Bulk Density Key To Solid Material Measurement

BinMaster 10/07/2023

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What is bulk density? In simple terms, it’s mass per unit volume of powder, liquid, granules–any material– in a bulk state. When you’re handling solids or powders, a bulk material’s weight is usually stated as lb./ft3 or g/cm3. Veteran processors often have their material weights memorised. While the graphics and easy-to-understand reports on BinCloud seem simple to generate, bulk inventory information is a result of numerous calculations like vessel size, headspace and bulk density of the material being measured.

Level measurement relies on multiple measures

A food production company monitors a silo of flour with level sensors to ensure timely refills. Then…they switch brands of flour. The new flour holds higher bulk density, which throws off measurements, which delays a refill, which stops production.

A feed operation uses a level sensor to measure a mix in a storage tank. Density fluctuates with temperature. Operators didn’t anticipate or average density correctly. Result: Sensor underestimates supply and production stops.

Ouch.

“There’s a lot of promises about bulk level sensors out there, but getting the right system, configured correctly, takes some know-how,” said Mike Mossage, a BinMaster vice president for eastern U.S. “We’ve built our software to account for things like bulk density of material, and we always encourage operators to give us a call when material changes or level readings seem off.”

Level sensors on bins, tanks, and silos don’t directly account for bulk density. Instead, they assume a constant or known bulk density. Sensors typically measure headspace (distance between material and the top of the vessel), along with vessel geometry, pressure, weight, and distance to create a level reading. Then, volume and weight can be derived. Mossage said strapping tables also help measurements and their accuracy.

BinMaster engineers continue to push technology. Level systems can now include multiple sensors, 3D, continuous level monitoring, and high-tech software solutions–BinCloud–to improve accuracy.

“The density of a bulk material can be different inside one silo. In some cases, material compacts at the bottom, and not so much at the top. We’ll look at that. We’ll ask about how often material loads and unloads and we’ll come up with workable averages,” said Nathan Grube, BinMaster Vice President. Central U.S.

What can change bulk density within my vessel?

PARTICLE SETTING	Powders and granule particles settle (fill pockets of space) over time due to gravity. This may lead to denser packing at the bottom of a vessel (higher bulk density compared to the top).
COMPACTION	Bulk material weight can cause compression, particularly in powders. More material, more pressure on the lower layers, causing compaction and higher bulk density in the lower portions of the vessel.
AIR	Powders may contain entrapped air or voids within particles. During filling or discharge, voids can compress or release, changing bulk density. Higher air content brings lower bulk density. Lower air content lead to higher bulk density.
FLOW	Powders can flow differently. They may clump leading to uneven distribution and density.

Bulk Density – Just for fun

CORN	The density of corn varies by region because of genetic variations, growing conditions, and agricultural practices. In fact, agricultural scientists consider density while developing varieties.
PACKING PEANUTS	The bulk density of packing peanuts is low to provide cushioning and protection during shipping. Due to low density, they take up more space than the material they are meant to protect.
PUMICE	Stone floats. Pumice has a low bulk density–riddled with air cavities–which enables it to float on water.

Bulk Density Chart:

www.binmaster.com/bulk-density

BinMaster Bulk Material Experts: www.binmaster.com/sales-team

Article Reference

Schulze, D. (2021). Powders and bulk solids. Springer International Publishing.

Kansas State University. Powder Flowability Testing and Material Properties Test Lab. (n.d.). www.bulk-solids.k-state.edu/powder-flow-test

Contact Details

BinMaster

About us

BinMaster/Garner Industries is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.

Operations that struggle with the challenges of inventory management and timely replenishment of all types of powders, bulk solids, or liquids can monitor silo levels on their smartphone, tablet, or desktop with complete solutions from BinMaster. A complete suite of continuous level sensors, point level indicators, material management, and inventory monitoring devices and software simplifies material management while keeping people safe from the risks of climbing silos.

The Lincoln Nebraska, USA company manufactures sensors and software used for monitoring levels in bins, tanks, silos, chutes, and hoppers. Continuous level measurement options include SmartBob cable-based, guided wave radar, laser and 80 GHz non-contact radar, which are all compatible with Binventory™ software. Battery-powered, wireless laser level sensors are compatible with BinView® or FeedView® web apps for remote monitoring.

The unique 3DLevelScanner measures and maps material for volume accuracy and is the only sensor to generate a 3D image of silo contents. BinMaster is the exclusive worldwide supplier of this unique technology and has commissioned these sensors in bins containing powders and solids for over a decade.

Point level indicators provide automated level alerts using rotaries, diaphragm switches, capacitance probes, tilt switches, and vibrating rod level sensors. Dust detection devices alert to baghouse leaks and unsafe particulate levels. Flow detection sensors prevent cross contamination and assist with FSMA compliance for human and animal feeds. Aeration devices keep powders and solids flowing so they don’t pack in hoppers, along bin walls, or in the cone of the vessel

Robust, custom systems can be developed for a single site or networked for every bin, tank, and silo across a multi‐national operation. Add Stockpile Reports for pile inventory using images from an iPhone or drone to a SaaS dashboard. Monitor livestock feed inventory from a phone, tablet, or PC with the FeedView® web application.

BinMaster is US manufacturer certified to ISO 9001 quality management systems – requirements. For more information about BinMaster, visit www.binmaster.com.

What we do in a nutshell

BinMaster provides accurate inventory management for processing industries that store materials in bins, tanks, and silos.

Where we supply to

UK Ireland, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Chemicals, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater