Selecting the correct belt cleaner

Shown above is a paired K-Smartscraper - Primary Belt Cleaner. Kinder Australia specified this installation due the fine ground cement clinker's highly abrasive characteristics. The application required a high degree of cleaning efficiency and tolerated an existing 'out-of-round' pulley.

Carry back is the leading cause of inefficiencies in conveyor systems, regardless of the length of the conveyor line or rate of belt speed. The manual task of removing carry back is both resource and equipment intensive. It also has the potential to create very serious personal safety hazards, as well as causing excessive unscheduled production downtime.

These consequences strongly justify the investment in a belt cleaning system. But how do you select the correct belt cleaner type to suit your specific material application and cleaning objectives?

Step one

The first step in selecting a belt cleaner is to quantify the extent of your belt-cleaning problem. Do this by answering the following two questions:

Is the conveyor’s operating environment fit for purpose?

• How much space available for installation and service?
• Is there the possibility that the application’s moisture content may fluctuate?
• Are there any cuts, gouges or rips in the belt surface from age or abuse?
• Are there any non-recessed or damaged mechanical splices present?
• How much belt vibration is there that may make it difficult to maintain a consistent pressure between a blade and the belt itself?

What are your belt cleaning objectives?

• Are you experiencing any of the following problems: ‘out-of round’ build up, roller bearing failure, shortened belt life, mis-tracking (spillage)?
• What is the level of cleaning required? For example, dissatisfied with existing unit / no prior belt cleaning experience / simplify blade replacement procedure / extend the service life of the blade / reduce maintenance requirements / inconsistent production schedules / withstand harsh climate or highly abrasive application.
• What level of ongoing maintenance is available?
• What level of installation expertise is required?

Step two

The second step is to confirm the dimensions of the conveyor. Requirement measurements include:

• Belt speed (tph).
• Is the conveyor one direction or reversing.
• Pulley diameter (mm).
• Lagging type.
• Lagging condition and thickness.

Step three

The third and final step is to contact a reputable and reliable supplier of specialist conveyor belt cleaning components. Consider the following criteria:

• Check that the supplier has a wide range of belt cleaning systems available (primary, secondary, v-plough and dewatering systems).
• Check the service life of the belt-cleaning model by requesting a statement of the expected average life and cost of wear parts.
• Check that any future replacement parts are easily accessible and support continuing ROI calculations.
• Check that the installation instructions are achievable with resource allocation and, ideally, that real-time support can be offered by the supplier.
• Check the supplier’s warranty policy and ask for a guarantee of performance on the belt cleaning system that you have been recommended.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/material-handling/06102016/selecting-the-correct-belt-cleaner/