K-TEK, a leading manufacturer of
state-of-the-art instrumentation for level measurement, today announced the
LM3D and LM2D laser scanners, a new family of products for non-contact
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, non-contact volume scanner for
conveyor-based materials that provides an accurate, easy-to-use, and
maintenance free alternative to belt scales.
Three Dimensional Laser Scanner
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 on-board microprocessor immediately calculates the stored material's
volume and mass. Measurements can be transmitted via 4-20 mA or RS-232
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.
Two Dimensional Laser Scanner
The LM2D is a two-dimensional laser scanner for non-contact 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, non-contact alternative to traditional belt scales.
The LM2D incorporates a non-contact 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 on-board 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 4-20 mA 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," stated 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 non-contact, 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%."
New Generation Products Go Beyond Level Measurement
K-TEK's 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, non-contact
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 aluminum 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.
Pricing & Delivery
K-TEK's LM3D and LM2D laser scanners are available for immediate shipment.
Prices start at $11,000 for the LM3D and $11,000 for the LM2D. Quantity
discount is available.
The LM3D laser scanner data sheet can be downloaded at:
http://www.ktekcorp.com/dnn20/Default.aspx?tabid=67&productID=109
The LM2D laser scanner data sheet can be downloaded at:
http://www.ktekcorp.com/dnn20/Default.aspx?tabid=67&productID=108
