Bulk handling of solids and powders presents several challenges relating to the control of fill levels and product flow. In addition to the physical constraints of the materials, there are also concerns where the potential for explosion exists due to combustible dust.
Drawing on a vast experience of process control and automation, Endress+Hauser has developed a range of products to face these challenges in powder handling and packaging, bulk silo, intermediate bulk container storage and day bin level control applications. The product range includes ATEX approved instrumentation, along with sensors that are compliant up to SIL 2.
Soliphant T – a robust vibration point level switch for silos with fine or coarse-grained non-fluidised bulk solids. With no mechanically moving parts, the switch is resistant to wear and has a long operating life. It is insensitive to build-up for maintenance-free operation. Typical applications include cereals, coffee beans, sugar, animal feeds, rice, detergents, dye powder, chalk, gypsum, cement, sand and plastic granules. Certificates are available for use in dust incendive hazard areas: explosion protection ATEX II 1/3 D, FM or CSA approval.
Soliphant M – a vibrating limit switch for fine grained or powdery bulk solids even with a low bulk density and for explosion-hazardous areas. It can even be operated underwater for bulk solid detection. Endress+Hauser has been making Soliphant M instruments since 1967 for level measurement applications including cereals, flour, cocoa, sugar, animal feed, detergents, dye powder, chalk, gypsum, cement, sand, plastic granules and fly ash: explosion protection ATEX II 113 D, FM or CSA approval.
Solimotion FTR20 – a flow indicator for bulk solids. This non-contact device is based on microwave technology and is ideally suited for monitoring mechanical transport processes for bulk solids, allowing automated control of conveyor belts. It is suitable for applications in a wide range of industries, including the production of building materials, food and energy as well as in the chemical industry: compliant with ATEX and IEC Ex.
Soliwave M – microwave barrier switch emitters and receivers use a contact-free method for level detection in a wide range of bulk solids. The assembly allows a level measurement to be taken from the outside of non-metallic container materials, making it suitable for controlling and counting all types of bulk solids, including bags and boxes: conforms to ATEX 112 D.
Levelflex FMP56 & FMP57 – these guided radar devices have been designed to provide accurate and reliable (+2 mm) continuous level measurement in bulk solids storage silos. With a measuring range up to 45 m, Levelflex offers reliable measurement in dusty atmospheres, in high and narrow silos and in vessels with obstacles. Levelflex FMP56 and FMP57 have been independently assessed by TOY as per lEe 61508 for level monitoring including minimum, maximum and range measurements up to SIL 2.
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