For initial installations with only one
sampler, select a location in the line as far "upstream" as possible for
the best opportunity to make corrections early. Select a place in the
process stream where there is a 9-18 inch gravity drop. In selecting the
location to monitor bulk density, consider how the product is moving or
being moved at that point in the process. The Reliadens is precise and
responsive. The system re-zeroes before the beginning of each cycle and
samples exactly the same way each time. However, major fluctuations in
flow rate can impact the readings of the very sensitive and accurate
Reliadens. Typical plant vibrations and noises are effectively handled
with the design of the system and algorithm.
Be aware that efforts to control bulk
density mid-stream with only a single Reliadens at a particular segment
in the process, such as controlling a dryer, often are extra challenging
unless the bulk density is under control prior to the dryer. Such
exercises may result in trying to correct bulk density with dryer
control manipulation when the source of the problem is actually further
upstream in the process such as the extruder or expander.
Users have seen dramatic improvements in product consistency by
installing a Reliadens sampler module even ahead of the extruders to
monitor the blends flowing into the extruder.
