The EBob-TS1 sensor is an economical and compact inventory tracking system that has been designed to measure solids, powders, liquids or slurries in smaller bins, tanks and silos. The compact, yet rugged design can be mounted on angled or flat roofs and can be used in vessels up to 40 feet tall. Accessories include a variety of mounting flanges to accommodate from 0째 and 40째 roof angles, pipe extensions to provide cable protection, a selection of probes suitable for a variety of materials, and a gearbox motor heater for when operating temperatures fall below 32째

EBob-TS1 is installed at the top of a vessel. When prompted to take a measurement, the rugged motor releases a nylon cable from the supply pulley and a weighted sensor probe descends to the surface of the material. When the sensor probe touches the material surface, measurement information is transmitted. This versatile measuring device can be used in conjunction with eBob inventory management software, the EBob control console, the EDM Remote Start Unit (RSU), and the MUCM communication module. It can be utilized in hardwired applications or with a wireless data transmitter.

The EDM MultiBob inventory management system allows from two to 32 EBob sensors to be mounted in a single bin, tank, silo or any other vessel containing powders or bulk solid materials. The measurement data from each sensor is averaged in the advanced eBob software based upon user-defined parameters to provide a single level measurement and percentage full for the bin. By taking and reporting measurements in multiple locations, there is more detailed data available to users about the material in their bin. Depending on how many EBob sensors are mounted in the bin, the user can use the data to determine conditions such as cone up or cone down, whether there are high and low spots in the bin, and which filling or emptying points they want to target in multiple-fill, multiple-discharge point bins.

The MultiBob system is useful when installed in any bin where the user wants more data to determine inventory levels. The measurement data as reported in feet or meters by the EBob sensor is very precise and repeatable. Each sensor measures in the same location every time, detecting level changes in bins containing difficult to measure material, such as large diameter bins where material tends to pile up. Grain bins such as 105' or 130' diameter or million bushel bins as well as bins with multiple filling and emptying points are common applications for MultiBob. MultiBob can be used to measure the level in covered storage bins, flat storage warehouses and stockpiles where a single measurement is not adequate.

In addition to multiple point measurement, the advanced eBob software allows the user to add a strapping table to the bin parameters to further personalize the data for a particular bin. Strapping tables are helpful when the material in the bin tends to compact, which makes the bulk density of the material higher at the bottom of the bin than the top. In a non-linear vessel, the addition of a strapping table will improve the estimated volume of material in the tank.

The EBob2 SS sensor option is a proven solution when the requirement is to measure the level of solid material below a liquid surface, such as in brine interface applications. It can be used in tanks where solid material settles at the bottom of a tank, such as for measuring the level of settled salt, sediment, sand or metals under water. The EBob SS is an excellent alternative to relying on sight tubes and can be used in any application where solid material needs to be measured under liquid. Examples include water treatment, wastewater facilities, food processing, petroleum refining, chemical processing, and salt and metal mining.

EBob Inventory Management Software is designed to help users gather real-time inventory data from storage bins. The eBob program works in conjunction with EDM EBob2 remote level sensors to provide measurement data to a personal computer. This bin measurement monitoring solution collects data from up to 100 vessels and allows for data to be viewed via LAN network connections by authorized users. eBob software generates reports that can be used to increase operational efficiency and provide valuable real-time and historical data used for effective decision making.

EBob software helps customers more effectively manage bin levels without having to manually inspect and measure each bin, saving valuable time while optimizing bin levels and storage capacity. It provides for highly affordable inventory tracking for any size of operation using computer-based technology to provide detailed information. Instead of "making rounds" to obtain manual readings, customers can log on to a personal computer, log-in using their unique password, and then view real-time data on their bins. It is easy to use and requires no special training or support.

The EBob2 Console is the easiest way to remotely initiate and view measurements from multiple EBob2 sensors. This compact, manually-operated console provides fast measurement readings from one up to 128 SmartBob remotes at a single location … with the push of a button. The EBob Console can be used alone or integrated into a network using eBob software. It provides basic, local control and monitoring of a single EBob remote or a network of up to 128 SmartBob remotes at a networked site.

The EBob Console is a valuable vessel management tool providing users access to a wealth of information. Individual bin parameters are programmed into the EBob Console and measurements are displayed as distance to product, height of product, percent full, and weight. The weight display function is derived using a Wizard type menu to estimate weight – calculated by entering vessel shape and dimensions, plus the product density in lbs/ft3 or kg/m3. All bin parameters, last measurement data and all user settings are retained in the EBob Console memory, even the event of power loss.

For users who routinely utilize Modbus in their operations, EDM offers the Model C-100MB which is a compact control console that allows control of a EBob sensor network via a Modbus interface to simplify bin inventory management. EBob sensors are utilized to take automated measurements using cable-based technology and the C-100MB console then provides an interface for the Modbus master to initiate measurements, monitor measurement progress and retrieve data for any or all EBob sensors enabled in the C-100MB console. Remotely accessed via a Modbus interface, the C-100MB console makes it easy to control from 1 up to 120 EBob sensors with a few keystrokes or automatically through use of an interval timer or external start input signal.

