Microwave beam blockage detector

Hawk has announced a microwave beam blockage detector. The system uses microwave energy to detect blockage of the path between a sender and receiver. The system is suitable for high-reliability blocked chute detection in bulk material conveying and transfer systems, solving the costly problems of false tripping and failure to respond, which can occur with traditional tilt switch types. Other major areas of application are boom collision detection, nucleonic switch replacement and point level switching for most solid and liquid materials, including wet, dry and bulk material.

The receiver may be mounted up to 100 m from the sender. The sensitivity of the detector is adjustable, allowing the system to tolerate build-up or changes in material properties. It is not necessary for the sender or receiver to contact the material being sensed.

The microwave detector can been used for a wide range of applications in the mining and metals, bulk materials handling, sand and gravel, coal, cement, paper, plastic, rubber, food and pharmaceuticals industries.

Systems are available configured as remote — where a controller drives the sender and receiver, or integral — standalone sender and receiver, depending on user requirements and access to sensing positions.

All of Hawk’s Gladiator Smart Switches include Modbus communications as standard and have options for a range of other protocols. Set-up and service via direct connection to a laptop PC, or remotely worldwide via GSM/CDMA connection, is possible in addition to the simple local panel controls.