Instrument selection issues for small-scale traditional Chinese medicine testing platforms
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Hello, everyone. I am currently working on the automatic control design for a small-scale traditional Chinese medicine experimentation platform. Since I have no experience in designing systems of this type (I’ve only worked with large-scale chemical production systems before), I would like to ask about instrument selection. For tanks with capacities of 1000L, 200L, 50L, 30L, what kind of level gauges can be used to accurately measure the liquid level in these tanks, given that the medium is clean traditional Chinese medicine extract (the composition of this medium may change frequently, but its density isn’t very low). The temperature remains below 100 degrees Celsius, and there is no corrosive environment; levels with and without stirring need to be measured as well. Can magnetic flap level gauges be used for this purpose? Isn’t it very troublesome to use weighing? Is it not suitable to use radar or ultrasonic waves for such a small container? 2. For the small pipes associated with the aforementioned tanks, what type of flow meter is suitable? If cost is not a concern, would it be okay to use mass flow meters? PS: I used to be involved in automation control, installation, and maintenance; I’ve never done any design work... Once again, thank you all for your guidance
Our small reaction vessels are not equipped with level sensors; for those over 1000L, it is possible to install radar sensors. We have successful cases of such technical modifications, but it may not be practical for smaller vessels. Flow meters are relatively easy to choose; the manufacturer can help with the selection. We used quality flow meters with small diameters in the past
Okay, thank you. May I ask if it should be a regular radar, a rod-type radar, or a cable-type radar?
We are in the pharmaceutical industry, so we use contactless planar antenna radars
For a level gauge of this size, glass plates or magnetic flip disks can generally be used, depending on the shape and pressure. It’s definitely possible to use a mass flow meter. If high measurement accuracy is not required, measurement can be carried out using a level gauge or similar device. If precise, continuous, and stable feeding is required, use a mass flow meter with a low flow rate, such as Micromotion.
This post was last edited by ywjxh on 2020-7-15 at 14:59. The display accuracy of the magnetic flap level gauge’s panel is 1 centimeter. A magnetostrictive level gauge could be considered.
This can use semiconductor-type meters and valves. Suitable for small and compact micro-devices.
A magnetic flap level gauge will work; you can also consider magnetostrictive or wall-mounted level gauges. Radar-based devices are not suitable, as there are blind spots in small tanks. Regarding flow measurement, quality can be prioritized without considering costs; if costs are a concern but the accuracy requirements are not high, an embedded orifice plate is a viable option. Otherwise, a vortex flow meter can also be considered.