ERF quadruples conveyor runtime by installing STARCLEAN® belt cleaners from ProSpare
An Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) operated by Encyclis conveys incinerator bottom ash (IBA) via two alternating streams of belt conveyors. When one stream is in use, the other is available for maintenance and housekeeping by the on-site contracted company.
IBA can be extremely difficult to handle due to its complex composition of materials such as; glass, metal and unburned residual waste. The troublesome material, coupled with ineffective belt scrapers on the conveyors, resulted in significant carryback problems – particularly on and around the head drum.
The carryback problem limited how long a conveyor stream could operate for before intervention was required and, resulted in the streams being switched prematurely every 3-4 days to allow for maintenance. It would then take the contractors 4 full days following every change to remove the IBA carryback from around the head drum, under the belts and the adjacent walkways.
To solve the problem, the Maintenance Manager contacted ProSpare.
To combat the high levels of carryback and the effects of the abrasive IBA, two STARCLEAN® belt cleaners were installed on each of the 4 belts. The primary cleaner was specified with tungsten carbide 286nl blades, with a protective apron over the mounting feet to prevent premature wear. For the secondary cleaner, heavy duty 09hm tungsten carbide blades were selected and fitted to a reinforced blade base to tackle the remaining fines.
The maintenance manager was delighted with the results. Previously, each stream would run for 3-4 days before being switched prematurely. With STARCLEAN®, each stream now runs for 2 full weeks. The on-site team only switch streams, by choice, for regular housekeeping and as part of planned preventative maintenance.
Furthermore, cleaning times have been reduced from 4 days to 2 days across both streams – a 50% decrease. The amount of carryback reported has also more than halved.
To read the full case study, or for more information on STARCLEAN®, visit https://www.prospare.co.uk/
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