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Introduction to Process Measurements
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Introduction to Process Measurements
Soilmoisture has a long history of applying technologies to our many customers located around the world. We are now offering our capabilities and experience (a number patented or pending) to those outside of the earth sciences to help them in optimizing processes. We have the ability to quickly create mechanical, electronic and software solutions to address measurement and data needs in producing working models with data links to SCADA units or computer centers. Most processes rely on a consistent and uniform output to very precise outputs …stoppage is NOT an acceptable state of affairs. We understand the economic impact from having variable outputs, less than acceptable speed of operations, or the potential liability inherent in not getting it right. We’re sensitive to the specific needs of your process steps and in finding the right solution and data streams that will allow you to quickly adjust, alter and meet your precise process requirements.
LIQUID LEVELS

If you have a single liquid level you need to maintain or need to measure multiple, dissimilar differential liquid condition such as oil over water we have shown ability to measure to .050 in. resolution. If the differential liquids have dissimilar dielectric nature we can give you a reading of the two or more liquid levels independently even if held in the same reservoir or container.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, Liquids, Gels, Slurries, etc.

If your process involves bulk density, gel consistency, liquid emulsions, or slurry behavior then we probably have an idea(s) to help you measure and control uniformity and quality. Our experience using Time Domain technologies allows us to provide cost effective solutions to previously difficult to monitor situations. Many mixtures or elements change their molecular orientation and dielectric characteristics as they change their physical state. Some examples are curing of concrete, freezing of water, gel characteristics, drying of materials, and much more. Give us your difficult and unusual needs as to physical aspects of your process needs and let’s see if we can provide you a cost effective solution.
CONTENT OF SPECIFIC MAJOR ELEMENTS, Water, Oils, Solids, etc.

We specialize in measurement of moisture and water content in various materials. The same techniques can however be applied measurement of other major elements within a mixture or media. We have a history of measuring volumetric content of important elements such as moisture in grains, oil content in seeds and nuts, or solids incorporated in slurries. Often in the food processing industry there are regulatory limits on water content in packaged food items we can provide means to measure and monitor those regulatory limits. Let us know where you need the measurements made, at the field source, the incoming product provider shipments, or in your ongoing process line. We’ll work with you for a custom solution at any of these key locations.
DISTANCES, LENGTHS and PROPAGATION SPEED

If you have a process that involves the measurement of distance or length or destructive propagation speed we may have an answer for you. Our TDR technology is the same technology that was used in measurement of underground nuclear tests for monitoring the propagation speed of explosive front. We have employed our TDR technology for real time monitoring of abrasion and waste profiles of blast furnace insulation. We can measure lengths at nearly the speed of light (in billionths of a second) and apply that experience to your requirements.
OFFSETS, BREAKAGE, FLOW

Often in the earth sciences such as mining, construction, city infrastructures, roadways, it is very important that one be able to monitor and measure offsets or breakage. Structures such a bridges, concrete overpasses, roadways, and micro faulting in hillsides or mines are extremely. We have experience in a number of these environments and understand their important and perhaps we may have the solution in real time or regularly measured intervals you’ve been looking for. Many of these human produced structures require some sort of measurement or monitoring to assure safety and limit liability. There are other conditions where processes research can help predict the degree of danger inherent in possible pending offset or breakage that provide important risk levels such as found as avalanche prediction. Knowing how liquids flow and move within a matrix or as manmade structure are important in predictive flooding or in when a saturated hillside may fail. Let us work with your engineers to find the right hardware and software solutions that provide advanced safety for your structure or in preventing possible surprise failure.
PRESSURE, VACUUM

For over 50 years we have been measuring and monitoring pressures up to 1800 + psi and vacuums, and of course temperature these elements in relationship to holding vessels in which liquids moves within a porous matrix. These types of processes are important in developing characteristics used in water / oil holding capabilities in rock and soil. Both have a major impact on effective irrigation, oil reservoir capacities, and possible gas intrusion. These same process measurements are common to many other uses in assuring a consistent and uniform output from process chain. Let us find adapt our experience of these commonly used measurements to meet your exact needs.
MEASUREMENTS IN EXTREME ENVIROMENTS

We have experience in making measurements and monitoring within blast furnaces in steel making processes, in high pressure environments, or in snow field of Pakistan. Where ever your process is located and whatever you’d like to measure or monitor we’ll most likely have an cost effective idea of a working solution that works even in the most extreme environment. Our technology is the same used to measure adhesive capability of tile attachments to the space shuttle or in finding cable integrity for buried power or phone cables. Give us a chance to find a solution to your most extreme needs.