MAT-ABS

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Safety

Belt breakages result in runaway belts which can cause fatalities and injury to personnel, damage to equipment and spillage of ore, often in difficult and inaccessible areas.
The belt is caught immediately (approx. 1 second) upon breaking thereby preventing runaway belts, fatalities, injuries, damage and spillage.

Productivity

Belt breakages typically result in downtime ranging from 8 to 24 hours. This is due to the runaway belt, damage to equipment and the spillage of ore.
The MAT-ABS prevents the belt from ‘running away’ and thus minimises damage and spillage. The turnaround time to recommission a belt ‘caught’ by the MAT-ABS is typically 3 to 4 hours. Stoppage time necessary for safety related investigations is also minimised.

Cost Benefit

The initial capital outlay is easily recovered by the savings associated with one single belt breakage.
The system is simple and relies on gravity for activation; there is no need for electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power.
Expensive maintenance procedures are not necessary.
The MAT-ABS requires no maintenance apart from the normal maintenance of the idler (same as conveyor belt idlers). Maintenance personnel are thus free to focus on other areas of work.

The MAT-ABS

The MAT-ABS is the ultimate safety device for conveyor belts reducing the chance of fatalities and injury, and saving time and money with less downtime.
Our products have been installed at many mines for over 11 years with an outstanding record of safety and effectiveness.

Design And Development

During the development of the MAT-ABS series numerous tests were done at the CSIR to confirm the design specification. The arrestors conform to all the specified design criteria.

The models are rated as follows:
- Top arrestor – 60 tonnes
- Bottom arrestor – 20 tonnes
- Slipping device – 2,4 tonnes braking force

Risk Assessment

Appropriate risk assessments for underground mines are available. Complete specifications and test certificates are also available on request.
The MAT-ABS has world-wide patent protection.

Its so simple...it works!

1. Normal Operation
Idler of MAT-ABS is kept in tension by the belt and is balanced by the counterweights. (green arrows).

2. Belt breaks
When belt snaps, the loss of downward pressure on the idler allows the counterweight to move downwards, forcing the swing arm to rotate upwards rapidly.

3. MAT-ABS catches the belt
The jaw is forced against the Top Beam sandwiching the belt and preventing it from running free.

How does it work?

The MAT-ABS is mounted onto the conveyor stringers in the vicinity of the Head Drive where most belt breakages occur. In the event of a belt breakage, the MAT-ABS trap or catch the top and bottom belts preventing them from running down the incline. Both ends are then positioned in close proximity to facilitate easy splicing of the belt.

Is it effective and reliable?

Our MAT-ABS have operated successfully in the harsh underground environment on several mines. Mine management are completely satisfied with their performance.
The simplicity of the concept ensures reliability and long life. The unique design relies on gravity to activate the arrestor and does not require electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power.

Maintenance

The only moving parts in the MAT-ABS are the main pivot bearings (maintenance free) and the idlers.
The idlers must be checked at the same intervals as the conveyor idlers.

Materials and components

Only material and components that conform to strict standards are used. The entire machine is powder-coated for excellent protection against corrosion.

1. Normal Operation
Arm of MAT-ABS is kept in the up position by the rollers acting on the tension in the belt and belt idler.(green arrows)

2. Belt breaks
When the belt snaps, the loss of tension in the belt, reduces the upward pressure on the roller, which allows the weight in the arm to rotate downwards rapidly.

3. MAT ABS catches the belt
The jaw is forced against the Bottom Beam sandwiching the belt and preventing it from running free.

Track record

The MAT-ABS has proven itself to be reliable and cost effective as well as an exceptional safety device.
They have been installed in many sites including:

Slipping Device

Where the drives are positioned in tandem a slipping device is used to allow the drives enough time to stop.