21st conference
“Belt conveyors and their elements”
Awareness that has grown over decades
“As Germany’s oldest technical training institute, founded in what was once Europe’s largest coal and steel region, the HDT is well aware of the central role that continuous conveyors play in the prosperity of national economies and even in the vital supply of the population,” explains HDT Journal Editor-in-Chief Michael Graef. No wonder that the topic has been approached from different directions for decades.
As an important part of the portfolio, the “Belt conveyors and their elements” conference brings experts together in Essen every year. “Our aim is to promote networking and exchange between experts and users from all sectors – from planning to production and operation,” explains HDT Head of Department Dr Uwe Schröer.
Geopolitical shifts and technological revolution
The industry get-together, which will take place for the 21st time in 2025 and will be rounded off by an exhibition and an excursion (this time to Wülfrath-based Lhoist Germany Rheinkalk GmbH), is taking place at a time of tectonic geopolitical shifts. This is likely to influence the discussions, as the belt conveyor conference in 2022 already reflected the so-called turning point.
“But we are also facing huge leaps in terms of technology,” says Uwe Schröer. This is evidenced by an eagerly awaited technical presentation entitled “How artificial intelligence (AI) reduces operating costs and increases system availability – from belt cleaner to digital colleague”.
The innovations in components are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but no less important for that. Many of the other presentations deal with them. Examples include self-centring conveyor belts, maintenance-free scraper chains and ceramic wear protection solutions.
Programme details and registration: www.hdt.de/gurtfoerderer
