Vibrating Rod Level Sensors for Light Bulk Solids

BinMaster offers a broad selection of vibrating probes.

These sensors provide reliable performance in materials such as Styrofoam®, plastic pellets, sawdust, carbon black, chalk, flour, and other lightweight bulk solids.

• Sword-blade vibrating rods
• Round vibrating rods
• Vibrating forks
• Rigid and flexible extensions
• High-temperature models
• Sanitary designs
• Mini vibrating probes for small vessels

Vibrating rod level switches operate using a piezoelectric crystal element that causes the sensing blade or rod to vibrate at its natural frequency.

When the probe is uncovered, the vibrating element oscillates freely. But when material contacts—or covers—the probe:

1. The vibration becomes damped
2. The sensor electronics detect the change in vibration frequency
3. The sensor triggers a relay output, indicating a covered condition

When the material falls away from the probe, vibration resumes, and the sensor returns to an uncovered state.

This simple operating principle makes vibrating rods highly reliable and resistant to dust, buildup, and changing material characteristics.

BinMaster’s sword-blade vibrating rods are designed for detecting lightweight materials.

Their wide, flat blade creates stronger vibration and higher sensitivity for detecting low-density powders and flakes.

• Detects materials with bulk densities as low as 1.25 lb./ft.³
• Buildup-resistant blade design
• Prevents bridging associated with fork designs
• Ideal for powders, flakes, and aerated materials

Typical Materials: Styrofoam®, sawdust, carbon black, chalk, flour, and plastic flakes and pellets

Models: VRX21, VRX31, VRX41, VRX51, VRX61, and VRX71

Round vibrating rods use a single stainless-steel rod that vibrates until material contacts the probe.

When vibration is damped by material, the sensor triggers a switch.

• Rugged one-piece rod construction
• Suitable for powders and granules
• Reliable operation in dusty environments
• Models: VR-90, VR-92, and VR-93

Vibrating forks use two vibrating tines that oscillate together. When material surrounds the forks, vibration stops and the sensor signals a covered condition.

• Best suited for fine powders or granulated materials that will not bridge between tines
• Ideal for sanitary environments
• Models: VF-90, VF-92, and VF-93

The VRX21 is BinMaster's standard in-stock model with a 7.5-inch insertion length.

Typical uses include top- or side-mounted level detection, plugged chute detection, and low-level detection in vessel cones.

Rigid Extended Probes

The VRX41 can be extended from 13 inches to 13 feet using galvanized pipe, stainless-steel pipe, or sanitary pipe extensions.

Level detection for light, medium, and heavy materials.

Flexible Extended Probes

The VRX51 uses a steel-rope reinforced cable extension. Extension lengths range from 19 inches to 19.5 feet.

Flexible probes resist damage from falling material and are custom-built to customer specifications.

Sanitary Processing

The VRX31 sanitary vibrating rod is designed for food and pharmaceutical processing. It is suitable for clean-in-place systems.

Features include a 2" sanitary stainless-steel fitting and compatibility with Tri-Clamp connections. Optional stainless-steel extensions are available up to 6.56 feet.

Remote Electronics

Remote electronics allow the sensing probe to be separated from the electronics housing. Remote kits include a mounting plate and 20 feet of cable.

This option is useful when high vibration or high process temperatures are present and installation space is limited. Remote electronics are available for:

• Standard VRX probes
• Sanitary models
• Rigid extended probes
• Flexible extended probes

The VRX61 and VRX71 are designed for high temperature applications up to 482°F (250°C).

The VRX61 has a 7.25-inch probe, while the VRX71 can be extended up to 13.3 feet. More features include:

• Raw-cast aluminum housing
• Insulated extension tube
• Optional remote electronics

For small vessels, compact hoppers, or tight installations, BinMaster offers miniature vibrating rods: the CVR-625 and CVR-600. Features include:

• Approximately 6-inch insertion length
• Compact sensor body
• Simple installation

In regard to mounting compact vibrating sensors, the CVR-625 has a 1¼" NPT connection, whereas the CVR-600 has a 1" NPT connection.

Because vibrating rods detect changes in vibration rather than dielectric properties, they provide reliable performance in low-density materials that capacitance probes or rotary paddles may not detect consistently.

Use vibrating rod sensors when:

• Measuring very light, fluffy, or aerated materials
• Bulk density is as low as 1.25 lb./ft.³
• Materials include powders, flakes, or foam-like solids
• The process requires high-sensitivity detection
• Managing materials like Styrofoam®, carbon black, plastic flakes, sawdust, chalk, or flour

Different point level technologies perform best in different material types.

Use rotary level sensors when:

• Bulk solid materials are between 5 and 100 lb./ft³
• Bulk density of material is moderate to high
• Simple mechanical detection is acceptable

Use capacitance probes in:

• Materials with stable dielectric properties
• Conductive or non-conductive liquids
• Solids including powders and granules