Efficient fill level monitoring
for uninterrupted operating processes in the gravel silo
Fill level monitoring is essential to ensure smooth operation in the gravel silo.
Overflow can lead to material spillage. As a result, production is delayed and/or has to be interrupted completely. Such delays cost time and money.
The MBA level gauges are an excellent addition to level monitoring in gravel silos, providing additional protection against overflow. The measuring devices are particularly important as they monitor critical limits and trigger alarms before the situation becomes critical.
We offer specially developed measuring technologies to meet your requirements.
Challenges for fill level measurement in gravel
Level measurement in gravel silos plays a crucial role in many industrial applications. The requirements for corresponding level measurement systems are high, as the accuracy and reliability of the measurements are essential to ensure smooth operation and plant safety.
For level measurement in silos, measuring devices that are insensitive to deposits - and suitable for dusty environments - are recommended. In addition, the influences of the silo geometry, such as the pouring cone or the surface shape, must be taken into account when making the selection. Devices that have to be removed and cleaned frequently make the measuring process more difficult.
The selection and implementation of level measurement systems in gravel silos require a thorough analysis of the specific requirements and conditions on site. The right choice of technology and careful maintenance are crucial to successfully overcoming the challenges of level measurement in gravel silos and ensuring efficient and safe operation.
The silo content must be monitored to ensure safe stockpiling and scheduling. To successfully meet the demanding requirements of level measurement in gravel silos while ensuring efficient and safe operation, MBA Instruments offers a proven solution in the form of our state-of-the-art rotating paddle detectors.
Our rotating paddle detectors have proven themselves as limit level detectors for both minimum and maximum signals. They are extremely precise and reliable, making them ideal for point level monitoring.
Using rotating paddle detectors for point level measurement in gravel silos ensures that you get accurate measurements, even in challenging environments. This not only contributes to the safety of your plant, but also allows you to control your operation efficiently and optimise the use of silo content.
Rotary paddles for gravel silos
MBA's rotating paddle detector series with state-of-the-art safety technology has proven itself in a wide variety of applications thanks to its versatility and adaptability. Depending on the individual requirements of your gravel silo, they can be used as full, on-demand or empty detectors.
Vibrating level switch for gravel silos
Our vibrating level switches are a reliable solution for your gravel silo, both as overfill protection and as an empty detector. The level switch works extremely reliably and precisely under extreme conditions.
Membrane switch for gravel silos
Our membrane switches are purely mechanical measuring devices that can be used in a variety of applications such as gravel silos. With proven yet innovative technology, the measuring device reliably detects the point level in the gravel silo and does not require an external power supply.
The advantages of MBA level measurement in gravel silos
These features characterise our rotating paddle detectors for level measurement in gravel silos:
Stepper motor drive
The stepper motor has a direct drive without gears, return springs or leaf springs. The mode of operation includes an integrated slipping clutch for consistently good running performance. This technology has been tried and tested in industry for a long time and makes the MBA800 maintenance-free and wear-free.
Gravel as bulk solids
Limestone (calcium carbonate) is a natural product that occurs in various forms with varying degrees of hardness, crystal shapes and admixtures. The product can be used in lumps or ground. In chemical terms, gravel is a compound of calcium, carbon and oxygen that occurs in various forms in nature. It is one of the most widespread minerals on earth and the use of this raw material by humans, proven by gravel finds in Turkey, goes back over 14,000 years. Gravel is used in nitrogen and phosphorus elimination to stabilise the pH value.
Areas of application for gravel
Gravel products are used in various sectors of industry, the environment and agriculture. Gravel is used as a solid or as an aqueous suspension in the following areas:
The chemical industry uses gravel to produce citric acid, polyhydric alcohols and synthetic gypsum. Gravel is also used as a reactant and to change pH values. Gravel products are also required for detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and some foods.
Burnt gravel is used in the production of mortar and plasters. Limestone with a specially treated surface can be used as natural stone. In road construction, gravel is used to improve the frost resistance of soils.
In addition to the humus content, the fertility of a soil depends on its gravel content. As a fertiliser, gravel neutralises acidic soils and ensures the fertility of arable and grassland soils. Gravel also loosens the soil structure.
The production processes require the use of quicklime. This helps to remove mineral impurities (phosphorus, manganese and silicon) from the molten pig iron and bind sulphur. The purity requirements for gravel are extremely high due to its function as a purifying alkaline element. For this reason, only high-quality gravel is used for this purpose.
Gravel is stored in silos. The appropriate silo size is determined by the bulk density of the gravel products used. Storage should not exceed approx. six months. The material properties of the gravel result in specific requirements for the silo. Among other things, a steep silo body with large discharge openings is required. In addition, a corresponding filter unit is required for dedusting in the gravel silo. This must be maintained regularly in order to rule out any risks to the environment.
Gravel is usually an intermediate product and is used to immobilise harmful substances, to slag unwanted pig iron components and to create strength in building materials. It is therefore important to stockpile and store the bulk solids correctly. Gravel powder is difficult to measure as it is very dusty and quickly combines with everything in the silos. Depending on its consistency, lgravel tends to stick. There is also a risk of delaying or completely interrupting the production chain by overflowing the silo.
