BinMaster releases flow detection system

July 2, 2014, Lincoln, Neb. – BinMaster introduces the Flow Detect 2000,
a reliable, non-intrusive instrument for the detection of solids flow or no
flow in various applications in the material handling industry. It prevents
downtime caused by blockage, conveyors running empty, no material flow
to-and-from a process, or loose slide gates that can cause production loss and
equipment failure. 

This new low-cost, non-intrusive, microwave-based flow/no flow instrument
is used to detect flow conditions of solids and powders in gravity chutes,
feeders, pipelines, conveyor belts, or bucket elevators. The Flow Detect 2000
contains the sensing element, power and output connections, and user adjustment
controls in a single NEMA 4X enclosure.

The sensor is easy to install through a 1-/14' NPT opening. It is
completely non-intrusive and does not come into contact with the flow stream.
This eliminates the risk of wear and assures long life and reliability. It is
appropriate for solids, granules, pellets, meals and powdered materials and is
suitable for most any industry including feed, grain, milling, food, cement,
mining, power and plastics. An important use is to prevent cross contamination
of ingredients by ensuring flow has stopped before a new material is introduced
into the flow stream.

It uses microwave Doppler technology for highly sensitive motion
detection. The high frequency, low power microwaves are able to pass through
non-metallic materials. This enables the Flow Detect 2000 to 'see through' a
plastic pipe, a glass process seal or the wall of a wooden chute to detect the
material inside. A switchable filter incorporated into the signal path of the
Doppler output reduces the effect of vibration. This filter also ensures the
detection of moderate and fast-flowing materials.

The Flow Detect 2000
provides a single analog relay output to communicate flow or no flow status to
a PLC. Both normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts are available.
Indicators and controls for the initial calibration and set up are easily
accessible by simply unscrewing the lid of the device. LED indicator lights for
power, flow/no flow and fault conditions show the status of the device.
Controls for adjusting sensitivity and the output delays are used during the
initial setup.