I had a meeting with a customer the other day. In this meeting all our level indicators were displayed. As I took time to discuss and highlight each point level indicator, the Tilt Switch got the most attention.
This customer stores raw product in piles inside of very large buildings. This is a common method for storing very large quantities of bulk material. It can be more economical than multiple silos. An elevated conveyor, usually a belt conveyor, runs down the middle of the building. A tripper (diverter) on the conveyor diverts the material on the floor of the building, creating piles. When the piles reaches the maximum desired height, the tripper has to be moved to create a new pile on building floor. Unless the piling process is automated, an operator has to be in constant observance of how high the piles are getting. This is where a Tilt Switch can be employed, saving the operator to attend to other jobs within the facility.
For those of you that are not familiar with Tilt Switches, they are devices that are suspended above the pile. They are usually suspended from the conveyor tripper so that they are oriented in the correct location for level detection. When the material reaches the probe, the Tilt Switch will be "tilted" to match the natural angle of repose for the material. This tilting activates the switch. Tilt Switches come in many configurations. The most common type of Tilt Switch has been the mercury activated switch. A housing containing a mercury operated switch when tilted at the proper angle, completes another electrical circuit and activates another switch remotely located from the Tilt Switch. The remote switch then activates a dry contact switch and a high level indication is shown. Another type of switch uses either a ball that is configured to depress a micro switch. Either type of Tilt Switches must be hung from a chain at the proper height to be activated. The manufacturer can supply installation and operation instructions for proper operation.
The Tilt Switch is an economical, rugged and simple high level indicator when properly applied. Its use is not limited to large storage buildings but can be applied to various size bins, bunkers, hoppers and silos.
Next time you are looking for a high level indicator, don't forget the Tilt Switch - The Other High Level Indicator.
Ross M. Jamison
Technorati Tags: level sensor level measurement bin level indicator level control solids level indicator tilt switch conveyor shutoff level sensor
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