Berthold Industrial Systems

In Line Density Meter LB 379

The Compelling Advantages Non-contacting, continuous measurement - no contact with medium being measured Minimum radiation exposure (dose rate < 1 µSv/h at 10 cm from surface) 241Am radiation source in ultrasafe capsule with long half-life (433 years) Complete stainless steel construction of measuring section Simple installation in existing pipelines High statistical accuracy and long-term stability by the use of a highly sensitive scintillation counter with patented drift compensation Ideal for food industry applications Calibration and measurement output directly in measured variables (g/cm3, %, °Bx, °Be, g/l) Very simple calibration by microprocessor controlled amplifier

Some Application Examples

• Sugar Industry - For measurement of thin and thick juice and milk of lime
• Milk Industry - Concentration measurements on whole milk, skim milk and whey for control of evaporators
• Beverage Industry - For monitoring mixing of concentrate and water
• Power Plants - Concentration measurements of lime and limestone gas desulfurizing systems (scrubbers) in flue
• Starch Production - Measurement of starch suspensions
• Chemical Industry - Measurement of acids, alkalis, suspensions, concentration of anti-freezing compounds, bulk density determination in washing powder
• Textile Industry - Measurement of foaming of dyeing liquor

The Principle of Measurement The density measurement is based on the absorption method. The radiation emitted by an 241Am radiation source is attenuated by the product being measured. A detector measures residual incoming radiation and delivers an output signal dependent on radiation intensity. The microprocessor unit transforms the detector signal into a current signal.

The 241Am radiation offers several advantages when used in chemical production - the radiation attenuation depends on the atomic number of the absorber. If the concentration of a material with high atomic number in a liquid, (e.g. HCl, H₂SO₄, CaO, etc. in water) must be determined, very high measurement accuracy can be achieved. For example:

H2O-HCl + 0.022% HCl H2O-H2SO4 + 0.038% H2SO4 H2O-Ca(OH)2 + 0.017% Ca(OH)2 H2O-TiO2 + 0.014% TiO2 NaH2O-NaOH + 0.033% NaOH Low-fat milk + 0.075% TS Starch suspension + 0.085% TS Sugar solution + 0.095% TS

Chemical reactions in which materials with high atomic number are deposited can be monitored. This is possible even when no or minimal density change occurs.

Radiation Protection The measuring system has been tested by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), German Federal Standards Laboratory, and by the Austrian Study Commission for Atomic Energy as well as by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The USNRC has registered the gauge for General Licence distribution. A design approval was granted in the above named countries meaning that the operating company does not require the usual handling licence. The radiation level 10 cm (4") from the surface is only 1 µSv/h (0.1 mrem/h).  Therefore, the in line density meter can be installed in the vicinity of the work place.

The Transducer The internal pipe section is completely smooth on the inside and is resistant to corrosion and abrasion from most products. On request, a rubber or teflon lining can be installed. Also, with the contactless measurement, no failures occur from fouling of electrodes, prisms, or other sensors. The measuring unit can therefore be installed for products with high viscosity and high solids content. 

For food industry applications the measuring unit can be "integrated" in the normal cleaning cycle without any problem. Due to the stainless steel construction of the measuring section and its compact design, it can easily be integrated into existing facilities.
The electronics of the detector are equipped with drift compensation.  This provides high long-term stability ensuring that the measuring unit will deliver reliable measuring results even under adverse installation conditions.
The measuring signal is transmitted digitally.  This transmission method is protected against interference and permits signal transmission over long distances.   Thus, the evaluation unit can be installed without any problem in a remote location.
The LB379 can be combined with the LB386-1C, an evaluation unit with many advantages.

Application Notes

• Cement Production
• Sugar Production

for more information, email

SE Asia and Australasia: industrial@berthold.com.au

North America: usinfo@berthold.com.au

Europe: euroinfo@berthold.com.au

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