Martin Engineering says its Transfer Point Kits are designed to enable convenient, quick installation. For example, chute sections are delivered in a single crate with every component for assembly included, are able to be assembled prior to the shutdown and installation, and are fully modular, making future changes easier.
Martin Engineering’s new Transfer Point Kit includes modular horizontal loading zone, settling zone, and stilling zone configurations, providing easier installation and a wider variety of chute options while facilitating future upgrades. The kit simplifies the installation process, reducing the amount of labor required for assembly and allowing the system to be pre-built prior to installation for reduced system downtime. The result is faster installation with less labor and shorter shutdowns, increasing the return on investment, according to the company.
Kits are ordered as a loading zone, settling zone, or stilling zone. The width and length of the kit are determined by the receiving belt’s width and speed and the dust characteristics of the material being transferred. Dustier applications may require a longer settling zone.
The transfer point system accommodates belt widths of 18-72 in. (450-1,800 mm) and an internal chute width of 9-59 in. (228-1,498 mm). Each modular section is either 4 ft (1.21 m) or 6 ft. (1.82 m) long and constructed of mild steel, 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel, with a thickness of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm), 0.5 in. (12.7 mm), or 0.75 (19.05 mm) to accommodate a variety of materials and conditions.
The kit includes a chutewall weldment, wearliner assembly, wearliner plate, outer chute supports, top cover, tail panel/clamp/rubber sheet, installation hardware and an owner’s manual. The skirt seal, sold separately, is a single, replaceable piece that runs the entire length of the chute.
Recently, German safety engineering specialist Schmersal displayed a fully automated online condition monitoring system for conveyor belt systems.
The company said its HX170 system is based on optical condition monitoring of the surface profile, which detects potential damage to joints as well as longitudinal slits, cracks and holes in the surface of the conveyor belt. With the reverse drum as a reference, wear can also be determined by permanent belt thickness measurement.
The system is integrated into the local automation system via floating relay contacts. In addition, for pending alarms, the user can access detailed information about any damage in the form of a 3D image of the surface of the belt through the user interface.
According to Schmersal, the HX170 system is suitable for use on all flat textile and steel-wire belts, regardless of the manufacturer. The system adapts automatically to new conveyor belts and to systems already in use. If wear or damage is detected, the belts can be moved automatically to pre-defined repair stations for closer inspection.
‘When conveyor belts experience problems, it’s often already too late. The fully automated HX170 condition monitoring system allows preventive maintenance measures to be taken promptly, thereby reducing unscheduled downtime,’ said Heiko Bach, business development manager for heavy industry at the Schmersal Group.
