New belt cleaner design reduces ownership cost

Martin Engineering introduce the newly re-designed and re-engineered  QB1 HD belt cleaner  

PRODUCED in a streamlined process that allows the manufacturer to reduce the purchase price and overall cost of ownership, a new conveyor belt cleaner design has been engineered to contain a smaller total volume of urethane, while maximizing the usable area.

By minimizing the non-consumable portion of the blade, the new QB1 HD heavy-duty primary belt cleaner is said to deliver the same performance and durability as the model it replaces, while reducing the amount of urethane going to landfill.

Manufactured using Martin Engineering’s special CARP (constant angle radial pressure) technology to maintain the most efficient cleaning angle throughout its service life, the QB1 HD cleaner features a no-tool replacement process that can be performed safely by one person in less than five minutes.

‘We’ve simplified the manufacturing process and also re-engineered the blade itself,’ explained global engineering manager Paul Harrison. ‘The new profile will be less complex to produce, and because it can be roll formed or manufactured on a press brake, it will be easier to source throughout the world from any Martin Engineering manufacturing site.’

The reduced weight will also facilitate easier blade replacement, and the one-pin mounting system helps reduce downtime for maintenance. To replace the QB1, maintenance personnel simply pull the locking pin, unclamp the bracket and slide the blade out of the main frame. The new pre-cut blade is slipped on to the square main frame and clamped.

CARP technology, which is exclusive to Martin Engineering, is designed to keep the blade at a consistent angle and pressure against the belt. Typically set at about 2 PSI (13.8kPa) for the QB1 HD, the low blade-to-belt pressure helps protect the belt, splice and cleaner itself. As the blade wears, neither the surface area nor the angle is compromised, ensuring maximum performance throughout its life.

To introduce material back into the product flow, the QB1 HD is installed on the face of the head pulley. On a dual-cleaner system, the new pre-cleaner is installed immediately in front of the secondary cleaner. For applications involving enclosed pulley chutework, Martin Engineering recommend that one of their steel inspection doors be installed.

In addition to its cost advantages, the QB1 HD features a main frame that has been rotated 45º to shed dust and spillage. The urethane formulation can accommodate belt speeds of up to 900ft/min (4.6m/s) and service temperatures from –40° to 70°C.

The QB1 HD is available in lengths from 18in to 96in (457mm to 2,438mm) and can also be ordered in 10ft (3.05m) slugs, allowing distributors or customers to cut to length for increased versatility.

‘This design also features a simpler cut-to-length process,’ continued Mr Harrison. ‘Instead of keeping a number of different blade sizes in inventory, distributors and customers can stock the 10ft sections and cut to length as needed.’

He added that the same type of re-design could be applied to the company’s other belt cleaners, hinting at other opportunities for future product development.

‘We are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint,’ concluded Mr Harrison. ‘The fact that innovation is leading the way to a lower cost of ownership and reduced waste indicates that the bulk-handling industry and environmentalism can work hand in hand.’