Skip to main content

Non-contact sensing from SICK

A novel non-contact radar sensing technology from SICK offers accurate and reliable real-time monitoring of bulk solid levels for the storage and handling of mineral products
October 4, 2021 Read time: 2 mins
Accurate silo measurement technology is now offered by SICK

The SICK SicWave uses high-frequency 80 GHz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of low-frequency radar sensors or mechanical devices to achieve precision continuous level measurement.

The microwave pulses of the SICK SicWave sensors are claimed to penetrate through dust and material build-up to output accurate results. The SICK LBR SicWave is a bulk solids level sensor with a range of up to 120m. This can be used for continuous level measurement in production of products such as cement, concrete and gypsum for crushers and belt transfer, as well as for silos for storing products.

The firm claims that this technology can be used to manage the supply of bulk solids in storage vessels. It offers accurate level measurement using non-contact technology and is not disrupted by the presence of dust or build-up of residue, or by other obstructions in the vessel.

Positioned at the top of a silo, or over a heap or bunker, the SICK SicWave sensor sends a narrow beam of microwave radar pulses and uses the time-of-flight principle to return a high-quality signal even at long ranges or extreme temperatures and pressures. The SICK SicWave 80 GHz free-space radar sensors are a thousand times more sensitive than previous generation 26 GHz radar technologies ensuring high availability in challenging environments with minimal maintenance. The narrow field of view avoids the potential for false signals caused by deposits on walls or by obstructions inside the vessel.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Laser scanning focuses on asset management
    January 9, 2015
    Laser scanners and improved data collection and analysis software are making light of asset management surveying. David Arminas reports The age of the laser scanner is upon us, taking over from traditional manual methods of surveying, data collection and processing. These new technical developments are making it much easier to process and use the data captured and are providing highways engineers with powerful tools to record, map and visualise their assets. This is good news for highways authorities
  • Smarter vision
    February 10, 2012
    Allied Vision Technologies says that its new Prosilica GX1920 HD camera offers a high resolution solution for traffic imaging applications.
  • The use of telematics in construction machines is growing
    May 20, 2015
    Demand for telematics technology is growing, as equipment users begin to lean the value of these systems – Alan Dron reports With construction projects increasingly operating to wafer-thin profit margins, any technological assistance that can keep the accounts in the black is welcome. This is particularly the case with those projects where contractors can share a larger slice of the profits if they complete their work ahead of schedule. The downside, of course, is that they also share the pain if the
  • Using machine control in earthmoving boosts efficiency
    December 19, 2017
    The use of new machine control tools has made a significant boost in earthmoving efficiency. Automated grade control using GNSS signals has transformed how earthmoving contractors get work done. Through the engineering efforts of its innovators and developers, machine control technology has been improved and refined over the years. A development in the ongoing evolution of machine control technology is Topcon Positioning Systems’ introduction of its 3D-MCMAX integrated 3D dozer system. Most notably, the