the bin wall. While the paddle is covered, the rotary motor is de-energized and the paddle stops rotating. As material drops below the paddle, the actuator arm springs back, the motor re-energizes, and the paddle rotates, to indicate a low-level alert status or start up a process system.
Powder & Granular Material
Pellets
A rotary paddle switch is used for point level detection in powders, pellets, and granular materials with a bulk density of 2 pounds to over 100 pounds per cubic foot.
They install in bins and silos for overfill prevention and to eliminate material outages that could interrupt a process. Other uses include plugged chute detection and to conveyor overloading prevention.
Custom Options & Configurations
Let BinMaster tailor your BinMaster MAXIMA+ or BMRX paddle level switch to your application. We build your custom rotary in our Lincoln, Nebraska plant in just a few days. Our integrated machine shop and team of skilled assemblers allow BinMaster to offer more versatility than any other rotary manufacturer.
Sealed Rotary Extension
BinMaster’s special rotary extension design includes a protective bearing at the bottom of the shaft that forms a seal between the rotary shaft and the shaft guard. This bearing prevents material from getting packed up into the extension, causing the rotary to give a false full signal when the paddle stops turning. An extended rotary can also be used when side mounting or on angled rooftops.
Stainless Steel Process Connection for Corrosive Materials
BinMaster’s optional stainless steel process connection was designed for use in corrosive applications. The 304 SS solid stainless-steel fitting is available in both 1-1/4” and 1-1/2” NPT sizes and comes with a stainless steel seal/bearing carrier. Rotaries equipped with this connection are configured so all materials that come into contact with material inside the bin are stainless steel, making it ideal for processors of foodstuffs, chemicals, cleaners, or other caustic materials.
Heat Tubes for High Temp Applications
When the external temperature outside the bin exceeds 140°F (60°C), an optional heat tube can be added to distance the electronics of the unit away from a heat source. Heat tubes can also extend the rotary beyond insulation on the outside of the bin. Heat tubes can be used for top or side mounted applications and are available in 8” or 12” lengths in either aluminum or stainless steel.
Vertical Rotary Extension for High Level Detection
Top-of-bin mounting for rotaries is ideal when the rotary is used as a high-level alarm. Solid material tends to be higher at the filling point and most operators don’t want any bin filled to the very top or need to allow for a specified amount of headroom in the bin. For top-of-bin applications, BinMaster manufactures to the length requested by the customer, offering custom lengths up to 144”.
Horizontal Rotary Extension for Thick Bin Walls
This rugged steel extension is used to install a rotary through the side of a bin wall, such as those in concrete silos, up to 12” thick. This extension design allows for rotaries to be side mounted with minimal risk of damage during operations. This optional assembly includes an extended drive shaft with a protective shaft guard that keeps the shaft centered and BinMaster’s “no packing” seal at the end of the shaft. Standard lengths of 6”, 8”, 10”, or 12” are available.
Adjustable Top Mount Rotary
The adjustable top mount rotary features a coupling that can be moved up and down the length of the shaft. The shaft can be adjusted from 6” to 72”, which allows the rotary to accommodate differing material levels in the bin or silo. The indicator can be used in most materials in conjunction with a compatible paddle and is installed through the top of the bin.
About Rotary Paddles
- Use them in light, medium, and heavy materials. Generally, the lighter the material the taller the paddle to create more surface area to increase resistance.
- Most are made of stainless steel. Nylon paddles can be used in some light material applications.
- Direct connect paddles do not require the use of the coupler. Be sure to check if you need a coupler!
- 3-Vane paddles are the most popular and come in a variety of depths and in stainless steel or nylon.
- Bayonet or single-vane paddles are insertable through a process connection.
- Collapsible paddles don’t require entering the bin for installation or removal. They fit through a1-1/4” or 1-1/2” opening.
Paddle Selection Guide
| MODEL | TYPE | CONSTRUCTION | TURNING DIAMETER | INSERTION DEPTH | BLADE HEIGHT | CONNECTION | MATERIAL DENSITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRP-1 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 7.0” | 2.7” | 2.0” | COUPLER | LIGHT |
| GRP-2 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 5” | 2.2” | 1.5” | COUPLER | MEDIUM |
| GRP-3 | SINGLE VANE INSERTABLE | STAINLESS STEEL | 4-7/16” | 2.0” | 1.0” | COUPLER | HEAVY |
| GRP-11 | 3-VANE | NYLON | 7.0” | 2.6” | 1-15/16” | COUPLER | LIGHT |
| GRP-12 | 3-VANE | NYLON | 5.0” | 2.1” | 1-7/16” | COUPLER | MEDIUM |
| GRP-22 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 5.0” | 2.2” | 1.0” | COUPLER | HEAVY |
| GRP-23 | BAYONET | STAINLESS STEEL | 6.4” | 6.2” | 1.2” | COUPLER | MEDIUM |
| GRP-24 | BELT | BELTING | 1.5” | 13.2” | 12.0” | COUPLER | HEAVY W/ LRG PARTICLE SIZE |
| GRP-25 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 5.4” | 5.7” | 5.0” | COUPLER | VERY LIGHT |
| GRP-26 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 7.0” | 3.5” | 2.0” | DIRECT | LIGHT |
| GRP-27 | BAYONET | STAINLESS STEEL | 6.4” | 8.0” | 1.2” | DIRECT | MEDIUM |
| GRP-28 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 7.0” | 5.7” | 5.0” | COUPLER | VERY LIGHT |
| GRP-29 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 5-7/16” | 5.7” | 5.0” | DIRECT | VERY LIGHT |
| GRP-30 | 3-VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 5.0” | 4.0” | 1.5” | DIRECT | MEDIUM |
| GRP-31 | SINGLE VANE | STAINLESS STEEL | 7.0” | 2.25” | 1-5/8” | COUPLER | HEAVY |
| GRP-34 | SINGLE VANE | STAINLESS STEEL COLLAPSIBLE TO 1.5" NPT | 8.0” | 4.7” | 1-3/8” | DIRECT | MEDIUM to HEAVY |
| GRP-35 | DOUBLE VANE | STAINLESS STEEL COLLAPSIBLE TO 1.5" NPT | 8.0” | 4.8” | 1-3/8” | DIRECT | MEDIUM to HEAVY |
| GRP-36 | SINGLE VANE | STAINLESS STEEL COLLAPSIBLE TO 1.5" NPT | 8.0” | 4.8” | 1-3/8” | COUPLER | MEDIUM to HEAVY |
| GRP-37 | DOUBLE VANE | STAINLESS STEEL COLLAPSIBLE TO 1.5" NPT | 8.0” | 4.8” | 1-3/8” | COUPLER | MEDIUM to HEAVY |
