Sensors & Transducers


Speed monitoring for conveyor belts

September 2023 Sensors & Transducers

Conveyor belts are the unsung heroes of many industries, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of materials, products and components throughout the manufacturing process. However, the reliable operation of conveyor systems relies heavily on accurate monitoring and control, particularly when it comes to maintaining appropriate belt speeds. ifm has introduced innovative speed monitoring solutions that address the critical need for precision, safety and efficiency in conveyor belt operations.

Conveyor belts are the circulatory system of industries, transporting goods with unmatched efficiency and speed. The optimal operation of conveyor belts hinges on maintaining the appropriate speed. Irregularities in speed can lead to a cascade of issues – from decreased productivity and compromised product quality, to potential safety hazards. This is where ifm’s speed monitoring technology comes into play, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to various industries and applications.

One of ifm’s standout offerings is its non-contact inductive sensing technology. This method involves using sensors that can detect metallic targets without any physical contact. In the context of conveyor belts, this technology can be employed to monitor rotational speed. A small metal target is affixed to the rotating component of the conveyor system, and the sensor detects the target’s passing frequency to calculate the speed. The non-contact nature of this technology ensures minimal wear and tear, reducing maintenance needs, while maintaining accuracy.

Accuracy is of utmost importance when it comes to speed monitoring, especially in industries where precision is non-negotiable. ifm’s technology boasts impressive accuracy levels, often reaching deviations of less than 0,1% from the actual speed. This level of precision translates to enhanced quality control, reduced material wastage, and improved overall efficiency.

However, accuracy alone is not enough to ensure the seamless operation of conveyor belts. Reliability and real-time monitoring are equally crucial. ifm’s speed monitoring solutions offer continuous data transmission, enabling operators to have a real-time view of the conveyor’s speed. This instant access to critical data empowers operators to make informed decisions promptly. Furthermore, ifm integrates its sensors with automation systems, allowing for automatic adjustments to maintain the desired speed and prevent deviations.

Safety is paramount in industrial settings, and conveyor belts are no exception. Inadequate speed monitoring can lead to accidents, equipment damage, and even personnel injury. ifm addresses these concerns with its safety-oriented features. Emergency stop systems can be integrated with ifm’s sensors, ensuring that if an abnormal speed is detected, the system can be halted instantly to prevent any potential mishaps.

Adapting to the diverse needs of various industries, ifm’s speed monitoring technology offers a range of sensor options. From inductive sensors to magnetic encoders, each technology has its unique advantages, making it suitable for different conveyor systems and environments.

A notable feature of the technology is its user-friendly interface. Setting up and calibrating the sensors is intuitive, thanks to well-designed interfaces and clear instructions. This ease of use minimises the downtime associated with installation and ensures a smooth integration process.

Environmental conditions can pose challenges to many industrial technologies; however, ifm’s speed monitoring solutions are engineered to withstand harsh conditions. Dust, moisture, and temperature variations are common in industrial settings. With ifm’s sensors these challenges are handled without compromising accuracy or reliability.

In conclusion, ifm’s speed monitoring technology for conveyor belts emerges as a crucial innovation in the realm of industrial automation. Its non-contact sensing technology, coupled with exceptional accuracy and reliability, positions it as a frontrunner in the market. The focus on safety features and the adaptability to diverse industrial contexts further solidify its value proposition. As conveyor belts continue to be the backbone of industries worldwide, ifm’s speed monitoring technology ensures that this backbone remains sturdy, efficient and secure.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Sensors & Transducers
The Endress+Hauser inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission. This is considerably less time consuming than the process of determining total solids content in a laboratory.

Read more...
Family of analysers for smart and efficient chlorine measurement
ABB South Africa Sensors & Transducers
ABB has launched ChloroStar, a family of sensors, transmitters and accessories for accurate and reliable chlorine measurement and analysis that enable users in the water, wastewater and other industries to control chlorine more efficiently, enhancing treatment and increasing process uptime.

Read more...
Leading the way with Level 9 PDS implementation
Sensors & Transducers
Applying a Level 9 Proximity Detection System (PDS) to a mining operation is as much about changes in behaviour as it is about technical solutions, according to Pieter Wolfaardt from Apex, Booyco Electronics’ training partner of choice.

Read more...
Enhanced automated weld inspection system
Sensors & Transducers
SmartRay is offering the release of new hardware for its weld inspection system, JOSY, delivering elevated performance and flexibility in the process.

Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.

Read more...
Easy parameter setting of vision sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities

Read more...
Keeping a close eye on product quality and purity
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Colour measurements are necessary in many processes to avoid product losses and ensure safe production and batching. The Memosens Wave CKI50 process spectrometer from Endress+Hauser is a compact, robust and process-friendly device allowing quality, batching and phase checks to be performed by a single instrument for the entire visible colour spectrum.

Read more...
The new programmable graphic display for all industries
ifm - South Africa SCADA/HMI
The new 11 cm ecomatDisplay from ifm features 16,7 million colours, a high-resolution display with optical bonding and a powerful processor, all packed into a compact, robust housing.

Read more...
Display systems for mobile machines
ifm - South Africa SCADA/HMI
The new 11 cm ecomatDisplay from ifm features 16,7 million colours, a high-resolution display with optical bonding and a powerful processor, all packed into a compact, robust housing.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of building management systems
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems (BMS) cannot function properly without sensors. This is so critical that if sensors start failing, they can become ‘blind’.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved