SME 2019 Denver – Actual challenges and benefits of Monitored Rollers
The Bulk Handling Technology has already started its transformation to the Industry 4.0. Having some of the harshest working and environmental conditions of the industry, the possibility of remote analysis and maintenance of the components seems a perfect target to focus on. The most important and expensive tools have been adapted to the digital era during last years, from remotely controlled haul trucks to monitored conveyor belts. However, these big parts of the installations rely in smaller parts that have been left aside for a while, mainly due to the difficulty to adapt them to IoT (Internet of Things) The paradigmatic example is the lack of monitored rollers whereas all the other components of the conveyor belt installations (the belt itself, motors, drums etc.) were monitored some time ago. The main problem is that a failure of a single roller can cause the stop of the whole conveyor, due to the possible damages to the belt, thus the implementation of an integral monitoring system of all the components of the conveyor is a must. The digitalization of rollers has very unique difficulties in addition to the usual IoT implementation challenges. It’s remarkable the high number of rollers in some installations (more than several thousands in a common overland), the demanding electromagnetic environment (metallic structures, metallic particles suspended in the atmosphere etc.) that interfere in the communications or the continuous contact with aggressive agents like iron ore or potash. The R&D Department of ULMA Conveyor Components, has been working since early 2012 on the development of Monitored Rollers facing all the problems until its final installation in very different demanding conveyors, from the Australian extreme heat to the freezing cold Norway. All the tests done under actual working conditions, in real installations, have given a valuable knowledge in the identification of problems, their solution and the final advantages of a roller monitoring system. ULMA Conveyor Components is proud to introduce its analysis of the current situation of Monitored Rollers Technology, how has been possible to reach to a real working solution and which are the advantages that this technology is already offering.
Mae Moh project in Thailand
The Thai company Italian-Thai Development PLC (ITD) awards ULMA with an order for heavy duty conveyors (HDC) for expansion No. 9 of the Mae Moh mine, the largest in Southeast Asia. The mine is located in the Lampang region, 600km north of Bangkok. ITD is the most important turnkey construction company in Thailand with experience in all types of projects in Thailand and Asia. The excellent results of ULMA Conveyor Components in previous projects and experience in similar sterile handling facilities in Germany made it possible to win the award for this important project. The conveyors will be delivered during 2019 and the commissioning of the facility is scheduled for 1 May, 2020. The conveyors have been designed to withstand major load conditions (16,000 tons/hour), belt speeds (5.5 m/s) and the demanding environmental conditions of rain, heat and humidity in the area. At a time when investments are restricted and project are running behind schedule, the competition and requirements for new contracts are extremely fierce. For this reason, the award for this work is a great challenge and an opportunity for ULMA Conveyor Components to consolidate its expansion and diversification plan, both in the engineering market in general and in this one in particular.