Belt conveyor system in the mine: how PRG-M designs and builds reliable material transport lines
Belt conveyor system is the backbone of underground logistics. A well-designed and maintained conveyor line speeds up extraction, reduces the risk of downtime and lowers costs. At PRG-M (Przedsiębiorstwo Robót Górniczo-Montażowych) we comprehensively execute installations, extensions, chutes and transport automation for horizontal transport – from design, through assembly, to service.
Belt conveyor installation: stability, safety, throughput
Selection of the supporting structure, idlers, drums, drives and belt covers affects the real availability (MTBF) and lifespan of the installation. PRG-M designs and installs belt conveyors with consideration for curved routes, limited space and ventilation requirements of mining faces. Our standard includes service zones, safe walkways and access to drives and scrapers to shorten downtimes.
Conveyor extensions, chutes and feeders: smooth transfer without losses
For conveyor belt extensions the geometry of chutes and feeders is critical. We minimize abrasion, add sliding plates, skirts and curtains, optimize speeds and chute profiles. The result? Less dusting, lower belt and idler wear, reduced plugging. PRG-M carries out the construction of chutes and material feeders including installation of dust extraction points.
How a chute (gravity chute) works
Retention hoppers and buffering of material: reserve for critical minutes
A material buffer evens out performance pulsations. We design and implement retention hoppers (funnels, baskets, bunkers) with wear-resistant linings and anti-bridging systems. We integrate them with the belt conveyor system and sectional feeding to maintain a steady material flow despite temporary fluctuations in the face operation.
Basics of bulk material handling
Automation and conveyor control: PROMOS, PROTOS, INCOM, ELSAP
We carry out installation of belt conveyor control systems (PROMOS, PROTOS, INCOM, ELSAP) and integration with supervisory SCADA. We supply protections: belt run and start-up sensors, chute detection, emergency pull-offs, direction interlocks, tension control and bearing temperature monitoring. OEE reporting, alarms, trends and AET support fault prevention.
SCADA – definition and applications
Safety and maintenance: LOTO, inspections, training
Standard on our sites is Lockout-Tagout, safe start-up procedures after service, regular idling checks and sensor calibration. PRG-M conducts preventive inspections (idlers, scrapers, chutes), belt section replacements and training of maintenance crews. Thanks to this the conveyor line operates stably and predictably.
Why PRG-M for the belt conveyor system?
- Comprehensive delivery: conveyor installation, extensions, chutes and feeders, retention hoppers, automation and AOT for horizontal transport.
- Integration with other trades: electrical equipment and installations (switchgear, MV transformer station chambers, cable lines), compressed air installations, ventilation/air conditioning, machine rooms.
- Work “under operation”: planning service windows, prefabrication of sections, fast changeovers, minimal downtime.
The role of switchgear and protection in process lines
Q&A: quick answers
Q: How long does a typical extension of a belt conveyor line take?
A: Usually 1–3 working days ‘under operation’, depending on length, number of chutes and excavation conditions. We prefabricate sections to shorten assembly.
Q: Can you integrate a new belt with an existing control system?
A: Yes. We work with PROMOS, PROTOS, INCOM, ELSAP systems and hook signals into SCADA (alarms, trends, reports).
TL;DR
Belt conveyor system from PRG-M = solid mechanics + effective chutes + retention buffer + SCADA automation + safety rigor (LOTO). This translates into higher availability and lower costs t/year.