This document provides an overview of Contour's line of level measurement products for bulk solids. It describes the various models including the 3DS-S, 3DS-M, 3DS-V, and 3DS-L multi-scanner systems. Key details covered include measurement characteristics, environmental specifications, software options for visualization and remote monitoring, and installation considerations. The document also highlights a specialized Contour ESP model designed for measuring fly ash accumulation in electrostatic precipitator hoppers.

2. Product Overview
 Product line is comprised of various Contour models, including multi-
scanner systems
 All models based on the same physical scanner  economies of scale
1
<4
3DS-M
Contour
Model
~ Silo
width
(meter)
3DS-S
Product
Scanners per
product
1
< 10
3DS-V
1
< 10
3DS-L2
2
10- 20
3DS-L4
4
20- 35

3. Basic Measurement Characteristics
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Frequency:
Beam angle:
Accuracy (vertical):
Measuring range:
Dead zone:
Temperature Accuracy:
temperature affects speed of sound
 Minimal Bulk Density:
2.3- 7 KHz
30-108 degrees
15 mm (0.6”)
0.5-70 m (1.6’-230’)
50 cm (20”) from flange
0.5°C (0.5 °F)
200 Kg/m3 (12pcf)

4. Environment and Certifications
 Process temperature:
 Process pressure:
 Protection:
-40° – 180°C
-0.2 – 1 bar
IP 67
 ATEX II 1/2D, 2G (Head-zone 21, Antenna-zone 20)
 FM, cFM, NEPSI
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CE EMC
CE Safety IEC
FCC
ISO 9001 2000
EN 61326
EN 61010-1
47CFR part 15 subpart B

5. Contour Models

6. Contour 3D-S
 30 º opening beam angle – covers more area than other
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traditional level measurement devices
Low frequency – dust penetrating
Fast response – suitable for small silos
or fast-changing process silos requiring fast tracking
Provide average Distance/Level in reference to the total height
of the silo
Provides Average Volume (4..20 mA)
No visualization on this model
Can be upgraded to a 3DS-M or 3DS-V models

7. Contour 3DS-M
 70º opening beam angle - covers wide surface area
 Low frequency – dust penetrating
 Suitable for big silos that require high accuracy and inventory
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control
Provides minimum/maximum and average distance
Provides average volume or level at 4..20 mA output.
Surface mapping – detects multiple points of the surface area
Visualization disabled
Can be upgraded to a 3DS-V model

8. Contour 3DS-V
 70º opening beam angle - covers wide surface area
 Low frequency – dust penetrating.
 Suitable for big silos that require high accuracy and inventory
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control
Provides minimum/maximum and average distance
Provides average volume or level at 4..20 mA output
Surface mapping – detects multiple points of the surface area
Visualization of surface mapping is enabled

9. Contour 3DS-L System
 Multiple scanners
 Large Silos, Warehouses, and Open bins
 Number of scanners is application dependant
 Integrated solution
 Scanners synchronization
 Merges reading into a unified surface
 Min, Max and average level values
 Visualization of the Measured Surface
 Client server architecture

10. Contour Model 3DS-L System
 Combines the capabilities of model 3DS-V in a connection
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of more then one scanner
Using the Contour Vision Software to synchronize
between scanners and to make a combined calculations
Suitable for large silos that require high accuracy and
inventory control
Provides % volume or level (4-20 mA), PLC/DCS can be
connected to any of the scanners
Visualization of material shape is enabled including the
scanners location
3DS-Ln (“n” = number of 3DS synchronized units)

11. Comparison Chart
3DS-S
Opening Angle
3DS-M
3DS-V
30 degrees
70 degrees
70 degrees
Frequencies
Measure
2.3 kHz, 4.5 kHz and 7 kHz
Avg. Level /
Distance
Min., Max. and Avg. Level / Distance
and Volume
4-20mA Output
Volume or Level/Distance
Temperature
-40° - +85°C (-40° - +185°F) or up to 180°C (350°F)
Pressure
-0.2 to 1.5 Bar

12. Contour Software

13. Locator software
 Computes optimal location of Contour units
 OBJECTIVE: Maximal potential accuracy of <3% and <5%
(less units could be used at the expense of accuracy)
 Easy to use graphical interface

