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As industries move data from sensors to cloud-based databases, better decisions on inventory use, ordering, and accounting are paying benefits.
BinMaster technology falls into the Internet of Things (IoT) world with products that streamline remote monitoring of bulk products like grain, plastic pellets, and aggregates stored in bins, silos, and other storage vessels.
IoT Inventory Sensors & Software:
- Provide insights for data-driven decisions; increase efficiency and drive down costs
- Shorten lead times for production
- Reduce carrying costs and last-minute purchases
- Reduce waste on bulk inventory that could spoil
- Feed accurate inventory data to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Streamline transportation and timely ordering
From a business standpoint, inventory management serves a great purpose for inventory balancing, planning, and control. It’s important to have the right amount of inventory to avoid lost orders and money tied up in safety stock. Selecting smart sensors is critical for success.
SmartBob® Weight and Cable Sensor
Pros
- Not affected by dust, material buildup on the sensor, or other adverse process conditions
- Can be used in extremely light, signal-absorbing materials
- Measures bins up to 150 feet tall
- Not affected by material characteristics such as low dielectric constant or angle of repose
- Very simple setup and installation; remote sensor requires no calibration
- High-temperature models available up to 500°F
- Consistent, repeatable, and accurate measurements
- Compatible with Binventory® and BinCloud® apps
- A variety of digital and analog outputs are available
- Cable replacement, wireless communications, and hazardous location approvals available
Cons
- On-demand system; does not provide an instantaneous response to change in the material level
- Seasonal maintenance may be required to clean out a mechanical cavity in very dusty conditions, if air-purge is not used
- Not recommended in high-pressure bins
- Minimal contact with stored material
Pros
- Continuous level measurement in light OR heavy bulk solids: powders, granules, bulk solids, and liquids
- Measures ranges up to 100 feet with accuracy within 0.08”
- 4-20 mA and Modbus RTU communications
- Performs reliably in high dust or condensation
- Suitable for vessels of almost any shape or diameter, including narrow tanks
- Virtually maintenance free
- Hazardous location approvals
- BinDisc simple setup and configuration
- Compatible with Binventory software
- Cable replacement and wireless communications available
Cons
- Sensing probe is in constant contact with the material
- Material must have a minimum dielectric constant above 1.3 lb./ft.³
- Large or bulky materials like rocks may damage the probe or be difficult to sense
Pros
- Continuous level measurement up to 200 ft.
- Non-intrusive, non-contact design
- Measures uneven powder or solid material surfaces; detects cone up, cone down, or sidewall buildup
- Provides minimum, maximum, and average distances
- Calculates highly accurate bin volume due to multi-point mapping of the material surface
- Self-cleaning system with minimal maintenance requirements
- Can serve high-temperature applications up to 365°F
- Provides automatic compensation in temperature changes
- Analog and digital communication options
- Leading-edge 3D MultiVision PC software available for multiple vessel monitoring and 3D bin visualization
- Approved for hazardous locations
- Not affected by material characteristics or low dielectric constants
- RL model compatible with Binventory software
Cons
- Acoustic device; elevated background noise can have an effect on its performance
- Setup requires care in mounting the sensor in the proper location to best map the vessel
- Time required to process multiple pulse echoes limits the sample rate
- Not recommended for liquid applications
- Corrugation on small vessels can cause false echoes
- Not recommended for materials with a bulk density under 11 lb./ft.³
Pros
- Powerful 80 GHz radar with substantial 393 ft. measuring range
- 4° beam angle for better precision and targeting
- Same sensor technology used by self-driving cars
- Strong signal performs well in dust
- Fast reaction/update time tracks filling or emptying activity
- Versatile for use in solids, liquids, and slurries
- Signal is not affected by corrugation
- Loop-power capability
- Compatible with Binventory and BinCloud softwares
- 4-20 mA and Modbus RTU communications
Cons
- Single point measurement will not take material topography into account
- Minimum dielectric constant of material must be above 1.3 lb./ft.³
Need more assistance selecting a cloud-compatible level sensor? Contact the BinMaster team today.
