Gearbox Heaters
For climates consistently below 32°F, BinMaster offers motor gearbox heaters with a thermostat option.
Automated Inventory Measurements for up to 255 Bins
SmartBob® II: Cable-Based Level Measurement
SmartBob® II is a cable-based level measurement system that works like an automated tape measure, dropping a weighted probe to the material surface at timed intervals and returning a precise distance reading. Also known as a bin bob or plumb bob, SmartBob is valued for its long service life, repeatable measurements, and reliability in dusty bulk solids.
Bob's Smart Design
Built for Long-Term, Repeatable Measurements
- Measures vessels up to 150 feet
- ±0.25% distance measurement accuracy
- Simple mounting via 3" NPT connection
- Molded polycarbonate enclosure rated NEMA-4X, 5, 9, and 12
- Hazardous approvals: Class II, Groups E, F & G
- Immune to airborne dust, steam, and changes in temperature or humidity
- Repeatable results in bulk solids, powders, liquids, and slurries
- Software supports data sharing and vendor-managed inventory
About SmartBob® II Models
SmartBob® II Remote (SBR II)
• Integrated cable cleaning system for long service life
• Rugged two-compartment design separates mechanical and electronic components
• Sealed, lightweight molded polycarbonate enclosure
• No field calibration required
• Hazloc ratings include Class II, Groups E, F & G
Analog Output (SBR II AO)
• Built-in 4–20 mA analog output
• Integrated keypad for programming
• Sends measurement data directly to a PLC
• Programmable measurement intervals
• Two configurable relay outputs: high/low level alarms or error indication
Submersed Solids (SBR II SS)
• Measures solids settled at the bottom of tanks
• Ideal for sediment below liquid in brine tanks
• Alternative to sight tubes
• Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel cable
• Includes 3” CPVC pipe extension
• SureDrop™ cap prevents contamination
High Temperatures (SBR II HT)
• Designed for process temperatures 240°F–500°F
• 12" long, 3" diameter galvanized standoff pipe distances sensor from heat
• 1" stainless steel pipe extension
• Teflon® cable guide prevents probe from entering standpipe
MultiBob System (SBR II MB)
• Designed for large diameter vessels
• Uses 2 to 32 SmartBob sensors on a single bin
• Binventory® software reports individual measurements
• Calculates average level
• Estimates percent full for the entire vessel
Side Mounting (SBR II HM)
• Horizontal mounting configuration
• Ideal when top mounting is not possible
• Rigid extension custom-made from 12” to 36”
• Installs through a 4” side opening
Function & Design
How SmartBob® Works
Mounted on top of a vessel, SmartBob lowers a weighted cable to the material surface. Upon impact, the cable retracts while counting pulses, which are converted into a distance/level measurement.
Measurements can be scheduled at set intervals to track inventory changes over time.
Two-Compartment Design
SmartBob includes separated mechanical and electronic components to extend service life.
The electronics compartment is fully sealed to protect against dust, debris, and condensation. Mechanical components (cable and pulley system) are housed separately and include a wiper that cleans the cable during retraction.
The housing is Class II rated for hazardous locations.
Mechanical Features
• Cable options include nylon-jacketed, Teflon-jacketed, bare stainless steel, or FDA-approved cable
• Idler arm brake helps prevent probe sliding on angle of repose in active vessels
• Sealed bearings for trouble-free operation
• Pulley channel scraper keeps channel free of debris
• Cable-leveling supply pulley for consistent spooling
• Air purge connection for harsh environments
• Cable wiper cleans the cable with each retraction
Electrical Features
• Direct-drive reversible motor with electronic torque control for maximum pull strength
• Optional motor gearbox heater for cold climates
• Dual conduit entries
• 110/220 VAC power options
• Removable wire terminals for easy installation
• Test button to remotely initiate a measurement
• Unique sensor addressing via dip switch panel
• Protected optical encoder and sensor wheel
SureDrop™ Cable Release
SureDrop keeps the probe from sticking due to buildup or freezing. A Teflon cap and ball seal the mechanical compartment while idle.
If the cap sticks, the ball strikes it with the full probe weight to dislodge it.
Mounting SmartBob® Sensors
Mounting Plates
3" NPT mounting plates made of powder-coated carbon steel. Plates at angles of 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 35°, and 40° are available to fit flat or slanted roofs.
Optimal Mounting Location
For center-fill, center-discharge silos, mount SmartBob approximately 1/6 of the bin diameter in from the perimeter.
This location helps account for angle of repose in free-flowing materials and supports more accurate inventory readings.
Industries that Use SmartBob®
SmartBob has proven reliable in demanding applications involving solids, powders, liquids, slurries, and brine tanks. It’s commonly used for on-premise, corporate-wide inventory monitoring.