14. Contour Configurator
 PC software that allows the configuration of any of the
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Contour models
Provides easy to use monitoring for process and inventory
control
Allow advance configuration and fine tuning for installers
and customer support
Generate log files and graphs that can be viewed any time
from any time the scanners were connected
Compatible with Windows XP and 7

15. Contour Configurator

16. MultiVision software
 Advanced Multi-Server – Multi-Client application, based on MS
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.NET Framework 3.5
Using an easy-to-use graphical interface
Provides an immediate view over all vessels
MultiVision for multiple vessels and/or sites
Displays all connected 3DS-L scanners
Hierarchy organized: Sites – Vessels – Scanners
Unlimited number of clients connected to a single server
Report generation
Compatible with Windows XP and 7

17. MultiVision software
 Inventory monitoring software
 Real time tracking of multiple silos
 Monitoring bulk solid inventories in the
entire site
 Multiple sites via remote connection
• Client / Server architecture
• Server / scanners RS485 or TCP/IP to 3DS, 3DM, 3DL Products
• Multiple remote clients connection
• Provides
• Min / Max levels Volume and Mass
• 3D Visualization

18. Sort by:
3
100
625

19. SCADA integration
 Add a surface mapping window on the SCADA screen
(PCS7, Wonderware, Cimplicity)
 Integration of the Contour readings (Volume, max/min
level etc.) into the SCADA system

20. Application – Workflow

21. Contour Connections

22. Hart + 4..20 mA
 This type of
connection is active
and not passive,
hence the Contour is
the active module
and the PLC should
be the passive
module.
 Preferred modem :
Microlink from
Microflex
 Viator from Mactek
doesn´t work!

23. USB – RS485
Serial communication
One device is master, in this case the Contour Configurator or Contour View
All other devices are listening and reply on demand
Each node on the bus has a unique address (polling address) between 00 and 63
Cable requirements: Shielded, Twisted-pair, 120 Ohm impedance
Important: Daisy-Chain connection, 120 Ohm resistors and shield grounded at one end
of the bus/line/cable

24. Contour Connect
for remote assistance

25. Contour Connect
 The Contour Connect is used for remote connection and
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allows immediate support and assistance
Requires SIM card with SMS (Text) and GPRS enabled
(preferably with a static IP address)
Auto power reset when cellular signal is lost.
Enables remote Firmware upgrade and continuous
monitoring
Modem Wizard application for advanced configuration

26. RS485 - Ethernet
 Chiyu BF430
 RS485 – TCP/IP Converter

27. Accessoires

28. Accessories
 Neck Extension (30 and 50cm)
Purpose : to lower the scanner body
below obstructions, such as
standpipes, support beams or other
constructions which might block the
acoustic signals.

29. Accessories
 Head-Body separation (3 and 10m)
Allows installing the body inside
the vessel and the head in an
external location where it is easy
to maintain and reach.

30. Accessories
 Cable Extension (30 and 50cm, 1 and 2m)
for neck extension and head-body separation
 ANSI and DN flange mounting “plates” in SS, CS and Al

31. Installation movie

32. Special Product

33. Contour ESP (Fly Ash Application)
The problem
• Fly Ash particles are being collected in ESP (Electrostatic
Precipitators) hoppers
• Fly ash can be very sticky and tends to build up
• Build ups inside the ESP hopper may lead to ESP malfunctions
(such as short circuiting of plates) and may result in air
pollution
• The financial implications of incorrect or missing level
information are measured in $10,000’s for:
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Maintenance costs
Repair of damage to the ESP equipment
Lost production capacity
Air pollution fines

34. Contour ESP – the movie

35. Contour ESP - Advantages
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A non-contact technology in an abrasive environment
The Contour ESP operates in dusty & moisture conditions
Self-cleaning antenna
The only technology to provide
continuous volume measurement in
an ESP hopper
 Visualization of the contents (see what goes on
inside the hopper)
 The only technology to provide minimum and maximum levels
continuously

36. Contour ESP – Benefits
 Knowing the actual situation inside the hopper enables
managers to make informed decisions and control the process
better.
 This could mean taking preventive measures such as turning
the hopper wall heating on where buildup seems to be
starting. It could also mean less frequent hopper emptying and
early detection of system malfunctions that translate to:
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Reduced wear and tear
Savings on energy cost
Improvement of process control (control the filling & emptying process)
Prevention of future damage by build ups and rat holes
Cost Saving