Level Measurement & Control


Level measurement in asphalt manufac­turing

April 2013 Level Measurement & Control

Asphalt, which is manufactured in asphalt mixing plants for the construction and road building industry, consists mainly of bitumen and gravel of different grain sizes. Other materials, such as binders, sand, stone chips and special additives are also mixed in.

Depending on the temperature and the mixing ratio, the final product is either a tar-like liquid or a relatively solid material. Composition and properties vary depending on what the asphalt is used for.

The mixture is prepared in an electronically controlled process in which the individual components are brought together in a specific order and mixed. Temperatures up to 180°C, steam, intense filling noise, different repose angles as well as the extremely sticky and abrasive product place heavy demands on the level measuring system.

In order to maintain the quality of the asphalt mixture for an extended period, the asphalt is stored in temperature controlled containers. Vega’s radar sensor VegaPuls 68 monitors the level continuously without touching the medium and unaffected by the difficult conditions, ensuring a smooth production process.

VegaPuls also monitors the level during filling and emptying. The level data is forwarded to the downstream VegaMet 381 signal conditioning instrument and displayed there. This unit also provides a switching contact as dry-run alarm to prevent the feed unit from running empty. By using these systems in conjunction with one another, optimal utilisation of the costly container volume is ensured.

For more information contact John Groom, Vega Instruments SA, +27 (0)11 795 3249, [email protected], www.vega.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Groundwater level measurement using LoRa module
Instrotech Level Measurement & Control
Monitoring groundwater levels across large industrial sites is critical. Salzgitter Digital Solution was tasked with developing a fully automated and digital monitoring system using Long Range Wide Area Network technology.

Read more...
Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter

Read more...
Measuring what matters in oilfields
VEGA Controls SA Mass Measurement
In the oil and gas industry, enhanced oil recovery addresses key industry challenges. However, the extraction process often results in a mixture of materials that is hard to characterise.

Read more...
Reinventing grain silo management
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice
The VEGAPULS 6X radar sensor is designed for continuous level measurement to help overcome the challenges faced by storage in grain silos.

Read more...
Enhancing efficiency and reliability in the energy sector
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
VEGA offers practical, reliable solutions through specialised measuring instruments and deep industry know-how, all tailored to help energy companies keep costs under control while meeting strict regulatory standards.

Read more...
Lifting the lid on bulk packaging
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice
Authorities impose strict requirements on pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging. Choosing the right instrumentation, such as VEGA’s VEGAFLEX 83 for level measurement, helps manufacturers navigate the challenges with accuracy, reliability and compliance.

Read more...
Sensors measure palm oil tank level
Instrotech Level Measurement & Control
The Senix ToughSonic 30 accurately measures and monitors the level of palm oil in large tanks approximately nine metres in height.

Read more...
Precise level control
Level Measurement & Control
Whether in silos, tanks or process containers, the exact detection of fill levels is crucial for stable, safe and economical production processes. However, many common measuring methods quickly reach their limits in practice.

Read more...
Powering Africa’s sustainable mining
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
At the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, one theme rises above all others, progress through precision. For VEGA, a global leader in process instrumentation, this mission aligns perfectly with its core purpose, which is turning measurement into meaningful progress.

Read more...
VEGA is redefining synthetic fuel production
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
Polish company, Ekobenz specialises in producing bio-hydrocarbons. The company utilises advanced manufacturing techniques where VEGA sensors monitor levels and interfaces, essentially overseeing separation layers in the process.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved