Electromechanical Level Measurement

Electromechanical Level Measurement

Electromechanical level measurement provides continuous level measurement in bulk solids through a mechanical “sounding” method. It is often chosen for very tall silos and bins and for solids services where dust, particle size variation, or material properties complicate non-contact methods.

The operating concept lowers a sensing weight on a tape into the vessel until the weight contacts the bulk solid surface and the tension changes. The system detects that change, reverses the motor, and rewinds the tape; distance is derived by counting motor/tape motion with a pulse generator, producing a level value from known vessel geometry.

A primary benefit is that measurement is largely independent of bulk solid electrical properties. The approach is also proven in heavily dusty conditions and is not constrained by dielectric constant in the way many wave-based methods are. Properly implemented controls prevent the weight from running down into outlets, reducing risk to downstream conveying equipment.

Electromechanical systems are common in grain and cereal storage, plastic pellets and granulate, powders, and mixed particulate solids where continuous inventory visibility is required. They also serve well where internal silo conditions (dust clouds, filling noise, uneven profiles) can reduce the reliability of alternative principles.

Design work typically focuses on mechanical clearances, mounting location to avoid interference with inlet streams or internals, and defining safe travel limits relative to cone geometry and outlets. Because the technology is mechanically active by nature, maintenance planning should include inspection of tape and drive components, balanced against the high robustness of the measurement principle in challenging solids environments.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.