BERTHOLD LB444 Density Measuring System Introduction

Product Description

The BERTHOLD LB444 is a state – of – the – art measuring system designed for contactless and continuous density measurement of liquids or bulk materials within pipes and vessels. Engineered by Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, this system stands out for its ease of installation on existing pipelines without causing any process downtime. This means that subsequent installation can be carried out without significant disruptions, making it highly convenient for industries looking to upgrade their measurement capabilities.

The LB444 ensures reliable measurements that remain unaffected by factors such as the color, temperature, pressure, or chemical properties of the substance being measured. This resilience makes it suitable for a vast array of applications across different industries. Moreover, it provides a high level of operational safety and requires minimal maintenance, even in extreme environmental conditions. This reliability and low – maintenance feature contribute to its long – term cost – effectiveness for users.

Product Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Product Type	Density Measuring System
Manufacturer	Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
Power Supply	Supplied by transmitter via a 2 – wire signal cable
Cable Connections	1x M16 for cable 4 – 9 mm
Maximum Cable Length	For Berthold cable ID no. 32024, Liycy – Oz 2 x 1 mm²: 1000 m; other cables: max. 40 Ω. For intrinsically safe installations, L & C to be considered according to certificate
Wire Cross – Section	0.5 – 1.5 mm²
Measurement Range	Suitable for pipe diameters from 25 mm to 1000 mm
Detection Sensitivity	High sensitivity to gamma radiation, enabling increased measurement accuracy and faster response times
Protection Against Background Radiation	Lead collimator provides protection against unwanted background radiation
Installation Types	19“ rack (max. 4 modules), wall housing (max. 2 modules)
Menu Languages	English, German, French
Intrinsic Safety	Intrinsically safe power supply

Product Specifications

Physical Specifications

The LB444 features a compact design, which is beneficial for applications with limited space. It can be installed in various configurations, such as in a 19“ rack with a maximum of 4 modules or in a wall housing with a maximum of 2 modules. The protection type is IP20, which offers a certain level of protection against solid objects. The system has a lead collimator that safeguards against unwanted background radiation, ensuring high – reliability measurements.

Electrical Specifications

It operates on a power supply that is provided by the transmitter through a 2 – wire signal cable. The cable connections are standardized with a 1x M16 connection for cables ranging from 4 – 9 mm in diameter. The maximum cable length varies depending on the type of cable used. For the Berthold – specified cable (ID no. 32024, Liycy – Oz 2 x 1 mm²), it can reach up to 1000 m, while for other cables, the resistance limit is set at a maximum of 40 Ω. The wire cross – section for installation should be in the range of 0.5 – 1.5 mm².

Measurement Specifications

The LB444 can measure density in pipes with diameters ranging from 25 mm to 1000 mm. It is highly sensitive to gamma radiation, which results in increased measurement accuracy and faster response times. This sensitivity also allows for the use of a significantly lower source activity, leading to a longer service life. Additionally, it enables the use of smaller shieldings, thereby reducing both the acquisition and transportation costs for the source and shielding. The low dose rate, being less than 1 μSv/h, further adds to its safety and environmental – friendliness.

Series

The LB444 is part of Berthold Technologies’ comprehensive range of density – measuring systems. This series of products is renowned for its advanced radiometric non – contact measurement technology. The company has been at the forefront of innovation in density measurement systems, and the LB444 is a testament to their commitment to providing high – quality and reliable solutions. The series offers different models with varying features to meet the diverse needs of different industries, from standard density measurements to more complex applications involving extreme measurement conditions.

Features

Contactless and Reliable Measurement

The LB444’s contactless measurement technology is a key feature. By not coming into direct contact with the measured substance, it eliminates issues such as corrosion or interference with the flow properties of the material. The measurement remains consistent and accurate regardless of the color, temperature, pressure, or chemical composition of the liquid or bulk material, ensuring reliable data collection in a wide range of scenarios.

Intrinsically Safe Power Supply

It is equipped with an intrinsically safe power supply, which is crucial for applications in hazardous environments. This safety feature minimizes the risk of ignition, making it suitable for use in industries where flammable substances are present.

