A global mining and manufacturing company in Kentucky mines and produces lime and limestone products. This location specializes in making quicklime used for building products, steel making, agriculture, and other applications. While this company had pressure sensors installed in their bag house, they were beginning to fail in after more than fifteen years of use. And without adequate product support, something had to change.
During the quicklime production process, limestone is run through a high-temperature rotary kiln which operates around 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. As the lime is cooked, it starts a chemical reaction which changes the composition of the limestone, changing it from calcium carbonate to calcium oxide, better known as quicklime.
A bag house captures dust and particulate matter from the kiln in the process to mitigate air pollution. Accurate pressure measurements help increase operational safety, throughput, preventative filter maintenance, and maintain compliance with environmental standards.
While this plant had prior success with a competitor’s pressure device, there was no communication between operators and the seller. When their fifteen-year-old sensors started to fail, operators didn’t know what to do. With weakening sensors, they would soon face downtime, overheating, fire hazards, and downstream equipment damage.
Plant operators made the smart decision to speak with a sensor provider they’d partnered with before. VEGA representatives proposed using a new pressure sensor with a similar design to the competitor’s sensor, the VEGABAR 81, as a replacement for the aging devices. Workers already had a solid relationship with VEGA, using our radiometric, radar, and switching sensors across their facilities, and decided it was a potential solution.
Their biggest concern was replacing the unit as quickly as possible, since they didn’t have a spare pressure sensor in stock at the plant. VEGA’s support team provided a fast lead time and got the VEGABAR 81 sensor set up and calibrated quickly, preventing future issues.
Plant personnel appreciated the exceptional quality and service that VEGA provided, and gained peace of mind knowing that support is available whenever they need it. Workers were also impressed with the VEGABAR 81’s chemical seal system, allowing for reliable and maintenance-free measurements even in high temperature applications.
After installation, plant operators gained increased process visibility thanks to the new sensor’s Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for troubleshooting and adjustments from a distance.
Strong customer relationships can make all the difference when it comes to how business is conducted. The VEGABAR 81 was the right choice for this mining company in desperate need of product support and fast lead times.
Operators no longer have to worry about future safety concerns with accurate and reliable measurements, and with VEGA’s support team available over the phone or in person 24/7, they can get the support they need precisely when they need it. Finding dependable sensors backed up by professionals that workers can count on in a pinch is why this mining company chose the VEGABAR 81 for their bag house pressure monitoring, and why they continue to choose VEGA as their trusted provider across radiometric, radar, and switching devices.