Capital Equipment News October 2017

LOAD WEIGHING SYSTEMS

processing engine that converts signals from the load cells and speed wheel into weighing data. The speed sensor provides data to cal- culate belt speed, flow rate and total weight, while the scale assembly measures vertical forces for an accurate weight signal to the integrator. “Communications can send conveyor infor- mation to a remote display, a PLC, local com- puter or web-based reporting via Ethernet, or wireless communication (optional),” says Luttig. Remote display is designed for the office or control room to monitor and control all LOADRITE belt scale integrators. It also allows data entry of downtime reasons (op- tional). LOADRITE belt scales can measure the fuel or energy consumption of a motor or electric engine via a fuel gauge or energy meter connected to the motor (optional). Tracking productivity Having a weighing system installed is one thing, and being able to keep track of production is quite another. Luttig argues that fixed and mobile equipment is a major investment, and Trimble’s InsightHQ, a web- based software, helps optimise assets by tracking productivity. “Efficient use of fixed and mobile equip- ment is key to maximising profits. InsightHQ (web-based) and Materials Management System (for PC) reporting platforms are spe- cifically designed for loading and quarrying operations. LOADRITE can track the stock- pile inventory levels and loader tasks, for example, stockpiling vs. loadout, when using data fields,” says Luttig. “LOADRITE reports on key metrics of the quarry operation – pit processing and loadout – empowering quar- ry managers to optimise their production, not just a scale on a loader.” InsightHQ is a quarry management portal that shows near real time productivity, avail- ability and performance dashboards and re- ports for extraction, processing and loadout. To view changes over time, the site manager can adjust reports to suit either the shift, day, week, month or year. Snapshot connects with LOADRITE scales to present near real time data so the site manager can react during the shift. In terms of equipment management, the InsightHQ loading performance summary helps staff understand product throughput by weight and by truckloads, while simple and accurate visibility of conveyor TPH and performance help production teams meet daily targets. “InsightHQ presents information in simple, easy-to-consume chunks, or drill down into raw data to identify specific issues or bottle- necks,” says Luttig, adding that InsightHQ is a fraction of the cost of similar PLC or SCA- DA-based reporting systems, but offers addi- tional functionality. b

The LOADRITE X2350 excavator scale ensures bucket-by-bucket optimisation of load-out process.

the L2180 and L2150. The LOADRITE L2180 can be easily configured to suit a wide range of industries, including sand, stone and gravel, public works, as well as waste and recycling. It is said to be the most pop- ular scale in the LOADRITE product range, accounting for 70% of all installations globally. The L2150 is a user-friendly weighing system designed for ease of use with fast access to menus and data. By using multi- ple-point triggering, speed compensation and dual pressure measurement, the L2150 is said to offer high-level weighing accuracy regardless of lift speed and loader move- ment. The screen display is uncluttered and only relays pertinent information to the op- erator when required. This enables the op- erator to concentrate on the loading process without unnecessary distractions. The Active Tip Off feature allows the loader operator to adjust the last bucket load at any height. This is possible due to the rotary posi- tion sensor which allows the scales to com- pensate for boom position. “LOADRITE uses a rotary position sensor to continuously monitor boom position over the entire lift, allowing multiple measurement points. Multi-point weighing allows variations in weights calcu- lated to be averaged out or even discarded if outside tolerance levels. The variances can be caused by inexperienced operators or weigh- ing on rough ground,” says Luttig. Meanwhile, the LOADRITE X2350 exca- vator scale uses proprietary technology to achieve accurate weighing to +/-3% margin of error with no disruption to the operation of the excavator. The dynamic payload weigh- ing system is said to ensure bucket-by-buck- et optimisation of the load-out processes. The bucket sensor is installed on the bucket or quick-hitch. It measures the angle of the bucket to provide increasing weighing per-

formance and a larger operating area for the operator. The LOADRITE trigger units are mounted on the boom and stick pivot point. They sense the position of the excavator boom and stick arm to ensure measurement accuracy. The X2350 indicator is mounted in the cab, and it receives data from the sensors and calcu- lates weight. Meanwhile, the LOADRITE angle sensors, mounted on the excavator chassis frame, provide machine angle and movement information used to compensate for variable ground slope conditions and pro- vide greater accuracy of measured weights. Speaking of key benefits of LOADRITE’s loader and excavator scale solutions, Luttig explains that hydraulic weighing is effected by temperature, but LOADRITE wheel load- ers and excavator weighing systems with friction and ambient compression technology (FACT) compensate for hydraulic tempera- ture, bearing, machine friction and lubrica- tion levels without the additional expense of extra sensors. He also adds that when weighing on un- even ground, centre of gravity greatly affects the weighing accuracy. LOADRITE’s exclusive ground-slope compensation allows for accu- rate weighing on any surface angle or ramp. Conveyor belt scales LOADRITE belt scales are said to give plant operators and managers a range of powerful tools to measure the actual production from screens and crushers, track final product stockpiles, analyse plant and machine downtime, as well as monitoring loadout of trucks. The LOADRITE C2850 is best suited to mobile conveyor belt applications, while the C2880 for fixed plant brings multiple convey- ors onto one display. Explaining how these scales work, Luttig says the integrator is the

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2017 18