METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF WEAR OF A CONVEYOR BELT

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively assessing the level of wear of a conveyor belt and for detecting holes and rips in the surface thereof. Said method is characterised by a continuous analysis of the surface of the belt, without dividing the belt into analysis areas, using for said purpose a lighting and optical inspection means, a computer processing means and mathematical tools that have never been previously used. The inventive method provides quantitative assessment of the physical characteristics of the conveyor belt, defining functions that are constant over time for said belt. In addition, the method includes procedures for automatic detection of sudden events, such as the appearance of holes and rips. The inventive method does not require the insertion of any elements in the belt for synchronisation and is therefore applicable to all conveyor belts. The method selects a set of images that depict a given area of the conveyor belt during different cycles of said belt. Procedures are then applied to said images in order to determine longitudinal and transverse deformation, providing instant measurements of length and width. Furthermore, by applying algorithms to compare the images, it is possible to determine the appearance of holes and rips on the surface. Next, the obtained measurements are processed in order to determine critical deformations, large holes and rips, which trigger an alarm system.