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

  • Machine and machine control innovations in concrete paving
    June 28, 2013
    Machine innovations and machine control advances are the latest news in the concrete paving sector - Mike Woof reports. While machine control systems were pioneered in the concrete paving market, continuous refinement of the technologies is offering major improvements for customers. Customers have a choice now of more than one supplier while the packages are said to be more user-friendly than before. And in addition, the systems themselves can be more closely integrated into the machines due to advances mad
  • Innovation abounds at the smaller end of the compaction equipment sector
    August 22, 2013
    New machines are now being offered at the compact end of the asphalt compaction market - Mike Woof reports Manufacturers have developed an array of new machines and solutions for the compact end of the asphalt compactor market segment. These units have been designed to meet the latest regulations for Europe and the US, with low emission engines that are also more economical on fuel. But as these machines are made in large volumes, the market for smaller asphalt compactors sees fierce rivalry between fi
  • New methods for non-destructive concrete testing
    August 29, 2017
    How best is it possible to assess the state of concrete in a road pavement, bridge deck or tunnel wall? One of the most reliable ways is to take a core of concrete from the structure to analyse and test in the laboratory. One downside to this method is that doing the test creates weak points in the structure that must then be repaired. Another is that the frequency of such cores cannot be too great – so it is possible that some problem areas will be missed. New technologies from the world of geospatial eng
  • Solid ground
    June 1, 2022
    The depth effect of heavy single drum rollers is remarkable and is significantly increased by the polygonal drum, available only from BOMAG.