Application Note: FMP40 In Bulk Fly Ash Bins

Company profile
Coal fired power plant which has two 400 MW generating units. Fly ash is a biproduct from electrical power generation.

Application Problems
Fly ash bins previously used a mechanical plum-bob device which continuously failed due to the cable breaking. The top of the bin is 180 feet (55 m) from ground level, with only ladders for access. The maintenance group had given up on the mechanical device due to frequent breakage, which forced the operators to climb the bin several times daily to check the level. With the plant being at 7000 feet (2133 m) elevation; cold, windy and often icy conditions made it dangerous to check levels.