SICK LMS511 Bulkscan laser scanner

SICK’s LMS511 Bulkscan laser scanner improves speed and accuracy when measuring the volume and mass throughput of bulk materials on a conveyor belt, says the company.

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

Real-time measurement for coal handling

Operating inside or outside under any weather or industrial conditions, the LMS Bulkscan determines the volume and mass throughput of coal, coal dust, biomass fuels and ash output, for example. It provides a real-time measurement system for power plant operators and fuel 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 and +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.”

Using LMS infra-red laser scanning to monitor coal handling

The system uses SICK’s proven LMS infra-red 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 realtime 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 in-built heater which switches on automatically when the temperature drops below 5°C.

Quick and easy set up

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 190o 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 found on plant, including six configurable digital outputs, two digital inputs, analogue inputs/outputs and ethernet interfaces.

Written by SICK. Edited by Jonathan Rowland

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/product-news/02062014/sick_lms511_bulkscan_laser_scanner_coal921/