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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.
Fail Safe Rotary - BMRX-300
Formerly known as MAXIMA+
The new BMRX-300 rotary level switch replaces the legacy MAXIMA+ model of the BinMaster rotary. The innovative design features a large LED built-in indicator light that covers the entire lid, so it’s highly visible from a distance. Plus, the bright LED changes from green to red when the paddle stops turning when the bin is full or empty.
Highly visible LED light
The light is green while the paddle is turning. When the paddle is stopped by material, a relay closes to indicate a change in status and the light changes to red. Since the light is housed in the lid of the rotary, there’s no extra wiring to an external light for alert notification. When the BMRX-300 is mounted on the side of the vessel, the bright green or red light is visible from 100 feet away.
Process control functionality
You can also wire the rotary to start or stop a process when the light turns red or green. For example, if you are loading a grain bin using an auger, you can shut off the auger when the light turns red.
Best rotary protection
Fail-safe operation, self-diagnostics, and immediate and corrective response to failures distinguish the BMRX-300 as the best rotary for process control. Its red LED light visually alerts to fault, covered, or rotating status conditions.
BMRX-100 & BMRX-200 Standard Rotary
BMRX-200 with PCB & DPDT switch
The BMRX-200 is the second model in the new line of BinMaster rotary level paddle switches. Its design features PCB controls and relay outputs designed to be “fail safe” in case of power failure. If power fails to the rotary, the relays will default to the output deemed “safe” for a high-level or low-level indicator application. A DPDT relay switch in the BMRX-200 allows the user to set up two switching outputs.
BMRX-100 with mechanical design
BinMaster’s standard rotary features a reliable mechanical design and an SPDT switch. The BinMaster BMRX-100 rotary level indicator is an electromechanical device without a printed circuit board, so it’s impervious to moisture and vibration found in tough processing environments.
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.
BMRX-300 | BMRX-200 | BMRX-100 | Mini | |
Operation | Digital PCB | Digital PCB | Mechanical | Mechanical |
Fail-Safe | True | Power Failure | No | No |
Switch | DPDT | DPDT | SPDT | SPDT |
LED Indicator | Yes | No | No | No |
Approvals | Hazardous | Hazardous | Ordinary | Ordinary |
Time Delays | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Screw-Off Cap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 2-Year | 2-Year | 2-Year | 2-Year |
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.
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 |