What is the MARS System?

It is a Metal Automated Removal System which automatically removes metal from your conveyor belts, without stopping the belt.

Unlike a magnet, the MARS removes all types of metal, not just ferrous metal.

Each MARS system is custom made to fit your exact site requirements.

MARS is a tried and tested technology, with several hundred units in operational use around the world.

 

How does the MARS work?

  1. It is placed onto the existing conveyor belt frame, up-stream from the metal detector.

  2. It receives a signal from the metal detector that a piece of metal is approaching.

  3. The MARS activates automatically, lowering a blade onto the conveyor belt and sweeping the metal off.

 

MARS waiting
 
MARS discharging

MARS awaiting a signal
This is the position that the unit normally sits in.

 

MARS discharging
The metal is discharged from the belt along with some material.

 

MARS versus a Metal Detector alone:

  1. A metal detector will detect all types of metal but cannot remove it from the belt.

  2. The belt stops to allow an employee to remove the metal, however, this:
    Halts production for a period of time.
    Causes stress on your motors, gearboxes and belts.
    Exposes your employee to various safety risks.
    Assumes that the employee finds all of the pieces, for example if there are two pieces close together on the belt.

  3. MARS allows for continuous production, reduces stress on your plant and keeps employees safe.

 

MARS versus a Magnet:

  1. Magnets only remove ferrous metals; they do not remove metals such as: manganese, aluminium, brass, copper or tin. They are only partially effective with stainless steel.

  2. Even on ferrous metal, the magnet is not 100% effective. It may miss metal due to: belt speed, burden depth, size of metal object or the orientation of the object on the belt.

  3. MARS removes all metal regardless of type, size, shape or the amount of material on the conveyor belt.

 

MARS waiting
 
MARS discharging

Site in the UK prior to installing MARS
Installation and commissioning takes less than 2 full working days.

 

After the first 1,000,000 tonnes production
This MARS unit has increased site production by over 7% with no repairs required to unit.

 

MARS Benefits:

  • Increased production: MARS will let you increase your hourly throughput, hence your annual production. Or you can maintain your current production levels, and reduce your overall running costs.

  • Reduced Plant Damage: Reduce the odds of crusher damage; you no longer rely on a magnet or a person to find the metal.

  • Reduced Plant Wear: Starting and stopping a belt causes stress on the motor, gearbox and drive belts, especially when the belt is fully loaded. MARS prevents this, thus extending their working life.

  • Increased Safety: By using the MARS, you eliminate the risks associated with an employee looking for metal on a belt, namely: slips, trips and falls, mobile plant and plant isolation.

  • Fast Payback: MARS offers a rapid return on your investment.

 

Contact Guardlok UK and allow us to work out a personalised quote for your site.