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A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions

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A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions

In industrial settings, temperature stability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Electric heat trace systems play a major role in keeping operations running smoothly by maintaining the temperature of pipes, tanks, valves, and equipment. These systems supply heat where insulation alone can’t, making them crucial for freeze protection, product flow, and overall process reliability.

What CIAC Systems™ Do

CIAC Systems™ provide Control, Indication, and Alarm functions—the three elements that bring intelligence and oversight to a heat trace setup.

  • Control: Automatically adjusts heat trace operation using sensor-based temperature feedback.

  • Indication: Displays real-time circuit status so operators can verify proper function quickly.

  • Alarm: Sends alerts when temperatures fall outside programmed ranges or when a circuit experiences a fault.

Together, these capabilities strengthen system reliability, support safety standards, and reduce unplanned downtime.

Why Heat Trace + CIAC Systems™ Matters

When paired with heat trace cables, CIAC Systems™ help:

  • Prevent pipe freezing and process delays

  • Maintain required product temperatures

  • Keep viscous materials flowing in colder environments

  • Prevent condensation or product solidification

  • Improve efficiency by reducing unnecessary run time

  • Lower maintenance costs by providing early warning alerts

This makes CIAC Systems™ valuable across industries such as manufacturing, water treatment, food processing, chemical facilities, and power generation.

How These Systems Work Together

A typical CIAC Systems™ setup includes temperature sensors, heating cable, a control interface, and an alert system. The system monitors temperature and electrical performance, regulates heat output, and alerts staff to any issues—creating a dependable, closed-loop solution.

Is a CIAC Systems™ Setup Right for Your Facility?

If your operations depend on freeze protection, precise temperature control, or reliable heat trace performance, CIAC Systems™ can provide the visibility and control needed to maintain consistent production and protect critical infrastructure.


Interested in CIAC Systems™ or Heat Trace Solutions?

Southern Instruments can review your facility’s needs and recommend a system designed for your environment.
Contact Southern Instruments today for more information or to request a quote.

Understanding Bindicator® Level Measurement Solutions

By News

In industrial applications, accurate and reliable level measurement is essential for maintaining safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Whether managing bulk solids, powders, or liquids, having the right level detection system can make all the difference in productivity and safety. One of the most trusted names in this space is Bindicator®, known for decades of innovation in point and continuous level instrumentation.


What Is Bindicator®?

Bindicator® is a leading manufacturer of level measurement instruments designed for the bulk solid and liquid handling industries. Their products are engineered to monitor and control the level of materials inside bins, tanks, and silos, ensuring smooth plant operations and preventing costly overfills or material shortages.

From grain storage and plastic pellets to cement, chemicals, and food ingredients, Bindicator® devices are built to handle tough environments and a wide range of materials.


Common Bindicator® Products and Technologies

Bindicator® offers a diverse portfolio of level measurement technologies to fit different process needs. Some of the most widely used types include:

1. Point Level Indicators

These devices detect when material reaches a specific point in a vessel—perfect for high- or low-level alarms.

  • Roto-Bin-Dicator®: A classic paddle switch that activates when material stops the rotating paddle, ideal for powders and granular solids.

  • VRF® II Series: A rugged, versatile version designed for challenging industrial applications.

2. Continuous Level Sensors

For processes requiring ongoing measurement rather than simple point detection, Bindicator® offers continuous level transmitters such as:

  • Pulse Point™ capacitance probes for powders or liquids.

  • Radar and Ultrasonic Level Sensors for precise non-contact measurement.

  • Weight and Cable Systems (e.g., Yo-Yo®) for reliable mechanical readings in tall silos.

3. Accessories and Controls

Bindicator® also provides accessories like digital displays, control units, and mounting hardware to integrate their sensors seamlessly into automated systems.


Benefits of Using Bindicator® Solutions

Choosing the right level measurement technology improves not only efficiency but also safety and product consistency. Bindicator® products are known for:

  • Proven reliability in demanding industrial conditions

  • Easy installation and maintenance

  • Compatibility with control systems (analog, Modbus, or digital outputs)

  • Accurate readings for a wide variety of materials

  • Long service life and minimal downtime


Applications Across Industries

Bindicator® level instruments are used worldwide across industries such as:

  • Cement and aggregates

  • Food and beverage

  • Plastics and chemicals

  • Power generation

  • Agriculture and grain handling

Their versatility and dependability make them a preferred choice for operators needing consistent level control and inventory management.


Partnering with a Trusted Distributor

As an authorized distributor and solutions provider, Southern Instruments, Inc. proudly offers Bindicator® level measurement equipment along with expert support and guidance. Our team can help you select the right technology for your specific process—whether that’s a simple paddle switch or an advanced radar transmitter.

We also provide local technical assistance, start-up support, and ongoing service to keep your systems running smoothly.


Learn More

If you’re looking to improve your plant’s efficiency and safety with proven level measurement solutions, reach out to Southern Instruments, Inc. today.
📞 Contact us to discuss your application needs or request a quote.

Check out our New Line of Gas Analyzers from NEO Monitors!

By Laser Gas Analyzer No Comments
NEO Monitors has been manufacturing Laser Analyzers for 39 years.

