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Remote Material Inventory Management

Easily check silo material inventory levels from the convenience of your office, home, parked vehicle and more.

 

Why SiloTrack^TM CLOUD 

Remote Inventory Management System

 

SiloTrack^TM CLOUD is a web-based application that allows users to monitor current vessel levels, receive notifications, access/create reports and more at any location, anytime, using any device (smartphone, laptop, PC, etc.) with an Internet connection. It truly delivers an intuitive and flexible interface with Monitor's continuous level sensors to provide current data and optimize inventory management of stored materials.

 

Reasons for SiloTrack Cloud

> Access real-time material inventory data from any device that has an Internet connection.

> Intuitive, flexible and powerful graphical user interface.

> Manage multiple locations with multiple silos / bins / vessels.

> Create and provide reports to all relevant departments.

> Secure access to material inventory data by all of those who require it...Control user permissions through login profiles.

> Benefit from the latest automation and IIoT solution for material inventory management.

 

 

Practical Applications

> Access material levels & reports any time and any place using any device with an Internet connection.

> Ideal for Remote Managed Inventory / Vendor Managed Inventory (RMI / VMI) solutions.

> Take complete advantage of potential volume discounts by utilizing all of the available silo storage capacity. 

> Minimize the amount of deliveries & transportation costs.

> Ensure that the complete load you ordered fits in the silo(s), thereby avoiding any material return fees.

> Collect data for accounting, logistics and resource planning, such as calculating reorder points to prevent "downtimes".

> Access data history and create customizable reports to share information across functional departments.

> Does not require the installation of software on your computers (i.e. "no code on the client"). 

 

Inventory Information at Your "Fingertips"!

> View distance, level, volume, weight, percentage and ullages (empty space) for silos.

> See multiple silos on one screen. Filter to see only specific locations or silos.

> Set level alarms and monitor sensor status... Configure e-mail and text notifications. 

> Collect data to create, save and generate configurable reports.

> Automatically e-mail reports to specific users. (Facility Manager, Dispatcher, Production, Purchasing, Accounting, etc.)

> Access historical data to create trends, improve inventory / procurement efficiencies.

 

Secure and Reliable Communications

> Data is secure and encrypted.

> Connection from Gateway(s) to the Cloud-based server can be either through cellular or Ethernet.

 

Overview on How it Works...

 

For more SiloTrack^TM CLOUD details, please visit:

https://www.monitortech.com/silotrack-cloud.shtml

 

For more Continuous Level Sensor details, please visit:

https://www.monitortech.com/product_conti.shtml

Should you inspect your silo level sensors?

 

Silo level sensors normally do not need much attention; However, a periodic maintenance inspection on your level indicators may be helpful to prevent any future mishaps. Fall might be a good time to check, especially in areas that will be really cold soon. Nobody enjoys climbing silos in "freezing" weather. 

Below is an example of a possible checklist for a plumb bob style level sensor.

 

Example Checklist for SiloPatrol® Level Sensor

The SiloPatrol® plumb bob level sensors do not require a lot of "messing" with. Therefore a regularly scheduled maintenance procedure for these units is not necessary. We do, however, recommend for optimum performance that the following things be checked and performed on the SiloPatrol from time to time. 

 

For the Wiper Seal & Brush:
* Ensure cable freely travels through the entire wiper seal assembly.
* Clean wiper seal and brush as needed (compressed air or a toothbrush or similar works great) or replace if excessively worn.
 

For the Cable:
* Ensure there are no kinks, bends, "fish hooks" and knots on the cable .
* Ensure the jacketing is not fraying or peeling off the cable. Replace as needed .
      

For the Rollers:
* The white rollers on the cable side of the SiloPatrol unit should spin in both directions freely.
* The black wheel should spin freely. Ensure that it is tight on its 'Z' axis. (You can't push the black wheel in and out a significant distance.)
Also, check the silicone tire in the measurement wheel for cracks or wear. Replace measurement wheel if worn.
 

