Laser scanners promise volumetric accuracy
A
K-Tek product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 14, 2008
The LM3D and LM2D laser scanners from K-Tek make up a new family of products for noncontact volumetric measurement of bulk solids.
The LM3D is the industry's first real-time three-dimensional volume scanner profiler for bulk materials in silos or stockpiles.
The LM2D is a real-time noncontact volume scanner for conveyor-based materials that provides an accurate, easy-to-use and maintenance-free alternative to belt scales.
The LM3D is the first instrument to provide fast, automated, and accurate volume measurement and mass calculations of bulk materials.
The device uses a rotating laser head for multipoint laser scans to, either on-demand or periodically, measure the uneven surface of stored materials.
A three-dimensional map of the surface is created in the scanner memory and the onboard microprocessor immediately calculates the stored material's volume and mass.
Measurements can be transmitted via 4-20mA or RS232 interface to a DCS or PLC control system, or to third-party applications like Microsoft Excel.
This provides easy and inexpensive connections to the most common industry interfaces without the need for proprietary software.
When the LM3D is not performing surface scans, it can be used for single point measurements.
Setup is quick and intuitive using the device's built-in menu system.
By combining multiple scanners, a variety of silo shapes and sizes can be accommodated.
The LM2D is a two-dimensional laser scanner for noncontact volume flow measurement of belt conveyed materials.
Designed to measure the flow of bulk solids materials on conveyor belts and monitor speed, the scanner is an easy-to-use, noncontact alternative to traditional belt scales.
The LM2D incorporates a noncontact belt speed sensor that uses Doppler radar to measure conveyor speed.
The scanner head scans the profile of the flowing material on the belt.
An onboard microprocessor uses the information from the scanning head to calculate volume and mass throughput in real time.
An integral laser pointer is provided to aid in alignment.
Installation is quick, requiring only a few minutes, as opposed to belt scale systems which can take many hours or days to install.
A plug-and-play device, the LM2D requires no calibration and no routine maintenance.
Data can be sent to other devices using the standard 4-20mA interface; separate outputs are provided for flow, cross-sectional area and speed.
No special software is needed.
"Traditionally, level measurement of bulk materials is complex, often costly, and less accurate than liquid level measurement", says Ivo Radanov, Product Manager for Lasers at K-Tek.
"With rising fuel and logistical costs, bulk handlers are looking for different approaches to more accurate level and inventory measurement".
"Laser technology is an elegant solution that can uniquely provide noncontact, not just level, but also volume, measurement of a wide range of materials".
"Lasers have the unique ability to measure any solid surface at any angle with a very narrow beam".
"Therefore, it is natural for these lasers to be applied in sophisticated products for profiling of complex material shapes".
"This allows LM2D and LM3D laser scanners to bring volume accuracy for dry materials in silos and stock pile as low as 0.5%".
The LM3D and LM2D laser scanners are cutting edge laser products that go beyond simple level measurement.
They feature three dimensional or two dimensional material profiling.
Both instruments provide unique, noncontact volume, level, or flow measurement capabilities.
The LM2D belt scanner is easily installed in minutes while the belt is moving and does not require regular maintenance.
The LM3D is the first three dimensional laser scanner and profiler designed for the process industry.
It can be applied in the mining, aggregate, grain, and coal power industry for volume measurement of stockpiles and silos.
Both instruments have rugged powder-coated aluminium enclosures, rated IP66, which ensure reliable operation in variety of challenging environments.
Integral dust tubes prevent dust built-up and prevent the optical lens from being coated.
K-Tek's LM3D and LM2D laser scanners are available for immediate shipment.
Prices start at US $11000 for the LM3D and US $11000 for the LM2D.
Quantity discounts are available.
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