Discover how SICK LiDAR is helping Smurfit Westrock make recycling even more efficient
The recycling division of Smurfit Westrock, a leading provider of paper-based packaging, faced challenges in accurately detecting and measuring heaps of waste paper in their bunkers. This information is critical for optimizing the efficiency of automatic crane operations. Now, with the help of LiDAR technology, they have a solution in place to address this issue.
As part of their waste management process, Smurfit Westrock uses automated cranes to move non-paper waste from heaps so that it can be used in energy generation. However, until recently, there was no method in place to measure these waste heaps, leading to inefficiency.
Making efficient use of resources
Smurfit Westrock is an FTSE 100 company and one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging in the world. They are committed to using resources efficiently and minimizing waste. As such, they recycle large amounts of paper in their production process. Any combustible material not suitable for recycling is filtered out during processing to be fed to a gas power plant as additional fuel.
This waste is stored in bunkers, where automated cranes transport it to the combustion chamber. In the past, these cranes would automatically reach into the pit at six different pre-defined points – without knowing the fill level at that point. This would lead to errors and standstills when the crane reached into a space that was too empty or filled too high.
To avoid this, and to optimize the process, Smurfit Westrock sought out a turn-key LiDAR solution to capture detailed 3D maps of the waste heaps, enabling them to be monitored precisely and in real time.
SICK devised a tailored, turnkey solution that features the state-of-the-art LiDAR sensor multiScan100 and an on-device “heap detection app.” The solution is tailored to Smurfit Westrock’s requirements, such as the size of their bunkers, the number of measuring regions, and measuring frequency. Having the software on the device also avoids the need for additional computing unit hardware.
3D LiDAR technology made easy
The multiScan100 heap detection solution accurately detects heaps of material. Its large field of view provides a reliable 3D measurement of the whole waste bunker. This information is sent to the crane controller for automatic operation. The scanner itself is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of waste bunkers, ensuring consistent performance.
Integration into Smurfit Westrock’s system was easy and efficient. This was due, in part, to the customized protocol for communicating directly with the programmable logic controllers in their cranes. The solution is also easy for their employees to use. The intuitive interface simplifies data monitoring and management for operators.
This project leverages the strong partnership between Smurfit Westrock and SICK, with Smurfit Westrock consistently impressed by SICK's technical expertise and solutions. The streamlined customization process allowed both companies to operate with maximum efficiency and flexibility. SICK is now witnessing similar applications globally and has received numerous inquiries from other clients. The software-defined strategy ensures that the solution can be adapted with exceptional flexibility.
