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Vibrating Probes
Sensitive and reliable
A vibrating probe is a reliable point level sensor used for high and low-level indication or plugged chute detection. Sensitive and reliable, this type of level switch is a great choice for low dielectric or extremely light, fluffy powders and flakes with bulk densities as low as 1.25 lb./ft.3. They are proven performers in challenging materials where other types of point level sensors may struggle.
BinMaster’s selection of vibrating probes is offered with rigid and flexible extensions, in housings designed for high temperatures, special models to detect settled sediment under water, and mini vibrating rods for tight spaces and small hoppers. A robust vibrating rod and a vibrating fork are available with hazardous location approvals.
VR Series Vibrating Probe Features
Buildup Resistant Rods
BinMaster vibrating rods feature a unique, sword-shaped blade that encourages material to flow by it easily to resist buildup and false alarms. The single rod design prevents bridging that can be associated with tuning fork designs. The sensor is appropriate for materials such as Styrofoam, plastic pellets, sawdust, carbon black, chalk, and flour that can be hard to measure.
Three Sensitivity Settings
A switch on the sensor board inside the housing of the VR-21, -31, -41, and -51 has three sensitivity settings.
- High sensitivity for extremely light or fluffy materials with a low dielectric constant.
- Medium sensitivity is used for a broad range of materials and applications.
- Low sensitivity for materials that might tend to cling to the blade or heavy materials.
Hazardous Location Approvals
The standard VR-21, rigid extended VR-41, and flexible extended VR-51 are available with optional CSA hazardous location approvals for Class II, Groups E, F and G. The VR-90 and VF-90 can be manufactured for a variety of ATEX, FM, and CSA Class I environments.
How they work
Vibrating rods work by using a piezoelectric element to vibrate the blade. The blade vibrates when there is no material covering it. Once the blade is covered, the vibration is dampened.
This triggers an electronic circuit to force a relay switch that indicates a covered condition. Conversely, when material falls away from the blade, vibration resumes, and the relay indicates an uncovered condition.
Installation Options
Mounting Location
Use vibrating rods to detect high levels by mounting them on the roof of the vessel. Alternatively, they can be mounted on the side for high, mid, or low-level alerts. Used in the cone of the bin or a hopper, they can detect when the vessel is almost empty.
Mounting Plates
Vibrating rods can be mounted on flat or sloped bin roofs. Powder-coated carbon steel mounting plates are available in 0°, 5°, 10°, and 30° angles. For mounting in the cone or on the side of the bin a 0° mounting plate is used.
Vibrating Probe Models
Get your vibrating rod custom manufactured
While the most common VR-21 vibrating rod is always in stock, BinMaster can also customize vibrating rods with extensions, for sediment detection, or with remote electronics for fast shipping. BinMaster in-house machining and assembly can customize each sensor to your application.
Standard 7-inch
The VR-21 is the standard, in-stock model featuring a sword-shaped blade and a 7.37” insertion length. It is used for top and side mounted applications, plugged chute detection, or is installed in the cone of the vessel for low level detection of powders and solids.
Rigid Extended
The top-mounted VR-41 can be extended from 13” to 13’ using a galvanized, stainless steel or a sanitary pipe extension. It is used for level or plugged chute detection in heavy, medium, and light materials. It is sensitive enough to detect light fluffy materials with a dielectric as low as 1.25 lb./cu. ft.
Flexible Extended
The VR-51 features a steel-rope reinforced cable that can be extended from 19” to 19’ down into the vessel. The flexible extension resists damage from falling material. This top-mounted model is custom built to customer specifications.
Challenging Applications
Sanitary Environments
The VR-31 is designed for food or pharmaceutical use. This model features a 2” sanitary stainless-steel fitting for use with a tri-clover clamp for clean-in-place applications. It can be customized with an optional stainless-steel extension in lengths from 13” to 13’.
Remote Electronics
To distance the electronics from high vibration or a heat source, order the VR with remote electronics. This option is available for the standard, sanitary, rigid extended, and flexible extended vibrating rod. Remote electronics come with a mounting plate and 20’ of cable.
High Temperatures
The SHT-120 and SHT-140 feature a diamond shaped vibrating rod probe suitable for high process temperatures up to 284°F (140°C). The SHT-120 has a standard length of 7.37”, while the SHT-140 can be extended an additional 13” up to 13’.
High temp models have a raw cast aluminum housing and an insulation tube to protect the electronics from excessive heat. Remote electronics can also be used with the high temp models to further distance the electronics from the heat source.
Compact Spaces
For constrained spaces and small hoppers, the CVR-625 and CVR-600 offer simple installation. These miniature vibrating rods have an insertion length of about 6”. The CVR-625 model offers standard 1-1/4” NPT mounting, while the CVR-600 has a 1” NPT mounting socket.
Special Purpose Models
Sediment Detection
The SED model is used to detect the level of settled sediment or solid materials in a tank of liquids. The sediment option is available for the standard-length VR-21 SED and VR-41 SED which can be extended with a rigid extension from 13” up to 13’.
Round Rod for Coarse Solids
The VR-90 features a round, stainless steel rod suitable for coarse-grained solids and granules. It can also be used in food and pharmaceuticals when ordered with the stainless-steel enclosure option. The VR-90 is a good option for vessels where the material is changed often. It is available with hazardous location approvals should they be needed.
Vibrating Fork
The VF-90 vibrating fork is for universal use in dry powders and fine-grained solids. This tuning fork style level detector is ideal for use in light solids or powders that cannot be sensed by a capacitance probe. It is often used in construction materials, animal feed ingredients, and powdered or flaked plastics. When ordered with a stainless-steel housing, it can also be used in foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.
VR Quick Connectors
Order a vibrating rod with a quick connect option that allows for simple removal and replacement of the sensor without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting wires.
