Getting Started

6 • THE FLOW PROCESS PANEL
Sensor module
DESCRIPTION
The Sensor module defines a detection device that monitors the level of material in a
tank (Tank module). A sensor’s location is specified using the Tank Name, Location
Type, Level, or Percentage prompts.
A sensor is activated when its location is crossed in the Crossing Direction AND the
sensor is enabled. When the sensor is activated, one or more Actions may be
executed. Additionally, the Create Discrete Entity option may be used to create a
discrete entity and send it to custom logic.
The Initial State field specifies whether the sensor is enabled or disabled at the
beginning of the simulation run. If a sensor is disabled, it will be ignored and never
activate. A sensor may be enabled/disabled dynamically at any point during the
simulation run by assigning the SensorState (Sensor ID) variable.
TYPICAL USES
• Defines a device to monitor tank level so decisions can be made based on sensor
state
• Defines a device to initiate action when a tank becomes full, empty, or some other
significant level is crossed
• Defines a device to trigger re-ordering of material when stock runs low
• Defines a device to start and stop reclamations from a pile based on inventory
level
PROMPTS
Prompt
Name
Tank Name
Level
Percentage (0-100)
Crossing Direction
Initial State
Description
The sensor’s identifier.
The name of the tank where the sensor is located.
The level location of the sensor if Location Type is Specific
Level.
The percentage location of the sensor if Location Type is
Percentage Capacity.
The sensor is activated (triggered) when its location is crossed in
this direction.
Specifies whether the sensor is enabled or disabled at the
beginning of the simulation run.
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