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Search Thermo Fisher Scientific
Bulk material handling systems keep processes moving, whether you’re conveying ore or aggregate, cement, coal, chemicals, or cereal. A vast array of these commodities are moved 24/7 by bulk conveyors in mines, electric utilities, and processing plants across the globe. As a result, longevity, exemplary reliability, and efficiency are non-negotiables for bulk weighing and monitoring systems – given their critical impact on the bottom line.
Maximum belt scale throughput and asset utilization can be realized through high-uptime service solutions. We offer a wide selection of proactive, proven service solutions for bulk material handling systems. With our service team as your partner, you will have access to a global network of technical support experts, factory-certified engineers, consultants, and industry professionals. Additionally, our highly qualified service team collaborates with you to understand your business goals and requirements to develop a tailored service agreement.
Protect your investment with regular, scheduled care to maintain optimal system performance and reduce operating costs. During a preventive maintenance visit, a field service engineer will review, inspect, and test the system, replace worn parts, complete instrument safety checks, and backup system software.
Our experienced global Technical Support team is available to provide troubleshooting assistance and regular monitoring services. In addition, the team monitors key performance indicators and runs diagnostics using a secure remote connection to the system.
Our field engineers and technical support team are factory trained. You have access to our dedicated workforce of technicians spanning the globe to offer timely customer support. In addition, our manufacturing sites are ISO9001 registered and compliant.
Ensure repeatable results with calibration services, including a periodic review of equipment accuracy, review of calibration equations, and consultation with the instrument operator, if applicable. Machine calibration improves your instrument performance, and we facilitate traceable certification for your quality systems.
We only use original manufacturers' certified parts to operate your system at maximum productivity. In addition, all our parts are guaranteed to perform to our instruments' rigorous design specifications.
Skip the queue and get priority in resolving any issue. Our team is committed to providing the fastest response time possible. In addition, if a problem cannot be resolved remotely, our service plan customers can access priority onsite support.
With a service plan, you're covered in more ways than ever. You are the expert in your business, and we know how to keep your instrument running at top performance – together, we can build a partnership to achieve your goals. Customers who partner with us for their service needs have access to our highest level of support and are investing in the longevity of their instrument. A service plan proactively protects instruments, maximizes uptime, manages yearly service expenditures, and allows you to focus on your core business.
PremiumFastest, highest priority response time available with safety stock parts included. | AdvancedMaximize uptime with regular maintenance and certifications. | PreventiveFocus on remote support to keep equipment running at peak performance. | |
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Remote services | |||
Remote technical support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Targeted phone response | 2 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
Proactive maintenance | |||
Preventive maintenance (PM) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Calibration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Equipment certification1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Accredited certification1 | ✓ | ✓ | |
Software updates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Software upgrades | ✓ | 10% off | |
System upgrades | 10% off | ||
Corrective maintenance | |||
Targeted onsite response2 | Top priority | High priority | Priority |
Labor & travel | ✓ | ✓ | 10% off |
Spare parts | ✓ | 10% off | 10% off |
Safety stock parts replenishment3 | ✓ | ||
Consumable parts | 10% off |
Explore resources to help improve product quality and production performance.
Type | Title |
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Technical note | Belt scale maintenance |
Data sheet | Service offering bulk material handling equipment |
Handbook | Belt conveyor scales |
The intended purpose is a primary factor since this defines the required accuracy. We distinguish three types of application: fee, trade, or custody transfer, which typically require certified accuracy between 0.125 to 0.25%; process management or control, where +/- 0.25 to 0.5% is usually acceptable; and process monitoring, where +/- 3% may be all that’s required.
Other important considerations include the mass of material being handled and the speed of the belt. A heavy-duty belt scale is needed for higher throughput while a lighter duty model may be sufficient, and cheaper, if flow rates allow. Regarding belt speed, faster speeds are more demanding, with more idlers required to ensure an accurate reading, all other factors being equal.
The key components of a belt scale are the weigh or scale carriage, the speed sensor, and the integrator. The weigh carriage holds load cells that deflect in response to the mass of material travelling over the idlers. The speed sensor measures belt speed. The signals from both devices are fed to the integrator, typically via a digitizer, a signal conversion device. The integrator or mass totalizer then performs the required maths, producing an accurate reading of total mass and mass flow rate.
Many of our customers buy complete belt scale systems, and we endorse that approach, but we happily supply individual components because there are instances when this is helpful. For example, speed sensors, a relatively inexpensive part of the system, are often the first element to need replacement and keeping a spare on hand is commonplace. Digitizers and integrators on the other hand are routinely the focus of more substantial upgrades as new functionality becomes available.
