Application Problem
A ship loader at a large coal export terminal required reliable, all-weather operator warning of potential collisions and automatic controls able to stop machine drives safely before a collision could occur. The continued operation was required very close to objects presenting a collision risk, such as cranes, hatch covers, bridge structures, etc.
Solution
An array of Sultan Acoustic Wave sensors positioned at intervals along the boom detect approaching targets before they become hazardous. Sensor beans overlap so full coverage is achieved. At a selected distance from any target, a proximity warning is generated by the control system to the operator, and the drive speed of the machine is reduced. Normal loading can continue at a safer reduced travel speed. Closer to the boom, a line of protection is formed by a Gladiator series Microwave Barrier Switch. If any object breaks the line between the sender and receiver at such a close distance, then the machine is immediately stopped from continuing toward the hazard by the control system, and a collision is avoided. Sensors are made of durable polypropylene or stainless steel for marine environments.
Ordering Information
- Sultan Acoustic Wave sensors (every 2 meters along each side of the boom): AWR234SUXXXX + AWRT20T4XXXC6XX + FA4B-4
- Gladiator Microwave sensors parallel to boom - each side (fixed separation from sender-receiver)
- GSASUS+GMSB102XX+GMRR102XX (variable separation from sender-receiver)
- GSASUS + GMSB102Xx + GMRRS103XX
