The control, regulation of the level of solids such as stones, cereals, powders, grains contained in a silo must respect certain standards. For instance, in the case of an explosive area (due to the presence of dangerous gas or dusts), the devices used must be ATEX certified (explosive atmosphere). It is important to note that even if an area is not explosive at first, it can become dangerous if it is near an explosive area.
To measure simply and efficiently the level of a solid in a silo or in other container, ATMI suggests ATEX-certified tilt level switches for solids:
- SOLIBA EX P
- SOLIBA EX GP
These tilt level switches are used to stop the filling of grain silos, airport silos, port silos, storage cells. The tilt level switch is put above the silo in the vertical position during the filling. When the level of solid has reached the defined limit, the tilt level switch will tilt lighty which will stop the filling
The SOLIBA tilt level switches are very simple and reliable. Indeed, SOLIBA Special EX P is efficient even for very light solids.
This rule about explosive areas concerns the entire European community since 1 July 2003. Most of the time, the silos in explosive zones are so because of the solid they contain. Dust emitted by certain products (flour, organic sprays) can create explosive clouds. Similarly, it should not be forgotten that rainwater can contain pollutants. It can indeed carries pollutants on its way. The consequences can be disastrous so it is recommended to take no risk.
The Atex certified SOLIBA range tilt level switches can be used for classified 0,1,2 for gas and 20, 21, 22 for dusts.