Page 23 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 84

Recycling News
The existing metal blade delivered poor cleaning performance, while damaging the belt and splice. Copyright © 2023 Martin Engineering
After a thorough inspection that included Martin’s unique Walk the BeltTM assessment, Martin Engineering representatives determined that a QC1TM Cleaner HD STS was the right solution to clear the belt of adhered carryback. Using the patented Martin® Spring Tensioner HD STS with a polyurethane blade formed in the “CARP” (Constant Angle Radial Pressure) design, the blade creates a tight seal on the belt, runs easily over mechanical splices and maintains cleaning performance through all stages of blade life. Mounted on a sturdy stainless steel mandrel, the blade cartridge is serviced without confined space entry with a simple one-pin operation, making replacement a safe and simple procedure.
The result was improved belt cleaning efficiency and reduced airborne dust. Operators observed that considerably more material was discharging directly into the chute as intended, with significantly less carryback than they had ever experienced. Due to the reduction of fine material being held in cracks and divots on the return side of the belt, there was less dust that could become airborne, leading to an immediate improvement in plant air quality.
Spillage along the belt path was also significantly reduced, leading to fewer workers taking a fraction of the time to clean along the belt path, improving safety and reducing the cost of maintenance and cleanup. Furthermore, there’s been far less wear and tear on the conveyor belt and its operational life is reportedly double what the operator was achieving previously. Needless to say, the rest of the plant was converted to efficient belt cleaners from Martin Engineering.
Martin blades’ patented design creates a tight seal, flows easily over splices and maintains cleaning performance through all stages of blade life
Copyright © 2023 Martin Engineering
Sense and sustainability
These examples highlight specific problems that were discovered along the entire length of processing lines as a result of Martin’s Walk the BeltTM approach to problem solving. This ensures that root causes are understood and fixed, rather than simply addressing a symptom at one point caused by a deeper problem elsewhere in the system. That approach also identifies buildups and blockages inside silos and hoppers where Martin vibrators or even air cannons may be needed to dislodge material and keep the process flowing.
Given that no two plants are the same, and each different type of feedstock for recycling presents unique challenges, a tailored review under the guidance of material handling specialists is always the best starting point. That means examining every single loading point, discharge point, transfer point and storage vessel to ensure each is fit for purpose and is functioning optimally, as well as how it fits with the remainder of the equipment in the process, assessing how the entire end-to-end sequence is working.
Hard-pressed operations teams are focused on keeping their plants running and overcoming the challenges as they arise – and that’s often as a result of badly designed or badly upgraded, mismatched processing machinery. It’s understandable that they don’t often have the time or the expertise to look at the bigger picture to identify the reasons why problems are arising.
That’s where specialists such as the team at Martin Engineering come in, to deliver maximum processing efficiency – especially critical when margins are squeezed. For materials recycling to make as much economic sense as it makes environmental sense, achieving smooth and efficient end-to- end processing has to be the goal.
www.martin-eng.com
www.hub-4.com Jan/Feb - Issue 84
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