The world’s production of starch and its by-products currently amounts to 6.5 million tons per year. Obtained mostly from corn, wheat and potatoes, starch is used as an additive in various industries including food processing, paper making, clothing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Several processes allow for the production of starch. One of them, called ‘steeping’, separates the peel from the grain by soaking it in water for several days. The grain peel is then dried before being shredded and used as an additive in animal feeds.
Measurement requirements
One of the largest starch producers processes 3 million tons of corn and 1.5 million tons of wheat every year. The shredded peel (bran) is stored in several 20 meter high silos before being added to the next process. To avoid interrupting the production process, the stock must be permanently monitored. Bran is generally a low reflective medium and there is always dust and condensation involved. This and the uneven product surface make reliable level measurement a challenging task.
The previously tested devices including a TDR guided radar level meter with cable probe and a radar instrument with traditional horn antenna had to be removed frequently for cleaning and the production cycle was interrupted.
KROHNE solution
KROHNE delivered two OPTIWAVE 6300 C’s with a DN 80 (3″) Drop antenna made of plain PP and a G 1-1/2” process connection. Fitted on each silo roof, the non-contact radar (FMCW) level meters measure the level of bran and communicate the results to the DCS in the control room.
The OPTIWAVE 6300 C uses specific software algorithms for solids. Combined with the FMCW radar technology and the high signal dynamics of its electronics, it allows for accurate and reliable level measurement even in dusty atmospheres and on a low reflective medium with an uneven or moving surface.
Customer benefits
The starch producer benefits from a maintenance-free level meter as the ellipsoidal shape, smooth polypropylene surface and completely encapsulated design of the OPTIWAVE’s Drop antenna is not affected by condensation and crusting. Therefore, interruptions of the production cycle and climbing on the silo roofs for periodic cleaning of the antennas are no longer necessary. As the level meter is unaffected by dust, measurements can also be taken during the filling process without the need for antenna aiming kits. Since the OPTIWAVE 6300 C sends its accurate measuring values directly to the control room, the customer is now able to monitor its stock on a permanent basis. This enables the user to optimise supply inventory without the risk of overfilling the silo.
The installation wizard means the meters are simple to set up and use. Being 2-wire devices, they also need less wiring. This reduces the installation and operating costs.
Krohne
http://www.krohne.com
02-13-17
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