Wood Chip Boiler Control...

[Bluenoser337]

20+ year old wood chip boiler using "gamma" type controller to monitor and control chip feed to the fire chamber (on/off operation when the unit senses a certain chip level inside the boiler). The controller needs to be replaced. Are there similar units available using the same technology...or is there a "new and improved" way to do this.

 

[VEBill]

If no better suggestions come along, you might want to look at what modern 'pellet stoves' are using. But it sounds like your system is much larger...

PS: You in NS?

 

[Bluenoser337]

VE1...thanks for the reply. Yes, it is a large boiler with double screw auger chip feed. It needs a new "sensor" of some sort to control these augers. VE1/Bluenose...all good maritime/ns identifiers.

 

[jraef]

Do you know why gamma level detection was used in the first place? There may have been special circumstances that required it's use. That is just about as expensive of a system available and I can't imagine someone just wanted to burn through money without a good reason.

If it was just because it was the best non-contact measurement system available at the time, you may want to consider ultrasonic now. The quality and reliability has come a long way in the last 20 years.

Eng-Tips: Help for your job, not for your homework Read faq731-376

 

[OperaHouse]

First thing that comes to mind is TEKMAR in Canada. They make a variety of boiler controls and being in that part of the woods should have one for wood chips. Just a .com after their name if I remember.

 

[Bluenoser337]

Thanks all. I'll check out TEKMAR.

 

[zeitghost]

Just out of curiosity, is that "gamma" as in "gamma ray" or some other type?

 

[Bluenoser337]

zeit...i don't know much about it, but i think it's "gamma ray" as there are "radiation" signs posted all around it.

 

[zeitghost]

Ooooooooer....

Lead underpants time then.

Where's this thing located?

Not residential I trust...

rgds
Zeit.

 

[jraef]

Extemely low level gamma radiation, directionally focussed on targets. No more dangerous than standing in front of your microwave oven, but nonetheless it is a hazard if the unit becomes damaged or when disposed of, hence the warning labels. It is typically used when you can't or don't want to have the sensor exposed to the medium in the vessel, it can detect levels right through the vessel walls.

http://www.thermo.com/eThermo/CMA/PDFs/Product/productPDF_12178.pdf

Eng-Tips: Help for your job, not for your homework Read faq731-376

 

[itsmoked]

They are quite popular. They are de-rigueur in the steel industry. They use them for high speed active feedback in rolling mills to control sheet metal web thickness.

 

[OperaHouse]

My memory was failing, check

http://www.tekmarcontrols.com

site not Teledynetekmar. Hey, did some checking and there is a new TEKMAR 269 control on eBay for only $36 Buy It Now. Looks like it is quite versitile. That won't last long.