Industries include feed and grain, plastics and resins, concrete and aggregates, lime and alumina, coal and power generation, brine tanks, wood pellets, and sawdust processing.
Sawdust at a wood product facility
Corn in a grain storage silo
Heated molasses at a liquid feed plant
Carbon black at a rubber belt plant
Polystyrene in a polymer manufacturing facility
Salt submersed in water at a brine plant
Monitor On-Site or Remotely
Accessing Your SmartBob® Inventory
Access SmartBob inventory data in real-time through the Binventory® software installed on a local PC or via the BinCloud® web application.
BinCloud®
- BinMaster's proprietary software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for inventory monitoring
- Access inventory from a phone, tablet, or PC
- Scales across vessels and locations for multi-site visibility
- Receive automated text/email level alerts
Binventory® 2.0
- On-premise inventory management platform; runs as a standalone webserver application
- Ideal for facilities that want full, local control over their data
- Secure, easy-to-use system accessible from any workstation on your network (LAN or VPN)
- Ships pre-installed on a dedicated Controller for simple implementation.
On-Demand Visibility
Control Consoles for Local Data
Consoles allow for push-button, on-demand measurements and ground-level check-ins.
The C-100 Console offers walk-up or drive-up data access that displays distance to material, height of material, percent full, and estimated volume.
Non-volatile memory stores settings and last measurements of up to 120 vessels.
The C-50 analog expansion console is used alongside the C-100 for networked communications, with capacity for up to six cards per console.
Each analog expansion card supports up to four 4-20 mA outputs. Up to five expansion consoles can be daisy-chained. Supports up to 120 SmartBob® sensors.
Choose Your SmartBob® Probe
Some probes are best suited for specific uses. Utilize the comparison chart to find the best probe for your SmartBob application.
| Probe Type | Model(s) | Material / Construction | Best For | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Spike | B1 | Stainless-steel | Solids ≥20 lb./ft.³ bulk density | Most common probe; can drop through water to measure submerged solids |
| Heavy Spike | B2 | 416 stainless-steel | Solids > 20 lb./ft.³ bulk density | Magnetic probe; can be retrieved with magnet |
| Heavy Spike | B14 | Teflon® coated stainless | Sticky materials | Coating reduces material buildup |
| Glass Spike | B11 | Glass spike filled with sand | Frac sand applications | Eliminates risk of metal contamination |
| 6" Sphere | B9 | Stainless-steel sphere | Liquids, slurries, light powders | 6” round design |
| 6" Sphere | B13 | Teflon® coated sphere | Sticky materials | Resists buildup |
| 6" Inverted Cone | B4 | Stainless-steel hollow cone | Liquids & very light solids (≥3 lb./ft.³) | Suitable for low-density materials |
| 6" Inverted Cone | B13 (Coated Option) | Teflon® coated | Sticky materials | Reduces adhesion |
| Plastic Bottle (32 oz.) | B5 | Bottle filled with food-grade paraffin wax | Food & general solids | “Digestible” design passes through rotary valves or screw conveyors |
| Plastic Bottle (32 oz.) | B6 | Empty bottle | Field-fill option | Customizable weight |
| Plastic Bottle (32 oz.) | B12 | Bottle filled with wax + magnetic stainless balls | Applications requiring magnetic retrieval | Designed for safe passage through process equipment |
| 4" Inverted Cone | B3 | Stainless-steel weighted hollow cone | Light solids & powders (≥8 lb./ft.³) | Compact alternative to 6” cone |
Plumb-Bob Sensor Accessories
Pipe Extensions
Keeps the probe flush with the top of the vessel and prevents cable from fraying. Custom lengths of 4" to 60" in stainless-steel or CPVC.
Versatile Cable Options
Nylon-jacketed (to 250°F), Teflon-jacketed (to 500°F), bare cable (to 1000°F), and FDA-approved nylon-jacketed cable.
Wireless Transceivers
Reduce wiring costs with wireless data transmission. Use point-to-point or multi-point wireless to eliminate running RS-485 wiring.
Bin Bob vs. Radar vs. Ultrasonic
Why Choose SmartBob®?
Every level measurement technology has strengths. SmartBob® is often selected when operators need highly repeatable, inventory-focused measurements in challenging bulk solids applications.
Choose SmartBob when visible mechanical operation is preferred, or you want a direct physical measurement that is not affected by materials. MultiBob provides multi-point measurement in large diameter bins.
It is also ideal when you prefer scheduled inventory readings instead of continuous updates, and prioritize a sensor's long service life and low maintenance needs.
Use ultrasonic or radar technologies when continuous, real-time level updates are required, there is limited headroom for a cable drop, or the application requires non-contact measurement with no moving parts.
