Whether you operate in the rail or mining industries, understanding some terminology around weighing systems technology will not only help you make a more informed decision upon purchase but shed light on the technological developments adopted by one of Australia’s industry leaders. Local pioneers Trakblaze are composed of 88 years’ experience that has led to an extensive product range made possible by a specialist group of IT, mechanical and electronic weighing engineers. From notable milestones such as being the first company globally to achieve high speed train weighing to the plethora of current day trademarked that are used as an industry standard, Trakblaze are a customer and project-centred organisation continuously trying to improve industry operations and inform their clients on the best practises upon a new project. So, you might be wondering, what the difference between volumetric and load scanning is? This distinction will also help you see how different technologies within the industry serve different purposes, as well as their benefits.
Knowing the difference between volumetric and load scanning
Fast becoming an industry standard among the mining and rail sectors, Volumetric Scanning is an efficient method of measuring loads of bulk loose solids and recording data in real-time to improve processes. When looking at Trakblaze’s patented Mining Truck Volume Scanner (TVS), it uses an elevated scan head to read the incoming loads of passing dump trucks and disseminates the data and key metrics via a centralised software in which the operators can analyse it to affect immediate improvements to operations. Specifically, this is a non-contact form of volumetric measurement in which the calculation of production critical parameters are given in less than 10 seconds. The process begins with the 3D modelling of an empty tray that is recorded into the system as an ‘empty vehicle profile’. This is then used as the measuring stick against the subsequent scans of loaded trucks and the software befitted with the TVS computes the difference between each loaded truck against the empty vehicle profile. Whether you use these insights to streamline operations or strengthen your recording accuracy, the Trakblaze Mining Truck Volume scanner is a cutting-edge weighing system that allows for thorough analysis of loose solids in dump tracks and even comes in a tailored version suited to the rail industry.
When looking at load scanning equipment, they are best characterised by their physical nature in which they are fitted onto a train track and driven over to record the essential load data of trains. Fitted with load-cells that convert various forces such as tension, compression, pressure and torque into a signal that can be measured and analysed, the Trakblaze Mobile Train Weigher (MTW) is a mobile weighing system that can be fitted on to most conventional rails. Specifically, when the wheel flange rolls up the ramp, the wheel’s tyre is raised just clear of the rail head and weighed, displaying wheel, axle, bogie and total train weight. The benefit of axle-by-axle measurement is that there is no restriction on wagon type (train, locomotive etc) and each wheel can be weighed individually. It is certainly worth knowing the Trakblaze MTW is pre-calibrated which removes the need for trial weighs, and it is designed to connect up to 6 x MTW bases. As an international provider of high-quality mobile train weighers, Trakblaze pride themselves on their MTW’s precision to record and analyse data, it’s user friendliness and the meticulous design that has resulted in a simple use weighing industry staple.