Page 61 - Hub-4 Magazine Issue 72

Bulk Handling
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By encouraging the use of the Hierarchy of Controls at the planning stage, along with the Design Hierarchy at the design stage, the system will meet the demands of modern production and safety regulations, with a longer operational life, fewer stoppages, and a lower cost of operation.
An enlarged settling zone retrofitted onto an existing conveyor enhances transfer point airflow control.
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Components of an EvolvedTM Basic Conveyor facilitate operations, maintenance, and safety.
components. Also, designers should ensure adequate access to utilities -- typically electricity and/or compressed air -- to facilitate maintenance and performance. Next-generation conveyor designs may even feature a specially-
engineered idler capped with an independent power generator that uses the conveyor’s movement to generate power for a wide array of autonomous equipment.
Dust, spillage, and belt tracking are top concerns for many safety professionals. Field tests have shown that enlarged skirtboards and engineered settling zones promote dust settling and reduce fugitive material. Curved loading and discharge chutes control the cargo transfer for centered placement and reduced turbulence. As the load is centered on the belt, guides ensure even travel through the take up to promote consistent belt tracking.
Any transfer point is prone to buildup and clogging under the right conditions, be it ambient humidity, material wetness, volume, or surface grade. Flow aids such as vibrators or air cannons on chutes can sustain material movement, improve equipment life, and reduce the safety hazards associated with manually clearing clogs.
A properly configured conveyor minimizes emissions for improved safety and easier maintenance
Conclusion
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Engineering safer conveyors is a long-term strategy. Although design absorbs less than 10 percent of the total budget of a project, additional upfront engineering and applying a life cycle-cost methodology to the selection and purchase of conveyor components proves beneficial.
References
[1] Conveyor Accident Database, OSHA, US Dept. of Labor. Washington, DC. 2018. https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/AccidentSearch.sea rch?acc_keyword=%22Conveyor%20Belt%22&ke yword_list=on
[2] “Foundations for Conveyor Safety”. Ch. 31, pgs. 404-440. Martin Engineering. Worzalla Publishing Company, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. 2016. https://www.martin- eng.com/content/product/690/safety-book
[3] Howard, John, M.D. “Prevention through Design: Plan for the National Initiative”. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services. Washington, DC. 2010. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011- 121/pdfs/2011-121.pdf
[4] Swinderman, R. Todd. “The Economics of Workplace Safety:
Putting a price on material handling mishaps.” Coal Age. Vol. 123, No. 3, pg. 28-31. April 2018. https://www.coalage.com/features/the-economics- of-workplace-safety/
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