Bulk Conveyors: Really Going Somewhere

Since 1989, Svendborg Brakes, part of Altra Industrial Motion Corp., has been recognized as a leading global expert in intelligent braking solutions for industrial applications. Extensive application knowledge, innovative design, fast prototyping and exhaustive testing ensure that customers get the most technically advanced, most durable and safest braking systems to meet their specific requirements.

Svendborg’s wide range of highly engineered products including hydraulic brakes and power units, thruster brakes, soft braking controls and couplings are hard at work in key markets including renewable energy, mining, hydropower, cranes and oil & gas, and marine & offshore. You can find Svendborg Brakes products on applications such as wind and tidal turbines, overland conveyors, propulsion systems, deck equipment, hoists, drawworks, elevators & escalators and dam turbines.

A Focus on Mining Conveyor Systems

Based on previous successful collaborations, many of the world’s leading global mine conveyor OEMs and mine engineering consultants routinely rely on Svendborg Brakes to provide optimal braking solutions for their customers’ most challenging mine, yard and port conveyor applications.

Tyler Calvert, Application Engineer at Svendborg Brakes, said: “Our customers directly benefit from our deep understanding of entire mine conveyor systems. Our familiarity with the machinery and the knowledge that brakes form part of a much larger interconnected installation ensure the development of state-of-the-art products that increase both reliability and cost-effectiveness.”

Unlike some other brake manufacturers, Svendborg has the capability to deliver complete, custom-engineered braking package solutions for each conveyor within a facility. Braking packages typically include proven failsafe caliper brakes that provide parking and emergency stopping functionality in case of power failure. All brake models are designed, tested and produced to cope with the extreme working conditions of long-distance downhill, uphill and overland mine conveyor systems.

Svendborg’s next-generation, SOBO® iQ controllers, along with SOBO iQ hydraulic power units (built in-house), are key components included to provide soft and predictable conveyor braking control. The industry-leading SOBO iQ (soft-braking) controller combines cuttingedge technologies to provide significant flexibility, safety and durability on mine conveyors. The controller features three-state digital modulation and a revolutionary dual-loop PI control (pressure/speed).

With installations on most of the world’s largest incline and decline mining conveyors in Europe, Chile, Peru, Mexico, North America, South Africa and Australia, Svendborg’s SOBO brand is recognized worldwide for outstanding performance in the field. Brake discs and hub assemblies are often supplied as part of system packages.

Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET)

Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) in Queensland, Australia.

Svendborg Brakes was selected to provide conveyor braking solutions for use throughout the $2.6 billion Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) in Queensland, Australia. Svendborg technologies were incorporated on the following applications:

Shiploader Luff & Shuttle Winches: BSFI 3120 brakes (offshore specification) were installed directly on the winch drums to hold the position of the boom and the shuttle on the boom during coal loading onto a ship. The boom can be raised and lowered and the shuttle can be retracted or extended depending on the type of ship being loaded.

Shiploader Luff Winch & Shuttle Winch Drives: BSFI 212 brakes hold the luff winch drive in position when not moving the boom. BSFI 205 brakes hold the shuttle winch drive in position when not extending or retracting the shuttle on the boom.

Operator’s Cabin: A BSFI 3120 brake was installed directly on the winch to hold the cabin in position during operation. The cabin can be raised and lowered for optimal viewing.

BSFI 3000 Series braking systems were also supplied for the applications listed below. The brakes were installed directly on the conveyor tail pulleys to dynamically stop the conveyors during an emergency or power failure and function as parking brakes when the conveyors are not in use.

Roy Hill Iron Ore Mining, Rail and Port Project

Roy Hill iron ore mining, rail and port project in the Pilbara, West Australia.

Svendborg Brakes was chosen to supply braking solutions for conveyors at the Roy Hill iron ore mining, rail and port project in the Pilbara, West Australia. Svendborg technologies were incorporated on a variety of Roy Hill conveyor applications including those listed below.

Overland Conveyor (radial stacker/feeder): BSFI 3000 brakes were installed on the head drive shaft to dynamically stop the conveyor during an emergency or power failure and function as a parking brake when the conveyor is not in use.

BSFI 200 & 300 Series braking systems were supplied for the applications listed below. The brakes were installed on the high-speed side of the conveyor head drive shaft, between the electric drive motor and the gearbox. They dynamically stop the conveyors during an emergency or power failure and function as a parking brake when the conveyors are not in use.

Svendborg Brakes’ ability to design complete packaged braking solutions, including the state-of-the-art SOBO iQ controller, a wide range of long-lasting brakes, custom hydraulic power units, and other quality components, make them a leading expert in the mine conveyor industry. Extensive support provided by an unmatched global network of local service centers makes Svendborg a preferred choice for mine operators worldwide.