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

  • Aggregates advantages with new equipment
    November 4, 2019
    New equipment being introduced for the crushing and screening sector offers benefits for aggregate production – Mike Woof writes
  • New generation concrete plant from Liebherr
    February 7, 2024

    The first of the new generation Liebherr concrete batching plants is going into operation at a+b Asphalt- und Betonmischwerke in Germany. The novel Betomix and Mobilmix batching plants from Liebherr benefit from a modular design. Plug-in modules are said to allow greater mobility when relocating the plant. The modular design means that customers benefit from are range of configuration options, short lead times, fast assembly and high parts availability.

  • Bridge and tunnel concrete testing vital for longevity
    July 9, 2012
    Modern technology is making testing more efficient and reliable, increasing productivity and reducing costs, as Patrick Smith reports A few years ago, visual inspection of an 18-year-old bridge by ARRB in Australia identified considerable cracking in the precast, prestressed deck planks as well as in the cast in situ deck overlay. Laboratory examination indicated that the deck planks and the deck overlay were suffering from a strong case of alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR). Testing of concrete cores drilled
  • Biral’s RWS-30 weathers poor tunnel visibility
    October 18, 2018
    Meteorological equipment specialist Biral has launched the RWS-30 road tunnel weather sensor for accurate and reliable visibility measurements. The sensor is easily integrated with systems in road and tunnel applications and monitors obstruction to vision caused by fog, smoke and exhaust fumes. The company says that the forward scatter measurement principle provides a compact design with measurements that are both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. Sensor features include window contaminatio