APRON FEEDERS

RUDs new apron feeder design

RUDs machines feature the companys Round Steel Link Chain (RSLC) pan conveyor components, as well as innovative pan geometry.

or bulk material handling applications where specific considerations include high temperature, abrasive wear and high efficiency conveying with low maintenance, it is necessary that the selected conveyor system design provides complete separation of the conveyed material from the drive chains and components. The advantages of cellular type apron feeder conveyors have long been understood, and these systems provide maximum reliability with trouble free operation when used in demanding applications. This is particularly relevant where there are the highest expectations for the efficient transfer of difficult material in both the horizontal and inclined directions. Typical travel speed for such conveying applications would be 0.6 to 4.2 metres per minute with throughputs of up to 100 tonnes per hour. The recent innovation in pan type apron feeder conveying equipment has been driven by a market requirement for systems to operate without consumption of water during operation, to provide low thermal energy losses, and a capability to absorb high bunker loads and impacts during operation.

RUD apron feeder using Round Steel Link Chains (RSLC).

These requirements are typical for the handling of dry ash in boiler units as well as high temperature mineral process plants, kiln applications and for inclined conveying of mineral ores, aggregate, steel and for recycled material such as concrete

The highly wear resistant RUD conveyor systems, combine the advantages of calibrated RUD case hardened round link chains with pocket wheels and deep well apron pans. This ensures that the chain does not have direct contact with the material in the conveyor, and therefore provides effective transfer in both horizontal and inclined conveying. RUD Apron feeders are suitable for heavy duty applications such as ash, wood, concrete and biomass materials as well as for steel, concrete, glass and plastic recycling conveyor systems. Low maintenance while providing an optimum chain life Suitable for a diverse range of conveying and bulk material handling applications High utilisation and availability Reliable, high performance conveying even under the most arduous and difficult of applications.
Please contact Trevor Pembroke on chains@rud.com.au to receive a copy of our Engineering Design CD ROM and further discuss the correct solution for your application.

RUD Chains Pty Ltd

8 West Link Place RichLands QLd 4077 Ph: +61 7 3712 8000 Fax: +61 7 3712 8001 Email: chains@rud.com.au www.rud.com.au
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Australian Bulk Handling Review: February 2010

APRON FEEDERS

glass, plastic and cardboard. Conveyor systems utilising RUDs Round Steel Link Chain (RSLC) pan conveyor components have addressed this challenge using highly wear resistant round link chains. These are combined with Apron plates interlink with close tolerances for calibrated pocket optimum conveying. wheels, and efficient MEE-T plug in type attachments and close tolerance apron plates for use with a dual chain strand system. These components utilise the case hardened chains which are typically applied to dual and multiple strand conveying applications. These are available with range of maximum breaking load capacities up to 910kn and a matched solution of individually calibrated components with chain diameters from 19mm to 38mm. RUDs apron feeder system combines the advantage of these chain components with the innovative new pan geometry of a maximum two metre plate width for larger capacity applications. According to RUD Chains, one of the significant benefits of this round link apron system is the combination of travel directions available within one conveyor system. A typical system can provide both a horizontal section with a bunker

loading function supplied from a hopper or loader dump point and then combine this with an inclined section within one process path to provide for elevated discharge for the material. This eliminates the requirement for two separate conveyors with transfer stations. These conveyor kit solutions can be engineered to suit existing system as a part of a plant upgrade and are designed to provide improved plant efficiency, higher output and improved availability for existing material handling systems, explained Trevor Pembroke, product specialist, RUD Chains. The RUD round link chain apron feeder system is also available as a complete conveyor system for new projects. For specific technical recommendations on how to optimise conveyor requirements to utilise RSLC apron feeder components, it is recommended to use a computer selection tool such as RUD conveyor systems and components CD ROM to analyse specific applications and match this to the most suitable apron conveyor design.

Contact: Trevor Pembroke, tel 07 3712 8000

Transmin launches Low Profile Feeder

Beumers heat resistant apron conveyors

A-headquartered engineering firm, Transmin says that its Low Profile Feeder (LPF) combines features and advantages of both conventional belt and apron feeders. The LPF is available in a number of standard belt widths from 1.8m to 4.0m, while Transmin can cater for non-standard widths with custom designs. The machines capacity varies according to material characteristics and speeds but, says Transmin, rates of 5,000tph and more are readily achievable. The LPF is ideal for high head load applications the chains and slats take the loads, said Phil Gilbert, marketing manager, Transmin. With its low profile the design occupies less head room than alternative feeder types. The belt does not take any tension forces itself, which means the shafts and sprockets are smaller in diameter than heavy duty belt feeder pulleys.

Beumer apron conveyor in action.

Transmins Low Profile Feeder.

eumer says its conveyors excel in hot conditions, of up to 600C, for carrying material such as clinker in the cement industry. They also lend themselves to complex routes or substantial height differences. The machines conveying capacity is up to 1,255m3 per hour. They can handle incline angles of up to 45 per cent and can be fitted with intermediate discharges at any point along the route.
Contact: www.beumer.com

Contact: Phil Gilbert, email phil.gilbert@transmin.com.au

Australian Bulk Handling Review: February 2010

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