GB2489703A - System for monitoring quantity of feed delivered from a silo - Google Patents
System for monitoring quantity of feed delivered from a silo Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2489703A GB2489703A GB1105697.5A GB201105697A GB2489703A GB 2489703 A GB2489703 A GB 2489703A GB 201105697 A GB201105697 A GB 201105697A GB 2489703 A GB2489703 A GB 2489703A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- feed
- silo
- sensor
- delivered
- motor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 6
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000144977 poultry Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000000275 quality assurance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010426 asphalt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013068 supply chain management Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G9/00—Methods of, or apparatus for, the determination of weight, not provided for in groups G01G1/00 - G01G7/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/02—Automatic devices
- A01K5/0225—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper
- A01K5/0233—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper dispensing by dosing means actively operated by the animal
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/007—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring the level variations of storage tanks relative to the time
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/76—Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/76—Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
- G01F1/78—Direct mass flowmeters
- G01F1/80—Direct mass flowmeters operating by measuring pressure, force, momentum, or frequency of a fluid flow to which a rotational movement has been imparted
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Birds (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
Abstract
A measuring apparatus suitable for retrofitting to an on-demand feeding system comprises a current monitor 10, a sensor 20, and processing means 18. The current monitor 10 measures the current drawn by a motor 6 of the feeding system. The motor operates to deliver feed 2 from a silo 4. The feed is delivered by the motor via an auger 8 when livestock (not shown) actuate a switch 14. The sensor 20 provides an indication that feed has been delivered when the motor operates. Data from the current monitor and the sensor is received by the processing means and used to calculate an output related to the quantity of feed delivered over a period of time. The system is calibrated with the density of the feed in the silo and other constant characteristics of the feed system to enable accurate output of the accumulated weight of feed used in order to allow timely replenishment of the silo with fresh stocks. The sensor 20 is preferably an ultrasonic sensor which detects movement of feed within the silo 4. Data from the sensor 20 is used to verify that feed is delivered each time the motor operates.
Description
Description
MEASURING APPARATUS
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to measuring apparatus and, more specifically to measuring or weighing apparatus suitable for use in an agricultural environment for monitoring the amount of animal feed used and in storage.
Background Art
[0002] Supply chain management in the agricultural industry is inefficient. In order to improve stock control for animal feed it is necessary to monitor the amount of feed in storage so that it can be resupplied in a timely manner.
[0003] Livestock feeding systems are known to weigh feed to control the amount delivered to feed pans for animals, such as poultry. See, for example, US 3904082 A (CHORE TIME EQUIPMENT) 9/9/1 975 which uses a weighing device in the form of a balance requiring direct contact with the feed.
[0004] Various types of gravimetric measurement are used in the conveying arts generally to weigh dry components. US 5820257 A (MUSIL) 10/13/1 998 describes the use of belt conveyors to weigh particulate matter in an asphalt plant. Load cells can also be used. However these weighing devices, though capable of great accuracy, disrupt the delivery system and are expensive to install in existing systems.
[0005] An auger or feeding vane can be used in appropriate circumstances to control the volume of a flowable dry ingredient dispensed. See GB 2270771 A (SPARC SYSTEMS LTD) 3/23/1 994 for an application in the food packaging industry where a weight transducer is used in combination with an auger screw to control the weight of filled containers! [0006] These approaches are unsuitable for measuring a large number of small doses.
[0007] Moreover such approaches are unsuitable for retrofitting to existing equipment as the installation would be disproportionately disruptive.
Technical Field
[0008] The present invention is particularly intended for livestock feeding systems in which a silo is used to store feed which is delivered to feeding stations. A motor is activated by demand for feed in order to drive an auger in the outlet from the silo to deliver the feed from the silo to the feeding station.
Such automatic on-demand feeding systems are supplied, for example, by Collinson plc. in the UK.
Disclosure of Invention
[0009] In accordance with the invention there is provided measuring apparatus suitable for retrofitting to an on-demand feeding system comprising a current monitor to be associated with a power supply for the motor in order to measure the current delivered to the motor, a sensor for providing an indication of the delivery of feed, and processor means for receiving a signal from the current monitor and sensor and computing therefrom an output related to the amount of feed delivered over time.
[0010] Preferably the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
[0011] Once calibrated with the characteristics of the feeding system to which it is retrofitted and the density of feed employed, the system allows the accumulated feed used to be monitored and the silo resupplied in a timely manner.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0012] In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: [0013] Figure lisa diagram of the monitoring system of the present invention installed in an on-demand feeding system.
Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention [0014] The embodiment described is a measuring system to be retro-fitted to an on-demand poultry feeding system. The measuring system monitors the weight of feed material 2 in a silo 4. The on-demand feeding system has an electric motor 6 which drives a metering delivery system, typically an auger 8, in order to dispense a flowable dry feed material 2 from the silo 4. An electric current monitor 10 is associated with a power supply cable 12 for the motor. A switch 14 is shown in the diagram to illustrate the means by which the livestock demand feed. This demand means activates the motor via a controller 16. The system is designed to be retrofitted to an on-demand feeding system that uses a metering delivery system that delivers feed in small metered doses as dictated by the capacity of the auger screw and the rate of rotation. Other types of metering delivery system can be employed such as centreless screw conveyors, and chain and disc systems. These systems essentially meter the amount delivered by volume and the relationship between the duration of motor activation and current drawn can be established and used to create set-up parameters for the apparatus.
