MANAGEMENT

SICK uses 80GHZ radar to monitor bulk materials

Radar solution offers real-time results with 120m range

This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.

The small beam angle suits mining's rugged environments due to its ability to penetrate through dust and material build-up, said SICK. 

The company said the sensor, which has a range of up to 120 metres, can be used to optimise material storage in breakers and stockpiles as well as for belt transfers, buffers and production silos. 

"Anyone who needs to manage the supply of bulk solids in storage vessels will understand the frustrations that can be caused when trying to achieve a reliable level measurement using a non-contact optical or radar principle when the signal is disrupted by the presence of dust or build-up of residue, or by other obstructions in the vessel," SICK UK product manager for industrial instrumentation Darren Pratt said.

"When positioned at the top of a silo, or over a heap or bunker, a SICK SicWave sensor sends a highly-focused narrow beam of microwave radar pulses and uses the time-of-flight principle to return a high-quality signal even at exceptionally long ranges or extreme temperatures and pressures."

  

Archived article: image not displayed.

The sensor at use in a mining silo

 

 

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2025

Discover how mining companies and investors are adopting, deploying and evaluating new technologies.

editions

Mining IQ Exploration Insights 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the world of exploration in a comprehensive review of the top trending technologies, intercepts, discoveries and more.

editions

Future Fleets Insights 2025

Mining IQ Future Fleets Insights 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024

Exclusive research for Mining IQ Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech