KEY FEATURES

Vastly improved measurement by sensor head cutting through the material, compared to static floor mounted sensors.

Fast stable sensor readings not affected by mixer blades.

Rapid response temperature measurement.

Sensor electronics separated from easily replaceable sensor ‘wear’ head. Keep a spare on the shelf.

Easy to install, no cutting holes in mixer floors.

Variety of models to suit most mixers, including ‘no fuss’ battery powered cableless sensor.

Links directly by RS485 to the Hydro-Control V for complete control of the water addition in your mixer.

BENEFITS

Why is the measurement from a rotating Orbiter so much better than a static floor mounted sensor?
Faster response – the Orbiter provides a much faster response to changes in moisture in the mix, as the sensing head rotates rapidly (typically once every 3 seconds) through the mix – whereas the actual material moves very much more slowly across the face of a floor mounted sensor (typically every 12–15 seconds). This is particularly important when the conditions in the mixer are not homogeneous.

Improved signal, faster reading – with a smooth flow of material across the face of the Orbiter sensing head as it rotates through the mix, and only relatively light filtering is required to make it more meaningful. However, the flow of material over a floor mounted sensor is extremely turbulent and the reading is affected by the movement of the blades and subsequent air pockets. Severe filtering is required to smooth out this 'spiky'reading, with a consequent delay in response.

Improved sampling – measuring in the middle of the mix is more representative than measuring in the bottom layer of the mix. The mixing action close to the floor is typically poor due to the blades not being set correctly (as a result of an uneven floor or simply wear) and hence the moisture content in the bottom 2cms (or 1") will not be representative of the mix as a whole.

Rapid response thermometer – a temperature sensor in the end block of the measuring head provides a fast response reading, enabling temperature correction for adjusting water addition, or for controlling steam heating equipment.

No build up – the Orbiter is not affected by uneven mixer floors, the bane of floor mounted sensors positioned in the ‘low spots’, allowing build up of concrete over the sensor face, thereby obscuring the correct reading of the material above. Additionally, build up occurs when the blades have not been adjusted correctly, and hence fail to sweep the face of the sensor clean.

Easy to install, no adjustments – the Orbiter is easy to install and there is no requirement to cut a hole in the mixer floor. There is no subsequent maintenance, unlike floor mounted sensors, which need adjustment as the floor plates wear.

No maintenance – easy to clean by hosing/brushing at the end of a shift and is less likely to be damaged by striking with a hammer during mixer cleaning, compared to a floor mounted sensor.

Replaceable sensor arm and wear head, no interruption to production – the main sensor body and electronics are positioned out of harms way, and should not have to be changed. The sensing arm with the sensing wear head is available as a replacement item at a realistic price for holding in stock as a spare. Thus when worn or damaged, the sensing arm and head may be changed with minimal disruption to production – if at all.