Safety regulations demand 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 prevent injuries caused by materials falling from the belt, says industrial equipment supplier BMG power transmission business unit manager Carlo Beukes.

In this regard, he highlights that the BMG team works closely with engineers in the sugar sector to maintain critical safety standards and ensure adherence to current legislation, adding that stringent measures are taken to prevent rollback incidents.

Beukes highlights Tsubaki backstop cam clutches, which prevent reverse rotation of drive shafts, and offer a simple and cost-effective means of protecting capital equipment, enhancing safety on site.

This range is available from BMG with different capacities and designs, to provide optimal functional characteristics for three basic modes of operation, namely over-running, indexing and backstopping.

“Our technical experts advise on the selection of the correct cam clutch for each application in the sugar sector and appropriate installation and [use], for optimum performance and safety,” Beukes says.

BMG’s range of Tsubaki backstop cam clutches, which is suitable for high- or low-speed applications, meets stringent requirements and has many critical features not found in conventional models.

The high-torque, high-speed Tsubaki BS-F series is designed for high-speed inclined and long belt conveyors and bucket elevators.

The narrow width I-beam torque arm is a drop-in replacement to conventional anti-rollback devices, which allows for quick and easy on-site installation.

This design also enables the replacement of an old backstop with the new BS-F design, without the need for modification of the existing layout.

Although this series has a narrower width than other models, BMG says the downsized unit exceeds the requirements of high-speed inclined belt conveyors, with the benefits of space-saving and reduced installation time.

However, considering that a common cause of conventional backstop failure is oil leakage, Beukes highlights that Tsubaki has eliminated this risk in the BS-F series by designing the backstop to operate with EP-free, long-life grease and a specially-designed labyrinth seal.

The absence of an oil level gauge creates a more reliable safety device, he says, adding that this specially formulated Tsubaki-approved grease is also available from BMG.

Other 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.

Additionally, 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 more than 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.

For a longer 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.

BMG also supplies a range of customised Tsubaki chains to the sugar sector, designed and manufactured with various options, to suit specific requirements.

Further, the Tsubaki Titan chain, which offers “previously unobtainable” wear-life in harsh conditions, combines key features of the existing premium Tsubaki GT4 Winner chain, with new specifications which have been designed to deliver extended wear performance.

The standard Tsubaki Titan chain is available from BMG in sizes 12B to 32B. Additional sizes, multi-strand and attachment options will be available on request, Beukes says.

Advanced design features of the Titan series not only extend the service life of the chain, but also reduce maintenance costs and minimise downtime. Another advantage is the reduced frequency of swapping out old chain for new, which contributes to a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership.