To guarantee the stable operation of conveyors and the safety of operators, the proper installation of safety protective devices is of utmost importance. This article delves into the significance, setting principles, specific types, and requirements of safety protective devices on conveyors.

I. The Importance of Safety Protective Devices on Conveyors

During operation, conveyors pose various potential safety risks due to the continuity, high speed, and complexity of material transportation. For instance, faults such as conveyor belt slippage, deviation, and tearing can lead to equipment damage or even severe consequences like fires. Additionally, rotating parts and exposed electrical equipment on conveyors may pose direct threats to operators. Therefore, the rational installation of safety protective devices can effectively prevent accidents, reduce losses in the event of accidents, and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

II. Setting Principles for Safety Protective Devices on Conveyors

When installing safety protective devices on conveyors, the following principles should be followed:

  1. Comprehensiveness: Safety protective devices should cover all critical parts and potential risk points of the conveyor to ensure no omissions.
  2. Reliability: Safety protective devices should possess good stability and durability, capable of operating reliably in harsh environments over the long term.
  3. Ease of Operation: The operation of safety protective devices should be simple and straightforward, facilitating rapid and accurate operation and maintenance by operators.
  4. Intelligence: With technological advancements, safety protective devices should gradually achieve intelligence through sensors, monitoring systems, and other technological means to realize real-time monitoring and early warning of equipment operating status.

III. Specific Types and Requirements for Safety Protective Devices on Conveyors

  1. Protective Covers and Guards

    • Rotating Part Protective Covers: For rotating parts of conveyors, such as drive pulleys and idlers, protective covers should be installed to prevent personnel from accidentally touching or materials from being entangled, causing harm. The covers should be sturdy and durable, easy to remove and maintain.
    • Guardrails and Safety Nets: Guardrails and safety nets should be installed on the side where pedestrians walk and at critical locations to prevent personnel from falling or entering dangerous areas. The height and strength of guardrails should meet relevant safety standards and should be regularly inspected and maintained.

  2. Anti-Slip Protective Devices

    • Speed Sensors: Speed sensors should be installed at the drive pulleys of conveyors. When the conveyor belt slips, the sensors can quickly detect the speed change and issue an alarm, while automatically stopping the machine to prevent the accident from escalating.
    • Anti-Slip Materials: Anti-slip materials should be applied to the surface of the conveyor belt or drive pulleys to increase friction and prevent conveyor belt slippage.

  3. Anti-Deviation Protective Devices

    • Deviation Sensors: Deviation sensors should be installed on both sides of conveyors. When the conveyor belt deviates, the sensors can detect it and issue an alarm, while automatically adjusting the position of the conveyor belt or stopping it.
    • Guiding Devices: Guiding devices, such as guide wheels and guide plates, should be installed at critical locations of conveyors to guide the conveyor belt to maintain the correct running track.

  4. Coal Pile Protective Devices

    • Coal Pile Sensors: Coal pile sensors should be installed at the head or overlap sections of conveyors. When the coal pile height exceeds the set value, the sensors can detect it and issue an alarm, while automatically stopping the machine to prevent coal overflow and accidents.
    • Cleaning Devices: Cleaning devices, such as scraper plates and cleaners, should be installed at the head of conveyors to remove residual materials on the conveyor belt and prevent coal pile-up.

  5. Temperature Protective Devices

    • Temperature Sensors: Temperature sensors should be installed at the drive pulleys of conveyors. When the pulley temperature exceeds the set value, the sensors can detect it and issue an alarm, while automatically stopping the machine to prevent fires and other accidents.
    • Water Sprinkler Systems: Water sprinkler systems should be installed at critical locations of conveyors. When the temperature abnormally rises, the sprinkler systems can automatically activate to cool the conveyor belt and drive pulleys.

  6. Emergency Stop Pull Switches

    • Pull Cord Switches: Pull cord switches should be installed on the pedestrian side of conveyors. When operators detect abnormal situations, they can quickly stop the machine by pulling the pull cord to prevent the accident from escalating. The pull cord switches should be located in easily accessible positions that are not prone to accidental activation.

  7. Other Safety Protective Devices

    • Lighting Devices: Lighting devices should be installed at critical locations and passageways of conveyors to ensure that operators can clearly see the equipment and materials during nighttime or low-light conditions.
    • Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems should be installed at critical locations of conveyors, using cameras and other equipment to monitor and record the operating status of the equipment in real-time, allowing for the timely detection and handling of abnormal situations.

IV. Management and Maintenance of Safety Protective Devices

To ensure the effectiveness and reliability of safety protective devices, regular inspections and maintenance should be performed. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect safety protective devices to ensure they are intact and functioning properly.
  • Maintenance and Servicing: Perform necessary cleaning, lubrication, and tightening of safety protective devices to ensure their long-term stable operation.
  • Replacement and Upgrading: Replace damaged or failed safety protective devices promptly to avoid potential safety hazards.
  • Training and Education: Provide training on the use and maintenance of safety protective devices to operators, enhancing their safety awareness and operational skills.