Yo! It's time to put an end to climbing bins.
Knowing the volume and value of what is stored in grain bins is surprisingly simple and inexpensive. Installing a solution that measures grain bin levels automatically and lets you access to inventory from your phone or computer can improve inventory accuracy, save time, and keep employees safe.
Sensors Measure, Eliminating the Need to Scale Ladders
Weight-and-cable sensors have historically been among the most common technologies for grain level measurement. These sensors work by dropping a weighted cable into the bin at pre-set intervals. When the weight reaches the grain surface, the cable retracts, counting pulses that are then converted into a measurement distance.
In this way, BinMaster’s SmartBob® sensor performs like an automated tape measure.
The SmartBob remote is ideally mounted one-sixth from the outer perimeter of the bin to provide the most accurate volume for a center-fill, center-discharge bin. It is programmed to take measurements at pre-determined time intervals ranging from once an hour to once a day. Measurements can also be taken on demand when needed.
It is accurate within 0.25” and highly reliable, as it always takes the measurement in the same spot—unlike a human, who may not consistently drop the tape measure in the same spot. SmartBobs are dependable, simple to operate, and have a long service life.
Connecting SmartBob to Software
It wasn't long ago when an IT department or an engineer would be required for sensor installation and setup. BinMaster sensors have since been designed for user simplicity.
SmartBobs—and other types of continuous level sensors—are relatively simple to install. Most grain storage facilities install the sensors themselves without needing to hire an electrician or contractor.
For those with multiple silos or bins, a daisy-chaining wiring scheme saves setup and cost. A "daisy chain" entails multiple sensors wired together in a ring—or loop. This configuration allows a single wireless gateway to collect level data from multiple sensors, then send it all to local software—or cloud-based remote software—for processing.
Cutting Cords
BinMaster also offers wireless transceivers and gateways to eliminate the need for running long spans of wiring. Long-range communications, or LoRa, can be used for distances up to one mile with an unobstructed line of sight.
Monitor Bins On-Site or Remotely
Measurements from SmartBobs or other types of level sensors can be monitored on a computer or phone via an internet connection or a local area network (LAN).
BinCloud® is a web-based application that allows you to monitor bin levels in real-time, while Binventory® software installs on a local network. Both are compatible with sensors using either a 4-20 mA output or Modbus RTU. A graphical interface displays inventory levels for each bin, on which users can set up bin parameters—such as height, diameter, material, and bin location—for easy identification. High- and low-level alerts can be automatically sent via text or email when bins are nearly full or empty.
Measurement data can also be accessed from the C-100 push-button console, eliminating the need to walk to a control room to check remaining bin capacity. During harvest, drivers can quickly access bin data to know which bins have space available to unload grain into. Facilities can optimize storage vessels with a smart system that displays when bins are full.
Beyond the Bob
There are other types of level sensors used for grain inventory management. Non-contact radars provide continuous level measurement in dusty environments. They measure a single point in the bin with very high accuracy and update very quickly.
Additionally, 3DLevelScanners are the best solution for large-diameter bins or storage vessels with multiple filling or emptying points. The scanner can detect irregular grain piling, cone-up or cone-down conditions, and sidewall buildup. A 3DLevelScanner is the only type of level sensor to generate a three-dimensional image of the bin’s bulk material topography.
But perhaps the most essential, economical, and simple solution for grain storage facilities is the rotary level indicator. The rotary is the workhorse of the point level sensor category and is widely used throughout the grain industry. They can be used with SmartBobs—or other types of continuous level sensors—as a redundant point level indicator for added protection against overfilling or dry runs.
BinMaster's BMRX rotaries can be used as a high-level indicator to help operators prevent overfilling bins. When mounted at the bottom or in the cone of a bin, they can also alert to low levels when the bin is approaching empty. Rotaries can be configured to turn off an auger or wired to a light or horn for automated audiovisual alerts.
Users can select from a variety of paddles, including a convenient collapsible paddle that facilitates rotary installation without entering the bin. For top mounting, the rotary can be extended down into the bin up to 84 inches to prevent damaging other equipment or structures at the top of a bin.
Take the First—Or Next—Step
Installing a smart grain inventory management system doesn't have to be expensive or intimidating. Start with a sensor, connect sensors to the system, choose software or console access (or both!), and top it with a rotary for added protection. A quick consultation and quote are all that you need to make grain inventory simpler and safer.
