Silo Level Monitoring Systems

Sensors for Continuous Bin Monitoring

Maintaining precise knowledge of your inventory levels is crucial to large-scale grain management. With a smart bin level monitoring and measurement system, this task becomes much simpler.

LCDM’s silo level sensors use a laser, rugged mounting system and easy-to-use app for simple operation, allowing you to continuously monitor the amount of material present in a silo for comprehensive inventory control. With its straightforward design and sophisticated sensors, this bin level monitor will provide immediate, reliable feedback on silo levels to keep users apprised of the state of grain management operations.

Industry-Leading Solutions to Bin Level Monitoring

The system of point level monitoring to detect grain bin levels is based on the presence or absence of material in the bin at the measuring point. The rotary paddle style of bin level sensor has been used in the industry for more than 70 years because it’s a reliable and effective way to get an accurate indication of grain bin levels.

Our blue bin level sensor for grain bins is the ideal solution for an operation with any material that’s free-flowing and dry, like grains and powders. This bin level sensor will detect materials as low in density as five pounds per cubic foot and as high as 100 pounds per cubic foot.

You can mount this bin to the top of your silo and extend the shaft down into the silo to your preferred high-level detection point. It will also mount into the side of the silo for intermediate and low-level monitoring. In both cases, you can use a shaft extension to get the rotary paddles to where you need them.

The bin level sensor available from LCDM uses rotary paddles, turned by a small synchronous motor, to monitor the bin level. These paddles are attached to the shaft, which extends into the bin. When the material is absent (the grain is below the checking point), the paddle will turn freely in the air as an indication. When the material is present (the grain is at or above the checking point), its weight will prevent the paddles from turning. Both of these statuses will show on the bin level indicator’s output.

What makes this grain bin level sensor style ideal is that it recalibrates itself. A switch control activates the motor. When the grain is not there, the motor will rotate to its usual point and activate the switches that cause the motor to turn on or off and change the control output. No matter the level of your grain, you can trust that this grain bin level sensor will be accurate every time.

Benefits of Blue Level Sensors

Many Applications in Bulk Solids

The blue level sensor for grain bins can be used for many kinds of grains as well as materials in other industries. It’s a universal monitoring choice that will likely work for your application.

Economical Pricing

The rotary paddle sensor is a cost-effective choice for those who need bin or silo level indicators. For an affordable price, you can enjoy having comprehensive data on the status of your grain bins.

Technology for Silo Level Measurement 

The state of the agriculture industry and the scale of operations in today’s market has demanded more effective tools for grain management. Where a silo level monitoring system of the past could have used manual or mechanical methods to determine grain levels, many of the silos used today are massive, making these systems highly impractical.

Today, silo-level radar is a popular method for designing an efficient bin-level measurement tool. Silo radar level measurement uses a pulse generator and a grain bin fill sensor to determine the level of solids present in the silo. The pulse is transmitted down a contact cable or rod, then returns when it encounters the change in dielectric marked by the shift from air to the grain. The system then calculates the travel time of the pulse to determine the grain silo level measurement.

Another method of wireless bin monitoring employs ultrasonic sensors to launch and receive a mechanical pulse that detects a level-based density change. These systems are relatively small and tend to be highly cost-effective. However, since sound waves are affected by both moisture and ambient temperature, ultrasonic bin level monitors are not ideal for humid environments or those prone to significant temperature fluctuation.

A more robust solution, laser silo level sensors require no contact and can accurately detect grain levels at a long-range. These wireless bin monitoring systems are less subject to environmental interference and will perform well even in tall, narrow silos thanks to their concentrated beam style of measurement.

Benefits of a Technologically Advanced Bin Monitoring System From LCDM

Silo level monitoring systems can help make sure your bins are not overfilled and monitor your inventory, both of which are essential for a grain operation. No matter the size of your facility or the grains you process, your operation will benefit from a bin-level monitor. Choosing a silo level measurement method that works for your environment will ensure you have constant data on the state of your grain stores, keeping your business productive and lowering costs.

The bin monitoring system offered by LCDM is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to install while still providing maximum utility with a full suite of benefits:

Feed Bin Level Monitoring Brochure

24/7 Inventory Management and Connectivity

Our grain bin fil sensors connect directly to the AgriMesh app to deliver immediate inventory reports whenever you need them. This real-time data can be reviewed on a phone, tablet or computer for easy access, and can also be transferred to a spreadsheet for long-term evaluation. Additionally, you can connect up to 255 bins using the system for comprehensive grain management.

With the functionality of the AgriMesh bin monitoring app, it is possible to monitor grain consumption trends based on fluctuations over time, so you can cultivate informed strategies for the future. You can also establish an alert should the silo reach a critical level.

Energy Efficient

LCDM is proud to offer a silo level monitoring system that is 100% solar powered. With its ample energy storage capacity, this system will remain continually active for constant monitoring of grain stores. Since the sensors create their own network and do not require Wi-Fi access, no external connections or power sources are needed.

Robust Measurement Capability

Where bin level radar can be affected by dust and ultrasonic sensors by moisture, the LCDM silo level sensor uses a wireless laser for accurate readings at depths of up to 197 feet. The unit is also thoroughly sealed for protection against both dust and water, ensuring accurate readings in any environment and preventing the need for maintenance or cleaning.

Ease of Installation

With its small form factor, LCDM’s silo level monitoring system requires minimal modification to the silo for installation. A single 4 3/4-inch hole in the center of the roof will accommodate the body of the sensor. Simply place the gasket around the hole and screw the base down. With the installation site established, press the button to turn the unit on.

After one minute, the sensor door will open and shut completely. You can then place it in the hole on the roof with the sensor parallel to the ground and screw the hood in place. All that remains is to download and connect the AgriMesh bin monitoring app, and you’ll have your grain inventory management at your fingertips.

Contact LCDM for Grain Monitoring Equipment

 

LCDM is an employee-owned enterprise that started as an agricultural millwright company, so we know the value of high-efficiency material handling solutions. We’re dedicated to bringing our customers better designs made with better components so they can do their jobs to the best of their ability.

To learn more about industry solutions for silo level monitoring and how new technology can transform your grain management, call 888-963-9145 or contact LCDM online today. Our experienced team of industry professionals will assess your situation and find the right bin level monitor for your needs.