Non-Destructive Testing of Pipe Conveyor Belts Using Glass-Coated Magnetic Microwires

Abstract

Belt conveyors have been used in a wide range of applications because in comparison to the alternative solutions represented by the rail or road transportation, their operation is typically more cost effective, with lower energy demands and the possibility of utilizing renewable energy sources, and during their operation, less noise and air pollution is produced. The presented article is focused on pipe belt conveyors that are even more sustainable and in harmony with the environment, especially considering transportation of fine and dusty materials. More specifically, pipe belt conveyors have the possibility of utilizing microwires as a sensing element for microwire-based sensors for the pipe belt conveyor diagnostics from a mechanical loading point of view. This is because during the enclosing of the pipe conveyor belt, periodical cyclical mechanical loading is applied due to the bending. From the results of the performed set of FEM (Finite Element Method) analyses of the glass-coated magnetic microwires, it can be concluded that during the selection process of the microwires, emphasis should be directed the thickness of the glass coating, which can affect the lifetime of the microwire significantly. The microwire length has negligible influence on the estimated number of bending cycles until the damage or crack occurs.

Design for an Intelligent Waste Classifying System: A Case Study of Plastic Bottles

“…The belt conveyor's crucial specifications [67], [68], [69] pertain to the type and shape of the belt, conveyor size (length and width), load capacity, location, and electrical supply. These requirements must be carefully considered and met to design an alternative belt direction.…”

Implementation of Magnetic Markers for the Diagnostics of Conveyor Belt Transportation Systems

“…Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 17 cm), they cause no significant structural changes to the conveyor belt and, furthermore, thanks to the glass coating of the magnetic microwires [30], their reliable utilization during the whole operational life of the conveyor belt can be expected.…”

“…The magnetic module of the DiagBelt system, also involving a vision, prediction, rip detective (prevention), and safety factor module, is able to automatically and precisely detect the location of defects along the belt axis and on the belt section [29]. However, in addition to using a magnetic sensor for the diagnostics of magnetic materials used to construct the belt conveyors, magnetic sensors can be also used for the diagnostics of the hyperelastic parts of conveyor belts, for example, using the magnetic markers, e.g., in the form of magnetic microwires [30].…”

“…Our research has been focused on the implementation of magnetic microwires in the role of magnetic markers, directly into the conveyor belt during the manufacturing process. These kinds of magnetic markers have several advantages: they can be implemented directly into the structure of the belt, and thanks to the dimensions of the magnetic microwires (for our purposes, the diameter of the microwire was up to several tenths of a micrometer with a length of approximately 2 cm), they cause no significant structural changes to the conveyor belt and, furthermore, thanks to the glass coating of the magnetic microwires [30], their reliable utilization during the whole operational life of the conveyor belt can be expected.…”

Improving the effectiveness of the DiagBelt+ diagnostic system - analysis of the impact of measurement parameters on the quality of signals

“…Therefore, diagnosing the core's condition is essential for the early detection of potential damage, enabling effective prevention and extending the belt's durability. Non-Destructive Testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that allows the assessment of conveyor belt conditions without compromising their structure [4,15,36]. In the era of Industry 4.0, various diagnostic systems, such as sensors collecting realtime data, enable the monitoring of changes in the belt's condition and responsive action to potential threats can be implemented [14,28,43].…”