Phoenocord steel cord conveyor belts from Phoenix Conveyor Belt Systems “are distinguished by their impressively long service lives even under the harshest of application conditions” says the group, and the new Phoenoguard PX monitoring system, which reliably detects damage, ensures even greater safety during operation.
Top-quality components and state-of-the-art technology play a key role in modern conveyor belt systems. Through their interaction, they help to increase the service life of the system and operate with exceptional efficiency. Therefore they help to cut operating costs – a key factor in times of rising commodity prices. A Phoenix Conveyor Belt Systems project in Chile is testament to the system’s long service life: in 2015, the conveyor belt specialists replaced a Phoenocord St 6800, which had been in permanent use for around 20 years in the El Abra mine. Since June 1996, the 20,000 m long and 1,600 mm wide steel cord conveyor belt has conveyed around 900 Mt of copper ore under extremely challenging conditions. “After 11 years of permanent use, its high resistance capability was already clear to see: with an average reduction in conveyor belt thickness of just 1.4 mm and abrasion of no more than 2.7 mm, the Phoenocord St 6800 was performing outstandingly and remained in service for another eight years.”
The new conveyor belt, which has been in service in the El Abra mine since 2015, will in the future be subject to constant monitoring. The Phoenoguard PX electronic system provides early detection of all internal and external damage. Using X-ray technology, it analyses the conveyor belt, mapping every single cubic millimetre. Phoenoguard PX then continuously compares the saved surface characteristics with the current condition. This allows it to accurately identify any fresh damage and categorise it according to scale and other criteria. If the system identifies damage that could cause the conveyor belt to fail, Phoenoguard PX immediately stops the operation. This protects the equipment, and prevents the conveyor belt from suffering further damage during operation.
If required, Phoenoguard PX can provide a detailed digital snapshot of the conveyor belt. Not only large-scale damage is shown, but also any misalignment of the conveyor belt or small cracks. With this complete snapshot, Phoenoguard PX makes it easier to schedule maintenance activities and cut the associated impact and outlay.