Efficient Plant Jan./Feb. 2023 - 14

Design advances
correct issues, such
as belt misalignment
and cleaning,
that become significant
factors when
conveyor speeds
increase.
feature | conveyor technology
Future Conveyor Needs
Innovation Meets
Monitoring and automation advances make it possible to
increase conveyor speeds without sacrifi cing safety or effi ciency.
HIGHER PRODUCTION DEMANDS across all bulk-handling
segments require increased effi ciency at the lowest cost of operation,
in the safest and most eff ective manner possible. As conveyor
systems become wider, faster, and longer, more energy output and
more controlled throughput is needed. Add an increasingly stringent
regulatory environment, and cost-conscious plant managers must
closely review which new equipment and design options align with
their long-term goals for the best return on investment.
Safety is becoming a new source of cost reduction, with the
percentage of mines and processing facilities having a robust safety
14 | EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
R. Todd Swinderman
Martin Engineering
culture likely to increase during the next 30 years to the point where
it becomes the norm. In most cases, with only a marginal adjustment
to belt speed, operators quickly discover unanticipated problems
with existing equipment and workplace safety. Th ese issues are commonly
indicated by the larger volume of material spillage, increased
dust emissions, belt misalignment, and more-frequent equipment
wear/failures.
BELT ALIGNMENT
Th e faster a belt moves, the quicker it can wander off its path and the
JAN/FEB 2023

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Efficient Plant Jan./Feb. 2023

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