Revolutionize Stockpile Measurement for Lithium Mica Piles by Lixel Scanning System

Case Studies5 min read

Explore how the Lixel handheld mobile scanning solution revolutionizes heap measurement for lithium mica piles, providing unmatched efficiency, precis

Intro

Explore how the Lixel handheld mobile scanning solution revolutionizes heap measurement for lithium mica piles, providing unmatched efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness for industrial applications.

Today, as lithium resources increasingly become the core material in the field of new energy, lithium mica, as an important lithium mineral raw material, has attracted much attention for its mining and utilization. However, in the actual operation of lithium industry plants, how to efficiently and accurately measure the volume of lithium mica piles has always been a difficult problem for the industry. Today, we will explore with you how handheld SLAM technology can bring revolutionary changes to the measurement of lithium mica piles.

Client Overview

Client Name and Industry
The project was implemented at a lithium factory in China, specializing in producing battery-grade lithium carbonate. This factory has established a fully integrated production chain encompassing mining, beneficiation, lithium salt preparation, and recycling, with an annual output of 20,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate

Challenges and Problems
Traditional methods for measuring lithium mica piles relied on tools like total stations or GPS/RTK. These approaches were labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors caused by human factors and calculation limitations. This lack of accuracy increased costs and affected production planning.

Large pale lithium mica stockpiles inside an industrial warehouse awaiting volume measurement
Large pale lithium mica stockpiles inside an industrial warehouse awaiting volume measurement
Elevation-colored 3D model of a lithium mica pile with the planned closed-loop scanning path
Elevation-colored 3D model of a lithium mica pile with the planned closed-loop scanning path

Solution Overview

Technology and Products Used
The factory adopted the Lixel handheld mobile scanning solution. This highly integrated device combines LiDAR, panoramic cameras, and high-precision IMU with real-time modeling capabilities. The solution also included TRW professional point cloud processing software.


Its LiDAR + vision Multi-SLAM solution eliminates the limitations of tripod and fixed position scanning, achieving an efficient operation mode of scanning while walking. The scanning speed is 320,000 points/s, and the data is real-time postback and previewed, ensuring fast and accurate volume calculation. The single scan time can reach 90 minutes, fully meeting the requirements of data integrity and accuracy in complex scenarios.


Implementation Process

  1. Planning:

After assessing the site, the team designed a scanning path to fully cover the lithium mica piles while avoiding missed scans.

Planned closed-loop scanning route drawn over the elevation-colored stockpile model
Planned closed-loop scanning route drawn over the elevation-colored stockpile model

2. Data Collection: Technicians used the Lixel L1 scanner with an extension rod to capture data while moving around the piles. Real-time previews on mobile devices allowed for instant adjustments, reducing rework and increasing efficiency.

Using the Lixel L2 Pro handheld scanner with an extension pole to scan around the pile (it is recommended to work alone to reduce the shadow noise in the point cloud). There is no need to pause for stations or perform point cloud splicing and calibration throughout the entire operation process. Surveyors can view the scanning path, point cloud effect, and mis-scanning and omission situations in real time through their mobile phones, effectively avoiding the inconvenience and cost increase caused by multiple replenishments.

Grayscale reflectance point cloud of the lithium plant interior with piles and equipment
Grayscale reflectance point cloud of the lithium plant interior with piles and equipment

One person can operate, reducing shadows and noise point


3. Post-Processing:

Data was processed using LixelStudio software to refine point clouds and segment individual piles. And the software calculates the fill and excavation volumes automatically. Visualized data was compiled into comprehensive reports.

Colorized point cloud of the lithium plant with individual mica piles segmented by height
Colorized point cloud of the lithium plant with individual mica piles segmented by height

Lithium plant integral las point cloud model

Preview of the calculated volume for each lithium mica pile
Preview of the calculated volume for each lithium mica pile

Preview of the volume of each pile of lithium mica

LixelStudio volume tool measuring a single mica pile against a fitted base plane
LixelStudio volume tool measuring a single mica pile against a fitted base plane
LixelStudio volume tool with a horizontal base plane set under two mica piles
LixelStudio volume tool with a horizontal base plane set under two mica piles

Volume calculation panel reporting pile area and excavation volume after filling holes
Volume calculation panel reporting pile area and excavation volume after filling holes

Fill hole automatically, calculate the volume

Results and Benefits

Stockpile measurement report listing volume and area for each lithium mica pile
Stockpile measurement report listing volume and area for each lithium mica pile

Stockpile measurement report

MetricPile 1Pile 2Pile 3Pile 4
Grid Size685 rows x 373 columns1071 rows x 543 columns995 rows x 620 columns580 rows x 366 columns
Delta X0.050 m0.050 m0.050 m0.050 m
Delta Y0.050 m0.050 m0.050 m0.050 m
X Range-89.689 m to -55.439 m-144.459 m to -90.909 m-65.329 m to -45.579 m-126.674 m to -97.674 m
Y Range-14.542 m to 4.128 m-22.779 m to 4.371 m-44.280 m to -13.280 m-70.044 m to -51.744 m
Z Range-1.149 m to 2.498 m-0.950 m to 5.841 m-1.219 m to 6.056 m-1.850 m to 2.031 m
Volume and Excavation
Positive Volume (Excavation)389.175 m³1582.882 m³1362.731 m³555.264 m³
Negative Volume (Fill)3.295 m³5.367 m³4.259 m³2.018 m³
Total Volume (Excavation-Fill)385.880 m³1577.515 m³1358.471 m³553.246 m³
Excavation Volume Including Fill392.470 m³1588.249 m³1366.990 m³557.281 m³
Area
Horizontal Area (Positive)376.650 m²806.245 m²828.888 m²266.663 m²
Horizontal Area (Negative)137.100 m²102.455 m²209.426 m²85.705 m²
Total Horizontal Area513.750 m²908.700 m²1038.309 m²335.368 m²
Comparison Area (Negative)482.677 m²1052.811 m²1038.349 m²335.364 m²
Comparison Area (Positive)141.781 m²104.430 m²214.733 m²86.585 m²
  • Efficiency: Single scans of up to 90 minutes captured extensive data without the need for calibration or additional setup.
  • Precision: Centimeter-level accuracy was achieved, reducing errors and ensuring reliable measurements.
  • Ease of Use: Real-time previews and integrated operation streamlined workflows, minimizing delays and improving productivity.

Customer Feedback

“The Lixel mobile scanning system has transformed our stockpile measurement process, providing precise, efficient, and easy-to-use technology that significantly enhances our operational capabilities.” — Project Manager, Lithium Factory

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