Radar level transmitter solves fly-ash difficulty

A radar level transmitter is being used as an efficient measurement system for level detection of fly-ash at High Marnham power station, after recommendation by students from a Comprehensive School

Solartron Mobrey has implemented an efficient measurement system for level detection of fly-ash at High Marnham power station by installing its MRL700 radar level transmitter.

Four students from Tuxford Comprehensive School recommended the use of MRL700 after conducting a series of trials at High Marnham, as part of this year's national Engineering Education Scheme.

A waste product from coal fired power stations, fly-ash has in recent years become a commodity useful to the building industry.

Pulverised Fly Ash (PFA) adds strength and stability to cement.

It is this new commercial use which has prompted the need for continuous level measurement in the silos at High Marnham.

Tuxford Comprehensive sixth formers got involved through the Engineering Education Scheme - an annual opportunity run by the Royal Academy of Engineering which aims to involve engineering students with real-life industry projects.

Denis Sturman C and I Engineer from High Marnham explains: "Fly-ash levels are notoriously difficult to measure because dust clouds, created when new material is pumped into the silo or taken away, can cause false readings with some technologies.

The engineer in charge of the scheme, Paul Whitby, provided our brief to the students, which was to find a cost-effective, reliable, non-contact, continuous measurement device." Students Daniel Bradford, Richard Buckingham, Louise Pratt, and Andrew Thorpe, all aged 17, investigated six different methods of level detection: capacitative, ultrasonic, guided microwave, radar, electromechanical and vibration.

The team short-listed ultrasonic and radar, but radar came out on top when trialled.

Dr Noel Kerr, Research and Development Manager for Solartron Mobrey worked with the students on the project: "MRL700 offers a consistent measurement because it uses continuous FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) technology.

The students did a great job in assessing the sensors and analysing the results of the trials." The validity of the students' work is borne out by the fact that High Marnham has installed two MRL700s from Solartron Mobrey on the strength of their recommendations.

Denis Sturman from High Marnham said: "The transmitters are operating well.

We are very pleased with the stability and reliability of the measurement." .

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 22 January 2002).

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