Sensors & Transducers


Telco sensors in conveyor belt monitoring

January 2019 Sensors & Transducers

Ordinary belt monitoring units can detect belt failure, but many require frequent maintenance for reliable operation. This is why Telco designed a system that ensures peace of mind for the plant owner.

The unit makes use of Telco infrared sensors to monitor the belt position at all times. These sensors are robust enough to handle the mining environment without problems as they are not affected by sunlight, water, dust or dirt. Units are available in various options depending on customer requirements. The most basic option will detect belt tear in the centre of the belt only. The next level detects belt tear and alignment. These two options can be supplied with an alarm indication only, or with voltage free contacts that can be incorporated into the PLC/scada system. The unit has been installed and tested in extremely harsh environments and has passed all tests. In one example, the sensor head was ground away by coal build-up, but it still worked without a problem.

Technical information

The frame: is designed in a U-shape to fit around the conveyor. There are no sharp edges that can damage the conveyor and the powder coated steel can be supplied in various colours.

The sensors: two infrared transmitters and two infrared receivers are placed one on each side of the conveyor. These can be doubled up for even more protection if required. The amplifier is not situated on the transmitters or receivers but in a separate standalone unit, which can provide up to a 10 second delay to eliminate nuisance trips.

Failsafe: the system is designed to be failsafe, meaning that a power or system failure will also stop the conveyor.

Power supply: the system can be supplied with 24 VDC or 24 /110/220 VAC – contacts are rated up to 10 A.

Protection against the elements: the amplifier and relays are fitted inside an IP65 box. The frame and sensors are weather proof as described.

System integration: the system has voltage free contacts that can be used to connect to a PLC, which can then also be connected via a communication network to a scada system.

Maintenance: The system can be tested by manually disconnecting the transmitters and holding them in line with the receivers.

For more information contact Gail Norton Instrumentation Agencies, +27 31 701 4861, [email protected], www.gailnortoninstrumentation.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Smart alternative for float switches
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
With the LI level sensor, you can reliably detect leakages and point levels on a permanent basis. The capacitive measuring system has no moving parts. Malfunction or maintenance issues due to deposits on the mechanical parts are therefore eliminated.

Read more...
Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.

Read more...
Precision acoustic imagers
Comtest Sensors & Transducers
To help users identify and localise ‘mechanical areas of interest’ within short timeframes, Comtest has added a unique new feature to Fluke’s ii910 precision acoustic imagers.

Read more...
Efficiency and precision with IO-Link sensors
RS South Africa Sensors & Transducers
RS South Africa has its own brand known as RS PRO, which offers a choice of over 88 000 products across all industries and technologies. The guaranteed quality and breadth of this range make RS PRO the smart choice for your business.

Read more...
Smart alternative for float switches
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
With the LI level sensor, you can reliably detect leakages and point levels on a permanent basis. The capacitive measuring system has no moving parts. Malfunction or maintenance issues due to deposits on the mechanical parts are therefore eliminated.

Read more...
Optical fork sensor series
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
The OFS series consists of self-contained optical fork sensors that are housed in a durable, U-shaped aluminum housing, which operates in through-beam mode.

Read more...
In-line process transmitter to optimise sterile processes
WIKA Instruments Sensors & Transducers
The new model DMSU22SA in-line process transmitter from WIKA helps to optimise sterile processes in the pharmaceutical and food industries, with less energy consumption, less cleaning effort ,and more safety.

Read more...
Automated clean-in-place
Endress+Hauser South Africa Sensors & Transducers
A clean-in-place (CIP) process is integral to a food and beverage producer’s responsibility to deliver safe, high-quality products to consumers. However, as industries worldwide shift focus towards sustainability, CIP procedures face new challenges.

Read more...
Signal conditioning is the protective armour between plant and field
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.

Read more...
Precise detection of complex rotational movements
Beckhoff Automation Sensors & Transducers
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.

Read more...