Application of fiber optic sensors for vibration and ignition monitoring of a belt conveyor system

The belt conveyor serves as the main coal transport equipment in a coal mine and its safe operation is the lifeline of safety in coal mine production. However, traditionally, monitoring for ignition and for roller faults along the belt conveyor is problematic and so this paper puts forward an approach using radial grating vibration sensing technology for both belt conveyor roller vibration monitoring. This can then be used to predict the fault state in the roller and its position, using distributed optical fiber temperature measurement technology which can be used for 'hot spot monitoring'. This enables better fire prevention along the belt conveyor, which plays a positive and effective role in better mine safety.