Major conveyor belt–related mining incidents are now relatively infrequent as a result of recent improvements in engineering standards and the use of fire-resistant materials. However, conveyor belts are still a potential cause of personal and structural damage. In addition, any unexpected breakdown of rolling components or failure of belts creates a significant interruption to production, which is a major concern for operators, who are responsible for achieving optimum mining production. This project aimed to develop a fiber optic-based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system to monitor the temperature change of malfunction idlers for heavy-duty conveyor belts in underground coal mines.
Conveyor belts have been widely used for centuries to transport general goods, bulk materials, and passengers. Conveyor belts have attained a dominant position in the continuous conveying of bulk materials ranging from very fine, dusty chemicals to bulk materials, such as raw ore and coal, as well as for overburden, including stones, soil, and logs of wood. In comparison to other transportation methods for bulk solids, such as trains or trucks, conveyor belts are an extremely favorable choice in instances where suitable infrastructures for other modes of transport do not exist.
The main fire risks associated with belt type conveyors are as follows:
› Friction due to loss of belt traction and slipping on the drive roller;
› Welding activities can generate hot molten material;
› Overheated materials placed on the belt;
› Build up of materials that have fallen off the belt and dust cloud generation;
› Static electricity.
Static fires can occur in close proximity to the belt and also to the electrical drive equipment associated with providing energy to the belt conveyor system.
Trinius distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology, a fiber optic-based linear heat detection system, provides a technically superior solution when compared to the other conventional technologies. Advantages include:
› Trinius open interface (Modbus over RS232, TCP) permits easy integration to SCADA/EMS systems;
› Trinius has Plug & Play connection capabilities;
› Trinius safe semiconductor 1M class laser enables inherently safe operation with maximum lifespan, widest operating temperature range, and lowest power consumption;
› Optromix specialists are ready to help you with the design, installation, testing, commissioning, and project management;
› 2-years warranty;
› Provides actual temperature measurement continuously along the conveyor length and can predict before ignition occurs.
Trinius Distributed temperature sensing can be deployed successfully in multiple industrial segments, such as Temperature monitoring of Transmission & Distribution power lines, oil & gas wells and reservoirs monitoring, fire detection in tunnels, and special hazard buildings.
If you would like to purchase DTS (Distributed Temperature System), please contact us:info@optromix.com or +1 617 558 98 58
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