Reduction of transversal vibrations excited by load impacts on mining belt conveyors

Mining belt conveyors are mechanical systems with high maintenance costs due to bearing failures. Bearings can be damaged due to transversal vibrations that are excited in the idlers and pulleys by the impact of loads on the belt conveyor. To reduce these vibrations, this work proposes the use of an additional bearing, for which two technologies will be studied: ball bearing and active magnetic bearing (AMB). With this aim, this paper presents a model of the belt conveyor shaft using finite element (FE). Likewise, a model reduction plant is proposed for tuning the AMB controller. Finally, the two proposed solutions are compared, and their response to external forces at different position and their optimal position are studied. Results show higher vibrations reduction when AMBs are used, regardless of the force and the bearing position.