Dust solutions for bulk handling conveyors
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
World Fertilizer,
Scrapetec offers solutions for conveyor systems used in diverse industries for the handling of abrasive materials with excessive dust.
“Airscrape®, Dustscrape, Tailscrape and Speedscrape products, which encompass the latest technology, have been developed by Scrapetec, to provide dependable solutions for specific problems – like dust, spills and contamination – at the transfer points of conveyor systems,” explained Thorsten Koth, Sales and Distribution for Scrapetec. “These highly-efficient systems prevent dust formation, reduce material spill, enable thorough belt-cleaning and minimise the risk of explosion at critical sections along the conveyor route and at transfer points.
“Although conventional dust prevention side-seals do reduce conveyor problems in the short-term, they quickly wear-out as a result of friction and can also damage the belt of the conveyor during extended periods of use.
“Scrapetec’s robust systems, which are virtually maintenance-free, extend the service life of conveyor belts and reduce cleaning requirements of the entire conveyor system. Apart from cost-efficient operation, these products also contribute to occupational safety, environmental protection and safety, by minimising dust generation and contamination.
“Correct installation of this highly-efficient equipment ensures optimum performance, reduced risk of explosion, low maintenance and extended service life of the conveyor system.”
The contact-free Airscrape conveyor belt skirting system is a side seal that lies over the conveyor belt, without contact, and creates negative pressure on the belt, due to its specially-designed lamella structure. Because this system hovers freely above the conveyor belt, skirt friction and belt damage are eliminated and service life of every component of the conveyor is extended.
The Airscrape system encompasses inward facing, hardened-steel diagonal blades and operates according to a new principle where it hovers 1 – 2 mm, on the left and right side above the conveyor belt.
These blades deflect larger particles inwards, while using the air-flow of the conveyor belt and conveyed material to create an inward suction, flowing any dust and fine particles back into the product flow. Through these diagonally fitted plates and the speed of the running belt, air is drawn from the outside inwards. As a result, neither the dust nor material can escape.
Conventional skirting is pressed against a conveyor belt to keep dust and material in the middle of the belt, but after a period, wear of the skirting and belt can be so severe that material and dust escapes. Material spillage at transfer points needs to be removed and regular maintenance of belt skirting and transfer points is necessary. A dust-free and contact-free side-sealing system for belt conveyors avoids this problem, as there is no skirt contact and therefore reduced belt wear. Motor power requirements are reduced as there is no belt-skirt friction.
Studies show that even 5 years after installation and with continuous use in harsh conditions, the AirScrape system hardly shows any signs of wear. Operational costs are also reduced because there is no need for spillage collection, regular maintenance, or replacement parts.
This system is durable and consists of non-flammable and anti-static polyurethane materials and blades made from Hardox/Stainless Steel. FDA-approved materials are also available for specific conveyor handling applications.
The Tailscrape system enhances performance of the Airscrape, by sealing the transfer tail in the rear area and also works according to the Venturi concept, to prevent dust generation and material spills. The intelligent blade structure on the underside of the system, creates negative pressure in the conveying area, preventing the escape of materials. Dust is kept in the material flow by air intake.
Tailscrape is mounted precisely to the existing Airscrape system, so that it seals the transfer to the bend, averting dust generation and material spillage, also reducing the risk of explosion.
A metal sheet is used in the rear area of the transfer, matching the contour of the belt trough and installed approximately 20 mm from the belt. The Tailscrape is shortened to the distance between the two Airscrapes mounted on the side and bent to fit the trough.
The Tailscrape is fixed and adjusted to the sheet by means of slotted holes and lifting elements, allowing almost no gap and no contact with the belt.
The Tailscrape system is available in small, medium and large designs, suitable for all belt widths, to perfectly match the Airscrape variants. Because the Tailscrape system also operates without contact to the conveyor belt, there is no belt or skirting wear. This system, which can be operated permanently with minimal maintenance requirements, also extends service life of conveyor components.
For production areas with excessive dust generation, the installation of the Dustscrape is recommended. This dust emission prevention system comprises a filter cloth, support arches and skirts, arms to hold the system above the belt and a rubber curtain to eliminate further dust development – all sized to specific requirements. This system is easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing conveyors, for continuous operation and for extended periods.
The durable filter cloth – which retains dust particles created by conveyed materials, while remaining permeable to circulating air – is available with different qualities, including anti-static features, for specific applications.
The highly-effective, energy-free Dustscrape dust emission prevention system, complies with most new dust prevention guides and prevents health and safety issues on-site. This system also minimises product loss, by effectively preventing material from being blown into the surrounding environment.
The Speedscrape secondary belt cleaner design is based on the inclined and staggered positioning of Tungsten blades, which increases the scraping surface to as much as 150% of the conveyor belt width. This high-performance system allows scraped material to be easily discharged.
The maintenance-free tensioner system adjusts the blade pressure to the conveying condition, ensuring blades are pressed onto the belt, with optimum pressure at all times during operation. Low stress on the belt reduces damage and wear. The flexible scraping assembly is able to swivel into a lower position for reversible operation. Durable scraping blades are manufactured from a high alloy and are designed to re-sharpen automatically, by scraping against the belt.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/product-news/14092020/dust-solutions-for-bulk-handling-conveyors/
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