TILT SWITCHES

BULLETIN 633

Monitor’s line of tilt switches are economical, trouble-free point level controls available for detection of dry bulk materials. The units can be used as high level indicators to eliminate bin overflow or to control levels in open piles. In addition, the tilt switches are useful in determining over or under-load on conveyor belts. The simple yet efficient internal construction (one moving part) provides indication when unit is tilted at a 17° angle throughout the complete 360° of axial arc. Each tilt switch includes a threaded bore for attaching extension actuators which can increase sensing repeatability and protect the tilt switch from direct contact with coarse material. Monitor offers two different models of tilt switches, each suited to satisfy different application requirements.

Principle of Operation

A tilt switch provides indication by detecting the angular position of the tilt switch enclosure. Typically the unit is suspended above the material to be sensed. Internally, a steel ball centers itself over a switch resulting in switch actuation. As rising material contacts the tilt switch (or the extension actuator) the enclosure begins to tilt. When the enclosure body is tilted at 17°, the steel ball rolls off center, deactivating the switch. As material falls away from the switch enclosure body (or the extension actuator) and the unit becomes upright, the ball returns to its original centered position, once again causing switch actuation. The change in the internal switch status is user accessible for signaling alarms, lights, or interfacing with a PLC.

Applications

Monitor’s tilt switches can be used in a variety of applications and with many different types of materials. The TC-3 can be used with materials 15-60 lb/ft³ (240-960 kg/m³ ), while the TC-1 can be used with materials >45 lb/ft³ (>720 kg/m³ ).

Features

Available Configurations

Specifications

Warranty

Monitor Technologies warrants each tilt switch it manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service within two (2) years from the date of purchase. The purchaser must give notify Monitor of any defects within the warranty period, return the product intact, and prepay transportation charges. The obligation of Monitor Technologies LLC under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement at its factory. This warranty does not apply to any product which is repaired or altered outside of Monitor Technologies' factory, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, incorrect wiring by others, or improper installation.

633A.7.0108

SiloPatrol^® SE
Measuring coal powder levels when nothing else will work ….

Coal-fired power plants are commonplace around the world.  In order for these power generating stations to create huge amounts of electricity the turbines need to be feed with steam and the steam created by boilers that are fired by … yep, coal.  But coal as it comes from the mining operations is not what is fed to the burners.  First it is ground or pulverized into powder.  It is not unusual for the coal powder to be stored in silos awaiting the demand for it to be fed to the burners.  The inventory of coal powder in these silos needs to be monitored to allow for efficient operation of the power plant.

So, how do we monitor the inventory of coal powder in a silo?  Not easily.  In one typical application the power plant personnel found that the only technology that would work reliably is the modern smart weight & cable system from Monitor Technologies LLC, the SiloPatrol^® SE.

Anhui Tongling power plant in Anhui province in China had tried almost ever technology possible to get a reliable level measurement in their 5 coal powder silos.  Radar, ultrasonic and others were tried, but none worked reliably.  It wasn’t until Beijing Conasen walked in and proposed that the Tongling plant use the SiloPatrol SE smart cable-based inventory monitoring system that the power plant personnel found a reliable solution.

Mr. William Yuan, sales manager for Beijing Conasen indicates that the power plant tried many major brands of ultrasonic, radar, and other technologies but that due to good relations with the Tongling plant personnel he was able to sell three SiloPatrol SE model SMU sensors and an HMI operator interface to them.  The units were installed by plant personnel.  Because of the heavy amount of coal dust in the silos an air purge using dry compressed air was used.  The SiloPatrol sensor incorporates the patent-pending use of Hall-effect sensor technology, a split-compartment enclosure, microcontroller, redundant optics and many other valuable features and technology to ensure reliable measurement even in challenging dust applications like coal powder.

The SiloPatrol SE system has been working reliably and the plant has since purchased two additional sensors and connected them into the same HMI operator interface.  This same sensor technology is working reliably at other coal-fired power stations in China as well.

For more information on the SiloPatrol SE click here or contact Monitor Technologies LLC at 800-766-6486 in the USA and 630-365-9403 worldwide.

>>Click here for more information about SiloPatrol SE from Monitor Technologies.
>>Download Product Bulletin 343A