Monitoring conveyor belt performance and tending to any damage as it happens is integral to bulk materials handling for the mining industry, as it enhances productivity, says mining equipment supplier Becker Mining South Africa.

Becker Mining has launched the BRS-2 belt rip detection system, which was designed to increase conveyor belt productivity by detecting belt rips as soon as they occur, reveals Becker Mining chief sales officer Johann Smit.

“Our rip detection system, which is based on the design of the original BRS-1 system, is used to detect longitudinal rips on steel cable and fibre conveyor belts. The BRS-2 uses real-time loop diagnostics to continuously monitor the status of conveyor belts and, in the event of a rip, stops the belt drives, which reduces any further damage and decreases downtime,” explains Smit.

The system has a sensor which is embedded in the conveyor belt and operates like a bridge between the transmitter and receiver of the belt rip scanner sensor interface (BRS/SI). If a belt is ripped, the BRS/SI cannot measure any analogue values from the damanged loop, which alerts an operator.

“When the belt is in operation, the inductive loops pass over the transmitter and receiver, which are positioned opposite each other on either side of the belt. An electromagnetic signal is transmitted through the inductance loop, from the transmitter and into the receiver.

“Because this system has recorded the distance between successive loops and belt velocity, it automatically calculates the time intervals between [loops],” Smit details.

He mentions that the system is also designed to monitor belt speed, detect belt slip and control the belt sequence. Other features include real-time graphics, a forward and reverse capability, and local and remote password protection. It also keeps a record of the last 10 000 system changes.

The detection system has a robust stainless steel housing, with an IP65 index protection rating to guard against the ingress of dust and water. It has been designed for use in mining applications, as well as other diverse industries, including manufacturing, food and beverage conveying, and packaging, says Smit.

“The BRS-2 system has enhanced Becker Mining South Africa’s extensive range of reliable interoperable communications, automation and safety systems. These systems include distributed antenna configurations, leaky feeder communications and industrial Wi-Fi systems, as well as tagging and tracking systems, real-time location solutions, traffic information and control systems,” concludes Smit.