Flexco

BELT improvement technology will be the main focus for Illinois company Flexco at this year’s MINExpo event with improvements to its line of Flexco SR Rivet Hinged fasteners on display.

The company will also be bringing along several newly launched products, including the DRX Impact Bed and the 900 Belt Cutter and its Flex-Lag diamond ceramic lagging. Guests can also see demonstrations of Flexco’s line of installation tools.

The low-profile SR Rivet Hinged fasteners have the Scalloped Edge design that helps to keep the fasteners clear of return idlers, skirt rubber and cleaner blades. Along with Flex-Lag diamond ceramic lagging, the company will also have its Flex-Lag Weld-On ceramic lagging and its Flex-Lag full ceramic lagging available to view.

Flexco’s 900 Series cutter will be introduced to the industry crowd, an addition to the line that officials said will help reduce the operator’s efforts when cutting.

“With the … cutter, users can safely and easily cut thick and/or hard carcass belts up to 1.5in (38mm) thick due to advancements in the blade’s technology. A highly precise cut is achieved through the robust blade design, the gently serrated belt grip surface, and the single-sided clamp force, which allows the belt to fall free from the cut line,” officials said, noting that operator safety was part of the design standards met by the totally enclosed unit.

Joining the company will be Flexco Engineered Systems Group, which will look at and demonstrate customer transfer point challenge solutions with its Controlled Flow Material Transfer Systems technology (CFMTS).

Universal Flow Monitors

MICHIGAN supplier Universal Flow Monitors will display two coal-specific products – the viscosity-insensitive flowmeters and its CoolPoint flowmeters – at MINExpo.

The L Series flowmeters, a piston-style system that maintains an accuracy level of around 5% to ensure circulating lubrication oil of between 40 and 200 centipoise viscosity will be delivered to machinery bearings in mining’s high-vibration applications. While company officials note the 40-200CP range is standard, a user can optimize a meter to measure specific viscosities in that range.

The L Series meters, which require no power, have lube oil flow monitor rates of 2-20 gallons each minute, providing flow rate indication to aid in problem diagnoses, and respond immediately to low flow.

The units are available with field-adjustable, high-vibration Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) Micro Switch that will trigger a shutdown of equipment in high vibration and protect from bearing damage, and are Type 4 weatherproof that can tackle temperatures of up to 150F, maximum fluid temperatures of 200F and maximum pressure to 500 pounds per square inch.

Universal will also be at the show to discuss its CoolPoint vortex shedding flowmeters that help achieve consistent water flows in spraying and washing coal to suppress dust and remove fines.

The units are available in 0.25in to 4in pipe sizes and feature 4-20 mA transmitter flow rates that range between 0.4 gallon per minute and 600gpm.

“Totalizing capability is available to increase the CoolPoint flowmeters’ ability to measure, monitor and control the total amount of water used in a process,” company officials noted. “A flow totalizer with reset button and six-digit LED is offered as a special option on all CoolPoint pipe sizes [and] features a pulse output and a display in either liters or gallons.”

United Mining Equipment

THREE years after launching the prototype of the product at Longwall USA 2005, United Mining Equipment will unveil its new cap lamp at MINExpo.

“The cap lamp has prompted growing interest from coal mines looking for a longer lasting, lightweight lamp,” officials for UME said.

The 16-hour LED, Li-Ion battery unit’s technology was developed through its pairing with New Wisdom Investment.