Product data

35
www.rosemount.com
Rosemount 5300 Series
October 2014
Solids measurements
Considerations
Rosemount 5303 with a flexible single lead probe is a good choice for measuring solids, such as
powders, granulates, or pellets with a grain size of up to 0.8 in. (20 mm). The measurement is
made where the probe comes in contact with the material, which means that the shape of the
material surface is not critical for the measurement. Measurements are also independent of
moisture and material fluctuations such as density and temperature.
The following should be kept in mind:
 In solid applications, media may cause down-pull forces on silo roofs. The silo roof must be
able to withstand the probe collapse load, or at least the maximum probe tensile load.
 The tensile load depends on the silo size, material density, and the friction coefficient. Forces
increase with the buried length, the silo, and probe diameter. In critical cases, such as
products with a risk of build-up, probe for high physical weight loads are available.
 Forces on probes, depending on their position, are generally two to ten times greater on
probes with a tie-down than on probes with ballast weights.
 For environments where electrostatic discharges (plastics) are likely to occur, grounding of
the probe and vessel may be required.
Note
Abrasive media can wear out the probe, so consider using non-contacting radar.
For more information, refer to the Guided Wave Radar in Solid Level Applications Technical Note
(document number 00840-2300-4811).