In mining, time is very much of the essence. The quicker materials move, the more productive the site. That’s where conveyors come in. These systems transport minerals from part of the body to another.
A quality conveyor system lowers downtime, cuts labor cost and ensures a safe facility. Conversely, when equipment is not set up well, delays and safety issues result.
That’s why mining companies should pay attention to the careful design and installation of conveyors. Here’s an analysis of how conveyor configurations really affect efficiency in mining sites. Well, let’s continue reading the entire blog post before you look for mining conveyor system.
The Efficiency Of The Layout Design Is Critical
It is the design that gives the conveyor system long life and industrious service. A direct and easy path expedites things. But there are too many curves and slopes that do so.
Conveyors that move material in straight paths tend to be more efficient. It also lessens the risk of wear and tear. That means fewer breakdowns and repairs. Height matters, too.
The feed conveyor, if it conveys the material up steep inclines, requires more power. That runs up energy costs, and can cause motors to wear out more quickly. On the flip side, smart layouts that follow the natural slope of the land save both power and time.
The design also has an impact on the traffic in the project. Cross them, or block roads with them, and you cause delays. Trucks and workers are delayed. This takes more time and increases the chances for accidents. An uncluttered design keeps everything flowing and safe.
Adds Speed, Cuts Errors With Automation
Today’s conveyor systems are not just transporting rock. They can ponder, adapt and respond. There are sensors and control systems on conveyor belts. These are tools of early detection.
The system turns off before more severe damage occurs, if there is some jamming. Also, speed control is one of an automation things. The mining and resources conveying can speed up or slow down, depending on the load.
This cuts down on waste, prevents messes. It also prevents belts from running empty, which is not energy efficient. Human error is eliminated by automation.
There are no buttons or loads to validate constantly. This will give them time to focus on the higher-value activities. And it reduces the errors that can cause delays or accidents.
Uptime Depends On Access To Maintenance
Conveyor belts have to be maintained. But the harder belts, motors and rollers are to reach, the better. Bad access slows down all repairs. More time is spent climbing or taking off covers than fixing trouble.
Good setups mean you can immediately enter key bits. That translates to less downtime when things go wrong. They can replace broken belts or clean up spills with little downtime.
There are some systems where the walkways and platforms are built into them. These are time savers and safer to work with. Lubrication points access to lubrication points should be convenient.
So, too, should the controls and emergency shutoffs. When all is at hand, repairs are done in a jiffy. This has the effect of the system working more of the time.
The Type And Material Of Your Belt Matters More Than You Think
Conveyor belts are not all the same. The belt type used alters how effectively the system works. Heavy-duty belts can withstand more weight without getting damaged. Perfect for hard, sharp rocks. Lesser belts convey lighter goods, such as coal or sand, with less power.
Material also plays a role. Rubber belts flex and grip. Steel belts live longer in severe heat or under sharp edges. The right belt minimizes wear, lessens slippage and has a direct impact on speed.
Site-specific requirements dictate the width and speed of the belting. A thin band can’t accommodate large volumes. But a belt that is too wide is wasteful of energy and space. Striking a balance is important.
These systems deliver minerals from one part of the body to another. A good conveyor system reduces downtime and labor cost.
Conclusion
Conveyor configurations aren’t just scenery equipment. They are central to the success of a mine. The design, automation, maintenance and belting also matter greatly.
Well-executed conveyors add speed, cut costs and improve safety. They give workers the ability to concentrate on production, not issues. All of the minutiae counts, from the degree of the slope to the kind of belt.
If done correctly, a mining site should run faster, smoother and be more productive each day. It’s not rocket science: better conveyors lead to better production. Mining companies would do well to pay close attention to the design and installation of conveyor systems.
