Around 150 years ago, the world of mining took a huge step into the future with the invention of the so-called Koepe hoist. This new solution made conveyor belts safer and more efficient for use at increasing mining depths. Modern Koepe hoists use encoder systems to ensure optimal safety and precision. This Hübner Giessen case study reveals how a made-to-measure sensor system replacement can make such hoists more reliable and enable them to run smoother than ever before.
Classic technology with a modern design
In the world of mining, Koepe hoists, which are also known as “endless rope hoists” or “drive pulley hoists”, are one of a number of tried-and-tested and well-established hoisting technologies that have been in use for many years. They use one or two ropes to move two cages up and down the shaft. This hoisting rope is guided over a drive pulley and driven by an integrated or external motor. To ensure that the hoisting procedure is as efficient as possible and the cages can be moved precisely as required, high-precision speed control plays an essential role.
Precision is all about resolution
The operator of a Koepe hoist with an integrated motor consulted Hübner Giessen because the resolution of its optical tooth wheel scanning was no longer sufficient for high-precision speed control. The customer was therefore looking for a modern sensor solution that factored in the special demands of the system in question, for example the huge dimensions of the pulse wheel and the fixed axle of the drive pulley, as well as the fact that it ran out of true by several millimeters.
An individual retrofit by Hübner Giessen
To optimize the control accuracy and therefore ensure the reliable operation of the Koepe hoist on a long-term basis, the Hübner Giessen experts developed a tailor-made encoder system, including an individual mounting solution and an optimized sensor system. You can read all about the encoders used in the solution and discover how the Hübner Giessen experts considerably simplified its installation in the case study “Koepe Hoist / Drum: MAG with large split pulse wheel for improved control accuracy”.