Authors: L. Meakin and P. Saxby
Bulk Materials Handling 2008". Brisbane, Australia. Conveyors in Mining Conf.Perth, Australia(Dec 2007)
Abstract
The combination of a number of factors can result in conveyor drives being undersized or operating in an unsuitable manner. Some of these factors include:
- The trend to reduce drive sizes by reducing friction coefficients
- The trend towards using squirrel cage induction motors under variable voltage variable frequency control combined without considering the drive characteristics
- Not analyzing the operation and interaction of fluid couplings with the motor torque curve
- Either not allowing for break-away resistances, or not allowing for some components of break-away resistances
- Not allowing for load sharing in multiple drive systems
- Not allowing for surge (transient but sustained variations in throughput)
- Procured drive and conveyor components being different to the design components resulting in different resistances and different drive characteristics
Correct conveyor drive design can be achieved by allowing for realistic load cases and ensuring that the drive system can provide adequate torque to overcome these resistances.
This paper discusses concepts for establishing conveyor resistances and the features of various drive technologies and de-rating factors which should be applied.
