Volumetric and mass flow measurement on bulks conveyor

One of the most important challenges in bulks transportation at different processes (mining, steel, tobacco, etc.) is the measurement of the flow, mainly due to the variation in the size of the material or the distribution of the load in the conveyor bel, in addition to the high speed with which it is required to measure the amount of material that is being sent to the process itself.

Currently on the market there are so-called "dynamic weighing systems" that consist of one or more "floating" rollers, which are resting on load cells, which, depending on the weight they support, send a millivoltage or milliamps signal. The great disadvantage of this type of system is its low accuracy, as well as its constant maintenance due to the fact that it has moving mechanical parts.

Sick, a world leader in applications based on sensors for industrial use, is our commercial partner and at ECN we can support you for the online measurement of the volumetric and mass flow of bulk conveyor through the implementation of the sensor called Bulkscan ? which, using non-contact light beam time-of-flight measurement technology, generates a reliable volume signal from laser distance and belt speed, regardless of bulk material properties and atmospheric factors (dust, fog, rain, etc. ) The laser sensor also prevents wear on the conveyor belts by using the load profiles to correct loading processes in order to prevent uneven loading of the conveyor belt and its displacement. At the same time, the sensor permanently monitors the feed of raw materials in order to efficiently control and optimize ongoing production processes.

The configuration of this equipment is quite simple: With the empty conveyor belt, the adjustment of the zero point is made (to the center of the belt) and from there the measurement of the height of the material is made and, with the value of the density of the product, it is possible to know the mass and volume flow. In addition, the sensor can calculate the center of gravity of the bulk material due unsymmetrical belt loading or uneven weight distribution can cause the belt to run crooked and suffer increased wear; Monitoring of the center of gravity creates the basis for correcting the belt load and thus increases the continuity of operation.

The Bulkscan ? can calculate the height or the highest point of the bulk material in the center of the conveyor belt. This makes it possible to detect, for example, large stones before they block or damage the machines in downstream processes.

Bulkscan? flow sensor, thanks to its multiple communication interfaces, integrates effortlessly into almost any production environment. In addition to Ethernet, it has RS-232/RS-422 interfaces, as well as digital inputs and outputs. For maintenance functions the device can be accessed via the USB interface. Via the optional I/O module BAM100, the digital measured values can be transformed into analog signals. This allows the use of the Bulkscan ? even without having external controllers and thus increases the integration options.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information in this regard: [email protected]