The system eliminates problems associated with conventional ‘point-level’ devices, which only measure distance to a single point. Whilst this may be adequate for liquid applications it is not suitable for dry ingredients where the product is uneven.

Allison Engineering’s new 3D Volume Scanner System is designed to take multiple measurements of the product profile to build a three dimensional map of the bay, silo, vessel or stockpile. Based on the volumetric measurement and also the product density, operators are able to identify both the total inventory and also the product profile. With this information operators can reduce safety stock levels, which can have an immediate and beneficial effect on cash flow.