Limit detection in a thermochemical reactor

Rotonivo in high temperatures

The Challenge

The company Pyroforce was looking for level limit detectors to work in a reactor, which produces gas for power generation. The sensors control the feed of woodchips, which burn up in the reactor. Also the discharge of the ash should be controlled by a limit sensor. The challenges in this application are the high temperature of 600°C and the condensing hydrocarbons like tar.

The Solution

The feed of the woodchips will be controlled by a UWT paddle switch ROTONIVO® 6000. This full detector is installed on the top of the reactor in an angular position. Is the sensor free of woodchips, the feed screw switches on with a time delay and woodchips are filled in the reactor from a storage silo. If the level gets to the sensor the screw will be stopped. In the upper part of the reactor there are temperatures of about 600°C. The high temperature and the condensing hydrocarbons like tar are the critical elements in this process which influence the function of the sensor. The UWT rotating paddle switch was equipped with high temperature bearings and sealings as well as a higher torque at the vane, therewith the bake on tar at the extension will not block it. A maintenance free cycle could be achieved with the reliable controlling of the feed of the woodchips by the ROTONIVO® 6000. In the lower part of the reactor is ash, over that is charcoal and in the upper part are woodchips. The ash will be discharged by a screw. The discharge of the ash will also be controlled by a rotating paddle switch ROTONIVO® 6000. This has a high temperature bearing and sealing in the extension and will be protected against blocking by the ash.

UWT GmbH

UWT GmbH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of measurement technology for the detection and monitoring of levels, limit levels in any kind of bulk materials, solids as well as in liquids, pastes and foam. Since the founding, the product portfolio has developed and offers solutions for a variety of industries. > Headquarter with development, production and sales department in Germany > Subsidiaries in USA, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Brazil and China plus a global net of exclusiv distributors > Over a million successfully solved applications in more than 90 countries > Variety of industry solutions according to individual requirements > UWT products represent quality, flexibility and reliability Our products are named under: Rotonivo® - Rotary paddle switch incl. SIL2 version Vibranivo® - Vibrating fork Mononivo® - Vibrating rod probe RFnivo® - Capacitive level switch also with anti-corrosive Teflon® coating for flue gas cleaning Capanivo® / NivoCapa® - Capacitive level switch NivoBob® - Electro-mechanical Plumb Bob as well for Interface NivoRadar® - Radar sensors NivoGuide® - TDR guided radar NivoTec® - Level monitoring and visualisation From development and production to final assembly and comprehensive technical advice, all services are provided from a single source. The focus is on the highest quality, technical know-how and good cooperation with customers, suppliers and partners. What is particularly important to the managing directors Uwe Niekrawietz, Markus Schalk and Andreas Haug is the well-being of the 200 employees worldwide: ”Healthy and happy employees can achieve incredible things”. The product portfolio is developed further every year and enables holistic solution concepts for a variety of industries. In addition to level and point level measurement, UWT offers monitoring and visualisation systems and complete project planning. Well-known plant manufacturers and end customers worldwide appreciate the customised solutions as well as the easy handling and durability of UWT sensors. In order to be able to pass on the best possible added value to customers in the future, UWT’s corporate strategy is consistently geared towards steady and sustainable growth.

Limit detection in a thermochemical reactor

Rotonivo in high temperatures

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