Custom enclosure keeps measurements on the level

A Fibox product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 25, 2005

Part of the success of the Blackbox level measurement system from Pulsar Process Measurement can be attributed to its MNX ABS enclosure.

The developing market for continuous level, volume and flow measurement has helped Worcester-based Pulsar Process Measurement grow to a GBP 3 million turnover company since its inception in 1997.

Among its product successes is Blackbox, a compact alternative to the proven Ultra range of noncontact, noninvasive ultrasonic level and flow measurement solutions.

With an installed population already in excess of 1500 units, part of the success of Blackbox can be attributed to its MNX ABS enclosure from industry specialist Fibox.

"The idea behind Blackbox was to find a cost effective alternative to our 'full function' Ultra range for distributed level systems such as tank farms", explains Pulsar's Sales and Marketing Director Keith Flint.

"We wanted it to be a system where the customer could choose the communication required, be it relay or serial communications (RS232 or RS485), and match it to any one of our dB transducer range".

When developing Blackbox, Pulsar concluded that the keyboard and display had to be removed from the electronics.

Programming would be achieved using a laptop or handheld calibrator, with resulting level data being sent directly to a PLC, which meant sourcing the right enclosure was critical.

"The enclosure had to be rugged, small and aesthetically pleasing", continues Flint.

"We also required three glanded connection holes to be machined in the bottom face, and it had to be weatherproof to IP67 - Blackbox is installed in climates ranging from the north of Sweden to the Middle East".

"We looked around at the various products available but only the MNX ABS 125/60 HT from Fibox fitted our criteria".

"It is one of the factors that helped us reduce unit costs against the Ultra range".

Using world-class injection moulding technology, MNX ABS or polycarbonate enclosures are designed to protect all types of electrical and electronic components from extreme environments.

The MNX range encompasses more than 200 variants: the ABS 125/60 HT selected by Pulsar measures 130x 130 x 60mm, has an ingress rating of IP66/67, impact resistance of IK07 and a flammability rating of UL94HB.

The machining of the three glanded connection holes, and some internal modifications, is project managed by Fibox so that the MNX enclosure arrives at Pulsar ready for use.

Applications for Pulsar equipment are wide ranging and include the waste water, cement, food and drink, and plastics industries.

Approximately 50% of the company's output is exported.

noncontact ultrasonic level solutions provide accurate results, with outputs based on volume conversions from the size and shape of the vessel.

Alarms on level, volume, rate of fill, emptying and much else also feature.

A recent application for Blackbox controllers includes those working as part of a large number of units monitoring the inventory for a major chemicals company.

Blackbox is ideal for this kind of distributed control application, providing excellent echo measurement and signal reliability without unnecessary extra costs such as displays and keypads.

Blackbox can measure the level of solids or liquids between 1 and 40 metres depth.