Contact-free conveyor belt skirting
ScrapeTec-Trading’s new AirScrape system said to significantly reduce spillage and eliminate belt damage
SCRAPETEC-Trading have introduced the new contact-free AirScrape conveyor belt skirting system, which is said to significantly reduce material spillage, dust formation and explosion hazards at transfer points and other critical sections in the conveyor chain.
Also, because the system hovers freely above the conveyor belt, skirt friction and belt damage is eliminated and service life is extended.
‘The AirScrape system – which encompasses inward facing, hardened-steel diagonal blades – operates according to a new principle where it hovers 1–2mm above the conveyor belt on the left- and right-hand side. These blades deflect larger particles inwards, while using the air-flow of the conveyor belt and conveyed material to create inward suction of any dust and fine particles back into the product flow,’ explained Thorsten Koth, sales director at ScrapeTec-Trading.
‘Through these diagonally fitted blades and the speed of the running belt, air is drawn from the outside inwards. As a result, neither the dust nor material can escape.
‘Conventional skirting is pressed against a conveyor belt to keep dust and material in the middle of the belt, but after a time, wear of the skirting and belt can be so severe that material and dust escapes. Material spillage at transfer points needs to be removed and regular maintenance of belt skirting and transfer points is necessary.
‘With the AirScrape dust-free and contact-free side-sealing system for belt conveyors, there is no skirt contact and therefore no belt wear or damage. Motor power requirements are reduced as there is no belt-skirt friction and because there is continuous skirting with no gaps, product loss is minimal.
‘Studies show that even three years after installation and with continuous use in harsh conditions, the AirScrape system shows hardly any signs of wear. Operational costs are also reduced because there is no need for spillage collection, regular maintenance or replacement parts.’
This system is available in pairs of left- and right-hand 2m interconnectable pieces to form any required length and is available in 100mm and 55mm base widths.
AirScrape is fitted using spacers, floating the blades just above the belt and is attached to the outside of the chute by utilizing existing skirt clamps or a simple nut and bolt system. It is longitudinally adjustable to follow the contours of conveyor belt rollers and the belt trough angle.
The durable system consists of non-flammable and anti-static polyurethane materials and blades made from Hardox/stainless steel. FDA-approved materials are also available for specific conveyor handling applications.
