Cavity Scanning

MDL’s Cavity Autoscanning Laser System (C-ALS) is a ruggedised 3D laser scanning system. The unit is only 50 mm (2") in diameter and is designed to be deployed down drill holes for detailed scans of inaccessible locations.

The C-ALS measures the three-dimensional shape of the void and its surface reflectivity.  A motorised 2-axis scanning head ensures a complete 360°/scan covering the entire void up to a range of 150m.

Along with the scanning head, the C-ALS design incorporates a digital compass as well as pitch and roll sensors. These enable accurate positioning and orientation of the unit itself and the resulting ‘point cloud’.

The system is highly versatile and can be deployed in a number of ways, including lightweight Boretrak® rods
(deployed through a drill hole), a drill string adapter that places the probe out into a stope through a large opening or by connecting the system to a stope vehicle such as a scoop.

 CalsKit

The probe is controlled manually through the PC software or programmed to perform a number of user specified scans. Scans can be either arc or chord distances and once the parameters are set there is no further need for operator intervention.

Data is displayed as it is gathered on the laptop computer, logged in real-time and stored directly to disk. The raw data can then be converted to a number of popular formats for direct import to third
party software such as SURPAC, VULCAN, AutoCAD or DATAMINE.

MDL produced the world’s first borehole deployable auto scanning laser system in 1996. Since then, the technology has been proven in hundreds of underground surveys in harsh conditions around the world. The newly redesigned C-ALS gives greater reliability, speed, control and access.

The MDL Cavity Autoscanning Laser System (C-ALS) is a unique tool for providing accurate laser surveys of inaccessible locations within a mine, such as:

  • abandoned mine workings;
  • ore passes;
  • stopes;
  • areas where backfill is being placed;
  • locations where ground motion has occurred;
  • any other area of a mine where access is limited or unavailable.

Other applications could include:

  • tunnels
  • tanks / reservoirs
  • storage bins / sheds
  • silos

Download a .pdf version of the Spec Sheet  6.1 Mb