Miller Magazine Issue: 139 July 2021

65 COVER STORY MILLER / july 2021 ACCESSING OPERATIONS FOR A CLOUD-BASED SYSTEM Identify the type, size, or number of bins: Embark on the design of a system by creating a list of the bins, their dimensions, the material stored inside, and any existing equipment installed or used on the bin like a tempera- ture cable, ladder, or sweep. Nuances such as access to, or structure in, the vessel may also be contributing factors to sensor specification. Also note if the bins are grouped in any way by location. The type of level sensors installed or needed: Begin with the level sensors you already have. There are com- munication devices such as gateways, analog expansion hubs and HART consolidator modules that can connect your existing sensor network to the Cloud. For bins with- out a sensor, the next step is to ensure the sensor is a good match for its job. Bins with structure to be avoid- ed are well-suited for a radar with a narrow beam focus. Wide bins or bins with irregularly piled material might be candidates for three-dimensional measurement. Bins grouped together physically can be addressed with wiring configurations such as daisy-chaining, which can save on wiring costs. Bins distanced far apart from one another may benefit from the use of a long-range wireless transceiver. Dryers, day bins, fuel and chemical tanks on premises are also excellent contenders for lev- el sensors and inventory monitoring. They can be easily added to the same system as bins. Determine the frequency of measurements updates: Consider if measurements from the level sensors are required to be updated continuously or if readings at intervals throughout the day will suffice. Radars update rapidly in just seconds, while 3D sensors can take up to 10 minutes. Readings taken at preset time intervals or on-demand may also work for your plant. A plumb-bob can be programmed to take measurements at set time intervals such as marking the beginning or end of a shift. A bob also can take a measurement at a set time period such as every hour or taken on demand using a push button console. Consider where people will view the data: Cloud-based software applications offer the option to log in to view in- ventory anywhere there is an internet connection to a PC, tablet or phone. The flexibility afforded by the Cloud offers visibility from a control room, office, remote location such as corporate headquarters, from home or while traveling. Another common device to provide convenience is a control console or digital panel meter. These devic- es can be installed for walk-up or drive-up access, in- doors or outdoors. For example, a driver delivering grain should check the bin level before they start filling it. The driver can confirm the entire load will fit into the bin and prevent the risk of overfilling. These push-button devices are easy to operate and can be used for view-only ac- cess to level data. A Cloud-based inventory system using intuitive soft- ware, level sensors, and network devices is an invest- ment that will help to optimize the storage and process- ing of grain, flours and feeds. It offers simplicity and speed, while enabling grain and milling operations to keep their personnel safe from the risks of climbing and more efficient at their jobs. Plumb Bob Sensor Radar Sensor