Germany-based Continental says the main feature of the system is its 2D radar technology which measures the material flow on the conveyor belt. It adds that it can be used in almost all industries where conveyor belt systems are in operation including gravel extraction.
The system is already in use at the August Oppermann Kiesgewinnungs gravel plant in Northeim, Germany. Continental says the extraction of material at the plant depends on the individual loading of the belt by each worker.
The Conti Load Sense radar-based monitoring system’s volume measurement capability means that operators can use the so-called deep grab more efficiently, and this increases the output by up to 100,000 tons per year. Conti Load Sense can be connected to Continental’s cloud-based application Conti Cloud so that the recorded data can be processed in a visually appealing way for the end customer via a web service or the Conti+ online service portal and the associated Conti+ app.
Conti Load Sense is based on radar sensors developed by Continental and already used in cars and industrial vehicles. The company says it is now expanding its portfolio in this area to markets including conveyors.
Mario Branco, responsible for business development for off-highway applications at Continental, comments: “The steady transfer of technology in other products and new areas is really unique and shows Continental’s broad positioning.”