Easy Installation and Low Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, the system can be easily installed on existing pipelines without process interruption. Its design also requires virtually no maintenance, even in harsh environmental conditions. This reduces the downtime of industrial processes and the associated costs, enhancing overall productivity.

High Sensitivity to Gamma Radiation

The high sensitivity of the detector to gamma radiation is another significant feature. It allows for more accurate density measurements, faster response times, and a host of other advantages such as lower source activity and smaller shieldings.

Function

The primary function of the LB444 is to measure the density of liquids or bulk materials continuously and without contact. It achieves this by using radiometric technology. Gamma radiation is emitted and passes through the material in the pipe or vessel. The amount of radiation that is absorbed or scattered by the material is then detected by the system. Based on the attenuation of the gamma radiation, the LB444 calculates the density of the substance. The lead collimator plays a vital role in this process by ensuring that only the relevant radiation is detected, filtering out unwanted background radiation and thus improving the accuracy of the density measurement. The system then transmits the measured density data to the connected control systems or displays for further analysis and use in industrial processes.

Use

In practical applications, the first step is to select the appropriate location for installing the LB444 on the pipeline or vessel. The system can be attached to pipes with diameters within the specified range, as well as to containers and chutes. Once the location is determined, the installation process can begin. Since it is a non – intrusive installation, there is no need to shut down the process flow. The power supply is connected as per the electrical specifications, ensuring that the correct cable type and cross – section are used.

After installation, calibration may be required to ensure accurate measurements. This can be done using standard calibration procedures provided by Berthold Technologies. Once calibrated, the LB444 is ready to start measuring the density of the material flowing through the pipeline or present in the vessel. The measured data can then be integrated into existing process control systems, where it can be used for various purposes such as quality control, process optimization, or inventory management. Regular checks of the system’s performance, such as checking for any signs of radiation leakage or abnormal measurement results, are recommended to ensure its continued reliable operation.

Application Fields

Chemical Industry

In the chemical industry, the LB444 is used to measure the density of various chemical liquids. This is crucial for quality control during the production process. For example, in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, accurate density measurement ensures the correct formulation of liquid drugs. In the production of petrochemicals, it helps in monitoring the quality of different oil – based products and intermediates. The system’s ability to operate in harsh chemical environments, thanks to its non – contact measurement and resistance to chemical properties of the measured substances, makes it highly suitable for this industry.

Food and Beverage Industry

In the food and beverage sector, the LB444 is employed to measure the density of liquids such as juices, syrups, and beverages. This information is used for quality control, ensuring that products meet the required standards. For instance, in the production of carbonated drinks, the density measurement can help in determining the correct amount of carbonation. It also aids in inventory management, as the density can be used to estimate the volume and quantity of stored liquids. The system’s low – maintenance nature is also an advantage in this industry, where strict hygiene and minimal downtime are essential.

Mining and Minerals Processing

In the mining and minerals processing industry, the LB444 is used to measure the density of slurries and ores. This data is vital for optimizing the extraction and processing of minerals. For example, in the flotation process, density measurement helps in determining the concentration of valuable minerals in the slurry, which in turn affects the efficiency of the separation process. The system’s ability to work in extreme conditions, such as high – temperature and high – pressure environments often found in mines, makes it an ideal choice for this industry.

Power Generation

In power generation plants, especially those using liquid fuels or dealing with wastewater treatment, the LB444 can be used to measure the density of liquids. In coal – fired power plants, it can measure the density of coal slurries used for fuel, ensuring efficient combustion. In wastewater treatment plants, it can help in monitoring the density of sludge, which is important for the treatment process. The reliable and accurate measurements provided by the LB444 contribute to the smooth operation and optimization of power generation processes.

In conclusion, the BERTHOLD LB444 density measuring system is a highly versatile and reliable device. Its advanced features, such as contactless measurement, high sensitivity, and low maintenance requirements, make it suitable for a wide range of industries. By providing accurate density measurements, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and quality of industrial processes.