Conveyor belt scales are crucial for measuring bulk materials in mining and industrial settings – but their effectiveness is reduced if they lack accuracy.
“The ability to measure moving material in real-time enables mines to track their mass balance and confirm that correct volumes are conveyed into various plant operations,” says Tinus Ludik, Sales Manager Bulk Materials Handling at Tru-Trac. “Operating under harsh conditions, belt scales must not only function well but also maintain high accuracy – which is why we have developed solutions that are superior in quality, consistency, and precision.”
Ludik mentions that conveyor belt scales can lose accuracy over time, requiring regular calibration to address any significant deviations. High accuracy errors can hinder a plant’s efficiency, as operators cannot be certain if they are overloading vital equipment like mills.
“To mitigate these risks, Tru-Trac’s belt scale range is engineered and built to the highest standards, ensuring operators can trust the readings they receive,” he explains. “This enables plants to achieve peak efficiencies, with dependable data supporting decision-making.”
The company’s product lineup includes the TTR SI-2 single idler belt scale system, the TTR DI-4 dual idler belt scale system, and the premium TTR FI-4 belt scale system with a four-load cell design. With high-precision load cells and a fully floating weigh frame, the TTR DI-4 achieves accuracy errors of less than 0.25%. It integrates smoothly with Tru-Trac’s remote monitoring system.
“Our top-of-the-line TTR FI-4 system features a fully floating pivotless weigh frame and a four-load cell design, making it ideal for critical control points and high-precision needs,” he explains. “With an accuracy margin below 0.1%, it sets the standard in metallurgical accounting.”
Each application requires a specific assessment and solution, starting with belt speed. Faster belt speeds allow less time to measure the weight, so it’s best to allow at least one second for a reliable reading. Tru-Trac’s expanding base of installed belt scales includes setups at large plants with up to 150 belts in a single operation.
The demand for Tru-Trac belt scales extends beyond South Africa, with installations in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mali, and Tanzania, and growing sales in Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana. The international distribution in Southeast Asia is also showing strong interest in Tru-Trac belt scales.
The durable and shock-resistant load cells are produced locally, and Tru-Trac maintains ample stock to ensure quick replacements when needed. Each unit’s integrator is well-protected in stainless steel housing suitable for corrosive environments. Enclosures have ingress protection (IP) ratings of 65 or higher to prevent dust and moisture infiltration.
“With our commitment to quality, we are also in the process of accrediting our belt scales with the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) through the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS),” he says.
Ludik stresses that routine maintenance and calibration are essential, and Tru-Trac provides support and guidance on the necessary steps and intervals. Weekly or bi-weekly calibration is recommended, and the company offers training to on-site staff as needed. The well-equipped training facility at Tru-Trac’s factory near Pretoria features an operational 18-meter conveyor with installed belt scales. The company’s experienced team offers specialized training to customers.
“We support all communication protocols, allowing our belt scales to connect with a mine’s PLC or SCADA systems,” he notes. “This enables seamless monitoring of key indicators such as totalized weight, belt speeds, load cell voltages, tonnes per hour, and kilograms per meter. The data displayed is also highly customizable to meet the customer’s requirements.”