For the Plumb Bob:
* Ensure the plumb bob is clean and securely attached to the cable.
* Verify that plumb bob attachment hardware is in good condition.

For more information on the SiloPatrol® cable-based level sensor, please visit: 

https://www.monitortech.com/product_c_c_sp.shtml
or e-mail: [email protected].

 

John Mish

Technical Support Team

Ensure Product Quality & Minimize Energy Costs with In-Line Moisture Measurement System

 

Continuous in-line (also referred to as on-line) moisture monitoring systems are being used by manufacturers of all types of goods to verify that the product being packaged is at the optimal moisture level to ensure the best quality of the finished products for their consumers. Additional reasons for using these types of sensors include automating the drying or moistening processes of materials for consistent product quality & energy cost savings and receiving real-time moisture data without having to make numerous laboratory samples.

 

Some of the main criteria that a company should consider when choosing an in-line system include: 

• Ability to easily incorporate the sensor into their process and receive continuous, real-time measurements instead of having to take multiple laboratory samples.
• Capability to measure the moisture to the product's core instead of just the surface to increase the consistency of the measurements.
• Ability to receive fast and precise measurements with accuracy.
• Durability of the sensor and the sensing surface to withstand a particular product's characteristics (ex. abrasive).
• Capability to have the sensor output communicate with an existing control system to receive alarms and control the processes or the option of a local operator interface / controller.

For more details on Monitor's HumiCore inline moisture system, please visit:

http://www.monitortech.com/moisture-measure.shtml 

Typical Applications:

In-line moisture sensors can be used for most powders and bulk solids processes that incorporate conveyor belts, screw conveyors, pipes, chutes etc. (See image below)

Common target materials include:
Cement, Sand, Aggregates, Coal, Feed and Grain, Cereal, Malt, Flour, Sugar, Spices, Potato products, Dried Food / Products, Wood Shavings, Chemicals / Fertilizers, Powder, Pigments, Plastic granules and more.

Installation Options:

 


HumiCore moisture sensor in a screw conveyor application


Application Example:

A silica sand company located in the southern US was looking for a method to validate the proper moisture content of their sand prior to it being size classified and packaged for their consumers. It was particularly critical that the moisture measurement be performed in-line (on-line) within the process, thereby achieving real-time results without the delay associated with sampling systems.

The company felt that an in-line (on-line) moisture measurement sensor would help them achieve their goals. The moisture monitoring of the sand would assist them in two important ways:

• Prevent sand that is too moist from getting to the particle size screen and blocking it up. A blocked condition can slow down or even stop valuable processing time and possibly cause equipment damage.
• Ensure sand being packaged was at the proper moisture content to achieve the best quality of the finished products for their customers.

Their process consists of taking the raw sand from a receiving hopper and conveying the material to the dryer. After the drying is complete, the sand is belt conveyed to a bucket elevator system that brings the sand to the particle size screen. The sand is then sorted by size and sent to bins that dispense the sand for packaging.

The company did some research and decided to use the HumiCore^TM PRO in-line (on-line) moisture measurement system. Before the sensor was installed, the company and sensor manufacturer collaborated to determine the optimal location to place the sensor. The moisture sensor was installed immediately following the dryer using a sled to glide across the surface of the sand. At this point, the sand is being conveyed to the size-sorting screen. If the sensor detects a higher level of moisture in the material than desired, an alarm is sent to the control room. Then a chute can divert the sand back to the dryer before it is re-sent through to the sorting screen. Using an optional DIN-Rail transmitter, the company was able to have the output signal of the moisture sensor integrate easily with their other control functions. The HumiCore system has been successfully working as anticipated and the company is very pleased with the results.

                                 
HumiCore moisture sensor mounted on a sled in a silica sand conveyor application


HumiCore PRO sensor and transmitter

 

Technology Review:

Continuous in-line moisture measurement sensors used for process monitoring of product moisture in solids and emulsions applications are usually based off of a few common technologies. These technologies include near infrared (NIR), high frequency field and microwave. The HumiCore™ Pro moisture sensor, chosen by the example company, uses a circuitry principle that is centered around an electrical high frequency field. This is based on technology that has been developed and proven to be successful over several years.

