Electromechanical Level Measurement

Electromechanical Level Measurement

Electromechanical Level measurement provides continuous level information in bulk solids by mechanically lowering a weight or plumb bob on a cable/tape until it contacts the material surface, then converting the paid-out length into a level value. The measurement is performed cyclically (on demand or at scheduled intervals) and is suited to a wide range of silo and bin geometries. It is a direct surface-detection method for solids inventory.

A key advantage is independence from dielectric constant, dust, vapor, and many material property changes that can challenge radar, capacitance, or ultrasonic technologies. Because it physically “finds” the surface, it remains reliable in very low-permittivity solids and in applications with significant airborne dust. The approach is also useful for large vessels where periodic measurement is sufficient for inventory management, procurement triggers, and logistics planning.

Engineering considerations center on mechanical wear, moving components, and the intermittent nature of the reading. Abrasive solids, bridging, internal obstructions, or sticky products can increase risk of snagging or accelerated wear on the cable/weight system. Installation must provide adequate headroom, clear travel path, and robust sealing for dust and weather; hazardous-area approvals may be required for combustible dust atmospheres.

Typical applications include grain, flour, animal feed, plastic pellets, cement, fly ash, lime, and many mineral products stored in tall silos, bins, and bunkers. Electromechanical systems are often selected where dust loading is high, where non-contact echo performance is inconsistent, or where the product’s electrical properties vary widely. They are commonly used for inventory reporting rather than tight closed-loop control, though alarm thresholds can be derived from measured level.

Integration is usually via standard analog and/or digital signals into control systems and inventory software, with configurable measurement intervals to balance data freshness and mechanical wear. Sound specification includes selecting cable length, weight geometry, and housing protection appropriate to the product and environment. Maintenance planning - inspection intervals, wear part replacement, and functional checks - ensures long-term measurement availability.

Miller Mechanical Specialties, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.