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.
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...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.
Read more...A cure for measurement headaches in contract manufacturing VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice
A contract manufacturing organisation provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the manufacturing of medications, formulations and substances. VEGA’s measurement solutions offer accuracy and reliability for monitoring levels and pressures during the manufacturing process.
Read more...Multiphase level measurement Mecosa
Level Measurement & Control
The measurement of more than two phases or of interfaces that are not clearly defined poses a number of challenges for measurement technology. Radiation-based measuring systems such as Berthold‘s EmulsionSENS master these problems.
Read more...Simple and efficient level measurement in the mining, minerals and metals industries Endress+Hauser South Africa
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Measuring devices in the mining, minerals and metals industries face the challenge of varying material states and long distances in measurement height. Endress+Hauser’s answer to these challenges is the new Micropilot family.
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...Powering sub-Saharan Africa’s energy future VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Crude oil storage plays an important role in the energy infrastructure of sub-Saharan Africa. The management of crude oil storage in comes with numerous challenges, including safety concerns, environmental conditions and infrastructural limitations.
Read more...Pulp fiction or pulp precision? VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.
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