IM 2021 February 21 | Page 52

CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY
COREAL accelerometer sensor node installed on conveyor drive pulley
temperature analysis of the intermediate idlers .” Starting from this point , and after designing and assembling sensor nodes with accelerometers of the necessary sensitivity and robustness , COREAL developed algorithms to characterise the vibratory signal of certain rotating elements ( drive pulley , tail pulley and take up pulley ), including a pre-processing ( filtering ) that would allow removing the noise from the registered signal .
“ Thus , in order to unmask the signals that present noise from various sources and could induce mistakes , a self-adaptive filter was developed to eliminate the noise that hinders the analysis of the vibratory signals . This filtering also incorporated an algorithm capable of updating the filtering parameters to minimise error and get as close as possible to the real signal of the elements whose signal is masked , eg bearings . Finally , after obtaining the processed signal , a pattern identification algorithm was developed , by means of which , with a comparison of vibratory patterns , our solution is capable of determining the existence of a defect , recognising the type of fault that exists and the element in which it occurs .”
At the same time , a mathematical algorithm was generated so that the system would be able to obtain , through the registered temperature , if there was an abnormal operation of any intermediate idler . The reasoning behind this approach is that when an intermediate idler is in a bad condition due to the wear of the bearings that make it rotate properly , it vibrates . These vibrations produce a temperature increase that exceeds the normal operating threshold . Thus , normal operating temperatures range from 20 ° C to 50 ° C , depending on the surrounding temperature . If the temperature of a idler increases at higher temperatures , which range from 80 ° C to 120 ° C , then that is a clear sign of a potential malfunction . By incorporating these temperature sensors into the idlers , it was possible to monitor this overheating so that it was possible to detect intermediate idlers that were in poor condition .
“ Thanks to the numerous tests carried out during the development of the solution , it was possible to obtain and calibrate different temperature threshold values depending on the position of the idler , its speed of rotation and the external temperature , making it possible to diagnose the defect and its cause . As a final stage in our methodology , the solution was validated on several conveyor belts in Puerto Panul and Puerto Mejillones , being able to demonstrate the high reliability of our solution and its advantages over the competition in both cases . Our team has developed an integrated system composed of innovative software and hardware units that makes it possible to detect defects in any of the key elements of the conveyor belts , so that a predictive maintenance strategy can be implemented that minimises the necessary investment and avoids unexpected downtime in all cases . Thanks to the application of Artificial Intelligence technologies , the characterisation and analysis of vibration patterns and temperature patterns of the different elements makes it possible to diagnose hidden faults at early stages , something that was impossible until now .”
Martin Engineering & conveyor maintenance training
With in-person training curtailed for the foreseeable learning , Martin has created a series of interactive online modules based on the same non-commercial curriculum it has produced over the years . Designed to keep attendees engaged and organised into 90- 120 minute segments , the virtual classes cover topics such as best practices for safety , fugitive material control and belt tracking . Upon completion , attendees are eligible to receive either Professional Development Unit ( PDU ) or Continuing Education Unit ( CEU ) credits .
“ The Foundations™ online seminars deliver noncommercial , topic-specific problem-solving information that can be put to immediate use ,” Swinderman said . “ There ’ s no sales pitch , and even the most remote locations can take advantage ,” he added .
Customer Development Manager , Jerad Heitzler , an instructor of Martin ’ s safety workshops since 2010 , said : “ Conveyors are one of the best productivityenhancing tools available , but conveyor injuries cost employers millions of dollars annually . Because of the size of their material cargoes , the speed of their operation , and the amount of energy they consume and contain , conveyors have been shown to be a leading cause of industrial accidents , including serious injuries and fatalities . But injuries are preventable with the right training , preparation and safety precautions .”
According to Heitzler , the company ’ s preferred platform is Zoom , but its expert trainers also have experience with Google Meet , Microsoft Teams and Webex .
“ Our platform has been built to increase attendee engagement as much as possible ,” Heitzler added . future due to COVID-19 restrictions , Martin
“ Many trainers don ’ t use the available platform Engineering says it has developed an extensive array features effectively , because they were thrust into of tools to continue its tradition of educating those online training as a result of the pandemic . But we ’ ve who maintain , manage and design conveyors for worked hard at using engagement features to industrial operations . The result is a wide range of increase learner participation , with options such as a globally-available options to help improve safety and raise hand button , chat , Q and A , screen sharing , efficiency , reduce maintenance expenditures and white boards , private breakout rooms and polling .” extend equipment life , ultimately contributing to
Heitzler said the Martin team has taught around greater profitability , it says .
2,000 attendees using video conferencing since the “ The pandemic has impacted our ability to teach onset of the virus . “ We ’ ve presented these modules traditional classes at customer sites ,” PE Todd to learners in coal handling plants , cement
Swinderman , CEO Emeritus of Martin Engineering and an industry veteran with more than 40 years of hands-on experience , said . “ But it doesn ’ t reduce the need for conveyor operators and facility managers to obtain the benefits and continuing education credits those sessions provide .”
In response to the restrictions that the virus has placed on face-to-face Martin Engineering offers online interactive conveyor training
48 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2021