Silos are vital to construction because they provide storage and material supply. Level measurement for construction site silos is essential to ensure construction progress, optimize material management, and reduce costs.
Construction sites' silos store a wide range of materials, like cement, sand, gravel, fly ash, and more. For example, cement is essential for any construction project. When we mix concrete, accurately measuring the cement level in the silo is key to maintaining the ideal ratio. This ensures that the concrete is strong and of the highest quality, which in turn helps to make the entire building structure stable.
Similarly, making sure that sand and gravel are supplied in a timely manner is essential for keeping construction on track. This not only saves time but also cuts down labor and equipment costs, creating a win - win situation for everyone involved.
SITRANS LU
Currently, construction sites widely use various level measurement technologies, and Siemens ultrasonic level meters hold a significant market share. The Siemens SITRANS LU is a great example. We can install it easily, and it uses a non - contact measuring method. This effectively avoids the wear - and - tear problem that would occur if it were in direct contact with the material. Its advantages are especially clear when we measure the level of gravel silos.
The SITRANS LU can adapt to the complex construction - site environment to some degree. It determines the level height by transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves. However, just like other ultrasonic level meters, when there's a lot of dust or mist in the silo, the propagation of the ultrasonic waves can interfere, reducing the measurement accuracy.
SITRANS LR
Radar level meters from Siemens are also popular on construction sites. The Siemens SITRANS LR series, for example, utilizes microwave signals to detect levels with high accuracy and reliability. This series of radar level meters can penetrate a certain thickness of dust, relatively resists the influence of environmental factors, and performs well in measuring powdery materials such as cement. In the cement silo of large-scale construction projects, SITRANS LR series can provide stable and accurate level data, which can help the construction company to grasp the cement storage volume in time, and reasonably arrange the purchase and transportation of cement. However, its relatively high cost may increase the cost burden for some small construction sites with limited budget.
The SITRANS LR200 is the perfect tool for any plant, no matter the environment! Whether there's noise, vibration, thick airborne dust, or any other challenge, this conical mill's acoustic intelligence and automatic false echo suppression ensure top-notch performance and precise depth measurement.
Engineers often use rotary level switches for basic upper and lower - limit level alarms. Siemens offers relevant products. When material contacts the rotating blade, the blade halts due to blockage, triggering a switch signal to notify staff that the bin material has reached the set level. These switches are simple and cost - effective. However, they only give switching signals and can't precisely measure the material's position. In small silos with low - precision needs, like those for temporary auxiliary - material storage, Siemens rotary level switches can effectively serve as early - warning devices.
Influencing Factors
Besides technology limitations, the construction site's complex environment poses many level - measurement challenges. Frequent site vibrations can loosen measurement equipment parts, affecting accuracy. Also, material loading and unloading creates lots of dust, which interferes with signals and degrades equipment performance by covering sensing elements. Seasonal temperature and humidity changes impact equipment stability too.
To address these challenges, we need to adopt a series of effective solutions. When selecting equipment, we should comprehensively consider the specific conditions of the silo and material characteristics. For dusty silos, we can prioritize Siemens' radar level meter and equip it with corresponding dust - proof devices. For small silos with low requirements for measurement accuracy and limited budget, Siemens' rotary level switch combined with regular manual inspection may be a more suitable choice.
Installation Process
During the installation process, ensure that you install the measuring equipment firmly and take effective vibration - damping measures, such as using shock - absorbing pads. At the same time, protect the equipment reasonably to prevent dust, rain, etc. from damaging the equipment. You can also regularly maintain and calibrate the measurement equipment, clean the dust and dirt on the sensing elements in time, and ensure that the equipment is always in good working condition.
Conclusion
Level measurement of silos on construction sites is a complex and important task. Selecting proper measurement tech and equipment, along with effective countermeasures, can improve level measurement accuracy. This ensures smooth construction. As tech advances, more advanced measurement tools will be used on construction sites, enhancing building efficiency and quality.
We'd love to hear from you, whether you're an expert or just an enthusiast! Especially if you're passionate about measuring instrumentation. We're eager to hear your insights on detection methods, application ranges, maintenance costs, and anything else you can think of! For the best prices and all the info you need, please contact our ANTLETS team. We're here to help!