SURFACE AUTOMATION
allows stockyard machinery to operate
consistently close to operational limits without
exceeding them. The system has also
significantly reduced maintenance costs by
reducing machine movements; all of which is
expected to add up to a full ROI within two years.
Rasmus Stefansen, FLSmidth Global Product
Line Manager, Bulk Handling, told IM: “The
unique combination of continuous 3D surface
profile scanning technology and adaptive control
measures effectively allows for the control
system to utilise optimal control strategies
which ensures performance gains over the whole
spectre of operation of the machines. From start
to finish of any orders. The system also
dynamically advances its operation based on the
actual material and how it builds up on the
ground. As long as the machine physically can
handle the incoming load, then the control
system can accommodate it accordingly.”
The 3D laser scanner is located onboard the
machine where it combined with two GNSS
receivers provide the core elements of the
autonomous system. The laser scanner provides
a full 360° image around the machine which is
matched with the machines current position
from the GNSS receivers which in combination
yields a high resolution absolute point cloud of
data, corresponding to the surface profile of the
surrounding terrain (x, y ,z). This high resolution
terrain model allows for mathematical
processing and control algorithm application,
and allows for advanced dynamic machine
operation much in contrast to traditional
automation which is executed using terrain
assumptions. The terrain data from each
machine can be combined with data from other
machines which together provides a full
stockyard terrain map.
The system design is fully FLSmidth but with
BlueScope Steel inputs towards electrical
requirements and sensor mounting and
interfacing to existing machine control system.
Move
mountains
of data.
BlueScope Steel’s Port Kembla stockyard for
material blending and sorting has seen the
benefits of automation through FLSmidth’s
BulkExpert™ system
Stefansen added: “FLSmidth puts a great effort
into applying and maintaining working solutions,
while adhering to customer requirements and
installation guidelines for any electrical system.
It is always a balance. The team at BlueScope
Steel was extremely skilled towards adapting on
their side, towards making a mutual
implementation.” IM
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