Revolutionary conveyor belt monitoring system developed in Melbourne

Melbourne engineering company ideas* has used the latest vision and laser technology, including 3D imaging, to develop the system for CBM International, an international company which provides comprehensive condition monitoring of conveyor belts and systems.
Following successful prototype trials, the system is set to be installed for the first time on an iron ore conveyor at BlueScope Steel in New South Wales.
The system will more quickly and reliably detect errors or problems in conveyor belt function. It comprises two separate detection systems:
• A profile detector continuously maps a 3D image of the load-side of the conveyor belt, monitoring for any changes in profile to indicate wear or damage such as delamination, bulging or splits to the belt. Any inconsistencies trigger an alarm, allowing an operator to remotely review the event. A vision system captures a continuous image of the belt allowing the operator to view the belt condition and even compare to a previous time.
• A second rip detection system monitors the underside of the belt for rips. This can be positioned directly after a load transition point, monitoring for belt rips from events such as liner plate dislodgement.
A direct web interface allows the belt condition and all events to be monitored in real time from anywhere around the globe. This capability makes the system ideal for monitoring the typical hazardous and/or remote environments associated with large industrial conveyors.
The flexible system is able to be modified to suit any sized or speed belt.
Ideas* technology development director Rick Stefanutti said the system had been developed to mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure on conveyor belts and the associated lost production.
“For many mine sites or production systems, a major conveyor can represent an area of major risk with no redundancy in the event of failure. This is compounded by the typical long lead times associated with large belt spare parts. This new system uses the latest technology to ensure that any potential problems are detected as soon as possible so they can be dealt with efficiently, saving valuable production time and repair costs,” he said.
For more information contact tel: +61 (0)3 9763 4332 or email: rick.stefanutti@ideaservices.com.au
Visit: www.ideaservices.com.au
ideas* (www.ideaservices.com.au) is an engineering services firm in Melbourne, which applies technical and business expertise to develop innovative process, manufacturing and technology solutions.