Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. Who benefits from an optical belt scale?

  Anyone looking for a completely reliable and accurate belt scale, as well as an effective management tool for their operations. Widely used in biomass, aggregate, mining, agriculture and waste, however will scan anything that travels along a moving conveyor.

• 2. How does it work?

  Optical Belt Scale is a contact free volumetric scanner. Using precision laser technology, it effectively scans the material crossing the belt with a measurement accuracy of 1mm variance. The optical belt scale scans and measures the material on the conveyor, and in real-time, wirelessly transmits the data to the CAT Smartphone handheld device. From the handheld you can set Customer and Material profiles and configure scan settings. With a touch of a button you can download, print or email your measurement results directly to your office or main computer. The data is stored on the scanner for up to 12 months.

• 3. What is the accuracy of the scale?

  The optical belt scale is proven to provide a 99.8% accurate reading.

• 4. We measure in tonnes; can the scanner do that?

  Yes, the volumetric measurement can be converted to weight by simply inputting the bulk density of the product being measured. For example, for a material that has a bulk density of 1.85 tonnes per cubic meter, the optical belt scale would read 185 tonnes after 100 cubic meters had been scanned.

• 5. What sets apart the Optical Belt Scale from traditional scale?

  A wide range of factors make the optical belt scale different, and a wiser choice. The optical belt scale has no contact areas with the product or belt, has no moving parts, only requires calibration once, and is not affected by a host of factors such as vibration, belt angle, dust, wind or temperature which put traditional belt scales out of calibration. The optical belt scale is also much more than a simple measurement tool – it has been designed also as a true management tool to give users complete insight into their operations.

• 6. How often do I need to recalibrate the scale?

  Once the scale has been calibrated – No ongoing calibration is ever required.

• 7. What’s involved to install the scale?

  With a simple bolt on design the scale can be installed on any conveyor in 4hrs+/- with 2 guys. Standard mounting technique is to install he scale over the head pull, inductive proximity sensor on the head pulley shaft, c/w 15M wiring harness for connecting back to the equipment power supply/control panel. The Optical Belt Scale comes with easy to follow, step by step instructions on everything from install to calibration. And the techs at Optical Belt Scale are available for onsite or phone support if needed.

• 8. What kind of extreme temperatures does the optical belt scale operate in?

  Operating Temperature: -45°C (-49°F) to + 70°C (158°F)

• 9. Can I run the Sensortechnik App on my own mobile device?

  The Optical Belt Scale app is specifically designed for the CAT Smartphone operating system.