The C-50 Analog Expansion Console interfaces with the C-100 EBob Control Console to provide multiple 4-20mA outputs, enabling monitoring of multiple bins equipped with EBob2 or EBob TS-1 sensors from a single C-100 EBob Console. The C-50 Analog Expansion Console connects to the C-100 EBob Console via a dedicated RS-485 cable. Then, the C-100 EBob Console is connected via a daisy chained RS-485 network to monitor from 1 to 120 EBob sensors.

Both EBob2 or EBob-TS1 sensors and the C-50 Analog Expansion Console are programmed and controlled by the C-100 EBob Control Console. Wiring and installation costs are considerably reduced by utilizing a single cable RS-485 network and locating the C-50 Analog Expansion Console close to the location the 4-20mA outputs are hardwired.

The RSU provides a variety of enhancements when used in conjunction with EBob remotes featuring an external start input, a four to 20 mA current loop analog output, and a remote display or readout of bin measurements. Each RSU serves as a simple interface between a single EBob remote and a programmable logic controller (PLC) or distributed control system (DCS) allowing the PLC or DCS to initiate a measurement and retrieve data. The RSU also provides a remote display and can be used to initiate a manual or timed measurement. The measurement on the screen is displayed in distance to product, height of product, and percent of product in the storage vessel in English or metric units.

Simple to wire and operate, the EBob remote connects to the RSU via an RS-485 cable or via a wireless device; one RSU is required for each bin. The RSU features a built-in timer which allows for setting of repetitive time intervals to activate measurements, which are shown on the easy-to-read LCD display. Both the most recent measurement and user information is stored in a non-volatile memory; therefore, the information can be recovered if power is removed or lost. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the RSU is available in both NEMA I and NEMA 4X models dependent on the mounting location and environment.

The EBob2 Momentum Universal Communication Module (MUCM) enables the operator to tie EBob2 remotes into an existing control system is used when performing communication translations between serial protocols. The MUCM has a pre-loaded EBob2 application that has been compiled and downloaded into its Flash memory. The standard EBob2 MUCM allows a Modbus serial master to gather data from up to 32 EDM EBob2 remotes. The MUCM is easy to program and eliminates the need for analog input and output cards.

The EBob2 remotes connect to the MUCM via an RS-485 cable. The Modbus remote transmitter unit (RTU) master has an RS-232 port that connects to the MUCM. Once the data has been passed to a data interface, it is available to everything on the network including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMI), or SCADA industrial control systems. Optional serial communications protocols are available in Ethernet, DeviceNet™, Profibus™, and Modbus Plus. The MUCM can also be used simply to save wiring and installation costs, allowing serial devices to make use of existing network cabling and to overcome distance limitations.

The EBob2 super high temperature (SHT) remote is for extreme process temperatures above 500˚F and not exceeding 1000˚F. The EBob SHT includes a 36" long, 3" diameter galvanized standoff pipe to extend the remote sensor away from the heat source and a 1-1/4" galvanized pipe extension fitted with a bronze cable guide to keep the sensor probe out of the standpipe and level with the vessel top. All Delrin pulleys are replaced with aluminum pulleys in the super high temperature option. The EBob SHT is designed for use with bare cable, plus either a stainless steel heavy spike bob or weighted 4" stainless steel inverted cone.

Like the standard EBob2 remote, the EBob2 super high temperature model can be combined with the Windows-based eBob software program and remote push-button control consoles to provide a complete inventory management system for a variety of solid, slurry, and liquid applications. Featuring a unique cable cleaning system, EBob2 is also extremely rugged, offering a durable cable and motor design which is completely sealed in a strong, lightweight molded polycarbonate enclosure which is explosion proof and rated for Class II, Groups E, F & G certifications. Requiring no field calibration, EBob2 is easy to install, needs minimal wiring, or can be used with the EBob wireless transceiver.

The EBob2 high temperature (HT) remote is for applications where the process temperature is between 240째F and 500째F. The high temperature model is configured with additional components that when installed properly, will safely operate in temperatures up to 500째F. A stainless steel standpipe is used to extend the remote away from the heat source and a stainless steel pipe extension fitted with a Teflon cable guide keeps the sensor probe out of the standpipe and level with the top of the bin. A standard air purge nipple allows a small amount of air to circulate through the mechanical cavity of the remote, helping it maintain an acceptable operating temperature.

Like the standard EBob2 remote, the EBob2 high temperature model can be combined with the Windows-based eBob software program and remote push-button control consoles to provide a complete inventory management system for a variety of solid, slurry, and liquid applications. Featuring a unique cable cleaning system, EBob2 is also extremely rugged, offering a durable cable and motor design which is completely sealed in a strong, lightweight molded polycarbonate enclosure which is explosion proof and rated for Class II, Groups E, F & G certifications. Requiring no field calibration, EBob2 is easy to install, needs minimal wiring, or can be used with the EBob wireless transceiver.