White Paper Series Maximum availability in the cross-belt sorter system

Other than accuracy, one of the most critical parts of automated sorting systems is to have them constantly running. In order to achieve this, it is paramount to guarantee system availability, complete with predictive capability to detect possible failures. The combination of developing the cross-belt sorter with high quality components and a simple yet intelligent system design can prevent failures and reduce maintenance expenses over the lifetime of the machine. The HC-Loop cross-belt sorter system, with the integrated predictive maintenance capabilities, allows businesses to run as desired,...

Data acquisition The possibility of gathering data on the HC-Loop is an intelligent approach to taking care of cross-belt sorter systems. The HC-Loop is equipped with an integrated Data Acquisition System (DAQ) in various parts of the machine, particularly along the track. The system allows for real-time detection of the sorter’s correct status and predicts a range of potential future anomalies. In order to provide consistent guidance, the DAQ & Predictive Maintenance system must learn the frequency spectrum of the machine under nominal operating conditions, which is achieved through a data acquisition...

The information provided by the sensors enables to cross-check data with the thresholds provided by the instrumented cart to see if there is any failure point or area in need of attention. In addition to monitoring vibration data in real time, the software has specific logic to trigger action in case vibration levels exceed a certain value, such as a safety shutdown. In other words, it is possible to reduce safety risk by improving asset reliability: • Very low risk for the people working daily around the system In the unlikely event of a crash along the loop, the system immediately stops and...

Availability first Businesses cannot afford for mission-critical equipment like sorters to stop during operating hours, requiring that automated systems operate with no downtime. Always knowing system status is critical - for service assistance - to achieving this high level of reliability. Relying on system status data enables service organizations to help prevent sorter failure that can impair the entire operation. The combination of sensors, software and data management is an extremely effective safeguard to eliminate system downtime. All technologies are optimized to work together to reach...

In an automated sortation hub with high throughput requirements, every minute of downtime matters. A small undetected failure can balloon in a major failure in the future, risking hours - or even days - of downtime to resolve the issue. In order to have a stable system that can reliably meet throughput requirements, operations must identify possible failures to inform preventive service programs. By doing this you can ensure a long lifespan of the components and, therefore, the system. In other words, the availability of the system can be increased by: • Controlling the system using real-time...