Sensors & Transducers


Telco Sensors BMU

March 2010 Sensors & Transducers

A belt monitor unit that works.

Telco has designed a unit that can effectively monitor conveyors and prevent damage. Many belt monitoring units can detect a belt failure but are very maintenance intensive; this system has designed to give the user peace of mind.

How it works

The unit makes use of Telco infrared sensors which monitor the belt position at all times. These infrared sensors are very robust and can handle coal-mining environments without problem. Sunlight, water, dust and dirt do not affect them.

The unit can be installed in various configurations depending on customer needs. The most basic option will detect belt tear in the centre of the belt only. The next level will detect belt tear and alignment. These can be fitted with an alarm indication, or voltage free contacts which can be incorporated into the PLC and scada system.

The unit has been installed and tested in very harsh environments and has passed all tests subjected to it. In one example, the sensor head was damaged by coal build-up and still continued to work without problems.

The frame

The frame is designed with pipe bent in a U to fit around the conveyor with no sharp edges that can damage it. The pipes are powder coated and can be supplied in various colours.

The electronics

The system uses two infrared transmitters and two infrared receivers, one on each side of the conveyor. These can be doubled up for greater protection if required. The amplifier is not situated on the transmitters or receivers but as a stand-alone unit separate from the sensors, and can incorporate a 10 second delay to eliminate unwanted trips. The system is designed to be failsafe, meaning that a power or system failure will stop the conveyor. The amplifier and relays are fitted inside an IP65 box, and the system can be supplied from 24 VDC or 24/110/ 220 VAC. The voltage free contacts are rated to 10 A.

Integration and maintenance

The voltage free contacts can be used by system integrators or mine personal to connect to a PLC, which can then also be connected via communication to a scada system. The system can be tested at regular intervals by manually disconnecting the transmitters and holding them in line with the receivers.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.

Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

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...
Vibration monitoring with IO-Link
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.

Read more...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

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...
A new era in top-notch measurement technology
Senseca Sensors & Transducers
In the ever-evolving world of sensor technology, a new name has emerged that brings a legacy of excellence, innovation and reliability - Senseca. This newly unified brand represents the merger of five industry-leading companies. All have a reputation for delivering top-tier sensor solutions, and have made significant contributions and set high standards in their respective industries.

Read more...
Playing autoclave roulette
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
Autoclaves ensure the sterility of medical and pharmaceutical products before reaching healthcare providers and their patients. To effectively manage these demanding conditions, VEGA provides reliable solutions, specifically the VEGAFLEX 81 and VEGABAR 83 sensors, which are designed to meet the stringent requirements of autoclave operations.

Read more...