New Microwave Beam Blockage Detection Added to Hawk's "Gladiator" Series
Hawk, a leading global provider of level, positioning and flow measurement technology, announces the introduction of the next generation of Microwave beam blockage detector.
The new system uses microwave energy to detect blockage of the path between a sender and receiver. The system is ideal for high reliability blocked chute detection in bulk material conveying and transfer systems, solving the costly problems of false tripping and failure to respond which can occur with traditional tilt switch types. Other major areas of application are boom collision detection, nucleonic switch replacement and point level switching for most solid and liquid materials, including wet, dry, and bulk material.
The complete system includes two functions, a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits rapid bursts of microwave energy. The matching receiver is positioned in line with the sender. If the beam path is blocked by any object or material, the receiver will not be able to detect the signal. The presence or absence of the signal at the receiver is used to switch a relay for indication or control purposes. The receiver may be mounted up to 100m (328 ft) from the sender. The sensitivity of the detector is adjustable, allowing the system to tolerate build-up or changes in material properties.
It is not necessary for the sender or receiver to contact the material being sensed. Microwave energy can penetrate plastic tanks or pipes, or windows made of glass, UHMW, PTFE, firebrick, and some ceramic materials. The normal installation is not intrusive to a process.
The Microwave Detector can been used for a wide range of applications in the mining and metals, bulk materials handling, sand and gravel, coal, cement, paper, plastic, rubber, food, and pharmaceuticals industries.
Systems are available configured as remote - where a controller drives the sender and receiver, or integral – stand alone sender and receiver, depending on user requirements and access to sensing positions.
All of Hawk’s Gladiator Smart Switches include Modbus communications as standard and have options for a range of other protocols. Setup and service via direct connection to a laptop PC, or remotely worldwide via GSM/CDMA connection is possible in addition to the simple local panel controls.
