Measuring Uneven Bulk Materials or Liquids with the Flatpack® 95 kHz

The MassaSonic^® FlatPack^® Sensors from Massa are optimized to provide consistent non-contact distance measurement of uneven solid bulk materials, fluids, or pastes in constrained working zones for application ranges from 1" (25 mm) to 13' (4 m).

The low profile designed ultrasonic transmitter modules are integrated with modern dual-transducer ultrasonic technology and processing algorithms, providing precise measurement for factory automation, pipe and conveyor belt blockage, tank level applications with non-uniform surfaces, and warehouse materials control, and chute monitoring of mining/construction equipment.

FlatPack^® Sensors are suitable to monitor or control in-pipe flow levels of waste water pipes or renewable energy systems. The sensors have a unique dual transducer design with a 15° system beam angle, and because of this, it is unlikely that solid materials with non-uniform surfaces will affect the maximum range capabilities, as is the case with single transducer sensors using narrow beam angles.

The FlatPack^® Sensors are IP68 rated and complaint with CE and RoHS. These sensors have field proven designs and come with PVC housing for use in all-weather resistant moderate chemical environments between -40 °C and 70 °C. As the sensors are provided with an integrated mounting plate with pre-formed holes, they can be installed easily.

All of the models are supplied with constant temperature compensation that guarantees precise speed of sound calibration and measurement accuracy. Other user-friendly characteristics include protection against reverse polarity, monitoring and diagnostic outputs, over voltage, and short circuits.

Specifications

The key specifications of the FlatPack^® 95 kHz Sensors are as follows:

Figure 1: Flatpack in Pipe Level

Key Features

The key features of the FlatPack^® 95 kHz sensors are as follows:

Operates on uneven solids or liquids

IP68 enclosure rating

Temperature compensated

Up to 32 sensors on RS-485 multi-drop network

Rugged and tamperproof

Broad range of user programmable customizations

Accurate under demanding environmental conditions

Low cost of ownership (CoO)

Short dead band and dual transducers

Applications

The key applications of the FlatPack^® 95 kHz sensors are as follows:

Bulk material management

Position detection

Uneven solids control

Liquid level control in turbulence

Conveyor belt, hopper, and chute monitoring

Monitoring fluid level in pipes

Conduit and pipe blockage detection