[0015] The current monitor 10 may be a clamp system that surrounds the power cable and provides a signal to a processor means 18. An ultrasonic sensor is mounted in the silo 4 and supplies a further signal to the processor means. As feed is drawn out of the silo 4 by the delivery system it causes vibrations which are picked up by the ultrasonic sensor 20. The sensor 20 can be located either inside the silo intake or inside the silo itself. This will measure changes in the sonic characteristics of the silo caused by the actual delivery of feed. The signal will not occur or be distinguishable if the silo is empty. Replenishment of the silo with fresh feed supplies will also be recognised by the ultrasonic sensor.
[0016] The processor means 18 may be a computer with a clock and memory to store the signals from the current monitor and sensor. It will also have means for inputting data relating to the characteristics of the feed such as its density and the parameters of the on-demand delivery system. An output means for providing reports and a visual display of feed usage can also be provided. These aspects of the apparatus will be corn puter-implemented.
[0017] Measurements of the current are integrated overtime and used to derive the weight of feed dispensed. The measured current along with auger specific information can be used to provide an accurate estimate of the weight of feed delivered, providing certain initial conditions can be ascertained and used to calibrate the apparatus.
[0018] The device only indirectly measures the quantity of feed delivered with an implicit assumption that the silo is not empty. This measurement needs to be cross checked with another sensor providing an indication that feed has been deposited. This is achieved by deploying an ultrasonic sensor or detector 20.
[0019] The system is calibrated with the density of the feed in the silo and other constant characteristics of the feed system to enable accurate output of the accumulated weight of feed used in order to allow timely replenishment of the silo with fresh stocks before it is empty but without the need to store excessive amounts of expensive feed material.
[0020] The described apparatus has the advantage that it can deliver accurate measurement of the weight of feed delivered from the silo using indirect measurement without any need for structural changes to existing farm infrastructure.
[0021] The processor means 18 can be programmed to send alerts if the weight of feed delivered falls outside present parameters in order to provide fail safe checking of the measurement providing implicit quality assurance of feed supply. Such alerts can also provide automatic early warning protection of an empty or blocked silo and prevent population catastrophe.
[0022] The data generated by the processor means enables a continuous quality assurance of population health.
[0023] The invention gives livestock producers the ability to tune feed supply parameters in order to further optimise supply chain efficiencies, including reducing inventory and better order control.
Claims (3)
- Claims 1. Measuring apparatus suitable for retrofitting to an on-demand feeding system comprising a current monitor to be associated with a power supply for the motor in order to measure the current delivered to the motor, a sensor for providing an indication of the delivery of feed, and processor means for receiving a signal from the current monitor and sensor and computing therefrom an output related to the amount of feed delivered overtime.
- 2. Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
- 3. A livestock feeding system in which a silo is used to store feed which is delivered via an outlet from the silo to feeding stations; a motor activated by demand for feed in order to drive a delivery system in the outlet from the silo to deliver the feed from the silo to the feeding station and measuring apparatus as claimed in claim I or 2.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1105697.5A GB2489703A (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-04-04 | System for monitoring quantity of feed delivered from a silo |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1105697.5A GB2489703A (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-04-04 | System for monitoring quantity of feed delivered from a silo |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201105697D0 GB201105697D0 (en) | 2011-05-18 |
| GB2489703A true GB2489703A (en) | 2012-10-10 |
Family
ID=44071936
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1105697.5A Withdrawn GB2489703A (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-04-04 | System for monitoring quantity of feed delivered from a silo |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2489703A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU187145U1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2019-02-21 | федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Ставропольский государственный аграрный университет" | Mobile feeder for feeding calves |
| GB2618821A (en) * | 2022-05-18 | 2023-11-22 | E Collinson & Co Ltd | Silo content monitoring system |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT521507B1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2020-02-15 | Ferdinand Leibetseder | Feeder |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2155749A (en) * | 1984-03-21 | 1985-10-02 | Raymond Granville Crane | Measuring the feeding of animals |
| US5559716A (en) * | 1994-12-28 | 1996-09-24 | Gaalswyk; Mark K. | Livestock feed consumption meter |
| WO1997034130A1 (en) * | 1996-03-12 | 1997-09-18 | Tecnetics Industries, Inc. | Rate monitor for a displacement system utilizing the power demand of the prime mover of the system to provide the flow rate data of the material being displaced |
| EP1269835A1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2003-01-02 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic feeding apparatus and automatic feeding method |
-
2011
- 2011-04-04 GB GB1105697.5A patent/GB2489703A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2155749A (en) * | 1984-03-21 | 1985-10-02 | Raymond Granville Crane | Measuring the feeding of animals |
| US5559716A (en) * | 1994-12-28 | 1996-09-24 | Gaalswyk; Mark K. | Livestock feed consumption meter |
| WO1997034130A1 (en) * | 1996-03-12 | 1997-09-18 | Tecnetics Industries, Inc. | Rate monitor for a displacement system utilizing the power demand of the prime mover of the system to provide the flow rate data of the material being displaced |
| EP1269835A1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2003-01-02 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic feeding apparatus and automatic feeding method |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU187145U1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2019-02-21 | федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Ставропольский государственный аграрный университет" | Mobile feeder for feeding calves |
| GB2618821A (en) * | 2022-05-18 | 2023-11-22 | E Collinson & Co Ltd | Silo content monitoring system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201105697D0 (en) | 2011-05-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |