A nine lane, automatic, high-bay warehouse in Spain with 6600 pallet storage spaces has selected Leuze sensor solutions. Even at inhospitable ambient temperatures as low as -30°C, the sensors position the storage and retrieval units for high-bay warehouses, optically transmit data and monitor the safe positioning of pallets.
The storage facility offers floor space of 40 000 square metres, is 20 metres high and is divided into three temperature zones. The products stored in the first zone are kept at normal room temperature. In this area, 3400 storage spaces are available. The cooling zone, kept at 0°C, offers space for 1600 pallets; as does the deep freezing area, which has a temperature of -30°C.
The storage spaces are served by dynamic, high-bay storage devices (RGBs), for these to operate faultlessly in these extremely variable climatic conditions they must be equipped with a high performance and reliable sensor system. Their transportation paths are measured and positioned by two Leuze AMS 200/120 laser distance measuring devices; one used to control the driving movement and the other to control the lifting movement.
Between the RBGs and a base station, the data is transmitted optically by Leuze DDLS 200 optical data transceivers without any mutual interference with the Leuze AMS 200 sensors. Leuze 46B sensors monitor the positioning of the cargo without difficulty.
The Leuze AMS 200 Absolute Measurement Systems, which are mounted in x and y- axis at the height of the running gear, operate with high accuracy, are easy to use and offer maximum connection convenience.
For calculating the absolute position of the RBG and the lifting unit, reflectors that reflect the laser light to the Leuze AMS 200 have been fitted at the end of the respective track. Because the positioning calculation occurs quickly, these sensors can implement the high dynamics of the RBG drives. Calibrated positions are reproduced with millimetre precision up to an operating range of 200 metres.
Using the position change per time unit, the software of the Leuze AMS 200 calculates the current velocity. This way, velocity is monitored at the same time, a special feature provided by the sensors.
Traverse paths can be divided into four different distance sectors, each configured with a separate velocity. The device monitors these parameters autonomously and if the calibrated velocity is exceeded or not reached, the device reports this to the control. As a result, this high-bay warehouse was able to reduce the complexity of mechanical velocity control mechanisms by approximately 30 percent.
The sensor issues pre-failure messages in good time in the event of impermissible temperatures, soiled optics or decreased power of the laser diode. This facilitates timely maintenance and troubleshooting depending on the requirement and thus increases plant availability.
In this facility the RBGs have been equipped with two different device versions: with and without heating. With an integrated heater, the Leuze AMS 200 can also function in the deep-freeze zone without restriction.
For communication between the RBGss, the Leuze DDLS 200 optical data transmission system transmits data free from interference. It consists of a pair of devices each operating as a transmitter and receiver using different frequencies. Optical transmission of the Leuze DDLS 200 is via invisible infrared light, whereas the Leuze AMS 200 distance measurement devices work with laser red light. Thus, both systems can operate side by side without interfering with each other.
For more information contact Countapulse Controls, +27 (0)11 615 7556, clive@countapulse.co.za, www.countapulse.edx.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 615 7556/7/8 |
| Email: | clive@countapulse.co.za |
| www: | www.countapulse.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Countapulse Controls |
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