ANALYSIS OF USING A TORQUE CONVERTER OR A LOCKING HYDRAULIC COUPLING IN BELT CONVEYOR DRIVES TO INCREASE THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The paper discusses the use of a torque converter and a locking hydraulic coupling in belt conveyor drives to increase their energy efficiency. The main causes of malfunctions of rigid connections of the belt conveyor drives are analysed. Currently, the use of belt conveyors and scraper conveyors is in great demand in the mining industry in open pits, underground conveyor drifts, crushing and screening complexes and other areas of the food and chemical industry. This type of transportation has always shown its high productivity due to its uninterrupted and easy maintenance. However, its operation in a permanently serviceable condition is not always possible. One of the ways to solve this problem discussed in the paper is the use of a locking hydraulic coupling in drives. An analysis of the operation of belt conveyor drives related to energy efficiency shows that the use of such devices leads to energy savings of up to 20 %.