BinMaster introduced the Flow Detect 2000, a non-intrusive instrument for the detection of solids flow or no flow in material handling applications. It prevents downtime caused by blockage, conveyors running empty, no material flow or loose slide gates. The low-cost, microwave-based flow/no flow instrument is used to detect flow conditions of solids and powders in gravity chutes, feeders, pipelines, conveyor belts or bucket elevators. The Flow Detect 2000 contains the sensing element, power and output connections and user adjustment controls in a single NEMA 4X enclosure.
The sensor installs through a 1-/14' NPT opening. It is completely non-intrusive and does not come into contact with the flow stream. It is appropriate for solids, granules, pellets, meals and powdered materials for industries including feed, grain, milling, food, cement, mining, power and plastics. It can prevent cross contamination of ingredients by ensuring flow has stopped before a new material is introduced into the flow stream.
It uses microwave Doppler technology for highly sensitive motion detection. The high frequency, low power microwaves can pass through non-metallic materials. The Flow Detect 2000 can 'see through' a plastic pipe, a glass process seal or the wall of a wooden chute to detect the material inside. A switchable filter incorporated into the signal path of the Doppler output reduces the effect of vibration. This filter also ensures the detection of moderate and fast-flowing materials.
The Flow Detect 2000 provides a single analog relay output to communicate flow or no flow status to a PLC. Both normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts are available. Indicators and controls for the initial calibration and setup are accessible by unscrewing the lid of the device. LED indicator lights for power, flow/no flow and fault conditions show the status of the device. Controls for adjusting sensitivity and the output delays are used during the initial setup.
