MINEXPO PREVIEW
underground mine conveyors . “ While there are many factors that influence the belt ’ s running line both inside and outside the loading zone , a key ingredient is proper belt support ,” he says , hinting at what the company will be showcasing at MINExpo 2024 .
Before any support components ( cradles , idlers , etc ) are installed , the structure on which all conveyor equipment is attached – the “ stringer ” – must be precisely aligned and the footings secure . Belt support cradles perform many functions , according to Marshall : 1 ) Controlling belt sag in the load zone to reduce dust , spillage and damage ;
2 ) Providing an even surface with less bumping and better sealing ; 3 ) Reduce belt damage by absorbing force ; 4 ) Fewer moving parts and less need for lubrication ; and 5 ) Modular design for extended loading zones .
The “ flat table ” concept is so important to good sealing that many designers now use cradles in place of idlers under conveyor loading zones . Instead of using an idler ’ s rolling “ cans ”, cradles use low-friction bars to support the belt profile .
Constant high magnitude impacts without proper support can damage the belt cover and weaken its carcass . An example would be an 18 in ( 457 mm ) lump of sandstone dropping 7 ft ( 2 m ). This lump will hit the belt with the same
energy as a fully loaded refrigerator falling 10 ft . Bulk material can also “ splash ”, sending debris in all directions at a high trajectory and creating a “ ripple ” effect on the belt , de-stabilising its line of travel and increasing spillage , according to Marshall .
To minimise these negative effects , impact cradles are installed directly under the material drop zone to bear the brunt of the shock of the material hitting the belt as it loads . These cradles are usually constructed of a set of individual impact-absorbing bars assembled into a steel support framework . The bars are made from durable elastomeric materials that combine a slick top surface – allowing the belt to skim over it to minimise friction – and one or more spongelike secondary layers to absorb the energy of impact , Marshall says .
Several “ combination cradle ” designs are available , which use bars for a continuous seal at the belt edge but also incorporate rollers under the centre of the belt , he explained . These hybrid designs are popular as a way of combining the low power consumption of rollers with the flat sealing surface of impact or slider bars .
By implementing the proper belt support systems , a mine can prevent the many costly problems that arise from the escape of fugitive material , according to Marshall , with the costs for installation and operation of proper beltsupport systems representing an investment in efficiency .
Visitors to the Flexco MINExpo booth can expect to view the latest developments in the world of belt conveying technology with solutions that solve key pain points for mining facilities like carryback , slippage , spillage and mis-tracking , all to eliminate downtime , the company says .
New to the show this year is the FXC™ Steel Cord Belt Fastening System , which Flexco says is arguably the industry ’ s most unique mechanical fastener . Launched in the June quarter of 2024 , the FXC gives facilities that are using steel cord conveyor belts the ability to make repairs on downed belts fast , getting plants from downtime to uptime in approximately five hours with four workers on a 1,800-mm-wide belt .
The FXC is especially useful for those who are looking to use vulcanisation as a long-term belt repair solution . While operators are waiting to schedule a vulcanisation crew , they can have their maintenance teams use the FXC for shortterm repair ; in turn , sites can keep their belts moving . As a bonus , the FXC can also be used to perform belt pulls onto conveyor systems quickly and efficiently . Flexco estimates that it would take four workers approximately three hours to complete a belt pull on an 1,800-mm-wide belt when using the FXC .
Another new addition to the Flexco product catalogue is the 900 Series Belt Cutter / Skiver . By
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32 International Mining | AUGUST 2024