MBA level monitoring for continuous heat production
Continuous heat production using pellets requires robust and reliable monitoring of the fill level in the pellet storage system. Estimating your own pellet stock is a challenge.
In order to reliably monitor and control consumption, there are fill level measuring systems that provide pellet heating system operators with information on current pellet consumption. In large storage facilities, consumption can be controlled by using level measurement systems so that bulk solids can be purchased when pellet prices are low.
MBA's level measurement system offers you a reliable solution for operating your pellet heating systems more efficiently and reducing operating costs at the same time.
The challenges of level measurement
The surface in the pellet storage is not uniform, as is the case with liquids, for example. So-called pouring cones are formed. Reliable level measurement is correspondingly difficult.
Pressing the pellets can lead to the release of decomposition products such as carbon monoxide, which can accumulate in the air of the pellet storage facility. This requires special precautions and possibly even air quality monitoring in such environments. In addition, pellets are sensitive to moisture. When they come into contact with water, they can swell by up to 4 times their original volume. This can lead to problems if moisture gets into the warehouse.
Taking these challenges into account when designing and maintaining pellet storage facilities is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable level measurement and long-term storage of pellets.
Our level measurement systems are specifically designed to overcome the challenges of handling pellet storage. Our systems enable reliable monitoring of point levels in real time. This means that you know exactly how much pellets are in your store at all times. This precise data allows you to monitor and control your consumption safely.
The most important criterion for selecting the right level measuring device is the area of application. If the desired measurement is to fully monitor and control pellet consumption, i.e. to measure the level between 0 and 100 per cent, at least two level sensors must be used for continuous level measurement. In most cases, however, one level limit switch is sufficient to detect point levels in the store (e.g. dry running and overflow). The point level measurement from MBA Instruments enables convenient and reliable monitoring of the pellet quantity in the store.
The measuring devices can be used universally, regardless of room geometry, storage size and extraction system.
Automatic monitoring of the pellet fill level ensures greater operational safety. Monitoring is carried out conveniently from a distance. Inspection rounds are no longer necessary. The systems can be customised for any extraction system and measure the fill level with high accuracy.
Our digital rotating paddle detectors are suitable for measuring point levels in pellet storage. The measuring devices are designed so that they can be easily integrated into different environments and extraction systems.
Rotary paddles for pellet storage
MBA's rotating paddle detector series with various paddle options is as reliable as it is versatile. Depending on the individual requirements of your pellet storage facility, they can be used as full, on-demand or empty detectors.
Vibrating level switch for pellet storage
Our vibrating level switches are designed to offer maximum precision and reliability in your pellet storage system. The point level switch works extremely reliably and precisely both as overfill protection and as an empty detector under extreme conditions.
Membrane switch for pellet storage
Our membrane switches are purely mechanical measuring devices that can be used in a wide range of applications. Using innovative technology, the measuring device reliably detects the point levels of your pellet storage. Thanks to its heat-resistant design, the switch can withstand temperatures of up to 300 °C.
Pellets as bulk solids
Inexpensive, efficient and environmentally friendly
Pellets are small spherical or cylindrical bodies of compacted material.
Wood pellets are rod-shaped pellets that are mainly produced by refining, drying and compacting wood residues (e.g. wood shavings or sawdust). They are a modern and climate-friendly wood fuel. The waste can be utilised locally. They are clean and dust-free when handling. The homogeneous composition and low moisture content reduce the amount of ash, soot and other waste to less than 1 per cent. A prerequisite is that the pellets are stored in a dry place. The wood pellets are stored in a separate room or silo and are fed into the boiler from there by screw conveyor or suction method.
The homogeneous composition and low moisture content reduce the amount of ash, soot and other waste to less than one per cent. A prerequisite is that the pellets are stored dry. The wood pellets are stored in a separate room or silo and are fed into the boiler from there by screw conveyor or suction method. The process of pellet production is known as pelletising.
The pellets are transported loose by lorry or in bags, which are delivered on pallets. There are certain standards for pellet qualities. They not only specify a minimum calorific value, but also limit the water content and the amount of ash produced during combustion. Inferior pellet qualities can result if various waste materials have been processed into pellets using unsuitable methods.
Pellet storage is the ideal storage container for a mobile heating system. The store should be the right size and planned according to the principle of short distances. Requirements for statics, fire protection and ventilation must be taken into account. The size of the storage required depends on the heat demand of the building to be heated. A store that is too small can lead to frequent refuelling, while a store that is too large takes up unnecessary space. The statics of the storage building must be sufficiently stable to support the weight of the pellets.
Adequate fire protection is crucial to ensure safety as pellets are highly flammable. Ventilation helps to ensure good air circulation and prevent the formation of dust and mould. For private customers, the use of prefabricated pellet storage systems is often recommended as a complete solution. These offer professional sealing against dust leakage and are easy to install. The advantages of individually constructed storage rooms lie in the optimal utilisation of space and offer the possibility of cost-cutting in-house work.
Pellet storage applications
Pellets are used in a wide variety of sectors. They are used as fuel for stoves and heating systems, concentrated feed for animals or for brewing beer. Wood pellets are mostly used for pellet heating systems.
Wood pellets belong to the category of biofuels. They are burnt in small furnaces, industrial furnaces and power stations. In the private sector, pellet heating systems are used as a climate-friendly alternative to conventional oil and gas heating systems. Wood pellets should only ever be used in the heating systems intended for this purpose.
A distinction is made between industrial pellets and pellets for non-industrial applications. Industrial pellets are low quality pellets. They are suitable for use in robust industrial heating systems and power stations to generate heat and electricity.
Pellets are used as concentrated feed in livestock farming. They offer an efficient way of supplying animals with the necessary nutrients. Pelletised animal feed is easy to store, transport and dose, making it a practical choice for farms.
