Plant Conveyor and Systems
What is a Plant Transporter?
Many industries and environments use in-plant conveyor systems to efficiently move materials from one place to the next.
Plant conveyor systems are vital in modern industrial settings for efficient and quick transport of bulk materials. This allows plants to be productive, and profitably.
Conveyors can handle a wide range of materials. They can move from flat distances to long distances. These systems can also be integrated with other applications such as feeders and silos, bins and hoppers.
Every conveyor system has its own needs and there are many types of conveyors available to suit those needs. There are many types of conveyors: chain conveyors and pneumatic conveyors; belt conveyors.
Every application is different, but Carmaky Engineering specialises in belt conveyors for the mining, minerals processing, power stations, bulk handling and bulk handling industries.
The plant's operation is dependent on the efficient functioning of its conveyor system.
Belt Conveyor Systems
While belt conveyors can take many forms and function differently depending on their purpose, they are generally made of pulley driven belts (or belts) that use friction to move materials in a continuous movement.
Belt conveyors are a better option than other systems for bulk material transport. Here are some of these advantages:
- It is a cost-efficient way to move bulk materials over long distances
- The materials are transported in a very clean manner.
- Material can be moved by the conveyor at different elevations, over an arc, or along a curve.
- Materials can be loaded on to the conveyor at any point along its travel path
These are just a few benefits of belt conveyors. Belt conveyors can incorporate a variety integrated systems to meet different requirements, conditions, and materials. These include:
- The moving surface can be open and visible or enclosed
- You can also include unloading tippers for loading at different points along your travel route
- Separators can also be used for sorting operations
- Weigh belt sections can be integrated for weighing
- Cleats can be added to the belt for additional support when moving over an incline
There are many things to consider when choosing a belt conveyor system.
Important Considerations
Any conveyor system design that is effective will take into account the material to be moved, the route taken, and any space constraints. These considerations will guide the design of your system. You will instantly see if the design is complicated or not.
Materials
It is important to consider the material's physical properties and how it will be handled. You should consider the following properties:
- What type of material does it take?
- How big and heavy are the individual units? Is that consistent?
- How abrasive does the material?
- Preservation requirements ie. Protection from breaking / decomposing
- Insurance coverage requirements
Transportation Route
There are several factors to be aware of when considering the route that the material must travel.
- Length of travel
- Changes in elevation or curves
- Points of loading and unloading
- Integrated systems (weight measurement or sorting)
Limitations
In most cases a conveyor system will be subject to some constraints based on pre-existing infrastructure or the environment. These considerations are:
- Space constraints. Space constraints.
- Pre-existing operations. Does the conveyor route have to be able to travel around other infrastructure? Or must it be integrated with existing operations?
Additional considerations
The primary considerations determine the basic form and function of the conveyor system. To ensure that the conveyor system meets its intended purpose, there are several additional criteria.
- Safety. Any system must be safe in its construction and operation.
- Build cost effective homes
- Energy efficiency and power consumption.
- Robustness of design. Material handling can be abrasive so equipment should be designed accordingly.
- Reliability. Reliability is essential to reap the benefits. This includes integration and careful design of transfer chutes, overall system control design, and PLC programming.
- Maintenance. Maintaining reliable systems is not an easy task.
- Brownfield projects require tie-in and shutdown planning. It is important to plan this in the design phase so that there are no disruptions to other operations during construction.
- Use of standardised components.
Conveyor Design
The design phase of a conveyor belt system should focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These are important but not the only ones that will be realized as the system develops. This includes the creation of detailed drawings and the selection of specific equipment.
Based on current knowledge, these interconnected factors impact the efficiency and cost effectiveness of a conveyor or system.
- Power demand
- Idler spacing
- Belt velocity
- Belt width, type, and class
- A conveyor's dynamic performance
Because of the influence each factor has on the desired outcomes, it is difficult to determine how they will affect them. This depends on factors such as conveyor parameters like horizontal length, vertical profile and capacity. The design and optimization tools used in the design may not be uniform.
What Do We Offer?
We design and supply plant conveyors and systems that are capital efficient, fit-for-purpose, and reliable.
The Carmaky team works closely alongside clients to understand system requirements. Our team includes construction experts. We work closely alongside client operations and construction teams in order to plan critical tieins and commissioning activities. This ensures minimal disruption to operation. We provide exceptional leadership in HAZOP management and risk management.
Our team is able to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients and ensure their peace of mind.
Our plant system expertise includes:
- Belt conveyors: elevated, enclosed, and curved
- Transfer chutes, structures and structures
- Bins, hoppers, silos, bunkers
- Feeders
- Dust control
- Modular electrical rooms
- Equipment and systems for ancillary purposes