Conveyor belts are the lifeline of any mining operation, tasked with transporting raw materials like sand, crushed stone, minerals, and more. Without proper care, conveyer belts can become damaged or inefficient, leading to untimely downtime and maintenance costs.
This is where conveyor belt cleaners play a crucial role in your mining operation. Properly outfitting conveyer belts with conveyer belt cleaning systems can extend equipment lifespan while ensuring no stone is left unturned, literally, in the quest to maximize sales and profits.
The Problem of Material Carryback
One of the most significant challenges in aggregate mining operations is material carryback. Carryback refers to the residual material that sticks to the conveyor belt after it has discharged its load. Over time, this material builds up on idlers, pulleys, and other components, causing several problems, such as:
- Increased wear and tear on belt
- Belt misalignment
- Higher energy costs from added weight
- Safety hazards due to material spillage
Conveyor belt cleaners are specifically designed to address these issues by effectively removing carryback and promoting the best possible conveyer belt system performance.
Primary Belt Cleaners Vs. Secondary Belt Cleaners
Conveyor belt cleaners generally fall into two main categories: primary belt cleaners and secondary belt cleaners. While most manufacturers recommend having both primary belt cleaners and secondary belt cleaners, it is primary belt cleaners which do most of the heavy lifting and are most essential.
Primary belt cleaners are typically installed on the head pulley, where the belt discharges material. Their purpose is to remove the bulk of carryback material right at the source.
Secondary belt cleaners are positioned further down the conveyor line, often below the head pulley. They are designed to remove any residual material left behind by the primary cleaner. Secondary cleaners provide an additional layer of cleaning, ensuring that the belt is as clean as possible before it begins its return journey.
Adding Value With Conveyer Belt Cleaners
Keeping conveyor belts clean is not just a matter of efficiency, it’s a necessity for maximizing your mining operations. Installing and maintaining belt cleaners can help cut down on maintenance costs for the rest of the conveyer belt system, while enhancing workplace safety and operational efficiency. Conveyer belt cleaners are available in a wide range of sizes and options to meet the custom needs of individual mining operators.
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