Electrostatic flow probe and measuring system calibration for solids mass flow rate measurement

Abstract This paper presents an original system and procedure for calibrating, verifying, and testing any electrostatic (inductive), non-contact probe, sensor, or transducer, or the whole measuring system: a measuring head with a probe in its inside and an analog or digital measuring instrument connected with the head. The calibration system has been designed on the basis of the well-known method in which the Faraday pail is used for measuring the net, total electric charge as carried by charged solid particles. The method and system are described, and the results of preliminary tests are presented for granulated polypropylene and for different mass flow rates.