BULK FLOW DETECTION

In practice, there is often no need to know the current flow rate of bulk material, because it’s enough to control its flow and to prevent plugging (congestion) in the channels and pipes. For these purposes, a simple and cheap FlowJam flow switch has been developed, which allows almost instantly to detect the fact of material flow stop and to give a signal using a relay output.

The operating principle of the sensor is based on the Doppler effect. The power of the sounding signal is sufficient to detect the flowing material, even with a significant build-up layer. For non-metallic channels, bins and other structures, the non-contact measurement of the walls of the structure from the outside can be applied. FlowJam sensor in its conventional design operates at the temperature to 80 °C and at the pressure of 1 bar. It can be used at high temperatures (up to 220 °C) and at high pressures (up to 20 bar), if the special adapter is used. It is known that FlowJam sensor was used in cement industry in order to prevent plugging in the centrifuge, which internal temperature is about 600 °C. In this case, the sensor operates through the special ceramic window. It is common to use FlowJam in feed production, poultry farms with the product feed, in cement, gypsum and other industries, where the process cycle provides for the continuous feed of material. FlowJam with the adapter can also be used, when the area inside the structure is classified as explosive (Class II D by ATEX classification).

The sensor is mounted, using 1 1/5” threaded bushing, DN40 flange, clamp, or by any other convenient way. It does not need an external electronic module, all the electronics is placed directly into the sensor housing. It has the threshold and operational delay adjustment, the additional setting is not required.

Examples of application

Feed-stuff flow control

Customer: feed-stuff producer (France)

Product: feed pellets
Consumption: 10 .. 15 t/h
Feeding: screw
Setting: in free-fall position next to the screw

Client comment:

The FlowJam system has the following benefits:

- continuous detection of the material flow
- simple setting (unaided) - easy to modify

Benefits to the customers:

- guaranteed quality in the process of production - no damages to the system in case of plugging

Coal dust flow control

Customer: metallurgical plant (China)
Product: coal dust
Consumption: 10 .. 15 kg/h
Feeding: pneumatic
Setting: in the pneumatic collector

Client Comment:
The FlowJam system has the following benefits:
- reliability/prompt indication
- cost-effective solution

Benefits to the customers:
- reliable monitoring of the blast-furnace burners
- guaranteed quality in the process of production