Transfer Point Upgrades of Belt Conveyor Systems

Related Vendors

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

Italvacuum, Srl

TRM Filter d.o.o.

Primary Sources of Dust – How to Prevent Hazrdous Atmospheres

Load zones and discharge points are prime sources for the creation and release of airborne dust. The amount of dust created in a transfer point depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the material and the height of the drop onto the belt, as well as the speed and angle of the loading and unloading belts.

The project was kicked off with material testing, because by testing the specific bulk material and applying those properties as the initial step in chute design, a transfer can be developed that maximises capacity, while minimising the potential for build-up and fugitive material.

Gallery

Tailored Chute Design for Belt Conveyors

Weekly meetings were held from the beginning of the project through final design, which allowed all participants to see and discuss the status of each transfer point as it was being designed. “Every chute design is tailored to suit the specific material characteristics and conveyor systems of the individual customer, rather than using stock products and attempting to make them work,” observed Martin Engineering Projects Manager Tim Patrick O’Harran. “Martin Engineering works with a 3D model, which not all designers do,” Price-Stephens said. “It’s much easier to look at a 3D model and resolve some of the potential issues before fabrication.”

The new conveyors range from 105 to 709 feet (approx. 32 to 216 metres) in length, and either 42 or 48 inch (106.68 or 122 centimetres) wide. Average speeds range from 177 feet per minute (0.9 metres per second) on the shortest run to 565 feet per minute (2.87 metres per second) on the longest conveyor. Liners were installed on all five transfer chutes to resist abrasion and extend service life.

Belt Conveyors: Dust Emissions and Products Spills are not Unavoidable

Asked to summarize the experience overall, Price-Stephens said, “We were pleased by the level of support that we received from Martin Engineering, without having to hound anyone. And we were impressed by the fact that when we did the initial start-up, it was the guys who helped design the equipment who were there to oversee the start-up.

“To some extent, I think bulk terminals like ours have learned to live with a certain amount of spillage and dust, believing that it’s unavoidable,” he added. “We’ve proven here that isn’t the case. When you look at the components and see what’s been designed for this facility, you realise the concepts and technology are pretty straightforward. It’s really about simple things done well.” n

* Elizabeth Allen, Senior Global Marketing Analyst at Martin Engineering, USA, Tel. +1 309/852-2384, E-Mail: info@martin-eng.com

(ID:36808330)