APPLICATION DECISIONS
Engineering logic for the measurement point
Describe the material across all expected batches and seasons. Bulk density, particle size distribution, moisture, dielectric behaviour and flowability can change, while dust clouds and coating may be strongest during filling. Identify abrasiveness, corrosivity, temperature, electrostatic concerns, bridging and rat-holing. A high-level alarm and continuous inventory measurement are different tasks; their switching point, range, response, fail state and maintenance access should be specified separately.
Use a dimensioned vessel drawing. Mark total height, roof and hopper shape, nozzles, beams, ladders, filling and discharge points, expected repose angle and low and high levels. Free-space radar needs a reviewed beam path and target response. Probe devices face pull force, bending, impact and buildup. Rotary, vibrating or RF point switches have different minimum-density and coating considerations. Installation should avoid direct filling impact unless the selected construction and protection are designed for it.
Plan for maintenance and uncertainty. State whether the vessel can be emptied, isolated and entered, how a probe is removed and how buildup is detected or cleaned. Outdoor silos add condensation, wind, lightning and temperature exposure. Dust-area approval, pressure boundary and ingress requirements must be confirmed for the proposed SKU. Commissioning should record the installed geometry and signal or switching behaviour under representative filling and emptying conditions rather than assume catalogue conditions.
Measurement and engineering factors
- Material properties
- Provide particle size, bulk density range, moisture, dielectric behaviour, flowability, dust, buildup, abrasiveness and temperature.
- Measurement task
- Distinguish continuous inventory, high alarm, low alarm, empty detection or conveying control and define fail-state expectations.
- Vessel geometry
- Supply dimensions, roof and hopper shape, nozzle, internals, filling stream, discharge, repose angle and mounting access.
- Mechanical exposure
- Assess impact, pull force, bending, abrasion, vibration, bridging and cleaning or removal loads on the proposed sensor.
- Environment and evidence
- State outdoor conditions, dust-area classification, enclosure, cable route and required drawing or approval records for the configuration.
Application scenarios for review
- Silo continuous level where vessel geometry, material variation, dust, repose angle and the proposed radar echo path are reviewed.
- Hopper high or low point detection where bulk density, buildup, bridging, filling impact and fail state are defined.
- Conveying and storage systems where abrasion, vibration, outdoor exposure, maintenance access and dust classification are documented.
Limitations and confirmation points
- Very low bulk density, heavy buildup, bridging, weak radar targets, steep repose angles and direct impact can defeat an unsuitable sensing principle.
- No universal range, minimum density, load resistance or dust approval applies across all probes, antennas and order codes; current evidence is required.
APPLICATION RFQ
Information to send for application review
- Material and particle-size range
- Minimum and maximum bulk density
- Moisture, dielectric behaviour, dust and buildup
- Abrasion, corrosion and temperature
- Continuous or point-level measurement task
- Silo or hopper dimensioned drawing
- Filling, discharge and repose-angle conditions
- Impact, pull-force and maintenance constraints
- Power, output and dust-area classification
- Quantity and required configuration documents
PRODUCT FAMILIES
Related measurement categories
APPLICATION FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What material data is most important for bulk-solids level selection?
Provide material name, particle size range, minimum and maximum bulk density, moisture, dielectric information if available, dust level, buildup tendency, abrasiveness, flowability, temperature and electrostatic or corrosive concerns. Describe how these properties change between suppliers, batches or seasons. A sample or previous operating observation can support review. Final selection should use the least favourable credible condition rather than one nominal bulk-density value.
Why is the filling point important for a silo instrument?
The filling stream creates impact, dust and a changing surface angle. It can strike a probe, bury a switch, or create a strong competing radar echo. Mark filling and discharge positions on the vessel drawing and describe the loading method and rate. The mounting point and protective arrangement should keep the sensor outside direct impact where practical. Any proposed beam, probe or shield still requires configuration-specific mechanical and measurement review.
How should a bulk-solids level instrument be commissioned?
Confirm installed position, nozzle, orientation, wiring and configured range against the approved drawing. Observe signal or switching behaviour during representative emptying and filling stages, including dust and the expected surface angle. Record false-echo mapping or sensitivity settings where applicable and verify the intended fail state. Commissioning cannot create missing mechanical strength or approval, but it can identify geometry and material behaviour that was not visible in the original datasheet.