H-Sensortechnik Optical Belt Scale provides volumetric measurement and data capability

The H-Sensortechnik Optical Belt Scale (OBS) is a contact-free volumetric scanner that is mounted over conveyor belts. Using the latest laser technology, this belt scale effectively scans material crossing any conveyor belt with a measurement accuracy of 1mm variance. The system works very well in waste and recycling applications, biomass, soil and mulch, as well as aggregates, and is unaffected by wind, dust, temperature and vibration. 

Plus, it has no moving parts, no contact areas, only needs calibration once, and is unaffected by changing conveyor angle, which is particularly helpful on tracked equipment. Beyond its practical measurement application, the Optical Belt Scale is also a very effective project management tool providing cloud-based reporting telematics.  

How does the Optical Belt Scale work?
To accurately measure volumes, the Optical Belt Scale uses a volume data calculation to produce a 99.8% volumetric accurate result. First, the laser measures the cross-profile of the material on the conveyor belt. Secondly, a sensor measures the feed rate of the conveyor belt by an inductive speed sensor. Finally, by combining the cross profile and feed rate measurements, the resulting material data is readily available in cubic meters, yards or it can be converted to weight using a set material density. 

Once the unit's sensor scans and measures material on the conveyor, besides storing the data, it wirelessly transmits data in real-time to a handheld device and via Bluetooth, it syncs the device data with the cloud based Sensortrack dashboard. The Optical Belt Scale's Sensortrack dashboard provides users a secure authentication where they can access current and historical measurements, lists of transported volumes and daily summaries all on an easy-to-use user interface. Live data can be retrieved at any time, from any location, for multiple scales and multiple sites. The team of Optical Belt Scale can also access the smartphone (after authority) via the network and carry out remote maintenance avoiding costly on-site service calls. Additionally, this data can be integrated with an existing on-site control panel for increased reporting flexibility. 

What are the benefits for Optical Belt Scale users?
By receiving accurate and reliable data measurements direct from the field, it allows Optical Belt Scale users to review a site's production: see exactly when equipment started, when it was down, and address operation performance issues as they happen. For the office team, estimating costs for projects can be based on specific data, which allows for more accurate bidding and or costing.  

The Optical Belt Scale measurement data provides recyclers and other contractors in applications ranging from organics to aggregates, with an in-dept'h quantifiable performance metric which can be used to power business and operation decisions. Users will know exactly how much material a crew and equipment are processing daily. Plus, by having the ability to monitor production, Optical Belt Scale users can spot operational issues before they cost money. Unexpected periods of downtime may be a sign of fundamental problems, such as: unsuitable machines for loading or preliminary work, non-matching capacities of the equipment, and possibly the inability to meet customer demands. Paying workers during downtime or overtime can increase operational expenses significantly. With this technology, production processes can be consistently analyzed to detect problems before they lead to costly downtime.

In addition, as a database of measurements is built over time, Optical Belt Scale users will be able to spot performance trends in the data, and even potentially catch wear part replacements before they disrupt an operation.

For more information, visit http://www.opticalbeltscale.co...