Conveyor Speed Measurement

Client

The client is an industrial operator using belt conveyors in production. Typical sectors include agri-food, logistics, quarries, recycling, and manufacturing.

Problematic

Conveyor belt speed measurement is often performed using the motor or drive drum. This method can be inaccurate due to:

• Belt slippage on the drum,
• Load variations,
• Belt wear or tension.

However, certain applications require reliable, continuous, and precise measurement of the belt’s actual speed. This information is used for:

• Process monitoring,
• Regulation,
• Traceability,
• Or anomaly detection.

PM Instrumentation Solution

The proposed solution is based on direct measurement of the belt’s actual speed using:

• A measuring wheel (encoder wheel) pressed against the belt,
• A high-resolution incremental encoder mounted on this wheel,
• A local speed display,
• With signal replication to the PLC (PLC, drive, supervision).

Operating Principle

The encoder wheel is kept in permanent contact with the belt. The wheel’s rotation, proportional to the belt’s actual speed, is measured by the encoder. The signal is:

• Converted and displayed locally in m/min,
• Simultaneously transmitted to the PLC for process use or supervision.

Customer Benefits

• ✅ Precise and reliable measurement of the belt’s actual speed
• ✅ The encoder’s resolution enables speed measurement with a resolution below 1 mm/min
• ✅ Independence from slippage or load variations
• ✅ Immediate local display for operation and maintenance
• ✅ Signal available for the PLC (regulation, alarms, recording)
• ✅ Simple and robust installation, suited to industrial environments
• ✅ Improved machine availability and process quality