level measurement

Affordable Reliability - Rotary paddle level indicator

 

In spite of all the different technologies available for point level detection sometimes there is no beating an old favorite. Rotary paddle bin level sensors have been used for years in all types of powder and bulk solid applications. 

Paddle units are still a best seller for Monitor and have been for our 50+ years of being in business.  50+ years is an impressive run for any technology so there must be something to be said about the humble paddle unit!

In addition to "ease of installation" and "reliability", the paddle unit gives a "great bang" for your buck!

Our standard model KA still sells for less than $200.00 for the power-pack. For critical applications, we also offer our SafePoint® rotary paddle bin indicator designed as a true "fail-safe" unit the SafePoint paddle unit will let you know if there is a problem either electrically or mechanically. The SafePoint is a bit more in price than the standard KA but the price difference is minimal when you look at what you get! The ordinary location SafePoint has a highly visible light on the cover so you can determine at a glance the relay  status.

Look, things are still tough for many of us, we are all looking for ways to get a job done as economically as possible without compromising quality and functionality. The next time you have a need for an affordable and reliable level sensor give us a call to discuss a KA or a SafePoint rotary paddle unit.

Scott Bonine

Technorati Tags: Level measurement basics bin level indicator level control solids level indicator

Where do you get your product information?

In today's current economic condition, we have all found it necessary to seriously assess every potential expenditure and decide whether or not it is absolutely necessary. As Product Manager for Monitor, advertising expenses fall into my realm of responsibilities. In my previous position, I knew that the price of print advertising was high, but I did not know it was as expensive as it actually is. I realize print advertising is necessary and I have no intention of eliminating it at this time like one of my competitive colleagues is considering.  Consequently, I have reduced both the frequency and size of our printed ads and have put substantial effort into other resources that are not nearly as expensive and some actually have no relative cost at all.

Having said all of that, I would greatly appreciate a quick response from you telling me where you go or what media you use to research level measurement and level sensing equipment.

• Do you use magazines or other print media an if so, which?

• If you use the Internet, which search engine(s) do you use?

• Do you regularly participate in any Social Media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc?

• Do you rely upon Manufacturer Representatives or Distributors?

• Do you subscribe to Powderandbulk.com or similar site?

I look forward to your responses and I thank you for your time.

Greg DeRudder

Technorati Tags: Level measurement basics bin level indicator level control

Using extensions with rotary paddle level switches

Rotary paddle switches are a great way to detect when your material reaches or leaves a point in your silo. Frequently we see paddles being ordered with extensions, and occasionally, we see a significant length of extension. With an extension, you can mount your paddle switch in a top mount location, and ‘extend’ the paddle into the bin at just about any length (up to 144 inches), but when doing this; you have to take into consideration a few things.

The extensions are solid; they are subject to lateral forces that may end up doing damage to your paddle, the extension, or in few cases, the switch itself. This is why Monitor recommends the use of a guard, which surrounds the extension and prevents it from doing much traveling while in the vessel.

The use of our Springflex coupling is also highly recommended when the length of the insertion is greater than 18 inches. This takes a lot of lateral force off the paddle and extension by acting as a ‘shock absorber’ for the switch itself.

Also, keep in mind that the guard and extension, when ordering, are always going to be the same length, and with a guard, a full coupling mounting plate must be used. This will ensure that you get the most life out of your rotary paddle switch.

John Mish
Sales / Technical Support
Monitor Technologies

Technorati Tags: Level measurement basics bin level indicator level control solids level indicator

NPE 2009

   

In a few weeks, starting June 22nd, the National Plastics Exposition (NPE) will kick off at Chicago's McCormick Place. Many are concerned about how well the show will be attended, it all depends on who you talk to as to how successful the show will be. 

I am aware of some companies deciding not to exhibit for financial reasons in this tough economy.  Monitor will be exhibiting and we are very hopeful that the attendance will justify our expense, my boss actually wants to get a return on our investment!

If you are a customer, and if you plan on attending the show, please stop by our booth (#131019, West Hall) and take a look at what we can offer.  Our SiloPatrol Level Control / Inventory Management System, used to determine material levels in silos and large bins/hopper's, has been amazingly successful in the plastics industry.

The SiloPatrol is used by hundreds of customers world-wide to determine how much material they have in their vessels.  Plastic pellets, resins, compounds, or regrind are ideal targets for the SiloPatrol. My guess is if you are attending the NPE you probably have some of these materials at your facility.

Please stop by, say hello, and check out the SiloPatrol and the other products we offer that may help you out!

I look forward to seeing you!

Scott Bonine

Technorati Tags: level sensor level measurement bin level indicator level control solids level indicator

IDK....

 

Greetings,

Many of you may recognize the acronym in this blog title, especially if you have kids! 

Based on my limited research "IDK" means "I don't know" at least that is what my kids tell me. I get this response from them via text message when I ask them almost any question, especially when I ask them when they are finally moving out. 

It seems to me that most of my kids spend a ton of time text messaging their friends, a review of the cell phone bill detail reinforces this fact, it is amazing how many text messages my kids send, it is a wonder they have time for anything else, like eating, sleeping or trashing the house! 

I too have been caught up in this form of communication, in fact I text my kids often, even if they are just downstairs from me.  Sometimes this is my preferred method of communicating with them, the less "face to face the better"! (Just kidding).

I assure you my rambling has a purpose, albeit a bit too long in coming....recently one of our reps has been working with a large company who is looking at some of our level control equipment. 

The customer loves our hardware and our inventory measurement software. During the meeting they mentioned that they would sure like to be able to get information from our system via e-mail or text message.  I know e-mail notification is nothing new, nor is the idea of getting a message via an antique device called a  pager, and even communicating information via cell phone is not novel, but what seems to be a bit unique to me is the text message request. I guess this is a sign of the times...maybe the next step could be bin level notifications on the screen during a Wii game.

I am curious if many of you are communicating for business purpose via text message, would you find text message notifiers concerning your material levels for example as something of value to you?  Are you currently receiving process information from your plants in a manner in which it appears on your phone or your Blackberry-like device?

As I mentioned none of these are new technologies but I am intrigued by how it may have value in the field.

Please let me know your thoughts.

TLK2UL8R,

Scott Bonine

Technorati Tags: Level measurement basics bin level indicator level control solids level indicator