Conti rolls out radar-monitored conveyor belts

Hanover, Germany - Continental is expanding its portfolio of radar-sensor technologies into the conveyor belt arena - building on established applications in passenger cars and industrial vehicles.

The strategy has led to the development of the Conti Load Sense belt monitoring system for use in “almost all industries” with the company citing an application in gravel extraction as typifying its capabilities.

At the gravel plant of August Oppermann Kiesgewinnungs- und Vertriebs-GmbH in Northeim, Germany, the extraction of material relies on individual loading of the belt by workers, noted a 23 Feb Continental release. 

Using Conti Load Sense 2D radar (radio detection and ranging) and ultrasonic technologies, the system scans the material and conveyor belt from different angles to determine the position of the load and the belt. 

This can accurately calculate the volume of material being conveyed, with the risk of spilling material determined by monitoring the belt edge position in relation to the profile of the material. 

The load centre of gravity on the belt, as well as load distribution, is monitored 24/7 along the entire conveyor length.

Data correlation is used to calculate volume flow, monitor overrun and belt skew. Belt speed is measured to track belt and load position along the entire length of the conveyor.

According to Continental, its new radar-based monitoring system has enabled the Northeim plant operators to extract gravel more efficiently - increasing output by over 100 kilotonnes/year.