Crane positioning with the DME5000 at Hanson Pipe & Precast

Apr 13, 2012

Hanson Pipe & Precast is one of the world's leading manufacturers of concrete pipes and the largest manufacturer of concrete products in North America. The innovative positioning solution system from PSI Technics was introduced as part of a crane system modernization process - including the DME5000 long range distance sensor from SICK.DME5000 long range distance sensor Hanson Pipe & Precast During crane positioning, the DME5000 long range distance sensors from SICK are cooled by the TPCC thermal protection and coolig housing

 

DME5000 long range distance sensor DME5000 long range distance sensor

The particular challenges faced by the DME5000 sensors at Hanson Pipe & Precast are caused by the high ambient temperature of +60 °C. High ambient temperatures lead to a physically-related reduction in operational lifetime. The operational lifetime of the laser is halved for each 10 °C increase in temperature. Therefore it is recommended to cool the sensors in order to avoid premature failure and excessive maintenance requirements.

 

Cooling protects against premature wear

The innovative TPCC thermal protection and cooling housing is made of lightweight, modern polycarbonate and offers optimal protection for the long range distance sensors. The cooling effect is achieved on the basis of thermoelectric processes with a voltage supply of 24 V.

 

TPCC thermal protection and cooling housing TPCC thermal protection and cooling housing

This is an important advantage of this system, as no complex installation is required, in contrast to water-cooled solutions. As a result, the existing 24 V voltage supply within the industrial automation system can be used directly. "The solution offers many advanced improvements over the existing system, among other things, ready-to-use laser sensors and cooling options for extending the operational lifetime of the sensors," says Ben Schmidgall, Chief Automation Engineer, who managed the project on behalf of the customer.

 

Optimized operational lifetime

The positioning solution system from PSI Technics, the DME5000 and the TPCC mean that Hanson Pipe & Precast can count on the durability and robustness of their intraprocess logistics solution. The customer profits from precise positioning with the DME5000. In addition, the long range distance sensors ensure gentle operation of the gantry crane. A combination of this and TPCC guarantees low maintenance and repair expense and increased operational lifetime of the system.