Monitor Solids Level Vibratory Rod

The VibraRod™ vibrating rod sensor provides reliable point level sensing in a wide variety of applications within powder and bulk solids markets. The vibrating probe principle utilized by the VibraRod overcomes typical application difficulties associated with changes in material, electrical dielectric constant, temperature or humidity while providing reliable solid state electronic circuitry that requires no calibration. The VibraRod has the ability to detect a wide range of material densities. In addition, using a single-prong probe eliminates the potential problems associated with material build-up and false signaling associated with dual-prong "tuning-fork" type probes.

The VibraRod line of vibrating rod point level sensors is offered in standard length, cable extension or pipe extension versions. The standard length version extends into your vessel approximately 9 inches (235 mm). The pipe extended version can be used to extend the measuring rod up to 120 inches (3 m) and the cable extended unit can be used to extend the probe up to about 65 feet (20 m). Each version can be provided with either a plastic or aluminum housing. All VibraRod units are provided with local indication using a bi-color LED and a traditional relay output.

Principle of Operation:
The VibraRod™ line of point level sensors is a mechanical resonance system that is excited and kept in resonance by the sensor's electronic circuitry. Two piezoelectric crystals are mounted on the internal portion of the probe’s base. An electrical signal is applied to one crystal at the frequency corresponding to the probe’s self-resonance. This electrical excitation causes physical deformation of the crystal which in-turn creates probe vibration. When no material is present around the VibraRod's probe, the vibration of the probe is received by the second crystal. This causes physical deformation of the second crystal which generates a voltage analyzed by the electronic circuitry. With material present and surrounding the probe, the vibration is dampened so that the second crystal is not able to generate as high a voltage as when no material is present. The electronic circuitry senses this change and the relay output changes accordingly.

Applications:
The VibraRod™ level sensor provides reliable point level sensing in a wide variety of applications for most bulk solid materials. The single-prong vibrating rod principle requires no calibration, is easily setup and eliminates the application problems associated with build-up and clogging between tines on a typical "tuning fork" device. The VibraRod is ideal for bulk solids ranging from 3.12 lbs/ft(3) (0.05 kg/dm(3)) with a maximum particle size of about 3/8 inches (10 mm) and is even self-cleaning via vibration in many applications.

Single-Prong Probe Design:
The VibraRod™ provides a probe design superior to "tuning fork" devices. The VibraRod level sensors use a single-prong rod, thereby eliminating the false signals that typically exist when material clogs or is bound between the tines of the "tuning fork" design units. In addition, the VibraRod's vibration acts as a self-cleaning effect for most materials, which can further eliminate problems. The reinforced 316Ti stainless steel rod meets DIN 1.4571 specifications and provides a high level of corrosion resistance suitable for virtually any application.