Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Power transmission solutions in the mining sector

Second Quarter 2021 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

BMG’s range of Tsubaki back stop cam clutches, which is suitable for high or low speed applications, meets the requirements of current mining legislation and has many critical features not found in conventional models. The high-torque, high-speed Tsubaki BS-F series, designed for high-speed inclined and long overland belt conveyors and bucket elevators, is particularly well suited for mining applications. The narrow width I-beam torque arm is a drop-in replacement to conventional anti-roll-back devices, which allows for quick and easy on-site installation. This design also enables the replacement of an old backstop with the new BS-F design, without the need for modification to the existing layout.

Although this series has a narrower width than other models, the downsized unit exceeds the requirements of high speed inclined belt conveyors, with the benefits of space-saving and reduced installation time.

A common cause of conventional backstop failure is oil leakage. Tsubaki has eliminated this risk in the BS-F series by designing the backstop to operate with grease and a specially designed labyrinth seal. The absence of an oil level gauge creates a more reliable safety device.

Other important features of this series include a non-roll-over cam and roller design, which offers higher backstop torque capacities and lower running temperatures than conventional anti-roll-back devices. Added to this, a flexible labyrinth seal mechanism prevents the ingress of dust and water in abrasive conditions and a double-lip oil seal and multi-temperature grease enable safe operation at a wide ambient temperature range from -40 to 65°C.

The cam and roller cage orbit at low speed, continually conveying grease internally from the bottom to the top of the mechanism. The constant circulation of grease minimises internal friction and reduces operating temperature for dependable operation. Maintenance intervals are between 7500 and 8000 hours and the effective service life of the units is also significantly extended compared with conventional oil-filled units.

For extended service life, correct lubrication methods and dust prevention care are critical. BMG recommends the use of a maintenance kit and Tsubaki-approved EP-free grease for easy and effective maintenance of the BSF series. The company offers customers a complementary Tsubaki maintenance kit with BSF backstops larger than a 200 mm shaft, which allows for easy servicing of the unit during operation, without the need for removal from the shaft.

BMG also supplies a wide range of customised Tsubaki reclaimer chains, designed and manufactured with various options, to suit specific requirements of reclaimers used in the mining sector. According to BMG’s Tsubaki product specialist, Gavin Kirstein, reclaimer chains should provide the longest service life to achieve the best overall value. Chain must have large bearing areas, high hardness and deep case depth, to provide optimum performance. “Tsubaki engineers have implemented these principles while retrofitting many reclaiming conveyors with chain and sprockets, achieving longer service life than OEM chains. Due to their complex requirements, reclaimer chains are manufactured on a made-to-order basis and are designed and manufactured to meet the specific, unique requirements of each site,” he says.

Tsubaki has developed new reclaimer chains with outboard rollers that prevent the build-up of abrasive particles between bushes and rollers, solving the problem of premature wear. A new labyrinth construction, with improved anti-dust capabilities, prevents debris from infiltrating the outboard rollers and chain wear areas. In addition, the outboard rollers are sealed for life and require no additional maintenance.

Tsubaki customisable large size conveyor chains are also available from BMG, with a selection of base materials, corrosion resistant coatings, attachments and rollers.

Apart from the mining sector, BMG’s cam clutches are used for belt conveyors for materials handling, metals, timber, pulp and wood chip, as well as for bucket elevators for cement and grain. These units are also installed to enhance performance of large drift conveyors and screw pumps.

BMG stocks a wide variety of the Tsubaki backstops locally and test runs every unit before delivery. This is a major advantage, as the current industry norm is up to 16 weeks delivery. The complete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available from BMG’s national branch network, which offers a technical advisory and 24 hour backup service.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

New generation low power frequency inverters
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.

Read more...
Planar motor system for quality assurance
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.

Read more...
Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation
Siemens South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.

Read more...
Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.

Read more...
More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.

Read more...
Motion technology for all types of automation
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.

Read more...
Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.

Read more...
The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.

Read more...
The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.

Read more...
Revolutionising TIG welding for aerospace manufacturing
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Aerosud Aviation, a leading aerospace manufacturer, to implement a cutting-edge robotic TIG welding solution tailored to the exacting demands of aerospace production.

Read more...