Page 67 - Hub-4 Magazine Issue 75

Quarrying
At PVDC, Martin Engineering replaced primary and secondary belt cleaners at 16 discharge points. Copyright © 2022 Martin Engineering
The slide-in/slide-out mandrel allows quick and
easy maintenance that minimizes conveyor downtime. Copyright © 2022 Martin Engineering
“Carryback can have an extremely sticky texture and abrasive nature, which can muck up conveyor components and contribute to premature failure,” Mueller explained. “One key to the success of these cleaners is the blade’s negative rake angle (less than 90 degrees). With a negative angle, you get a ‘scraping’ action that mitigates potential belt damage, while delivering outstanding cleaning performance,” he said.
Martin DT2S Reversing Cleaner
Like its larger counterpart, the Martin DT2S reversing cleaner can be installed on belts ranging from 18 to 96 in (400 to 4800 mm) wide. But unlike the DT2H, the DT2S is designed for a lower maximum belt speed of 900 fpm (4.6 m/sec) on belts
with vulcanized splices. Mueller pointed out that this is primarily due to the difference in applications: “The DT2S has a slim frame that allows it to fit in spaces as narrow as 7 in (178 mm). As a result, the DT2S can be attached to belts that may be too small for primary cleaners.”
Both of the DT2 cleaners can be used in medium to heavy duty environments, providing a lasting solution to a diverse array of complex problems that are caused by carryback and minimizing fugitive material.
Case Study
An example of the cleaners’ performance can be found at the Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation (PVDC) mine in the province of Sanchez Ramirez, about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northwest of the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Operators were experiencing excessive carryback and dust on its conveyor system, resulting in expensive equipment failures, unscheduled downtime and increased maintenance. Production is 365 days a year, but between April and October moisture can cause cohesion in fine clay particles, causing the cargo to become sticky. The substance had the consistency of thick toothpaste, which was also able to adhere small chunks of aggregate to the belt, causing destructive carryback that damaged pulleys and headers.
In just two weeks, Martin Engineering technicians replaced the existing belt scrapers at 16 locations with Martin QC1 Cleaner XHD primary cleaners fitted with low-adhesion urethane blades specifically designed for tacky material loads, along with DT2H secondary cleaners. The secondary cleaner blades can endure hot summer temperatures, high moisture content and constant production schedules.
Following the upgrades, operations are now cleaner, safer and more productive, giving executives and stakeholders more confidence in the sustained operation of the mine, which is projected to be profitable for the next 25 years or more.
www.hub-4.com July-August 22 - Issue 75
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