New Bulkscan laser scanner enhances measurement of bulk materials

Measuring the volume and mass throughput of bulk building materials on a conveyor belt has been made quicker and more accurate with the introduction of SICK’s LMS511 Bulkscan laser scanner.

Operating inside or outside under any weather or industrial conditions, the LMS Bulkscan determines the volume and mass throughput of cement, gravels, aggregates, hard core and other construction materials. It provides a real-time measurement system for construction materials processing, storage and transportation that is almost maintenance free.

“Fixed above the conveyor, the SICK LMS511 Bulkscan tracks a highly-accurate and continuous non-contact profile of the materials on a conveyor belt, with a data update in less than 15 millisecond increments,” explains Darren Pratt of SICK UK’s Industrial Instrumentation Division. “It will operate reliably in the presence of dust, rain or snow and in ambient temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +50 °C.”

“The LMS Bulkscan can provide a low maintenance alternative to mechanical belt weighers as it is wear free and does not require regular calibration. Further cost savings can be achieved as the unit identifies off-centre or excessive loading of material on the belt, which could cause premature wear and line breakdown”.

The system uses SICK’s proven LMS infrared laser scanning technology. The Bulkscan compares the material profile with the reference scan of the empty conveyor and the resulting cross-sectional area of the material is computed.

Using the measured speed of the belt and the material density value, the volume, mass and throughput of the materials can be quickly calculated. A highly accurate real-time mass flow or volume measurement provides commercial advantages, for example, for revenue assessment, shipping weights or safe loading.

The use of a Class 1 laser means it is entirely safe for operatives without requiring safety enclosures. The SICK LMS511 Bulkscan is contained in a compact (155 x 155 x 159 mm) IP67, weather proof, vibration resistant housing, with an inbuilt heater that switches on automatically when the temperature drops below 5 °C.

The LMS511 Bulkscan is easy to install and set up in vertical alignment for highly accurate bulk flow measurement, using the pulsed, time-of-flight laser measurement system with a 190° wide field of view. Commissioning is quick and easy using the free of charge SOPAS software, which is used to configure many of SICK’s latest products. A selection of interfaces are available for easy integration into the system architecture, including six configurable digital outputs, two digital inputs, analogue inputs/outputs and Ethernet interfaces.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/30052014/sick_launches_new_lms511_bulkscan_46/