In the cement industry, the problems associated with accurately measuring cement levels in massive silos due to the concentration of dense dust at the Lafarge cement production facility in Lichtenburg have been overcome with the installation of the Siemens Sitrans LR400 level measurement radar. Following an initial test period with a single unit that is still working faultlessly two years later, the company placed an order for 22 Sitrans LR400s.
Koen Joubert, managing director of Siemens distributor, SJ Selective Controls, says that although there is a great deal of competition in the level measurement market with a number of different technologies and products available, rigorous evaluation by Lafarge established that no other device was able to match the accuracy and reliability of the Sitrans LR400 in that difficult operating environment.
"Because of the nature of cement storage, there is a lot of dust swirling around within the silo, making accurate level measurement extremely difficult," says Joubert. "After testing various ultrasonic and rope level measurement systems with little success, we installed a Sitrans LR400 level measurement system that makes use of radar technology to precisely measure the level of cement in the silos. Not only has the unit delivered consistently accurate measurements, it has continued to work without any problems at all in very adverse conditions."
Confirming this opinion, Giel Steyn, instrument foreman at Lafarge, said the Sitrans LR400 had been tested by the company in France with much success, prompting the local operation to follow the same route. "We also tried a number of other radar level measurement devices, but kept getting incorrect level readings," says Steyn. "After testing the LR400 for a year and a half, it is still operating perfectly over two years later."
Andrew Wasserman, product promoter for Siemens Automation and Drives, says the ability of the Sitrans LR400 to penetrate dust makes it ideal for applications on flour, fly-ash, carbon black, powders and other dusty materials. "In the cement industry, homogenising silos produce extreme dust conditions as material is constantly fed and aerated for proper mixing," he says. "The Sitrans LR400 even penetrates severe dust to provide reliable readings that help improve plant efficiency and reduce operating costs."
He adds that high power, high frequency and narrow beam angle combine to produce excellent reflection characteristics and exceptional measurement performance on virtually any solids medium, regardless of the particle size, with the strong signal-to-noise ratio and advanced echo-processing technology producing reliable readings even through severe dust. "The Sitrans LR400 is also virtually unaffected by vapours, high pressure or extreme temperatures, making it highly reliable even in adverse conditions," he said.
Next-generation road-legal race car. Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will move to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software and use it to develop the next generation of its single-seater road-legal race car, Mono.
Read more...Sustainable energy management Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.
Read more...Small, inexpensive radar level transmitters VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Anyone who needs to keep processes running needs level measurement technology that measures reliably. However, what is needed is not always the most ‘fully featured’ solution, but the smartest one. This is exactly what VEGAPULS radar transmitters of the BASIC series do.
Read more...Meeting the challenges of tank obstructions interfering with radar
Level Measurement & Control
One of the most challenging applications for non-contacting radar level transmitters is measuring level in tanks with internal obstructions, such as agitators, heating coils, pipes, ladders or baffles. Rosemount non-contacting radar level transmitters from Emerson feature an advanced solution that enables accurate and reliable level measurements in tanks with obstructions.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...A fresh approach to dairy processing VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Ensuring the quality and safety of milk throughout the production process is of the utmost importance in the dairy industry. The VEGABAR pressure transmitters are suitable for hygienic applications. They are an asset in the dairy industry and have been used with success for measuring the milk level and the process pressure in storage tanks.
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