Commonly Asked Questions, Our Answers
Yes. We have ensured Loadscan payload scanning systems provide accurate results across all dump truck varieties – including the largest mining haulers. In this situation the scan head will often be custom mounted or attached to an outrigger extension to gain the optimum elevated position. For example see the CAT775 case study checking payload stats in the Californian outback.
If the quantity of steam is enough to significantly disturb the visibility of the load surface, then a “Visual Pollution” error will be reported and no measurement computed. This can generally be resolved by waiting a couple of minutes or so for the steam to settle and re-scanning.
The Loadscan LVS is a robust system, built tough for even the harshest mining environments. It will continue to work and deliver accurate results in rain and temperature extremes. However, it relies on an optical laser scanner and therefore can be affected by high levels of visual pollution (such as heavy dust, dense fog, severe storms, snow). When the environmental conditions are too severe the LVS system will report a “visual pollution” error message rather than continuing to scan and producing inaccurate results.
To achieve a reduction in cost per tonne hauled it’s generally agreed that mines need to increase their trucking factors. Trucking factors include a number of variables including size of payload, amount of carry-back/haul-back left in truck bed, off-centre or sub-optimal loading, bin dimensions and shape, etc. Successful mines are increasingly using 3D volumetric scanning to increase tucking factors and maximise payload opportunity.
Mine cost reduction can be achieved through optimizing truck loading. If every truck is optimally loaded with the maximum payload this results in less truck movements and lower cost per tonne hauled. Mines use laser volume scanning technology to gain more information about their loads than can be provided by traditional weigh scales alone. 3D laser scanning enables the identification of haul-back material so that mine operators can remove it from daily shift tallies (or dig haul-back out of the truck bed when it becomes a cost prohibitive amount that reduces the maximum payload opportunity).
Utilize 3D volume profiling by Loadscan. By deploying a Loadscan load volume scanner into your trucking operations you will see an increase in trucking factors, this is achieved by having an accurate measurement of the material loaded on every load and 3D visual profiles of the load that can be used to educate loader operators to load to the correct capacity. The Loadscan LVS acts like a silent policeman on site.
Utilising the 3D load profiles, which are part of our payload management solutions, has been proven to increase trucking factors (all clients have experienced an increase in trucking factors between 5% – 15%). Increasing your trucking factors, by optimizing loading and eliminating wasteful haul-back will boost productivity and lower cost per tonne hauled.
Yes, as long as the top of the load is well clear of the scan-head and there is some drop-off below the level of the sides at the front and rear of the tray.
No, loads must be uncovered during the volumetric scanning process.
Not usually. However, we can scan small town or mini trucks with standard tray configurations as the minimum capacity for an accurate volume scan is 1 cubic meter. Typically, we would like to to see pictures of the type of trucks you wish to scan and advise if it is possible or not to successfully scan with the Loadscan LVS.
Yes, generally. The trailer must meet the minimum size requirements and be of an open, regular shape.
Yes. There are many 24-hour operations that utilize volume scanning night and day.
The Loadscan LVS is a robust system and will operate in rain and temperature extremes. However, it relies on an optical laser scanner and therefore can be affected by high levels of visual pollution (such as heavy dust, dense fog, severe storms, snow). When the environmental conditions are too severe the LVS system will report a “visual pollution” error message rather than continuing to scan and producing inaccurate results.
Loadscan’s LVS is designed to work with ‘particulate’ materials to form heaped load profiles. This includes most quarried rock materials, sand, bark, woodchip and other landscaping materials, fertilizer, grains, debris, powders and more. The system is not intended for use on large rocks, boxes or other regular shaped objects. Some materials such as wet coal or translucent/clear materials may not have enough reflectivity.
The load volume scanner (LVS) does not measure weight. It measures load volume in cubic metres or cubic yards. The weight of your load can be estimated if the bulk density (mass-to-volume ratio) of the load material is known. Your Loadscan rep can provide typical bulk densities to help you make this calculation.
The most accurate method of determining truck volume is to use a 3D volume scanner. Volumetric scanning is also often faster and more cost effective than traditional weighing or counting systems. Modern load volume scanning systems, like those provided by industry leader Loadscan, first take an empty reference scan of the truck bin and then measure it “full” to calculate actual volume of material loaded in the truck.
The most accurate method of determining truck volume is to use a 3D volume scanner. Volumetric scanning is also often faster and more cost effective than traditional weighing or counting systems. Modern load volume scanning systems, like those provided by industry leader Loadscan, first take an empty reference scan of the truck bin and then measure it “full” to calculate actual volume of material loaded in the truck. Load volume scanners by Loadscan will measure the yards of material loaded in your truck with an accuracy typically better than +/- 1% or to the point of resolution .1yds3.
Load volume scanning works by having the vehicles drive below an elevated scan head. The scanning process is fully automated and will provide volumetric measurement of every load. Modern systems, like those provided by industry leader Loadscan, include an RFID tag reader to automatically identify trucks and trailers. Special load management software reports every detail of every load. Load volume scanning provides you with 3D load profiles, which you can use to train loader operators and dump truck drivers to optimize your haulage.
Trucking and haulage operations are increasingly turning to Loadscan and taking advantage of 3D volume profiling to get more material on their trucks without running the risk of over-loading or off-centre loading. Load volume scanning systems are designed to provide accurate volume measurement of the material loaded on every load, and 3D visual profiles of the load, that can be used to educate loader operators to load to the correct capacity.
Load volume scanning is fast becoming the industry standard in sectors reliant of shifting bulk material. Mining, civil construction, landscape product supply, and quarrying are all turning to volumetric scanning due to its high level of accuracy and ability to provide information-rich reports and traceability. Traditional methods of determining truck load volumes — including converting from weight, counting loader buckets, or simply counting trucks — are inaccurate and open for dispute. Loadscan (the company that pioneered load volume scanning) systems are proven accurate to +/-1%.
Usually your load volume scanner will require a 110/240VAC power supply. If main power is not available an approved inverter-type generator (1KVA or higher) can be used. Loadscan has even installed a completely off-the-grid, solar powered solution for an African gold mine.