Yes, it is, for belt scales, and in the near future we expect it to be covering all applications including those requiring traceable, trade certification. The launch of Ramsey Flex is a good illustration of how evolving digitizer and integrator technology can prompt an upgrade, with no need to change other elements of the belt scale. It offers superior robustness, ease-of-use, and state-of-the-art connectivity, for customers looking to enhance performance. Crucially, all communication protocols are available out-of-the-box, including MODBUS RTU, MODBUS TCP, Ethernet I/P, and PROFINET; PROFIBUS is also an option. This makes upgrading relatively straight forward.
This is a difficult question because the answer depends on, for instance, the quality of what you buy, the materials being handled and maintenance practice. However, ‘decades’ is a reasonable expectation which highlights the crucial point that these systems are a long-term investment. Obviously, upfront costs are critical but ease-of-operation, long-term reliability and supplier longevity and reputation deserve serious consideration. You will have to use and maintain this system, day in day out for a long time. It makes sense to think hard about possible weaknesses and the support you’ll be able to access should you need it.
It’s realistic to complete installation in a routine planned shutdown, over no more than a few days. You’ll need to empty the conveyor and lift it, to install the belt scale underneath. With some systems it may then be as simple as drilling a couple of mounting bolt holes but with a bigger, larger footprint scale more may be required. Access can be an issue and should be considered when deciding on a location. Aim for a flat section of the belt with no curves, away from addition or take-off points, whenever possible.
Belt scales should be relatively low maintenance and good housekeeping will go a long way to keeping them running well. Keep the belt scale and surrounding area clean and ensure that moving parts have some protection from dirt and/or falling debris. The other routine aspect of essential maintenance is to carry out zero and span calibrations. Good record keeping is worthwhile when carrying out such activities since it can make it easier to spot problems such as belt misalignment and long-term measurement errors.
Every conveyor needs a safety pull switch for activation in the event of an emergency. It can play a critical role in protecting personnel and plant and must be 100% reliable even though it may go years without use. Here, you need something heavy duty - a truly rugged solution, engineered to sit in the process environment for years with no deterioration, even in harsh conditions.
Belt misalignment switches can be helpful in detecting a problem before belt damage occurs, typically giving the operator ample warning for remedial attention. Belt speed switches are similarly helpful in maintaining optimal performance. Choose between mechanically coupled or proximity, non-contact sensors, depending on your requirements but be mindful of selecting the correct sensor for best performance at low speeds since these present a greater monitoring challenge. Reliability and robustness may not be quite as critical for these types of switches but are still the primary factors when it comes to a choice. Look for well-engineered solutions with a track record of longevity to protect valuable assets and minimize downtime.
Nucleonic density gauges are the gold standard for measuring liquid density and the solids loading of slurries, though the need for a radiation source is undoubtedly a drawback. Set against this is the ability to generate high quality readings for the widest possible range of applications with no process flow contact. Nucleonic devices are easily installed, with no process shutdown, on the outside of pipes making them particularly valuable for abrasive and corrosive applications.
The customer service support team can answer general questions, assist with spare quotes, and route you to the correct service team member. Customer support is available during regular business hours.
The technical support team can troubleshoot and remotely resolve some technical issues. In addition, they are available to guide software, hardware, and more. Technical support is available during regular business hours, and extended hours are available for customers with specific service plans.
For customers who do not have technical support included in a current service plan, there may be fees* associated with this service.
*The first 5 minutes of a technical support call are free. If support takes longer, the technical engineer will provide an hourly rate quote to the customer before continuing the call. Customers with a current service plan are not charged for technical support.Are you interested in learning more about a service plan or specific service? Contact us to discuss how we can support your instrument with scheduled service and replacement parts.
The customer service support team can answer general questions, assist with spare quotes, and route you to the correct service team member. Customer support is available during regular business hours.
The technical support team can troubleshoot and remotely resolve some technical issues. In addition, they are available to guide software, hardware, and more. Technical support is available during regular business hours, and extended hours are available for customers with specific service plans.
For customers who do not have technical support included in a current service plan, there may be fees* associated with this service.
*The first 5 minutes of a technical support call are free. If support takes longer, the technical engineer will provide an hourly rate quote to the customer before continuing the call. Customers with a current service plan are not charged for technical support.Are you interested in learning more about a service plan or specific service? Contact us to discuss how we can support your instrument with scheduled service and replacement parts.
Products reach the end of their production life cycle for various reasons, including parts obsolescence, technological innovation, or because producing the product is no longer technically feasible. As part of our commitment to our customers, we continue to support many discontinued products for years after the last production. Please contact us for service and support with a discontinued bulk material handling or bulk weighing and monitoring instrument.
View our current bulk material handling and bulk weighing products available here.
Connect with us to learn more about our service capabilities or to obtain a quote for service, preventive maintenance, spare parts, or technical support.