Voith says it has expanded its TurboBelt TPXL range of fill-controlled couplings for conveyors, with the addition of 500 kW, 800 kW and 1,250 kW versions.
These couplings combine hydrodynamics with intelligent control technology to optimise performance, according to Voith.
The integrated controller matches the output torque exactly to the start-up parameters of the belt conveyor system, thus reducing wear and increasing service life, according to Voith. Its high power density means the TurboBelt TPXL range requires only half the volume of conventional couplings and therefore can be easily integrated into drivetrains, the company said.
Voith said: “With its proven hydrodynamic drive principle, the Voith TurboBelt TPXL range of couplings has been a staple of the mining industry for years. Delivering a nominal torque from 1,600 Nm to 7,960 Nm, respectively, the new sizes – TurboBelt 800 TPXL and TurboBelt 1250 TPXL – open up an expanded range of applications. Its rugged construction makes it ideal for use in demanding environments and tasks, such as open-pit mining.”
The TurboBelt TPXL’s plug-and-play design allows for easy integration into established systems and drivetrains and serves to significantly shorten commissioning times, according to Voith. The coupling concept consists of an integrated controller, an integrated oil pump and an oil supply unit, all of which are designed to work in tandem with each other.
“This lays the groundwork for accurate predictive maintenance to effectively keep the total cost of ownership low,” Voith said. “The TurboBelt TPXL’s hydrodynamic operating principle enables wear-free power transmission without the need for a mechanical connection. In this way, the system’s lifespan is expanded and maintenance costs are decreased significantly.”
TurboBelt DriveControl, Voith’s digital control system, was designed to work in conjunction with the TurboBelt TPXL’s integrated controller to meet even the most demanding requirements in belt conveyance, Voith said. “It allows seamless connection of drives, belt conveyors and components throughout the entire extraction process.”
In this way, TurboBelt DriveControl can handle lengths of up to 20 km as well as vertical curves and tonnages of more than 12,000 t/h, according to the company.
Votih said: “The intelligent system features autonomous belt conveyor startup and stopping procedure, even for regenerative conveyors. In addition, it extends the belt’s service life by reducing mechanical stress and dynamic impact.
“To maintain reliable conveyor performance at all times, TurboBelt DriveControl also features active load sharing, one-drive off and hot stand-by declutching function.”
The system logs all operational data, according to Voith, allowing the coupling to adjust its control behaviour in accordance with previous empirical values to accommodate a specific load situation, for example.
“Based on the required torque for the belt and the basic start-up parameters, the coupling automatically calculates the optimum fill level and fills or drains the working circuit accordingly. The stored information can be utilised for self-diagnosis and remote maintenance. In addition, the controller monitors the coupling’s entire sensor system to ensure flawless operation at all times,” Voith said.
