Smart Splice Watch — Conveyor Belt Vulcanization Controller
- Client
- Mining & cement industry
- Year
- 2024
- Category
- Industrial Automation
Conveyor-belt splicing is a sensitive part of material handling, and variations in curing temperature and time can affect process consistency. NELSco developed an STM32F4 controller to reduce manual monitoring, with dust, vibration, heat, and electrical noise considered in the design.
Two independent PID loops for separate platen regulation, PT100 temperature sensing, and three-phase power switching through solid-state relays.
A controlled ramp intended to limit thermal stress, with an automatic timer that starts when both platens reach the target temperature and reduces reliance on manual timing.
Process data, including temperature curves, time, and curing profile, stored in the MCU's internal flash; a 5-inch color touch TFT shows the live heating curve and a traceable record is retained for each splice.
The Challenge
Splice curing requires controlled temperature on both press platens and repeatable timing. Differences under load, rapid heating, and manual timing can increase process variability, while sensing, power switching, and data storage must suit the operating environment.
Our Approach
Two independent PID loops regulate the heating platens separately to reduce temperature mismatch under load. PT100 sensors monitor process temperature, while SSRs switch the three-phase output without mechanical contacts in the switching path. A controlled ramp limits thermal stress, and the timer starts when both platens reach the target temperature, reducing reliance on manual timing. Process data is stored in internal flash and shown on a 5-inch TFT.
The Result
The system reduces reliance on manual monitoring and applies the configured curing profile consistently. Each completed run produces a traceable digital record that supports maintenance history, quality review, and later process analysis.
Results
- Reduces reliance on manual temperature and timing supervision
- Each splice produces a traceable digital process record for maintenance and quality review
- Supports a more repeatable curing process and provides data for maintenance and quality review
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