Voith expands TurboBelt TPXL line of fluid couplings for belt conveyor systems

Germany-based Voith, with U.S. operations in York, Pennsylvania, has introduced the TurboBelt 800 TPXL and TurboBelt 1250 TPXL to its TurboBelt TPXL range of fill-controlled couplings. The total lineup now includes 500-kilowatt, 800-kilowatt and 1,250-kilowatt versions. The couplings combine hydrodynamics with intelligent control technology to optimize performance, according to the company, which says the integrated controller matches the output torque to the startup parameters of the conveyor belt system, reducing wear and increasing service life. Because of its high power density, the TurboBelt TPXL range requires half the space of conventional couplings, allowing for easy integration into drive trains, Voith adds.

Delivering a nominal torque from 1,600 Newton meters to 7,960 Newton meters, respectively, the TurboBelt 800 TPXL and TurboBelt 1250 TPXL open up an expanded range of applications. The rugged construction of the TurboBelt TPXL makes it ideal for use in demanding environments, according to the manufacturer.

The TurboBelt TPXL’s plug-and-play design allows easy integration into established systems and drive trains and shortens commissioning times. The coupling concept consists of an integrated controller, an integrated oil pump and an oil supply unit, all of which are designed to work together. The TurboBelt TPXL’s hydrodynamic operating principle enables wear-free power transmission without the need for a mechanical connection. As a result, the system’s lifespan is extended, and maintenance costs are decreased significantly, Voith says.

TurboBelt DriveControl, Voith’s digital control system, was designed to work in conjunction with the TurboBelt TPXL’s integrated controller and to meet the most demanding requirements in belt conveyance. It allows seamless connection of drives, belt conveyors and components throughout the extraction process. In this way, Voith says, the TurboBelt DriveControl can handle vast lengths, vertical curves and more than 12,000 tons per hour. The intelligent system features an autonomous belt conveyor startup and stopping procedure, even for regenerative conveyors. In addition, it extends the belt’s service life by reducing mechanical stress and dynamic impact. To maintain reliable conveyor performance, TurboBelt DriveControl also features active load sharing, one-drive off and hot stand-by declutching function.

The system logs all operational data, and the coupling can adjust its control behavior, for example, in accordance with previous empirical values to accommodate a specific load situation. Based on the required torque for the belt and the basic startup parameters, the coupling automatically calculates the optimum fill level and fills or drains the working circuit accordingly. The stored information can be used for self-diagnosis and remote maintenance and no coding or programming skills are required on the part of the operator.