The scanner’s accuracy and repeatability combined with internet data accessibility finally allows for real-time decisions such as:  merchandising measured short or long positions, making adjustments to production yields/pricing, theft detection–theft deterrence, and a host of other management functions that previously could only be based on data that was perhaps weeks or even months old.

 

 

3D Bulk Inventory Scanner

True Inventory Measurement

The BinTech Scanner accurately measures grain inventory by combining a precision laser rangefinder with a high-precision 2-axis positioner.  While other traditional process instruments, and even manual measurements, neglect the complex topography present with grain, the BinTech Scanner measures hundreds of points and maps the complete product surface to calculate a very precise inventory value. 

Highest Accuracy

The larger the vessel diameter, the greater the error from traditional measurement methods.  Tests comparing BinTech inventory measurements to weigh-scale data repeatedly demonstrate total accuracy of better than 99.5% (or < 0.5% error).

The BinTech scanner automatically performs a high-resolution daily pre-programmed scan.  The website interface also provides the capability for user-prompted, quick, low-resolution scans and single-point vertical measurements for instant grain height information, potentially eliminating the need for personnel to ever climb a bin for a manual measurement again!

What About Dust?

Precise Inventory Management

3D Bulk Materials Inventory Scanner

Patent # 6,986,294

The world’s first tool for automated full surface high resolution measurement of large bulk inventory storage tanks.

In the past, laser-based process instruments have traditionally struggled with dusty environments. Every surface, including the bottom side of the equipment, inside a commercial grain bin accumulates dust. The BinTech Scanner features a patented mechanism (hidden from view in this picture) that wipes dust from the optics window before and after every scan sequence and covers the window between scans.  These features allow BinTech Scanners to be maintenance-free in dusty conditions for years of uninterrupted service.

Bottom-line Management

Enhanced Plant Protection

Steel grain bins have unfortunately proven they are susceptible to collapse.  This catastrophic failure is often attributed to uneven sidewall loading due to hanging grain from spoilage or asymmetric filling and emptying.  The BinTech Scanner provides early visual detection of all of these conditions long before they threaten structural integrity.

The inventory value, along with a 3-D visual image and history, are provided through the convenience of the internet and a secure website. The secure website provides you access to daily scan images, preformatted reports, raw data reports, and historical trends. You can gain access to this data from any internet connected computer using your BinTech assigned username and password.

Topography Report from a BinTech customer’s 1.7 million bushel tank. Enlarge View

Inventory Trend Report  (Example of preformatted report)

BinTech scanners are less susceptible to errors in measurement

Customizable Reports (Example of Raw Data Report)

Topography Report illustrating problematic conditions

News event

Measurement Results (Data Access)

The first image alerted plant operations that the secondary withdraw gate had a broken actuator rod.

The second image captured an undetected 35,000 bushel hanging grain condition cause by blue-eye mold spoilage.

The third image alerted plant operations that the PLC controlled center gate motor and secondary gate motor operations were out of sequence.