Solids measurement system

A solids profile measurement system for determining the quality of a solids bed formed from a liquid-solid slurry along a lower surface of a vessel containing the slurry, the vessel forming part of a piece of processing equipment, said measurement system comprising:

• a sensor adapted to generate signals indicative of a profile as measured by progressively immersing said sensor deeper into the slurry, said profile being formed by solids settling out of the slurry towards the lower surface of the vessel;
• extension means, at least a portion of which is coupled to the processing equipment and to said sensor, for effecting retrograde movement in a first direction, thereby immersing said sensor in the slurry, and for affecting movement in a second direction opposite said first direction;
• a controller in communication with said extension means and said sensor for issuing commands thereto and receiving said signals generated by said sensor;
• said extension means is movable back and forth across the vessel in response to commands issued from the controller;
• said extension means including a pantograph mechanism having said sensor coupled at one end thereto;
• drive means in communication with said pantograph mechanism for causing said pantograph mechanism to move said sensor in said first or second directions in response to commands issued from said controller;
• and
• wherein said drive means includes a cylinder having a rod slidably mounted therein and attached at an end thereof to said pantograph mechanism, said rod being moveable between an extended and retracted position, causing said pantograph mechanism to move in said first and second directions.