Monitor - Model SFD-2 & SFI - Microwave Solids Flow Monitor
From Solids Flow Monitor
QuantiMass Mass Flow Measurement Systems . The QuantiMass in-line mass flow sensor measures the flow of quantities in pneumatic conveying & free-falling processes. The sensor is based on the latest Microwave Doppler Effect technology and provides fast, in-line / on-line measuring without the use of weight scales. The sturdy, non-intrusive design of the sensor minimizes maintenance. In addition, the compact size of the sensor makes for easy installation into existing processes. Suitable for powders, dust, pellets, and granular up to 0.75 inch (2cm).
Product Overview
- Senses Light And Heavy Materials, Small And Large Particles
- Non-Contact Sensor Detects Flow Through Most Non-Metallic Surfaces
- Non-Intrusive Flush Mounting. No Probe Protruding Into Material Flow
- SFD-2 Provides Relay Outputs and Convenient Remote Electronics
- SFI Solids Flow Indicator Provides Variable Analog Signal
- Sensors Include CSA Class II, Division I Approval for Hazardous Locations
Principle of Operation:
Both the SFD-2 and SFI utilize a microwave transceiver (combination transmitter/receiver) enclosed within a watertight, dust-ignition proof powder coated aluminum housing with a screw-on/off cover. A process seal (Teflon® or Ryton®) acts as a transparent window through which the microwave energy is transmitted and the reflected return signal is received. The transceiver module generates and transmits a microwave signal into the area where material flow is to be monitored. The reflected microwave signal shifts in accordance with the Doppler Effect phenomena. The Doppler-shifted energy is analyzed to determine the appropriate output from the unit.
The SFD-2 has a split-architecture design consisting of the transceiver and a separate power supply/conditioning circuit board. The relays are incorporated on the power supply/conditioning circuit board, which is optionally available with a fiberglass enclosure and indicating lights. With the SFD-2, the Doppler-shifted energy signal from the transceiver is carried back to the power supply/conditioning circuit board through the user-supplied signal and power supply cable. At the power supply/conditioning circuit board the signal intensity is indicated with an LED and converted into a relay output based upon the sensitivity adjustment. The power supply/conditioning circuit board provides the power to drive the transceiver and contains the controls for setting sensitivity, hold-off time delay, hold-on time delay and fail-safe selection.
The SFI Solids Flow Indicator, unlike the SFD-2, consists solely of a transceiver. In this case the transceiver will receive its DC power through the user supplied signal cable and power supply. The three-wire design allows the user to monitor the analog output while providing the supply power to the unit. The Doppler-shifted energy is relative to the magnitude of the flow/no-flow condition that exists, when material velocity is constant, and this is reflected in the varying analog output signal.
Applications
Monitor's Solids Flow Detector and Indicator can be used in a variety of applications to detect flow/no-flow conditions of powders and solid materials. The selection of either SFD-2 Solids Flow Detector or the SFI Solids Flow Indicator is based upon the type of output required (relay or analog).
- Detection of a partial or full plug in a conveying line
- Detecting the bridging of material in a storage vessel upstream
- Sensing inadequate or a lack of flow due to upstream equipment failure (conveyor, blower, diverter valve, feeder)
- Verifying flow conditions
- Turning on/off equipment or processes downstream
Use of SFI Analog Outputt
The Model SFI Solids Flow Indicator can be used to infer the relative amount of flowing material within the target conduit (by monitoring the available analog signal). However, it should be noted that this device provides an output that should be considered, at best, a very rough estimate of the flow of material. The analog signal corresponds to the magnitude of the Doppler-shifted energy created by the flow of material through the microwave energy field.
Note: Monitor Technologies LLC accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the analog output signal. This signal can be influenced by several varying factors including, but not limited to, particle size distribution, dielectric constant variation, moisture content variation, dispersion of material flow, variation in velocity of material flow, movement of auxiliary equipment, temperature variations and type of conveying system. Please consult the factory to discuss applications where the accuracy of the analog output is of importance.Pictured at the right is a SFI installed in a plant that manufactures ink for desktop printers and copy machines. 100-pound batches of carbon black come out of a feeder and are pneumatically conveyed through a four-inch vertical line. The SFI is used to indicate when a batch of carbon black has cleared the line.
Features
TRANSCEIVER (SENSOR)
- Powder coated NEMA 4 cast aluminum construction
- Approved for Class II hazardous areas
- Meets applicable FCC regulations
- Screw-on/off cover
- Teflon® process seal is standard
- 15-30VDC/Analog three-wire input/output (SFI only)
CIRCUIT BOARD (SFD-2 ONLY)
- Connects to transceiver using an inexpensive, low voltage 3-wire system
- Convenient control functions for time delay, sensitivity and fail-safe selection
- Control function changes can be made without accessing the transceiver
- Yellow and Red LEDs indicate material flow intensity and output activation
Options
RYTON® PROCESS SEAL
Both the SFD-2 and SFI come standard with a Teflon® process seal window through which the transmit/receive signal passes. While this material is compatible with most applications, a Ryton® seal is available for use in applications where the seal is subjected to high pressure or abrasive materials.
ENCLOSURE FOR CIRCUIT BOARD (SFD-2 only)
The standard SFD-2 does not provide an enclosure for the power supply/conditioning circuit board. This allows the user to install the board wherever is appropriate. A NEMA 4X enclosure is available. When selected, the power supply/conditioning circuit board is supplied installed within a fiberglass enclosure furnished with long-lasting LED indicators flush with the enclosure face.
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