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Accurate Volume Measurement in Real Time

LiDAR Technology Detects Conveyor Belt Pallet Loads in 3-D

LiDAR Technology Detects Conveyor Belt Loads in 3-D

The Volume3D volume detection system from Pepperl+Fuchs measures flow rates with a high level of precision. The combination of LiDAR sensor technology, a rotary encoder, and an intelligent evaluation unit provides detailed data on volume, flow rate, and many other material handling parameters. The unique modular design of the system enables individual plant-specific solutions. The range of applications spans from intralogistics through to mining.

LiDAR Sensors for Contour Detection

LiDAR sensors that use laser-based Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) provide the basis for volume measurement. The devices "scan" the contours of the load in real time. Two device types with different properties are available for this purpose: Sensors in the R2000 series offer maximum accuracy of up to ±3 % with an angular resolution of 0.042°, while the R2300 series has a very high scan rate of up to 100 Hz. The optimal sensor can therefore be selected depending on whether the focus is on highly rugged and precise measurement or high throughput.

R2000 lidar sensor in application

R2000 LiDAR sensor in application.

R2300 lidar sensor in application

R2300 LiDAR sensor in application.

Anti-Shadowing and Contamination Detection

The system offers a suitable solution for precisely measuring larger and complex structures, such as pallets that are loaded irregularly on the conveyor belt: Up to three LiDAR sensors can be connected to the evaluation unit to achieve contour detection without shadowing. At the same time, the sensing range is extended and the measurement accuracy is increased. The R2000 sensor type features integrated contamination detection and is therefore ideal for use in dusty environments, such as on bulk material conveyor belts.

Volume3D volume detection system in conveyor belt application

In this application, two LiDAR sensors are used to ensure optimized measurement results.

Volume3D volume detection system in conveyor belt application

One LiDAR sensor detects the loaded pallet.

Volume3D Volume Detection System

Flexible Velocity Measurement and Intelligent Evaluation

To generate a 3-D image from the 2-D data of the LiDAR sensors, information about the belt speed is required. The ENI58IL incremental rotary encoder is supplied as standard, but other devices from the broad Pepperl+Fuchs product portfolio can also be used. In addition, information on the conveyor speed can be supplied as a PLC signal or as a default static value. The system's multi scan evaluation unit (MSEU) consolidates the data and filters out invalid measuring points using intelligent algorithms. The pre-installed software creates data sets that are broken down so that users can select the relevant information as required: Volume, flow rate, conveyor belt utilization, 3-D load dimensions, and other parameters. The data can be retrieved continuously or as consolidated results of the last measurement, for example for entire pallets. The MSEU is housed in a rugged terminal box and equipped with M12 connections. In addition to the sensors and the evaluation unit, the entire system includes mounting accessories for the rotary encoder and all required cables.

Easy Integration, Wide Range of Applications

The particular strengths of the Volume3D volume detection system include quick commissioning and easy integration, even in existing plants. The integrated diagnostics of the R2000 enable the necessary cleaning to be triggered in time, but only as needed. The noncontact detection of both LiDAR versions also helps to minimize maintenance costs and avoid unplanned downtime. The range of possible applications includes intralogistics and material handling, chaotic conveying of packages, pallet measurement, volume measurement in bulk material applications in the mining and metal industry, waste management, and recycling. With a high level of measurement accuracy, the system easily handles high throughput and fast conveyor speeds. With the precise data for material delivery, which is provided in real time, the subsequent processes can be optimally coordinated.

Highlights of the Volume3D Volume Detection System

  • Modular system enables individual solutions for volume measurement in conveyor systems
  • Application-specific contour detection without shadowing, optionally with up to three LiDAR sensors
  • High throughput and fast conveyor speed due to a sampling rate of up to 100 Hz
  • Superb measurement precision due to maximum accuracy of up to ±3 % due to an angular resolution of 0.042°
  • Velocity measurement via supplied rotary encoder, PLC signal, or adjustable static value
  • Comprehensive real-time data for flexible use in the measurement application