WDC4 EXPANSION BOARDS

In February, 4B introduced two new expansion boards for the Watchdog Super Elite hazard monitor.

The NTC board increases the Watchdog's temperature monitoring capabilities from 16 to 22 sensor inputs.  The expanded sensor capacity allows for more bearing, belt misalignment (rub blocks) or gearbox/motor monitoring.

The PLC board option simplifies integration to PLC’s, and allows for better control by providing 4 additional solid state relay outputs.

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COMBUSTIBLE DUST DANGERS

Exposure to dust while harvesting, storing or moving grain is inevitable. While there are many potential health hazards related to this dust that is biologically active, a dangerously destructive and potentially deadly threat is that of explosion.

Combustible dust is a well-known term in the grain industry, but farmers and grain facility managers may be less familiar with the insidious process that leads to suspension of dust in any confined enclosure, such as a bin, elevator, room, vessel or process equipment.

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US & CANADIAN 
DUST HAZARD APPROVALS

There are numerous approval bodies (UL, ETL, CSA) that certify products for use in either the US or Canadian markets.  

Since the requirements and tests are country specific it is important to check that the sensors or controls being used are approved and safe for use in the hazardous location and country where they are being installed.

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MAXIMIZING ELEVATOR CAPACITY

There is a demand for increasing the capacity of new and old elevators particularly for handling grain. Factors that influence the capacity of an elevator are: bucket type, shape and discharge characteristics, optimum speed in relation to pulley size, shape of head and boot, material characteristics such as size, shape and density, angle of repose, coefficient of friction and terminal velocity.

The most common cause for loss of capacity in an elevator is the bucket discharge, which can be caused by the incorrect belt speed in relation to the pulley diameter, the wrong bucket for the material and the wrong head shape.

4B was able to help Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers increase receiving capacity by 75%.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDE
FOR RTD CONNECTIONS

RTD’s (resistance temperature detectors) are a common type of sensor used for detecting the temperature of bearings, motors, gearboxes, and processes.  They are accurate, easy to use, and simple to understand.  

However, many people using and specifying RTD’s do not realize that 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire RTD sensors can be used interchangeably with very little difference in accuracy.

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NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Darren Zink and Anthony Leali are the newest team members to join 4B's growing outside sales force.

Darren has over 20 years of industry experience, and has worked for Brock Grain Systems, Safe-Grain and David Manufacturing (DMC).

Anthony has been in the industry for over 6 years, and has previously worked for STIF and Electro-Sensors.

For sales inquiries contact -
  • Daren - dzink@go4b.com
  • Anthony - aleali@go4b.com