Laser level measurement succeeds where others fail
August 2003
Level Measurement & Control
Since the release of its Lasermeter Pixie+ Laser Measurement has reported that the instrument has met with great success. Said to perform better than any radar and ultrasonic instruments in extreme and adverse process control situations, the laser beam used for measurement needs a mere 50 mm diameter opening to measure through and can be programmed to discard passing objects like rocks and splashing fluids in a typical crusher application. The cone-up and cone-down of material featured in silos poses no problem to the laser as it can measure off any oblique angle. Locally, the Lasermeter Pixie+ has been tested with success in crusher applications as well as small to medium size silos and bins.
Challenging application
PFG Glass, a Springs-based glass manufacturer, has recently installed a few Lasermeter Pixie+ instruments and is satisfied with its performance: the lasermeter measures the level on a feedbin to the furnace. The material is highly reflective, but readings remain accurate. The irregularity of the surface and the ever-changing level of the feedbin makes other level measurement methods unsuitable. Theuns Coetzee, material controller at PFG says: "This instrument does exactly what it is supposed to and we are 100% satisfied with its performance."
Feedback from the USA
Senior resident engineer, Allen Shumaker at 3M in Brookings, South Dakota, has the following to say about the Lasermeter range of products: "We tried all other technologies, but got too many echoes and false readings off the walls of the hopper. Setting up the lasermeter is pretty easy - all we had to do is set the low level, set the high level, and the limits. It has worked very well ever since... With some resins we get a lot of dust, but so far it has not affected our measurements. I have not even needed to clean off the lenses or anything."
The new Pixie+ was designed to allow for excellent dust penetration, high speed of reading and updating to the PLC, as well as improved accuracy. Configuration is performed with a Palm handheld programmer or laptop.
The Lasermeter range of products from Laser M, Midrand, are all Class 1 eye-safe instruments and with their industrial design they are suitable for use in rough, rugged mining and heavy process plant environments.
For more information contact Leon Botha, Laser Measurement, 011 314 4130, [email protected], www.laserm.co.za
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