Inertia sensing for bulk solid measurement in process analytical technology systems

Abstract

The mass flow measurement of a bulk solid is one of the most common parameters monitored in the materials processing industries and enjoys a wide range of sensory options to accurately quantify the mass flow of a given material. The emergence of Process analytical technology has heightened the demand for such information to be provided to process analysers, in real time and low cost in order to allow for continuous monitoring and control of manufacturing processes. This paper investigates the use of a novel method of mass flow measurement of a bulk solid using a low cost inertia (shock) sensor. Also included in this paper is the techniques employed to successfully integrate the sensor into the test rig in order to achieve favourable test results. A calibrated microwave mass flow sensor was used as reference data to investigate correlation between the sensor outputs located within the test rig. It is the intention of this paper to demonstrate that inertia sensors can be a viable, low cost and simplistic form of mass flow measurement capable of integrating into manufacturing process monitoring and control systems such as PAT.