Modern Mining May 2024

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Having initially made its name as a world leader in con veyor belt alignment solutions, Tru-Trac has expanded over almost 30 years to offer a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to minimise conveyor related hazards and create a safer, more productive work environment. Conveyor innovations with safety top of mind

Tru-Trac’s range of trackers employs a unique action that reacts immediately correcting belt misalignment.

T he company originally patented its first innova tive Tru-Trac Tracking Systems in 1996 – which continuously and autonomously guides the belt to the centre position. It has since expanded its product offering to become a world leading manu facturer and supplier of conveyor belt solutions. “When we entered this market in the mid-1990s, it was still considered acceptable for a belt smith to stand next to a conveyor belt and physically adjust the idler frames to try and align the belt,” says Jonathan Rogoff, CEO of Tru-Trac Rollers. “This was done, of course, while the belt was moving – a very hazardous practice, which thankfully is no longer allowed.” Today, workers are not permitted near a mov ing conveyor belt. What has made this possible is the success of belt alignment technologies that can operate reliably and without human intervention. Conveyor belt misalignment creates other safety hazards such as material spillage, which can lead to slips, trips and falls for workers. Misalignment causes uneven stress on the belt, leading to faster wear and potential failure; this can create a dangerous situa tion if it occurs during operation. This maintenance-free capability of Tru-Trac Tracking Systems ensures there is minimal physi cal contact required from mine employees, further supporting the policy of maintaining a safe distance by all workers. The company’s trackers employ a

unique action that does not damage the belt and reacts immediately if the conveyor belt begins to drift off-centre. Being simple to install, they have a vibra tion-free rolling action and can be installed above or below the belt on the return side. On the strength of its tracking systems, Tru-Trac grew rapidly over the years to encompass a compre hensive offering of conveyor belt solutions – from conveyor skirting and impact beds to standard idlers and frames. The company also developed a range of high-performance belt scrapers, including primary and secondary scrapers as well as angle and V-ploughs, which contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace and fewer maintenance headaches.

Tru-Trac produces a range of high-performance belt scrapers engineered to prevent carryback.

Left: Tru-Trac’s comprehensive range of skirting rubber allows careful selection of the most appropriate type to match an application. Below: Hazards such as nip or pinch points can be mitigated using the Tru-Trac Nip Guard and Safe Guard.

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May 2024  MODERN MINING  31