New to BMG’s extensive range of Tsubaki cam clutches, is the recently launched BS-F series, designed for high-speed inclined and long overland belt conveyors and bucket elevators used in the mining and bulk handling sectors.

Tsubaki backstop cam clutches are designed to prevent reverse rotation of drive shafts, offering a simple and cost-effective means to protect capital equipment and enhance safety.

“The new high-torque, high-speed Tsubaki BS-F series, with a narrow width I-beam torque arm, is a drop-in replacement to conventional anti rollback devices. This allows for quick and easy on-site installation and enables the replacement of an old backstop with the new BS-F design, without the need for modification to the existing layout,” says Gavin Kirstein, National Tsubaki Product Specialist, BMG. “Although this series has a narrower width than other models, the downsized unit exceeds the requirements of high-speed inclined belt conveyors, with the benefits of space-saving and reduced installation time.

“A common cause of conventional backstop failure is oil leakage. Tsubaki has eliminated this risk in the new BSF series by designing the backstop to operate with grease and a specially- designed labyrinth seal. The absence of an oil level gauge creates a more reliable safety device.

“Important features of this series include a non-rollover cam and roller design, which offers higher backstop torque capacities and lower running temperatures than conventional anti rollback devices. Added to this, a flexible labyrinth seal mechanism prevents the ingress of dust and water in abrasive conditions and a double-lip oil seal and multi-temperature grease enable safe operation at a wide ambient temperature range, from - 40°C to + 65°C.”

The cam and roller cage orbit at low speed, continually conveying grease internally from the bottom to the top of the mechanism. The constant circulation of grease minimises internal friction and reduces operating temperature for dependable operation. Maintenance intervals are between 7 500 hours and 8 000 hours and the effective service life of the units is also significantly extended compared with conventional oil-filled units.

BMG’s technical team conducts full plant surveys and advises on the selection of the correct cam clutch for each application and the appropriate installation and usage, for optimum performance and improved safety standards.

For extended service life, correct lubrication methods and dust prevention care are critical. BMG recommends the use of a maintenance kit and Tsubaki-approved EP-free grease for easy and effective maintenance of the BSF series. The company offers customers a complimentary Tsubaki maintenance kit with BSF backstops larger than a 200 mm shaft, which allows for easy servicing of the unit during operation, without the need for removal from the shaft.

South Africa’s Mine Health and Safety Act states that the installation of incline conveyor belts must include the fitting and use of one or more devices to prevent run-back or run-on, to avoid injury by materials or minerals falling from a conveyor belt. Tsubaki backstop cam clutches - designed for safety in high or low speed applications - meet the requirements of this legislation.

Apart from the mining sector, BMG’s cam clutches are used for belt conveyors for materials handling, metals, timber, pulp and wood chip, as well as for bucket elevators for cement and grain. These units are also installed to enhance performance of large drift conveyors and screw pumps.

BMG stocks a wide variety of the Tsubaki backstops locally and test runs every unit before delivery. This is a major advantage, as the current industry norm is up to 16 weeks delivery. The complete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available from BMG’s national branch network, which offers a technical advisory and 24-hour back-up service.