NEO TDLAS Laser Based Combustion Analyzers are being used in Several Refineries here in the US and abroad.  The image below is of the NEO Monitors Laser Gas IQ² Vulcan. This is a MUTLI-GAS Combustion Analyzer designed specifically for Refinery Process Heater Applications.  One Analyzer can measure up to 4 Gases Plus Temperature.  The Vulcan IQ² is a Single Flange-Mounted TDLAS Laser Analyzer packaged in a Weatherproof Class 1/Div. 2 Enclosure. The Ambient Temperature Rating on the Sensor is 131° F, but the Probe can operate in Gas Temperatures up to 1562° F. Read More

Why Upgrade to Bindicator PRO

By News No Comments

Ever Had a Spill or Process Shut Down Because Your Rotary Level Switch Didn’t Work?

ROTO-BIN-DICATOR PRO prevents costly clean ups and shutdowns.

Download PDF

Uncategorized
November 21, 2025

A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions

A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions In industrial settings, temperature stability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Electric heat trace systems play a major role in keeping operations…
News
October 24, 2025

Understanding Bindicator® Level Measurement Solutions

In industrial applications, accurate and reliable level measurement is essential for maintaining safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Whether managing bulk solids, powders, or liquids, having the right level detection system…
Laser Gas Analyzer
December 18, 2024

Check out our New Line of Gas Analyzers from NEO Monitors!

NEO Monitors has been manufacturing Laser Analyzers for 39 years. NEO TDLAS Laser Based Combustion Analyzers are being used in Several Refineries here in the US and abroad.  The image…

OXITEC 5000 – True InSitu Oxygen Analyzer

By O2 Analyzer No Comments

Why Change

Your Oxygen Cells?

5 Year O2 Cell Warranty!

More than 50,000 Installations:

Power Plants, Refineries, Cement Plants, Steel Mills, Chemical Industries, Food Industries, Pulp and Paper Manufacturers, Marine Boilers, and anywhere combustion control is required.

 

 

Unique Features and Performance:

  • 100% Gas-tight gold brazed sensor
  • Self-cleaning sensor at 1472°F (800°C)
  • Intelligent lifetime diagnostics of O2 sensor
  • Maintains safe operating conditions
  • Designed for harsh processes
  • Maintenance free for several years
  • Fast process gas response – less than 3 seconds with patented filter head
  • Simple menu setup, operation and system diagnostics
  • Tough, Reliable and Accurate
  • Quality German Engineering
  • Available with 1-1/2 ft., 3 ft., 6ft. Probe

 

ENOTE C Flue Gas Analyzers simply outperform other systems with its unique product design features such as, the 100% gas tight cell construction, high operating temperature, and intelligent software- now including ENOTEC Remote for your android Bluetooth enabled phone or the ENOTEC communicator SME-SMARTBLU. ENOTEC has 40+ years of Combustion Control design & technology experience and offers the highest performance with the lowest cost of ownership.

Think Safety!

If your current analyzers do not have 100% gas-tight gold brazed sealed cell construction, you are at risk of false higher O2 readings for combustion control. A cemented cell design is prone to cracking and leakage! Reference air leakage to the process measuring side of the cell will show a false reading, which is higher than the actual Oxygen value. This could lead to dangerous combustion conditions!

Uncategorized
November 21, 2025

A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions

A Simple Guide to CIAC Systems™ and Electric Heat Trace Solutions In industrial settings, temperature stability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Electric heat trace systems play a major role in keeping operations…
News
October 24, 2025

Understanding Bindicator® Level Measurement Solutions

In industrial applications, accurate and reliable level measurement is essential for maintaining safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Whether managing bulk solids, powders, or liquids, having the right level detection system…
Laser Gas Analyzer
December 18, 2024

Check out our New Line of Gas Analyzers from NEO Monitors!

NEO Monitors has been manufacturing Laser Analyzers for 39 years. NEO TDLAS Laser Based Combustion Analyzers are being used in Several Refineries here in the US and abroad.  The image…

Radar Level Control System for Concrete Plants

By News No Comments

Never Climb A Silo Again!

TDR2000 Spec Sheet

At least not to Drop a Tape and Measure what you have in your Silos! Why take the chance of Personnel Injury by Climbing Silos to Check the Inventory of your Cement and Fly Ash. With the Bindicator TDR-2000 you can read your Silo Levels from a Display in your Batch House or Control Room.

Why You Won’t Have to Climb

– Radar Sensor Continuously Measures Product Level

– Reads Through Air Born Dust

– Display Readings in Batch House or Control Room

– Works Even When Silo Is Being Filled!

– No Maintenance or Cleaning Needed

– Rugged, Weather-Proof Enclosure

– Ignores Material Build-Up on Sensing Cable

– More Accurate Than Hand-Line Reading

Proven in Cement, Fly Ash, Sand & Aggregate!

Affordable System!

The Hardware is Very Affordable. Wiring and Sensor installation is Simple and Inexpensive.

Easy Set-Up

Setting up the System can all be done from the Keypad on the Controller/Display. With the Quick Start Guide you will Get the System Up and Running in Less Than an Hour.

 

How It Works

The Bindicator TDR-2000 Sensor pulses a Radar Signal from the head of the unit down the Stainless Steel Cable. Where the Cable and the Material in the Silo meet, the Radar Signal reflects and comes back to the Sensor Head. The amount of time that it takes the Radar Signal to travel down and back is measured as the distance. Either a Multi-Channel or Individual Controller/Display then shows each Silo’s Measurement in either “ Feet-of-Product” or “Feet-to-Product”.

 

Call or Email Us for a Quote!

And we will get you a Quote for a System that fits your site. We have hundreds of Installations in Cement, Fly Ash, Sand, Aggregate, and many other Powders and Bulk Solids

 

Keefe Hardy 

Southern Instruments, Inc.

420 Dividend Drive, Suite F

Peachtree City, GA 30269

770-487-9005