How to get the most from your Feed Plant

UWT in partnership with Morton Controls have the solutions for the Animal Feed Industry

The process and storage environments within the feed industry sector often have factors such as moisture, vapor and fat to consider which cause the materials to have caking tendencies.  In order to withstand and remain fully operational, UWT devices have special coatings which in turn provides the customer with economically viable solutions.  With years of experience within the feed industry and the continual research and development of measurement technology, UWT sensors offer wide and innovative versatility.

Reliable measurement technology for versatile solutions within the animal feed industry

The production of high-quality animal feed and pet food is an important economic growth sector. As well as livestock feed, this sector also includes pet and sports animal nutrition.

The requirements of animals in terms of nutrition are diverse and so a variety of mixed feed formulations is manufactured. Accordingly, the focus of the measuring technology equipment in the manufacturing plant is on the ability to easily and quickly adapt to the varying processing conditions. The formulation of a compound feed is based on the particular use for which the product is intended. Similarly, the use of appropriate measuring sensors is in accordance with the relevant requirements of the application.

The level sensor is an indispensable element of the technical equipment within a modern feed production plant for the detection and monitoring of levels and limit levels within the different process stages. All UWT devices are designed to allow easy integration into the various processes and are characterized by being completely maintenance free in accordance with the principle of “install and forget “.

1. UWT Portfolio

UWT provides sensors for the measurement of level and limit level in bulk solids and liquids. Depending on the medium and application, different measurement techniques are used as well as a range of complete systems for level monitoring and visualization. The product lines include not only an economic standard but also particularly high grade, premium versions. UWT devices are completely maintenance-free and, importantly, carry international certificates.  All limit switches are available with universal voltage electronics as standard or as an option.

1.1 Sensors for Level Detection:

Rotary Paddle Level Switch – Rotonivo® Series 3/6

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or tube
• Extension and process connection available in stainless steel
• Adjustable sensitivity
• EHEDG compliant
• Suitable for use in high temperatures of up to 1,100°C
• Modular design
• Rotonivo® 6000 SIL 2 compliant
• All-rounder suitable for all applications
• Wide variety of configuration options

Rotary Paddle Level Switch – Rotonivo® Series 4000

• Variable extension lengths – either with pendulum shaft or rope extension
• Version with plastic housing and process connection
• Various process connections
• Adjustable sensitivity
• Modular design
• The plastic design offers increased corrosion resistance

Vibrating Fork Level Switch – Vibranivo® Series 1/2/5/6

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or cable extension
• Extension and process connection available in stainless steel
• Sensitive to the lightest bulk materials (< 5g/l)
• EHEDG compliant
• Version with separate housing available
• NAMUR-electronics
• Suitable for interface measurement within sediment tanks/containers

Vibrating Fork Level Switch – Vibranivo® Series 4000

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or cable extension
• Extension and process connection available in stainless steel
• Extension, process connection, and oscillators cast from one mold
• Sensitivity from 30g/l

Vibrating Single Rod Level Switch – Mononivo® Series 4000

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or cable extension
• Heavy mechanical loading
• High-quality material in the process (SS 316L)
• High surface quality
• Sensitivity adjustable in 4 settings
• Temperature range from -40°C to +150°C
• Robust version
• Suitable for overpressure up to 16bar
• Compact Limit switch with threads from 1″

Capacitive Level Switch – RFnivo® Series 3000

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or cable extension
• Extension and process connection available in stainless steel (Stainless steel probe material with FDA conformity)

• Version with plastic coated extension available
• Can be used in low dielectric values from 1.5 DK
• EHEDG compliant
• Suitable for use in high temperatures of up to 500°C
• Suitable for use in process pressures of up to 25bar
• “Active Shield Technology” for anti-caking functionality
• Available as remote version
• User-friendly parameter setting via display and function buttons with measurement results given also via display
• Simple automatic calibration at startup

Capacitive Level Switch – Capanivo® Series 4000

• Variable extension lengths – either rope or cable extension
• The version available with plastic housing, process connection, and extension
• Extension FDA compliant
• Can be used in low dielectric values from 1.6 DK
• Suitable for use in high temperatures of up to 180°C
• “Active Shield Technology” for anti-caking functionality
• Integrated earthing in-process connection
• No calibration required

1.2 Sensors for Level Control:

Electro-mechanical Plumb Bob Sensors – Nivobob® Series 3000

• Measuring range up to 50m (silo height)
• Easy commissioning
• Rope and tape version
• Integrated tape cleaner
• Threaded or flanged process connection
• Modbus and Profibus interface
• Reliable measurement results independent of material
• Suitable for interface measurement within sediment tanks/Containers

Electro-mechanical Plumb Bob Sensors – Nivobob® Series 4000

• Measuring range up to 30m (silo height)
• Easy commissioning
• Rope and tape version
• Integrated tape cleaner
• Threaded or flanged process connection
• Aiming flange for angled installation

Radar sensor – NivoRadar® 3000

• Measuring range up to 100m (silo height)
• Aiming flange model
• Robust stainless-steel housing IP68
• High sensitivity (DK ≥ 1.6)
• Temperature solution up to +200°C
• 78 GHz technology
• 4° beam angle
• Lens antenna and mounting flange are flush
• Integrated lens cleaner
• Simple, six-step commissioning

Visualization – Nivotec® Series 2/3/4

• Web-based visualization solution
• Level monitoring and analysis via ethernet
• Remote access via internet option
• Complete system for plug and play
• Sensor interface for 4-20mA or Modbus RTU
• Expandable to monitor up to 15 or 30 silos within a plant
• Full, empty, demand, fault alarm via email option
• Signal output for silo full alarm
• Effective silo management

Complete system for:

• Level indication
• Trend display
• Data storage
• Remote fill level analysis

The main processes involved in the production of feed are storage, weighing and mixing with conditioning, pelletizing, followed by cooling and crushing. There are also other processes such as extrusion, conveying and dosing applications. UWT level technology is used in almost all sectors, for level indication or to control limit levels for all bulk solids.