MINEXPO 2_proof 24/08/2016 08:24 Page 4
HANNAY
WORKS HERE
MINEXPO PREVIEW II
The Martin Roll Gen generator forms a lightweight driven unit that does
not affect the existing roll in any way, except to be rotationally engaged via
the magnets, and so draw a small amount of mechanical power in order to
generate the electrical energy
Put the hardest working reels
to work for you with:
Rugged, reliable construction ideal
for harsh mining conditions
Vast choices in size and finish
Heavy-duty ribbed discs and one-piece
axle hub assemblies
Reels built to order with fast delivery
Made
in U.S.A.
Find your local dealer: hannay.com
Int’l: +1-518-797-3791 | N. America: 877-467-3357
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Dealer Inquiries Welcome
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the next generation of “smart systems” predicted to be more sustainable
and autonomous.
Running auxiliary power can be both complicated and costly, requiring
expensive labour and oversized cables to accommodate the inevitable
voltage drop over long runs, as well as transformers, conduit, junction boxes
and other components. Using even a small conventional generator to
provide power introduces a different set of issues, including flammable
fuels. In many operations, this lack of available power means that
technicians must walk the length of the structure to monitor the conveyor,
which can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
A more efficient approach is to employ sensors to transmit important
data from remote points to a central location where it can be monitored in
real time and recorded for later analysis. But intelligent monitoring systems
require power for extended operation. Due to the distances involved, cabled
communication systems are not ideal, and therefore wireless
communication systems are more advantageous.
Options such as solar power are not well suited to the general conditions
of a conveyor system.
“We found that we could draw energy from a moving belt by attaching an
independent generator directly to one of the rollers,” said Paul Harrison,
Global Engineering Manager. “This way, the conveyor could produce power
without altering the structure of the system or affecting its physical
configuration.”
Being able to add a generator to a roller delivers the benefit of using the
proven reliability of existing roller designs, while drawing power from the
belt for a wide variety of electronic devices. Product engineers developed a
design to accomplish this through the use of a magnetic coupling that
attaches to the end of an existing roller. The outside diameter of the
generator matches the diameter of the roll, but places the generator outside
the material path to avoid the heavy loads and fugitive material that tends
to damage existing design attempts. The roll generator is held in a fixed
position by the roll support system, but is not normally required to bear any
of the material load.
In the new, patent-pending design, a ‘drive dog’ is attached to the end
face of the roll that is resting on the generator, using magnets. The drive
dog engages the generator through the outer housing’s machined drive
tabs. The magnetic attachment ensures that electrical or mechanical
overload does not force the roll to stop; instead the magnets will slip on the
roll face.
The conveyor roll loads are carried by the large support shaft in the