Modern Mining April 2017

PRODUCT News

Automated tensioner for conveyor belt cleaners In another move toward ‘smarter’ material handling, a global conveyor technology innovator has introduced an automated pneumatic tensioning system for belt cleaners.

Equipped with sensors to confirm that the belt is loaded and running, the sys- tem automatically backs the blade away during stoppages or when the conveyor is running empty, minimising unneces- sary wear to both the belt and cleaner. The result is consistently correct blade tension, with reduced power demand on start-up, all managed without operator intervention. “Pneumatic tensioners have some advantages versus mechanical con-

The new offer ing from Mar tin Engineering delivers precise monitoring and tensioning throughout all stages of blade life, reducing the labour typically required to maintain optimum blade pres- sure and extending the service life of both the belt and the cleaner.

The system uses the moving conveyor to generate electricity, powering a compressor to maintain opti- mum blade pressure. struction,” explains Product Development Engineer Andrew Timmerman. “Mechanical designs work well as long as they are prop- erly adjusted, but in many cases this requires periodic attention from maintenance crews as the cleaning blade wears down. Also, some operators will loosen a mechanical tensioner to reduce drag at start-up, which reduces the cleaner’s performance if not correctly re-ten- sioned afterward.” The Automated Blade System (ABS) can be supplied in two variations, for locations with or without an existing power source. On sites with available power, the company will offer a 120/240 V AC version of the system to power the system’s 24 V compressor. In facilities able to supply power and also compressed air to the head pulley, Martin can design the system so that the panel simply handles the ‘smart’ portion of engaging and disengaging the cleaner blade. For locations lacking power access, the self- contained version uses the moving conveyor to generate its own electricity, which powers a small 24 V DC air compressor to maintain opti- mum blade pressure at all times. Built around the patented Martin® Roll Generator™, the new self-powered version includes a proprietary storage system devel- oped specifically for this application. With lead acid batteries to hold the energy, the system can produce ample power to drive the compressor, which maintains pressure in the reservoir to re-tension the cleaner as needed. The generator can produce as much as 40 watts of power when running at maximum speed, which is sufficient to run components such as weigh scales, moisture sensors, sole- noids and relays, as well as timers, lights and safety devices. Wireless communication can be used to transmit directly to a central con- troller, giving operators a cost-effective way to access data that has not been readily available in the past. Martin Engineering, tel (+27 13) 656-5135

ABSOLUTE MATERIAL FLOW CONTROL

Coralynne&Associates+27 (011) 849 3142

ABSOLUTE MATERIAL FLOW CONTROL

• Optimum material flow • Up to 80% decrease in material degradation • Reduced dust and noise levels

• Virtually maintenance free • Greatly reduced spillage • Significant reduction in belt damage

TM

SOUTHAFRICA

Phone: +27 (0) 11 827 9372 Email: info@webachutes.com

46  MODERN MINING  April 2017