CONVEYING
industry.“ This is evidenced by the many inquiries for firm proposals. NMDC, India’ s iron mining company has launched an ambitious plan to reach 100 Mt / y of iron ore mined by 2030. This is more than doubling their current production. In their plan they have incorporated Sandwich Belt high angle conveyors at various mining and plant applications. Whereas Dos Santos International has long responded positively to high angle conveyor inquiries from India they were infrequent and there were no successes in the past. Over the last couple of years, the frequency has increased as has the seriousness.”
In response, in order to better the DSI position, DSI India was launched under the leadership of Shyamal Kumar Bag. In partnership with a reputable Indian manufacturer DSI now offers its proprietary systems and equipment as Made in India.
At NMDC’ s Donimalai iron ore mine, a Sandwich Belt high angle conveyor system will be used as the continuous elevating means from the in-pit crushing system along the mine slope to the surface level 100 m above. At the top an overland conveyor system will transport the bulk to the plant. Because this system is in the blasting zone the customer has specified that it be mobile, able to clear the zone during blasting and return immediately afterwards to operation.
Further refinement of the requirements has determined that the blast damage range extends nearly 50 m vertically and nearly 100 m laterally. So the elevating system is made up of two flights of 50 m net lift. Only the lower unit is made mobile and it must travel 100 m away then back, periodically, when blasting. The lower and upper flights have the same operating characteristics but the upper unit will be permanently located with three points of structural support. This will result in a lower cost compared to the lower unit which has only two points of structural support and will be mobile, carried on twin crawler track units at the bottom and at the top.
REMA TIP TOP streamlines conveyor inspection with MCube CAM
Moving on to looking at conveyor monitoring and maintenance, with MCube CAM, REMA TIP TOP says it is introducing a pioneering innovation in conveyor belt monitoring. This new solution allows for easy, automated, AI-supported video analysis of the conveyor belt’ s top cover via smartphone, continuing it says the company’ s consistent innovation strategy.“ MCube CAM significantly increases efficiency and operational safety, delivering results that exceed those of conventional visual inspections in the shortest possible time.”
The inspection process it says is simple and efficient. First, the conveyor belt is filmed with a standard smartphone and the video is then uploaded via the REMA TIP TOP upload platform. The AI powered software automatically detects splices, edge and surface damage, and other anomalies. The software then generates a detailed report including a full belt map with severity ratings, high-resolution images, and recommendations for action.“ This provides users with a transparent, objective, and standardised evaluation that can be used for operational maintenance as well as for compliance and audit purposes.”
The recommendations for action provided by MCube CAM are based on REMA TIP TOP’ s decades of expertise in the fields of mining and conveyor technology, which has been incorporated into the training of the AI and the software.
“ We have made continuous conveyor belt monitoring as simple, accurate, and costeffective as possible. Since everyone has a smartphone nowadays, plant operators do not incur additional costs for expensive maintenance technology when using MCube CAM. MCube CAM employs AI image analysis to replace the visual inspections that are often performed by individuals today,” explains Dr Daniel Kasperek, Head of REMA Engineered Technologies at REMA TIP TOP.
MCube CAM is described as being suitable for all types of conveyor belts, including overland and pipe conveyors, long trunk and haulage conveyors, as well as incline and decline conveyors. Therefore, the product can be used in many industries, including mining, building materials, recycling, and logistics services. MCube CAM offers clear advantages, especially in hard-to-access or enclosed areas. Manual inspections are reduced, employee safety increases, and damage is detected early before it leads to costly downtime.
In addition to basic inspections, MCube CAM provides a comprehensive overview of the condition of conveyor belts. It detects hidden damage and helps companies sustainably improve the operational safety, maintenance quality, and service life of their equipment.“ With its state-of-the-art AI technology, ease of use, and high precision, MCube CAM minimises downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the service life of conveyor belts.”
MCube CAM REMA TIP TOP says fits seamlessly into the proven MCube portfolio, which already includes the BRD 2 belt rip detection system, the BTM belt thickness monitoring system, the SCS steel cord scanning system, and the RFP system for predicting roller failures.
REMA TIP TOP made an important move in the market last year by acquiring the Almex Group in Canada. Founded in Parry
Sound, Ontario, in 1962, Almex has built a global reputation for innovation in conveyor belt splicing and vulcanising systems, with installations in over 120 countries. The Almex Group says it will continue to operate on a global footprint to serve its valued customers and partners.
The statement from Almex said its strong brand and leadership position in the market matches Rema’ s overarching mission to provide the customer with industry leading solutions for the conveying market and that Almex will benefit from Rema’ s extensive network and infrastructure worldwide. Almex product lines will continue to be produced in Almex’ s key global manufacturing facilities. Global technology for Almex branded products will remain in Canada. Fonmar will continue to manufacture and operate under its own brand in Spain with collaborative effort across both companies.
ROXON’ s HX270 monitoring system
Since the beginning of the 1960s, ROXON has specialised in delivering reliable material handling solutions. It offers customers maximum productivity through complete systems: conveyors, standard equipment, components and service. It also delivers specialised solutions and advanced technology in the form of its HX Belt Condition Monitoring systems and unique ROXDUR Wear Protection products.
IM recently met with ROXON’ s Martin Evers to discuss the HX270 which brings submillimetre precision belt thickness measurement for belt lifetime prediction of each belt segment. The technology is implemented in unique way for harsh conditions. It is highly resistant to dust, dirt, moisture and other environmental condition variations with minimal service needed. It can work with a maximum belt width of 2,400 mm and speed up to 10 m / s. It monitors both the material and clean side of the belt via two separate modules. Both modules can be installed independently. It says it is ideal for longer conveyors that are critical for production. Belt thickness monitoring can be optionally integrated.
The company says:“ HX automatically adapts to your conveyor operation and belt condition without user intervention. The system senses the belt movement with pulley rotation sensors and the belt damages are positioned in respect to a fixed reference point on the belt. HX is an intelligent system, it automatically records the existing belt damage and alerts you when new damage occurs or existing damage is getting worse. When your belt condition becomes critical, HX stops the conveyor immediately.”
ROXON adds:“ HX has the best reaction time for belt damage detection on the market. The bottom cover of the belt is monitored right after the loading chute
International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025