There are several benefits of high frequency field technology including:

• Ability to measure moisture within the material core. In many applications, it is critical to measure not just the surface moisture, but rather the inherent (average) moisture through the core of the material. Drying processes extract moisture from material by exposing the material’s external surfaces with heat. Naturally the surfaces closest to the heat source will see a greater moisture reduction. The high frequency field technology is able to penetrate the material nearly 8” (200mm) so the attained moisture measurement is actually measuring the material core, a truer representation of the actual moisture content. This is a critical difference to near infrared (NIR) technology which is only able to measure the surface moisture of the material.
• Ability to measure moisture regardless of particle size, particle shape, particle surface characteristic or color. The high frequency field technology is not affected by these material characteristics.

About Monitor Technologies' Humi Core^TM In-Line Continuous Moisture Measurement System

- Measures moisture inside the material core to ensure product quality

- High frequency field technology for fast, reliable measurements with typical accuracies of 0.1% to 0.3%

- Compact design for easy calibration and installation in conveyor belts, screw conveyors, drag conveyors, etc.

- Ideal for most powders / bulk solids

- Automates moisture control to minimize energy costs & maximize profits

- Continuous, in-line monitoring eliminates need for frequent laboratory samples

- Available with a local interface controller (ULTRA Series) or with a DIN-Rail transmitter that allows for easy integration into an existing control system (PRO Series)


HumiCore sensor with optional transmitter or local controller

 

For additional information on HumiCore, please call 1-630-365-9403 or visit:

http://www.monitortech.com/moisture-measure.shtml 

 

To locate US sales representative in your area, please visit:

https://www.monitortech.com/rep.shtml

 

To locate an International sales distributor, please visit:
https://www.monitortech.com/locator_intl.shtml 

 

Dust Emission Trend Monitor

The DustTrend^TM ES, Monitor Technologies' latest dust monitoring / leaking filter detection system, has an easy auto set-up function that is activated by pressing a button to automatically configure parameters / alarms. The DustTrend ES dust emission trend monitor adds the ability to provide continuous trend measurements that allow plant operators to identify changes in dust emission levels and optimize the facility's filtration systems. It also provides 4-20mA analog output and/or Modbus(RS-485) output. The monitor delivers excellent repeatability that is not affected by variations in relative humidity, process temperature or pressure. It uses proven AC Triboelectric technology with advanced algorithms to filter out noise and provide the most accurate dust measurement. Ideal for monitoring the level of dust emission in dust collection systems (exhaust ducts of bag-houses, cartridge collectors, cyclones, etc). Anywhere it is critical to safety, maintenance, equipment operation, plant efficiency (energy-savings), employee welfare and the environment. 

Also available is the DustAlarm® ES with easy auto set-up, which is an economical broken bag detector / filter leak monitor that provides an alternative to opacity detection.

Both monitors can be connected with the free DustConfig^TM software to set custom alarm points, view live activity within the duct, or review data history for up to a 24-hour period. 

Additional features for both units include two conduit openings, bi-color LED indication, die-cast aluminum housing and USB mini-B port for communication with DustConfig software. 

Ask us about upcoming Hazardous Location Approvals.

 

For more information please visit www.monitortech.com, e-mail [email protected] or contact us at 1-630-365-9403.

Link to the dust monitor Web page: http://www.monitortech.com/product_pe.shtml

Latest Remote Inventory Management Software

SiloTrack^TM Cloud remote inventory management system is a web-based application that allows users to monitor current vessel levels, receive notifications, access/create reports and more at any location, any time using any device with an Internet connection. Manage one silo or multiple locations with various storage vessels. Securely view distance, level, volume, weight, percentage and ullages (empty space) for silos. It truly provides an intuitive, flexible and powerful interface for Monitor’s continuous level sensors to optimize inventory management of stored materials. For more details, please visit: https://www.monitortech.com/silotrack-cloud.shtml