BLT World specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.
“The risk of explosions caused by sugar dust emissions on conveyor belts in sugar production is an ongoing problem that engineers around the world are trying to prevent. ScrapeTec experts developed a new dust control system about five years ago, that is proving to be highly effective – not only for preventing dust formation and material spill, but also to minimise the risk of explosion at critical sections along the conveyor route and transfer points and for more efficient belt-cleaning,” explains managing director, BLT World, Ken Mouritzen. BLT World is the distributor for ScrapeTec in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. “ScrapeTec products – which are engineered in Germany to pristine quality and environmental standards – are proving to offer even greater operational cost savings in materials handling, than anticipated at the launch of the range.
“Apart from the benefit of cost savings, DustScrape and AirScrape dust suppression systems are highly effective in minimising exposure of workers to environmental pollution, which is a major problem in dry bulk handling, caused by fugitive dust.
“Although conventional dust prevention side-seals do reduce conveyor problems in the short-term, these components quickly deteriorate as a result of friction and can also damage the belt of the conveyor during extended periods of use.
“The success of the combination of the DustScrape and AirScrape contact-free AirScrape conveyor belt skirting system is an effective energy-free dust suppression system. This compact and easy-to-install skirting is available in food-grade compliant materials and also complies with most new dust prevention guides, to prevent health and safety issues on-site. This advanced system also minimises product loss, by effectively preventing material from escaping into the surrounding environment. As a result, users benefit from substantial savings in energy, housekeeping and maintenance costs, without the need for the collection of material spills.
“In a recent installation, we have solved many production problems for our customer, who was losing almost 5% of materials on conveyor belts, as a result of dust and material spill.”
DustScrape consists of a durable filtering cloth that is installed above the conveyor belt, to retain dust particles created by conveyed materials, while remaining permeable to circulating air. This long-lasting filter cloth, with cleaning and dust-releasing properties, is available with different qualities, including anti-static features, for specific applications – for example, in sugar processing or underground mining. The dust-retaining filter cloth, which is manufactured in rolls, can be extended to any required length and is suitable for any conveyor belt width.
The DustScrape dust emission prevention system comprises a filter cloth, support arches and skirts, arms to hold the system above the belt and a rubber curtain to eliminate further dust development – all sized to specific requirements. This system is easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing conveyors, for continuous operation and extended periods.
The contact-free AirScrape conveyor belt skirting system is a highly-effective side seal that lies over the conveyor belt, without contact, and creates negative pressure on the belt, due to its specially-designed blade structure. Because this system hovers freely above the conveyor belt, skirt friction and belt damage are eliminated and the service life of every component of the conveyor is extended.
Correct installation of suitable equipment ensures cost efficiency, optimum performance and safety and reduced risk of breakdown.
