A 3DOF system for 3 dimensional stockpile surface scanning using laser

In material handing operations, raw materials are often stacked in a number of layers and subsequently reclaimed by benches. The quality grade may be different between layers. Also, the blending effect happens simultaneously with the stacking and reclaiming operations, how to meet the target grade required by the customers while lowering operation costs are rising academic concerns. By acquiring the shapes and dimensions of the layers of 3D stockpiles, the flows of bulk materials can be tracked, the compositions and distributions predicted, planned and controlled with much ease leading to increased efficiencies in Australia´s current bulk handling infrastructure, consequently increasing export potential and reducing costs. This paper describes a 3DOF laser scanning system which was designed to accurately measure, model and record the quantity of bulk solids in a laboratory environment. Pilot experiments and results demonstrate good, precise and fast performance of the system.