Detecting Seed in Bins
Whole grain seed is developed and produced to maximize agricultural yields. Seed is grown, cleaned, sorted, packaged and then sold to farms every year. The processing of seed involves many bins and silos of differing sizes and shapes. Seed production facilities range from small “mom and pop” operations to large multi-national companies like Monsanto/Dekalb, Pioneer and Bayer Crop Science.
Detecting high and low levels in bins containing a variety of seed types is a requirement in virtually every seed processing operation. High reliability, low cost and compact size is essential. Choosing the best level sensor is important and that’s why many seed production facilities and suppliers to the seed industry choose to use Capacitive Proximity Switches.
Challenges for detecting the presence and absence of seed is mainly its abrasive nature and perhaps the potential variability of moisture content. However, the later isn’t really a difficult issue because the moisture content doesn’t change enough by the time it gets to the seed processing facility to create a real problem. But abrasion can be a real problem. Many people don’t realize how abrasive whole grain corn and soybean can be. But this challenge can be solved.
Capacitive Proximity Switches have the sensitivity to detect most whole grain seeds and are very compact and low cost. This definitely makes them idea for seed industry applications. As for the abrasion from the seed, the use of Delrin or Teflon sensor wells can aid in preventing premature problems and failures due to abrasion.
BlueLevel Technologies offers the Model CPH Capacitive Proximity Switch for use in the seed industry. Automation specialists within the seed industry commonly use this type of sensor, both AC and DC versions. The sensor acts as an input to a PLC or works with external relays to turn equipment off and on.
If you need to detect presence or absence of seed, give us a call and try a Capacitive Proximity Switch.
For assistance in automation and/or process equipment for the seed industry in the Midwest refer to the following specialists:
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