Industrial equipment supplier SICK Automation says its LMS511 Pro object detection system assists in decreasing the number of collisions and injuries for the chemicals, petrochemicals and automated bulk handling industries, where continuous process and proximity monitoring plays a critical role in ensuring worker safety and product quality.

“The LMS511 Pro is a 905 nm infrared LiDAR sensor that can detect almost any object within a 190º evaluation field and 80 m radius, with a response time of less than 10 ms,” the company explains.

Building on years of experience in the development of advanced driver-assistant systems, such as vehicle-collision avoidance, lane guidance systems and autonomous driving platforms, SICK notes that its LMS511 Pro is an integral proximity sensor in dangerous or hazardous working environments, such as those of mining, ports and harbour logistics.

Seven reclaimers at energy and chemicals company Sasol Mining’s Twistdraai export plant, and Sasol Coal Supply, both in Secunda, Mpumalanga, were equipped with LMS511 Pro sensors last year, explains SICK identification and measuring product manager Mark Madeley.

The LMS511 Pro object detection system will detect any objects or humans in the reclaimer path, and send this information to the control system that can stop the reclaimer to avert an accident.

“Apart from the level of accuracy and intelligence provided by the LMS511 Pro, its heavy-duty design intended for outdoor performance in rugged industrial environments, together with multieco technology and field-switching functionality sees Sasol establishing world-class on-site safety standards,” Madeley explains.

He adds that the systems on the reclaimers have slightly different functionalities – determined by reclaimer type and on-site engineering requirements – and that SICK executed all systems programming in-house according to specific application parameters.

The LMS511 Pro is integrated within a high-quality engineering configuration, including built-in system redundancy and self-signal testing automated by SICK Automation’s Flexi Soft safety controllers.

Additional functionality is integrated into the systems to monitor contamination of the laser scanners. “Occasional cleaning of excessive contamination on the lenses of the scanners, presents the only maintenance requirements for these systems,” Madeley continues.

SICK produces sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications and offers high-quality sensor technology, as well as applications, system integration and service expertise for the factory automation, logistics automation and process automation industries.

“We have a network of sales distributors and value-added resellers throughout Southern Africa and are an experienced system partner for many major projects. “SICK offers not only a range of leading-edge products but also a comprehensive package of vital know-how, service and support,” the company concludes.