African Mining July 2023 | Page 45

BULK HANDLING TRANSFER CHUTE REIMAGINED
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT •
BULK HANDLING TRANSFER CHUTE REIMAGINED
A global leader in conveyor accessories has reimagined the bulk handling transfer chute to reduce downtime for installation and offer more options for future modifications .
The Martin ® Transfer Point Kit from Martin Engineering includes modular horizontal loading zone , settling zone , and stilling zone configurations , providing easier installation and a wider variety of chute options while facilitating future upgrades . The kit simplifies the installation process , reducing the amount of labour required for assembly and allowing the system to be pre-built prior to installation for reduced system downtime . The result is faster installation with less labour and shorter shutdowns , increasing the return on investment ( ROI ).
“ This is a rugged one-kit solution designed to fit most standard conveyors and belt widths , regardless of what material is being transferred ,” said Dave Mueller , Conveyor Products manager at Martin Engineering . “ Our Center for Innovation ( CFI ) is constantly looking for ways to engineer equipment with safety and our customer ’ s bottom line in mind . That ’ s why the kit doesn ’ t just streamline labour , time and production , but incorporates a logistical solution with one-crate shipping .”
The Martin Transfer Point Kit is a heavy-duty horizontal enclosure for the loading zone . Each kit is either ordered as a loading zone , settling zone , or stilling zone . The width and length of the kit are determined by the receiving belt ’ s width and speed and the dust characteristics of the material being transferred . Dustier applications may require a longer settling zone .
Three common problems solved This innovation solves three common problems . The first is that transfer chutes are normally shipped in different packages that sometimes do not arrive at the same time . Upon delivery , inventory is stored until scheduled downtime , increasing the chance of loss or misplacement . Another problem is , for most new transfer chutes on the market , some components can be prepared and assembled beforehand , but generally , new chutes need to be completely fabricated during downtime . The inability to build the structure before a shutdown increases the project budget and contributes to lost production time . The third problem is , after construction , horizontal transfer point chutes are commonly a single system that requires significant engineering and construction to be modified . Changes to existing transfer points can be challenging , but to accommodate new belt support equipment or adapt to increases in production , the chute is often raised or lengthened .
An efficient Transfer Point starts with a Modular Enclosure but also has excellent belt support and sealing accessories .
Outer chute supports are provided in standard lengths and cut shorter or narrower on-site as needed .
The result is faster installation with less labour and shorter shutdowns , increasing the return on investment .
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