Conveyor belts are mechanical systems used to transport materials efficiently across short or long distances. They consist of a continuous loop of material that moves over rollers or a flat surface, driven by a motor. Commonly found in industries such as manufacturing, mining, logistics and food processing, conveyor belts help streamline operations by reducing manual handling and increasing productivity.
Depending on the industry, conveyor belts can be made from rubber, metal or fabric and may include specialised designs for different applications, such as heat-resistant or food-grade belts. Their primary function is to improve efficiency, automate processes and reduce labour costs while ensuring the smooth flow of goods or materials from one point to another.
Risks
There are a number of fire risks associated with conveyors. These can include:
- Overheated Motors and Bearings
- Conveyor belt systems rely on motors and bearings that can generate excessive heat due to friction, poor maintenance or mechanical failure, increasing the risk of fire.
- Friction from Belt Misalignment
- If a conveyor belt is misaligned or jammed, it can rub against rollers or other components, creating heat and sparks that may ignite surrounding materials.
- Combustible Materials on the Belt
- Many conveyor belts transport flammable materials such as coal, paper, grain or chemicals, which can easily catch fire if exposed to heat or sparks.
- Electrical Faults
- Faulty wiring, short circuits or electrical component failures in conveyor systems can cause sparks or overheating, leading to fires.
- Static Electricity Build-up
- Certain materials moving along the belt can generate static electricity, which, if not properly grounded, may produce sparks and ignite flammable substances in the environment.
Challenges
There are also a number of challenges when it comes to designing a reliable detection solution for conveyor belts. These include:
- Harsh Operating Environments
- Conveyor belts are often used in extreme conditions, such as high dust levels, heat, moisture or vibration, which can affect the reliability and sensitivity of fire detection sensors.
- High-Speed Belt Movement
- The fast movement of conveyor belts means that fires or overheating components can spread quickly, making early and accurate detection crucial but challenging.
- Difficult Access for Maintenance
- Conveyor systems, especially in mining or industrial facilities, are often long and positioned in hard-to-reach areas, making regular inspection and maintenance of fire detection equipment difficult.
- Distinguishing False Alarms
- Dust, steam and hot materials can trigger false alarms in fire detection systems, requiring advanced sensors that can differentiate between normal operating conditions and actual fire hazards.
- Integration with Existing Systems
- Fire detection must seamlessly integrate with other safety mechanisms, such as automatic suppression systems and emergency shutdown procedures, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response without disrupting production unnecessarily.
DTSX1 Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection
The Yokogawa DTSX1 Fiber Optic Heat Detector is an advanced, all-in-one solution designed for precise and rapid heat detection over extensive areas. Using Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology, it monitors temperature variations along fiber optic cables, enabling early identification of potential fire hazards.
The system supports up to four channels, each capable of monitoring distances up to 16 kilometers, making it suitable for large-scale applications. Key features include customisable alarm settings and seamless integration with existing safety systems. It is certified with the EN54-22 standard for line-type heat detectors and its robust design ensures reliable performance in challenging environments, such as tunnels, conveyor systems and industrial facilities.
Approvals
The Yokogawa DTSX1 Fiber Optic Heat Detector is approved under the EN 54-22 standard, which ensures compliance for line-type heat detectors used in fire detection and alarm systems. Certified by VdS, the system meets heat response classes such as A1N, A2N, BN, and CN, making it suitable for a variety of fire detection scenarios in tunnels and other complex environments. These approvals validate its reliability and effectiveness in critical applications.
Design Considerations
Controller Placement
For optimal performance, the DTSX1 Controller should be placed in a central, easily accessible location that allows for efficient cable routing and minimal signal loss. It should be housed in a cool, dry and dust-free environment to protect sensitive electronics from extreme temperatures, moisture and contaminants.
Positioning it near the area being monitored but away from direct exposure to hazards such as fire, vibrations or heavy machinery will enhance durability and reliability. If monitoring large or complex areas, strategic fiber optic cable routing should be planned to maximize coverage while minimising excessive bends or stress on the cables.
Cable Placement
For optimal results, DTSX1 fiber optic sensing cables should be installed parallel to the belt, positioned above and along the sides to ensure maximum heat detection coverage. In high-risk areas, such as drive motors, rollers, transfer points and loading zones, cables should be placed closer to potential ignition sources for early fire detection.
Routing cables along the full length of the conveyor system ensures continuous temperature monitoring, allowing for early detection of overheating components or material combustion. Proper cable tension and avoiding unnecessary loops or sharp bends will help maintain signal integrity and improve detection accuracy.
Mounting Clips
To prevent physical damage and excessive bending, the cables should be securely fastened using appropriate mounting brackets while maintaining adequate clearance from moving parts.
The P-Clip, available in aluminium and stainless steel, is designed for applications with limited mounting space. Each pack includes silicone sleeves that insulate and protect the LHD cable from abrasion, excessive pressure, and heat transfer from the metal mounting bracket.
The J-Clip is ideal for mounting on flat surfaces and includes a provision for a cable tie to securely fix the heat detection cable in place. It can support the cable either above or below the risk area. Silicone sleeves are included to insulate and protect the cable from abrasion, excessive pressure, and heat transfer from the bracket.
Typical Wiring Diagram
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection including linear heat detection and its associated products and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including FyreLine linear heat detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Yokogawa DTSX1 Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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