Very large storage silos contain thousands of tons of inventory every month. Each month assessment of inventory and process control requirements may be off the mark by up to 10,000 tons due to inaccurate or unreliable measurement of silo contents using a single point level measurement device. This uncertainty presents challenges not only to storage and production planning, but to financial forecasting as well.

Raw materials for animal feed are stored in open bins that are emptied according to production demands. As the material is taken out using a tractor, the raw material is formed irregularly in the bins, making accurate inventory measurement nearly impossible.

APM technology – how it works

The 3DLevelScanner uses a very low frequency acoustical signal to penetrate dust and take measurements based on how long the signal takes to "travel to" solid or powder material and "return to" the device. These very low frequency acoustical signals are able to penetrate suspended dust, unlike other technologies whose signals become "confused" when attempting to take measurements in dusty environments. Moreover, by having 3 antennas the device can generate mapping of multiple points of the surface area of practically any kind of bulk solids stored in very large silos, open bins and stockpiles (diameters and heights of up to 70 meters / 230 feet), and generate highly accurate measures of the level and volume of the contents.
The acoustical signals combined with proprietary self-cleaning capabilities prevent material from adhering to the internal workings of the APM device, ensuring long-term reliable performance with very low maintenance requirements – regardless of harsh dusty conditions.