Level Measurement & Control


APM 3D level scanner

September 2010 Level Measurement & Control

The APM 3D volumetric level scanner has successfully solved a problematic application at one of Botswana’s leading copper producers that proved too demanding for technologies such as ultrasonic and radar. A very tall and narrow steel silo, measuring 25 metres high and 6 metres wide is pneumatically filled at three points on the top of the silo. The product being fed into the silo is a rich copper granular powder that results in vast amounts of dust being permanently present. The silo also has a dual cone configuration at the bottom. All of these factors made it very difficult for any other technology to work.

The client installed an APM scanner from Allpronix. The 3D Scanner works on variable low frequency pulses and incorporates triangulation using tri-antennae technology. The low frequency pulses can penetrate the dust and with triangulation the scanner adds the extra dimension of direction. The unit can work out the direction of each echo received, which prevents any false signals being processed and allows the entire surface area to be scanned for volumetric measurement. Optional software provides 3D visualisation of the product surface being measured. Users can also programme the bulk density into the system to enable mass measurement and provide an output as volume, tons or kilograms, for an accurate and reliable way to measure bulk solids in inventory control applications.



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