Motion Control & Drives


Safe handling in all sectors

August 2024 Motion Control & Drives

This initiative ensures that appropriate measures are taken to prevent roll back incidents, which might cause injury to workers during conveying operations. BMG technical experts advise on the selection of the correct cam clutch for each application, and assist with proper installation methods to ensure optimum performance and improved safety standards.

“Tsubaki backstops and cam clutches, which have been developed and manufactured in Japan for high efficiency and optimum safety in high- or low-speed applications, meet the requirements of current legislation,” explains business unit manager, Carlo Beukes. Local safety regulations require that the installation of incline conveyor belts must include the fitting and use of one or more devices to prevent run-back or run-on, to prevent injury by materials falling from a conveyor belt.

Tsubaki backstop cam clutches are designed to prevent reverse rotation of drive shafts, offering a simple and cost-effective means to protect capital equipment and enhance safety. Apart from the mining sector, BMG’s cam clutches are used for belt conveyors for materials handling, metals, timber, pulp and wood chip, and also for bucket elevators for cement and grain. These units are also installed to enhance performance of large drift conveyors and screw pumps.

Tsubaki cam clutches are available from BMG in different capacities and styles, and are designed to provide the best functional characteristics for three basic modes of operation – overrunning, indexing, and backstopping. The outer and inner races of these cam clutches are manufactured from high-quality alloy steel, with high surface hardness and core toughness, to withstand operation in arduous conditions. These races are precision ground, providing excellent concentricity and a special surface finish to obtain accurate cam rotation. Cams are manufactured from special selected high-alloy steel, with a hardness option up to 2500 Hv.

A key range in BMG’s portfolio of Tsubaki cam clutches is the BS-F series, which is suitable for high-speed inclined and long overland belt conveyors and bucket elevators used in the mining and bulk handling sectors. The high-torque, high-speed Tsubaki BS-F series, with a narrow width I-beam torque arm, is a drop-in replacement to conventional ‘roller ramp’ devices. This allows for quick and easy onsite installation and enables effortless replacement of an old backstop with the new BS-F design, without the need for modification to the existing layout. Although this series has a narrower width than other models, the downsized unit exceeds the requirements of high-speed inclined belt conveyors, with the benefits of space saving and reduced installation time.

Important features of this series include a non-rollover cam and roller design, which offers higher backstop torque capacities and lower running temperatures than conventional anti-rollback devices. Added to this, a flexible labyrinth seal mechanism prevents the ingress of dust and water in abrasive conditions, and a double-lip oil seal with multi-temperature grease, enables safe operation at a wide ambient temperature range from -55 to 150°C.

A common cause of conventional backstop failure is oil leakage. Tsubaki has eliminated this risk in the BSF series by designing the backstop to operate with grease and a specially designed labyrinth seal. The absence of an oil level gauge creates a more reliable safety device. For extended service life, correct lubrication methods and dust prevention care are critical. BMG recommends the use of a maintenance kit and Tsubaki-approved EP-free grease for easy and effective maintenance of the BSF series. The BS-Grease is available from any BMG branch.

The cam and roller cage orbit at low speed, continually conveying grease internally from the bottom to the top of the mechanism. The constant circulation of grease minimises internal friction, and reduces operating temperature for dependable operation. Maintenance intervals are between 7500 and 8000 hours, and the effective service life of the units is also significantly extended, compared with conventional oil-filled units.

For extended service life, correct lubrication methods and dust prevention care are critical. BMG recommends the use of a maintenance kit and Tsubaki-approved EP-free grease for easy and effective maintenance of the BSF series.

BMG has made a substantial investment in local Tsubaki backstops to ensure speedy delivery. This is a major advantage, as the current industry norm is up to 24 weeks delivery. The complete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available from BMG’s national branch network, which offers a technical advisory and 24-hour backup service.

For more information contact Carlo Beukes, BMG, +27 11 620 7558, carlob@bmgworld.net, www.bmgworld.net


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Lifting and rigging solutions for offshore projects
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s dedicated Tools & Equipment Lifting and Rigging division provides solutions for lifting and rigging challenges in all industries, including automotive and tyre manufacturing, paper and pulp, sugar, forestry and agriculture, marine, and mining.

Read more...
New multipurpose lubricant for the agricultural industry
Motion Control & Drives
A multipurpose lubricant for the agricultural industry has been developed locally by FUCHS Lubricants South Africa. It is ideal for transmissions, final drives, hydraulics, and oil-immersed brakes of agricultural and even certain off-highway equipment.

Read more...
Sustainable roof tile production with new robotics solution
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Harvey Roofing is set to revolutionise its roof tile production through a strategic partnership with Yaskawa, leveraging a unique prototype product and cutting-edge robotics solutions to enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability.

Read more...
Servomotor bearing with low particle emissions
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is introducing a high-performance bearing for servomotors that reduces the emission of particles such as grease and oil. This breakthrough will contribute to the stable operation of vital industry machines such as robots.

Read more...
Bearings International partners with Twinsaver
Motion Control & Drives
Bearings International has teamed up with Twinsaver, a household name that has been part of South African life for over four decades.

Read more...
Perfect balance for every race
Horne Technologies Motion Control & Drives
It goes without saying that success in Formula 1 requires a top driver. However, their chance of achieving a place on the podium depends on the car, which in turn depends on three essential factors: engine, tyres and aerodynamics. To find the optimum balance, the racing teams test models of their bolides in the wind tunnel. At Sauber, the adjustable components are moved on the model and in the test chamber using FAULHABER motors.

Read more...
Torque for a harmonious gait
Horne Technologies Motion Control & Drives
Design Pro Technology has created the first ankle joint prosthesis, D-Ankle that actively moves the foot with a motor when walking, and holds the foot in an anatomically natural position during the course of each step. The integrated drive ensures that the control signals are converted into the appropriate movement. At its heart is a brushless motor from Faulhaber.

Read more...
Quick couplings to prevent leakage
Motion Control & Drives
Research and development in the quick coupling industry is advancing beyond functionality, and is focusing on manufacturing leak-free quick couplers which also minimise impact on the environment.

Read more...
DC microdrives bring dynamics into handling
Horne Technologies Motion Control & Drives
The swivelling-rotary modules from the kinematics specialist, Jung Antriebstechnikbased are ideal for the highly dynamic rotation of large, high-inertia workpieces and eccentric grippers, and also for use in screwing and coiling technology. The drives are the heart of this modular automation system, and the requirements placed on them are very high. Brushless DC-motors from Faulhaber meet this need.

Read more...
At least 60 million strokes
Horne Technologies Motion Control & Drives
Designing and constructing compact automation systems is one of the core activities of the Austrian machine manufacturer, STIWA. Its modular LTM-CI system has been optimised for small parts assembly. Linear and rotating micromotors from Faulhaber perform key tasks in these systems.

Read more...