Rhosonics has been developing a new non-nuclear density meter for the last five years. As per a recent announcement, it is confirmed that the company is ready to unveil the new product under the name ‘SDM ECO’ at its online product launch event on the 2nd of November 2023.
Back in 2004, Rhosonics was pioneering the use of ultrasonics as an alternative to radiometric technologies for slurry density measurements. The first tests were done at the beginning of this millennium and resulted in the Rhosonics density meter 9600 series, introduced in 2008. Valuable field experience was gained and incorporated into the second-generation density meter that was introduced under the name ‘SDM’ in 2016. According to Rhosonics, this product has become the fastest-growing alternative to conventional radiometric density meters so far. It has taken up the task of improving the operational efficiency of many mineral processing sites worldwide reaching over 300 installations anually in recent years as stated by the company.
The SDM Slurry Density Meter, also refered to as ‘SDM-4’ will be discontinued and replaced by its successor ‘SDM ECO’. The SDM-4 will be sold until January 2024 and after that date, Rhosonics is keeping a limited stock available for a five-year support plan. The SDM ECO is available for quoting from the launch date on the 2nd of November and the first large-scale production runs are planned for January 2024.
An SDM-4 installed close to a radiation-based density meter at a mineral processing site
“A new era for slurry density measurement”
Measuring the slurry density is crucial in many applications in industries such as mining & metals, dredging, tunneling and other construction works, and in new segments such as battery production and metal recycling. The slurry density meter can be applied to monitor the process stability and can be combined with a flow meter to track the quantities of slurry that is being transferred to downstream processes. Additionally, the measurement data can be used to optimize the operational efficiency throughout the plant.
Vitor Braz, Global Sales Manager at Rhosonics: “We are currently leading the non-nuclear slurry density meters segment and are about to launch our 3rd generation product that incorporates the lessons learned from the last two decades. We will set a new benchmark for competitors and usher in a new era for slurry density measurements. The SDM ECO will become our new flagship product to help different industries achieve operational excellence without using hazardous radioactive materials. This field-proven product will offer reliable readings while having clear advantages in terms of safety and product lifetime costs compared to radiometric instruments.”