Top 3 problems that can halt your conveyor - Mining Magazine Page 1 of 3

Top 3 problems that can PARTNER

CONTENT
halt your conveyor
Transporting minerals from a mine can account for a large
percentage of total mining costs. Consequently, conveying
systems have been a popular solution to increase
operational efficiency. The challenge is that conveyors
typically operate in extremely demanding conditions: dirty
environments, intense heat, high moisture and very low
temperatures. If poorly maintained, a conveyor may
experience rapid belt wear and component failure, with
consequent stoppages and downtime. This has a
corresponding negative impact on productivity and profits.
That is why it is important to raise awareness on some of
the most common issues with conveyors and how the
problems can be solved and prevented in the future.

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Top 3 problems that can halt your conveyor - Mining Magazine Page 2 of 3

Partners

Comments 1. Belt Mistracking

Share Problem: Belt mistracking occurs
when your belt comes off track
Metso
from its desired path. Belt
mistracking is a serious problem
that can lead to belt damage,
equipment damage, and material
spillage. There are many reasons
that the belt mistracks such as
inadequate belt tension,
asymmetric loading, incorrect splicing, components out of square, and
material build up on components and structures.

Solution: The best solution is to find the root cause of the mistracking to
prevent future issues. Performing a conveyor audit can help identify all
potential causes of the mistracking in order to pinpoint the right
solution. If the conveyor is experiencing minor mistracking, self training
idlers can be used to correct the belt track and ensure it continues to
run straight in the future.

2. Material Carryback
Problem: Conveyor carryback occurs when small amounts of material
adhere to the belt. This can lead to accumulation of material under the
conveyor system or buildup on idler rolls and pulleys. Some materials,
such as sticky clay and certain mineral ores are more prone to carryback
than others. While the amount of carryback may seem negligible, over
time it adds up to tonnes of material that must be taken care of a
second time. Conveyor carryback also represents a safety and
environmental hazard, adds to clean up costs, and generally prevents
the conveyor system from performing at its best.

Solution: One simple solution is to install belt cleaners which are

designed to prevent carryback. Their upfront capital cost is offset by
their many benefits. Reducing fugitive material saves maintenance costs
and creates a safer working environment. Additionally, a clean belt will
reduce premature roller failure, increase belt life, and keep the system
running optimally.

3. Belt Damage

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Top 3 problems that can halt your conveyor - Mining Magazine Page 3 of 3

Problem: Belt damage can be caused in several ways such as excessive

impact forces, mistracking, poor application of sealing systems or
cleaners, seized components, and insufficient pulley traction among
others. With belts being the most expensive asset of the conveyor, it is
critical to identify potential causes of belt issues and proactively work to
avoid irreparable damage.

Solution: As there are many ways a belt can be damaged, there are also
many different solutions. For example, installing impact idlers or cradles
in the loading zone can diffuse the force of falling material which
reduces wear and tear to the belt. Ensuring a proper sealing system is
used prevents damage from entrapped material. Using the appropriate
pulley lagging increases friction, preventing the belt from slipping, which
would otherwise rapidly ruin the belt. These solutions can help minimize
downtime and are often determined through a conveyor audit. Audits
can catch minor belt damages and avoid catastrophic failures in the long
run.

Metso offers a complete range of solutions for conveyors including

audits, idlers, primary and secondary cleaners, impact cradles and
more. Metso is also an OEM for many heritage brands such as Trellex,
Stephens-Adamson, Breco, NICO among others.

Learn more about Metso's Conveyor Solutions Group on metso.com

and in the Conveyor Handbook.

Facebook: facebook.com/MetsoWorld Twitter:

twitter.com/metsogroup LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/metso

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