CFMTS0 pages

2/15/2010
New Coal Handling Transfer Chute Technologies
Significantly Improve the Operation by Increasing Efficiencies, Reducing Maintenance, and Increasing Operating Margins
INTRODUCTION
The success of any bulk materials conveyor system is highly dependent upon the proper transfer of the conveyed material from conveyor-to-conveyor and into storage bins and stockpiles.
Historically, conveyor systems design has focused on the structural integrity of the system and the selection of the mechanical components. The design of the transfer points has been left to the draftsperson and constrained by predetermined conveyor locations without any design analysis of the material flow characteristics and needs. This approach has resulted in innumerable transfers that are inefficient and expensive. The expense starts with the initial capital investment and continues as a maintenance cost and headache throughout the life of the system.
Figure 1. What can happen when transfers are not planned for.
There are numerous problems that are encountered due to the poor transfer design that include:
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Oversized systems components required to handle poor material transfer.
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Additional system components needed to counteract the effects of poor material flow.
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Maintenance costs and man-hours due to component wear and failure.
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Costs and man-hours for clean up of material clogging in transfer chutes, spilling around the transfer area, and dust buildup on equipment and working areas.
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Excessive power consumption.
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Maintenance and repair costs to capture and process the visible and respirable dust generated.
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Belt damage and wear costs. Figure 2. Spillage due to improper transfer design.
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Health risks associated with the higher noise level, spillage, and visible/respirable dust.
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Risk of governmental and conservationist actions caused by detrimental environmental effects due to visible/respirable dust and other contaminants.
There are a number of suppliers of transfer systems, which are Engineered to handle the material in a manner that reduces or eliminates the problems listed. While each of these systems can positively affect the material transfer in many ways, this paper will deal with the mitigation of the visible and respirable dust with reduced dependence on dust collection systems.
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