Intertek’s stockpile analysis methods are helping bulk handling businesses save potentially millions of dollars.
In the business of bulk handling, understanding the value of assets is critical. Whether it’s acquiring a new company, selling assets, transporting bulk materials or trialling a new product, the ability to accurately assess the value of a stockpile is key to success.
Dry stockpiles, however, can be difficult to accurately assess. Current methods rely on volumes and average bulk densities to determine tonnage, resulting in inaccurate results. As companies frequently require independent or third-party assessments to confirm the value and quantity on-hand at any one time the accurate assessment of the tonnage of material on hand is of critical importance
That’s where Intertek comes in. The company uses science-based, analytical methodologies to accurately measure stockpile tonnage and value.
Nicholas Davies, commercial director of Intertek’s analytical stockpile assessments (ASA), told ABHR about the company’s patented process.
“Determining the in-situ bulk density of the product is an important part of the tonnage calculation. When measuring bulk density, we consider a range of variable factors such as compaction, height and depth, storage environment and conditional factors including humidity,” he said.
“It means we can measure the total tonnage of material on the ground for when it is not feasible to weigh or cut-out the material.
“The method essentially breaks the stockpile into layers. Each layer is then analysed for individual density – because as you get lower the density increases under gravity and our method accounts for the compression of the stockpile under its own weight.”
It began offering this service in the Australian coal industry for thermal power stations. Initially, customers needed to ascertain the tonnages of their stockpiles. One of the company’s scientists in its Sydney lab developed and patented the ASA’s method, where it is now used across the bulk handling industry.
Intertek provides this service for high value commodities, such as mineral concentrates, cement products, mineral sands, sugar, wheat, and more. The ASA method can be used for stockpiles housed in sheds, on outside stockpile pads, and product housed in silos and domes.
The company provides accurate tonnage assessment of dry bulk particulate stockpiles, with up to 1.8 per cent accuracy. This often results in significant financial gains for customers, often adding up to millions of dollars.
Davies said the feedback from clients has been excellent.
“We had one client who was initially quite sceptical,” he said. “After we went through the process with them, it enabled them to sign off on their financial reconciliation with their auditors and establish their business in Australia.
“They could accurately understand what they had available and use the scientific method to showcase this to the regulators.”
As part of the process, Intertek will tailor its approach to meet the client’s operational and financial requirements. It also has an international network of experts and access to some of the latest technological developments.
Davies said that since it was introduced, Intertek’s method has been improved by unmanned aerial vehicle 3D LIDAR technology.
“We’ve brought in this technology to get more accurate assessments,” he said. “We’re looking to go down the automation route eventually.”
“We’re very much at the start of the growing process. The method has been around for several years, but no we’ve brought on more team members.
“In 2025, we plan on talking to more customers and help improve our processes even further.”