Asphalt Contractor, the nationally recognized magazine serving asphalt contractors and producers, has named Command Alkon's Silo Safety System a Top 30 Editor's Choice award winner. Once the gates on the silo open, a literal ton of material, sometimes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for asphalt loadout, is dropped from the silo in the matter of one second. If the vehicle is not in the correct location, this puts the driver at risk of serious injury and can cause extremely expensive damage to the cab of the truck as well as lost time and materials in the production process.
The Silo Safety System ensures the safety of the driver and vehicle and eliminates loss of material in overhead silo loadout situations. The standalone system can support operations that have any type of overhead loadout scenario- whether it be for asphalt, aggregates, ready mix concrete or others - and using any type of loadout automation system.
Asphalt Contractor's Top 30 Editor's Choice award represents the asphalt industry's best products gaining interest from end-users and asphalt professionals alike. The awarded products, exhibiting innovation and utility, were chosen based on submitted nominations and audience engagement during a 12-month period on ForConstructionPros.com, and narrowed down by the editorial team and advisory board.
The Silo Safety System features infrared sensors to enable each silo, if and only if, the truck is in the proper position. As the truck pulls through to the loadout station, it will break the infrared sensor beam to enable the silo to be opened. The Silo Safety System includes these important features and benefits:
- Completely stand-alone system compatible for use with any overhead loadout scenario and automation system.
- Two Infrared sensor sets indicate when vehicle is appropriately placed for loading and silo gate activation.
- Three sensor set configuration allows for detection of space between cab and trailer.
- Fully graphic touch screen display indicates sensor and silo gate activation to operator. Available with pedestal stand for desktop placement or can be panel mounted.
- Manual override mode with redundant loadout system interlock for scenarios not meeting standard vehicle and loadout situations.
- Real-time alerts indicate potential defective sensor situations.
- Stand-alone Junction Box and PLC controls ensure ease in wiring, installation, and sensor location tuning.
"These products represent some of the newest and most innovative items recently in the market, but some are legacy tools of the trade that have stood the test of time," said Brandon Noel, Editor, Asphalt Contractor. "What they all have in common is that they push the industry forward, and they serve to enhance the abilities of the men and women who do the hard work every day. Congrats to all of our 2024 Top 30 winners!"
To learn more about the Silo Safety System, click here.
