Flexible and Effective Stockpile Measurement with FJD Trion S1

In industries like mining, construction, agriculture, and logistics, stockpile measurement is a critical task that can affect planning, change project schedules, and ultimately, impact the bottom line. Whether it's coal, gravel, ore, grains, or sand, understanding the volume of these bulk objects in piles is essential for strategic planning and production.

Traditionally, this process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring concerted efforts from teams to get the calculations done quickly. Errors are inevitable and inaccurate data could translate to greater operational uncertainty and profit losses. The sudden release of large quantities of heavy materials poses a serious safety threat to surveyors, especially during extreme weather.

But thanks to 3D laser scanning technology, you can measure irregular piles faster and more accurately. Surveyors no longer need to mark the surface of the stockpile or set reference lines. The scanner quickly and accurately captures the entire stockpile with laser beams with centimeter-level accuracy. A walk around the target stockpile from a safe distance in minutes can provide a rich dataset that might have taken hours or days to acquire.

The Process: Scan, Process, and Get Results

1. Data acquisition: Use an integrated solution like the FJD Trion S1 3D LiDAR Scanner to capture accurate data. As you scan, move slowly, avoid rapid or sudden turns, and ensure the scanner is pointed straight at the stockpile to maximize data integrity. Use real-time kinematic (RTK) to assist in mapping if the stockpiles are located outdoors, and weather conditions are favourable.

2. Data processing: Process the point cloud model in software programs like FJD Trion Model. Fine-tune the point cloud with features like clipping, denoising and profile analysis.

3. Delivering results: Generate a report after all edits are complete. Apply it to more industry-specific results such as volume calculation, surface measuring and contour mapping.

Applications

Let's look at a couple of real-world examples of how the FJD Trion S1 is transforming stockpile measurement:

Case 1: Power Plant Inventory

In a Southeast Asian power plant, the FJD Trion S1 three-dimensional laser scanner was used to calculate the volume of an 18,000-square-meter coal pile. The entire operation, including scanning and data processing, was completed in just 19 minutes. The detailed data obtained through the Trion Model point cloud post-processing software allowed for accurate coal inventory assessments, optimizing worker schedules and ensuring efficient operations.

Case 2: Aggregates in Poland

In Poland, monthly measurements of aggregate volumes at mobile concrete plants were typically conducted using drone photogrammetry. However, due to no-fly zones for national defense, the surveying method had to change.

Enter the FJD Trion S1 scanner equipped with an RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) kit.

In just 30 minutes, the surveyor measured stockpile volumes of over 15,000 cubic meters with exceptional accuracy. 

The point cloud data were processed and transformed into the national coordinate system, enabling comparisons with previous measurements.

Conclusion

3D laser scanning technology, exemplified by the FJD Trion S1, is reshaping stockpile measurement. It offers speed, accuracy, and efficiency that traditional methods can't match. By embracing this technology, industries can make more informed decisions, improve operational efficiency and safety, and gain a competitive edge.

Learn more about the FJD Trion S1 scanner here