The Evolution Of Collector Monitoring Systems

The vast majority of chain and flight collectors in operation throughout the world do not have any form of monitoring system installed to protect against operational failure. Traditional safety devices consist of a shear pin sprocket device, with a limit switch, designed to protect the drive system if a load or torque exceeds the working load of the drive chain; in the event that this occurs, the shear pin will break, the limit switch will be activated, and the drive motor is shut down. This process will typically protect the drive chain and drive motor from failure. When the shear pin breaks, the clarifier is drained, the cause of the overload is established and corrected, a new shear pin is installed, and the collector is placed back in operation.