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.
Telco sensors in conveyor belt monitoring
Sensors & Transducers
Gail Norton Instrumentation Agencies has developed a low-maintenance conveyor belt monitoring unit built on robust Telco infrared sensors, detecting belt tear and misalignment reliably in harsh coal mining environments.
Read more...Paper might carry the message but pressure carries the process VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice
Accurate pressure measurement is critical throughout pulp and paper production, from chemical pulping to steam drying and wastewater treatment. VEGA’s VEGABAR transmitter range offers South African mills robust, precise monitoring for these demanding conditions.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Inductive ring sensors monitor material flow in feeding technology ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm’s inductive ring sensors detect metallic parts such as screws and nuts as they pass through tubes at speeds up to 35 m/s, enabling precise counting, flow control and blockage detection, with sensitivity and output functions configurable via IO-Link.
Read more...Reliable 1D and 2D code reading made simple SICK Automation Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
SICK’s new sensingCam SEC200 image-based code reader brings supermarket-checkout simplicity to logistics and industrial identification, reading 1D and 2D codes reliably with quick browser-based setup, rugged IP65 construction and CRA-compliant cybersecurity.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Market opportunity for sensors in humanoid robots
Sensors & Transducers
A new IDTechEx report forecasts the market for sensors in humanoid robots will exceed $6,59 billion by 2037, driven by perception sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders and inertial measurement units across a growing range of commercial robot platforms.
Read more...The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.
Read more...Precision solutions for extreme conditions VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
VEGA’s VEGAPULS radar sensors, VEGABAR pressure transmitters and VEGASWING level switches deliver reliable measurement in chemical storage environments handling corrosive acids, alkalis and volatile hydrocarbons, with ATEX and IECEx certification for hazardous zones.
Read more...Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.
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.
printer friendly version