Monitoring of the Discharge Process of Bulk Material in Silos Using Electrical Capacitance Tomography

Abstract

Monitoring the bulk material discharge from silos using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is an effective way to supervise dynamic flow profiles within silos. In this case, bulk materials such as wheat and corn are used. These materials are typical crops in the agricultural industry. The basic differences of these materials are shape and size. The material properties are the main factors influencing the optimal discharge processes. The ECT method is used to determine the flow profile during the discharge of each material from the silo. ECT is a non‐destructive and contactless method for measuring the inner space of the silo. The results demonstrate that the monitoring of discharge processes from the silo by applying ECT is an innovative online monitoring method with a wide application.

Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Agricultural Structures

“…Recent studies suggest that the technology was appropriate for structural health monitoring of silos that store agricultural produce, especially in solid grain form. Both Grudzien et al [ 28 ] and Zurovec et al [ 81 ] monitored granular flow changes in corn and wheat silos using ECT; it was deduced that the technique was appropriate to help obtain critical information about the behavior of bulk solids.…”

“…The relationship between solid bulk flows and different types of silo obstructions, including noise and vibration, segregation, ratholing, and arching, which result in the buildup of overpressures on the hopper walls, reinforce this argument. Although positive outcomes were reported by both Grudzien et al [ 28 ] and Zurovec et al [ 81 ], the utility of ECT in structural health monitoring is less explored. The monitoring of the discharge process might not provide an accurate assessment of the presence of structural defects because the sensitivity maps and visualizations are less detailed, as shown in Figure 6 .…”

“…Based on the findings presented by Huang et al [ 83 ], Raach et al [ 85 ], and Chakraborty and Katunin [ 81 ], the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensors for structural health monitoring of concrete structures would increase in line with the age of the concrete structure. Beyond the age of the material, other parameters had a direct influence on structural health monitoring, including the cement quality and mechanical properties [ 47 , 83 , 84 , 85 ].…”