Laser measurement in the sugar industry
April 2000
Level Measurement & Control
Laser Measurement
Laser has been a relatively new distance measuring technique used successfully in sugar processing. The application in process control that these instruments are used for is level measurement to control the measurement in bins and silos. Laser level measurement is used in various industries; sugar, mining, food and beverage, chemical and paper and pulp industries. Laser M's laser products are designed to solve problems where distance and environmental conditions make each requirement unique. Laser is superior in the technological field for the following reasons:
Since laser travels at the speed of light, the update rate of the laser instrument is extremely fast. It can be aimed directly at a small target and be used to measure over long distances. Laser instruments have a 50 mm beam diameter, with virtually no beam divergence. The narrow beam will not pick up false echoes from surrounding obstacles.
The laser beam is not reflected, but scatters when it hits a target. The laser instrument will pick up a return signal from any angle. All Laser M lasers are Class 1 safety rated and are therefore completely eye-safe and can cause no damage.
The laser is locally designed and manufactured. One application is at a sugar mill in KwaZulu-Natal, where the sugar cane is crushed to remove sucrose. Once the cane has been crushed it is called bagasse. (This bagasse can be used for ceiling board or fuel for boilers.) A low power 10 m Owl lasermeter was used to measure the height of the bagasse falling onto the conveyor belt. The Owl was used effectively, both here as well as other applications, where the changing levels in silos or bins has been monitored. Other applications have been measuring silos or bins that fill and empty.
Further reading:
Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter
Read more...
Level measurement of leachate from sewage sludge humification
Level Measurement & Control
A municipal utility in eastern Germany operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant with sustainable sludge treatment. The ultrasonic signal was being partially deflected by the wind, leading to frequent false measurements and inefficient process workflows. The problem was solved by replaced the ultrasonic level sensor with KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 non-contact radar.
Read more...
Groundbreaking measurement system
Mecosa
Level Measurement & Control
Berthold Technologies has launched the LoopSeries LB 430, an innovative, industry-leading measurement system designed to enhance operational efficiency with advanced level, density, and level switch capabilities.
Read more...
Level measurement of a water sump at a sewage treatment plant
Level Measurement & Control
A major city council in South East Queensland, Australia maintains and operates a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater. Due to the risk of flooding, the water sump must be continuously monitored. The solution is KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter.
Read more...
Simplicity in measurement
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Level Measurement & Control
Endress+Hauser’s new 80 GHz compact radar range is designed to help customers reach their compliance targets through simple yet efficient measurement solutions.
Read more...
Case History 196: Unstable condensate level control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
The operators in a petrochemical refinery were having great trouble in trying to stabilise the condensate level in a vessel, and this was adversely affecting other loops downstream. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to retune the controller.
Read more...
Non-contact level measurement for hygienic and industrial applications
ifm - South Africa
Level Measurement & Control
The LW2720 radar level sensor from ifm sets new benchmarks for speed and accuracy.
Read more...
Level measurement in oil storage
VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Measuring the level of crude oil in storage is essential for safe and efficient operations. VEGA offers solutions that effectively address the challenges, ensuring precise and consistent level measurements in crude oil storage facilities. VEGA’s sensors offer reliable data on the volume, level and pressure of all types of media. Accurate level measurement is complicated by crude oil thermal expansion properties, particularly in lighter oil grades.
Read more...
Cloud-based inventory management
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Level Measurement & Control
Netilion is an award-winning cloud-based IIoT ecosystem designed for industrial processes. It connects the physical and digital worlds to send valuable information from the field straight to your phone, tablet or other device.
Read more...
Smart solutions for tabletting
VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
The manufacturing of pharmaceuticals is considered to be one of the most challenging production environments. Pharmaceutical manufacturers across the globe have opted for VEGA sensors in their production facilities.
Read more...
printer friendly version