Traditional mechanical paddle and tilt switches do give accurate readings across a variety of industrial process, especially when dealing with dry, free flowing solids from fine powders and polymers to granules and grains. Even though these conventional systems may be established, they do rely on contact in order to operate, this may not be desirable in certain applications. Their biggest drawbacks however, are the problems of wear and tear, frequent operational failure and difficulty in maintenance.
Level measurement products exist on the market which address all these issues and still give highly accurate readings. Solids level detection across a wide density range for blockages, high level , overfill or low level protection are some of the things that vibrating level switches can be used for. Some are also available for detection of solids in water. It is these solids level switch devices have no drift and therefore no need for annual recalibration. They also have no moving parts. A piezo electric transducer generates a short sound pulse which is reflected from the material’s surface. The time in between transmission and reception of the signal is measured and calculated as level or volume. Echoes to ignore circumvention and false signals are analysed by sophisticated software.
From the use of radar-based technology similar benefits are accrued. These level transmitters are ideal for non-contact level indication, process control and tank gauging. A rod or cone antenna generates millions of very short microwave pulses every second. At the speed of light each pulse is imparted to and reflected by the products surface. Whether in storage or during processing, each device produces accurate data on almost any solid or liquid. Whether in storage or during processing the devices send back accurate data on almost any liquid or solid. The given readings are usually unaffected by changes to the product such as temperature, pressure, density, or conductivity caused by the process itself and the unit is immune to the effects of vapours or dust.
