MIC Flowmeter

Reliable flow measurement of moving solid particles

The MIC Flowmeter microwave measuring system is ideal for monitoring, measuring, and controlling bulk solids in pneumatic conveying systems, free-fall pipes, and transfer chutes. Thanks to innovative microwave technology, the system operates maintenance-free and wear-free—regardless of pressure and temperature. 

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installed flow-sensor for bulk solids, non-contact flow-rate-measurement in pipe, MIC-Smart

That's why the MIC Flowmeter is the right solution for you

  • Reliable flow measurement in pneumatic conveying systems or free-fall pipes
  • Visualization of the flow rate for system monitoring "transparent pipeline"
  • Easy retrofitting without additional height or modifications
  • Maintenance-free operation
  • High operational reliability – even in demanding environments
  • Durable and wear-free thanks to non-contact measurement
  • Safe in potentially explosive areas (option for ATEX zones 20, 21, 22)
  • Robust – withstands temperatures up to 120°C and pressures up to 15 bar, optionally up to 200°C

How the MIC flowmeter works

The system consists of a sensor head with integrated evaluation electronics and a stainless steel waveguide as the detector tip.

Installation

The sensor is installed flush with the wall, making measurement wear-free and therefore maintenance-free. For installation, the relevant pipe is drilled and the sleeve is fitted. The mounting socket is screwed in and the sensor is inserted into the socket. The position can be fixed using snap rings.

Measuring principle

A microwave frequency of 24 GHz is emitted from the front of the sensor. The solid particles reflect a pulse spectrum from which a patented algorithm precisely calculates the mass flow rate and velocity.

Transmission of measured values

The integrated electronics deliver the following values directly to your control system or display:

  • Flow rate in kg/h or t/h
    • Velocity in m/s
    • Total flow rate in kg or t

Easy calibration

Calibrating the sensor is intuitive and straightforward thanks to the software supplied. For pipe diameters over 300 mm, we recommend using a second sensor to achieve accurate results even with uneven particle distribution.

Applications of the MIC Flowmeter

The non-contact measuring system is used for pneumatically conveyed products or free-falling products in vertical pipes. It precisely determines the mass flow and velocity of solid particles. The system is therefore suitable for monitoring, measuring, and controlling bulk material flows.

The system is extremely reliable and maintenance-free, even under demanding conditions.

Do you have a question about the MIC Flowmeter flow scale?

Our experts are here to help you with advice and assistance.

Features of the MIC Flowmeter Flow Balance

Sensor head:V4A stainless steel with ceramic protection
Housing:Aluminum
Protection class:IP 66
Installation socket:1" NPT
OptionalExplosion protection for Zone 20 inside the pipeline, Zone 21/22 outside the pipeline
Power supply:24 VDC
Current consumption:400 mA
Measurement frequency:K band (24, 125 GHz)
Output:2x 4-20 mA, pulse output, or ModBus

Typical measurement accuracy:

 

+/- 2–5% for pneumatic conveying systems

+/- 5 - 10% in free fall applications

Operating temperature range:-10°C to 70°C and up to 120°C inside the pipeline / optionally up to 200°C
Pipeline:DN50 to DN300, as well as rectangular ducts; larger diameters with multiple sensors
Dimensions:Sensor housing 115x90x82 mm, waveguide 150×19 mm or 250×19 mm

Why choose Hense Wägetechnik?

Unternehmenseigenschaft schnelle Reaktion

Fast response

Unternehmenseigenschaft hohe Flexibilität

High flexibility

Unternehmenseigenschaft individuelle Lösungen effiziente Standardsysteme

Individual solutions & efficient standard systems

Unternehmenseigenschaft kompetenter kostenfreier Support

Qualified & free support

Unternehmenseigenschaft Zuverlässigkeit

Reliable

Unternehmenseigenschaft jahrzentelange Erfahrung

Decades of experience

Unternehmenseigenschaft eigene Produktentwicklung

Inhouse product development

Unternehmenseigenschaft wartungsfreie Produkte und einfache inbetriebnahme

Maintenance-free products & simple commissioning

Unternehmenseigenschaft hohe Verfügbarkeit und Qualität

High availability & quality

Frequently asked questions

The MIC microwave system was specially developed for continuous quantity measurement of pneumatically conveyed (pneumatic conveying) and free-falling bulk solids. This allows a wide range of products to be measured reliably.

The MIC sensor is suitable for mass flows ranging from a few kg/h to several hundred t/h. The possible throughput depends on the diameter and cross-sectional area of the pipeline.

The measuring system is largely independent of pressure and temperature. It is suitable for particulate products in pneumatic conveying or free fall.

  • Important: Uniform distribution of the particles in the pipeline is crucial for precise measurement results.
  • Measurement accuracy is reduced in the case of thick-flow conveying or lump formation.
  • The recommended inlet and outlet distance is a multiple of the pipe diameter.

Our tip: We can help you select the ideal position for the MIC sensor.

  • Pneumatic conveying: typical measurement accuracy of +/- 2–5%
  • Downpipes: typical measurement accuracy of +/- 5–10%

Even distribution of the particles and the installation position are crucial for high measurement accuracy.

The MIC measuring system is used in numerous areas of application:

  • Process control and monitoring
  • Visualization of material flows 
  • Balancing of material flows
  • Process control and flow monitoring (optionally as a "Flow/NoFlow" flow monitor variant)
  • Continuous dosing and control of additives

The microwave sensor measures particle size and quantity, but not density. Therefore, recalibration is necessary in the event of fundamental product changes or significant changes in bulk material properties (e.g., moisture).

Pneumatic conveying systems must be pneumatic conveying systems. Dense phase conveying or plug conveying are not suitable for measurement. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The maximum temperature in the pipeline for the standard sensor is 120 °C. Variants for product temperatures up to 200 °C are available. The maximum pressure in the pipeline is 15 bar.
 

The system is virtually maintenance-free when installed correctly. The sensor operates without contact, which prevents wear. The stainless steel detector tip (V4A) is equipped with high-strength ceramic wear protection. 

 

Thanks to its flexible measuring principle, the MIC system is suitable for a wide range of products and is used in almost all industries.

The evaluation unit is located in the head of the sensor, eliminating the need for a separate control unit. The system offers the following interfaces:

  • Two 4-20 mA analog outputs, e.g., for outputting flow rate (kg/h) and velocity (m/s)
  • Pulse output for additional applications (pulse / x kg)
  • Optional: Serial RS485 interface (via Modbus protocol)
  • Optional: Profibus DP