GPS World

Tag: Renishaw

  • Quarryman Laser Scanner Offers Speedy Rockface Profiling

    Quarryman_quarry-W

    The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro 3D laser scanner system uses innovative technology to help optimize blasting and increase the profitability of quarrying operations, according to Renishaw. The system, which also helps to improve safety, was launched at the Hillhead 2014 Tradeshow, held June 24-26 in Buxton, UK.

    Quarryman has offered on-site systems for quarries for more than 20 years, improving safety and allowing quarry managers to modify processes simply and swiftly, the company said. The new Renishaw Quarryman Pro is optimized for speed of operation in tough environments, with swift set-up, programming, scanning and data processing, and offers significant benefits over previous models.

    New viewing and editing software is quicker to operate, easier to integrate with other mapping software, and includes filtering and data processing functionalities. The sun-readable screen is larger than on previous models, for better visibility, and is now in full color. Data is saved to a USB, rather than a flashcard, for ease of data transfer and larger file capacity.

    Quarryman_System-W

    A GPS mount is built into the handle for quick positioning and easy mapping of point-cloud data to other quarry maps using coordinates, and auto date and time stamping help operators find files, without needing to enter details.

    A new Li-ion battery is lighter, provides a greater scan time, and issues a warning when power is low. It also shuts down automatically if not recharged, retaining data for operators to retrieve later. The system’s operating temperature range and processing power have also been increased.

    “Customers using the new Quarryman Pro alongside Renishaw’s Boretrak system will see a significant competitive advantage,” said Martin Carr, Business Manager, Mining Systems. “Quite simply, they will access accurate data more quickly, in a wider range of conditions, and be more easily able to export data to other mining software packages. In 20 years of working with quarries, including some of the world’s largest and most competitive global quarrying companies, Quarryman Pro is the best product we have developed, and marks the beginning of a new era for laser scanning systems for the mining and quarrying sectors.”

    “The new Quarryman Pro is the first system developed, engineered and manufactured by Renishaw, and customers now have one of the world’s leading engineering technology companies behind the support and service of every unit sold,” said Will Lee, Director and General Manager of Renishaw’s Spatial Measurement Division.

  • Fanbeam Laser Radar Delivers Dynamic Positioning to Offshore Vessels

    Seajacks_and_Fanbeam-W

    The new Fanbeam laser radar sensor from Renishaw’s spatial measurement division provides repetitive, high-accuracy dynamic positioning (DP) to offshore support vessels (OSV) and other marine structures.

    This next-generation system adds greater performance and stability through new control software that increases reliability of its single-target tracking capability, and allows multiple operator stations for situations where control needs to be transferred between bridge personnel. The new software’s advanced target tracking and modeling prevent spurious targets from causing a drive off, while the intelligent clutter rejection capability provides clearer signals for a better understanding of the operational environment. A training package with a fully featured, realistic simulator is also included.

    The Fanbeam system uses position data to automatically hold vessels on station, and is typically the primary position reference during critical short-range operations, such as cargo container lifts from platform supply vessels. The system provides collision avoidance, gangway monitoring and docking assistance on vessels operating in crew supply, anchor handling tug supply, construction support, dive support, dredging and rock dumping capacities. Other applications include seismic source positioning for geophysical exploration vessels and positioning of mine detection equipment.

    Fanbeam laser radar sensor.
    Fanbeam laser radar sensor.

    The system uses a laser sensor with a unique vertically “fanned” output, allowing returns to be observed from passive retro-reflective targets despite relative movement of the vessel. Accurate to 20 cm, the laser rotates horizontally in both directions via motorized base, and can be tilted ± 15˚ in the vertical plane using a built-in Autotilt mechanism with servo-driven gearbox. The motorized yoke has a software-selectable scanning speed up to 50˚/s, horizontal range of 0˚ to 360˚ and 0.01˚ horizontal resolution. A reflective tube target is used for short-range operations, while various prism cluster target options allow long-range operations up to 6562 ft (2000 m).

    Built for harsh environments, the system’s operating temperature range is -13˚F to +158˚F (-25˚C to +70˚C), with a water/dust resistance rating of IP66, and is EN 60945/EN 609950-1:2001 compliant. A marine-grade embedded PC and machined aluminum enclosure equip the system for rugged use. The compact system is approximately 8”W x 12”L x 11.5”H (200 x 300 x 290 mm) and weighs only 28 lbs. (12.9 kgs).

    Fanbeam Production Moves to Renishaw Facility. After acquiring Measurement Devices Limited (MDL) in 2013, Renishaw moved production of Fanbeam systems to its assembly facility in Gloucestershire. The facility was named the UK’s Best Electronics Plant in 2012. “Vessel operators depend on Fanbeam systems for reliable, safe operations in tough conditions,” said Keith Park, Marine Business and General Manager, Renishaw. “Now, they can have confidence that these systems are produced at one of the world’s best design, production and servicing facilities.”