Conveyor Belt Cleaning
Maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness
By Eckhard Hell, managing director, HOSCH-Fördertechnik Recklinghausen GmbH
Today, efficient belt cleaning devices are indispensable in most conveyor installations. At a time when the number of operatives employed on such installations is being reduced, even greater demands are being placed on the cleaning efficiency of these systems. Yet this is only possible if the scrapers employed operate in harmony with the other plant components.
After a brief introduction to belt cleaning technology, this article will consider the integration of such systems as an important component in any conveyor installation, and examine the savings that can be achieved by efficient belt cleaning.
Basic belt cleaning methods and equipment
Belt conveyors tend to accumulate dirt on the return strand, as the conveyed material is constantly being scraped by other parts of the installation and therefore enters the conveyor line. To prevent the accumulation of dirt, or to reduce it to acceptable levels, each belt must be cleaned after the discharge point. A variety of procedures and methods is available to perform this task, as shown in figure 1, while figure 2 shows the most commonly used belt cleaning systems.
In practice, most companies employ scrapers fitted with blocks, blades or modules to clean their conveyor belts. These scrapers can be classified according to various characteristics:
The cleaning tip material: Cleaning tips can be made of rubber, plastic, ceramics, steel or tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide, especially, is characterized by a long service life.
The position of the blades against the belt: The market today offers numerous scraper systems with a great variety of different designs: ie paint scraper principle, bar principle or negative-angle principle (fig. 3). All types of scrapers are used but the best cleaning results are said to be achieved with scrapers utilizing the paint scraper principle.
The design of the cleaning blades: Single-row scrapers with a strip-type cleaning blade made of rubber, plastic or steel show a so-called continuous-line layout. Modern high-efficiency belt scrapers, however, offer a split-line layout, ie individual spring-loaded cleaning elements pressed against the belt. The latter are available in either single-row configuration, with discharge of the scrapings against the direction of belt travel, or double-row configuration with discharge of the scrapings in the same direction as belt travel (fig. 4).
Their cleaning function: There are two categories of scrapers: pre-scrapers and main scrapers. Pre-scrapers are installed on conveyors where the working conditions can lead to overloading of the main scraper. They reduce the product layer sticking to the belt surface so that the main scraper can achieve optimal cleaning efficiency. Of the main scraper types, the sprung blade scraper with split-line layout prevails as the single most important scraper type. The cleaning elements are generally fitted with tungsten carbide tips. Pre-scrapers are configured in either a single line or a split-line layout and are generally equipped with single plastic cleaning blocks (fig. 5), although ceramics and tungsten carbide can also be used.
Integration of belt cleaning systems into the conveyor structure
Effective cleaning is dependent upon the principle behind the scraper system, although the underlying technical conditions encountered in the facility as a whole and the properties of the conveyed material are also important. A scraper is in permanent interaction with the other belt conveyor components and is therefore only as good as the conveyor allows.
When discussing the use of scrapers, it is normal to distinguish between the pulley and the return strand (fig. 6). The boundary between these two areas is marked by the discharge point. Cleaning is highly effective in both areas.
On a reversible belt each discharge point must be equipped with a cleaning system. In this case, scrapers are generally installed at 90° to the conveyor belt. Where a high level of cleaning efficiency is required on the drum, cleaning systems using the paint scraper principle can also be installed. Depending on the direction of belt travel, these scrapers must be disengaged and re-engaged. The necessary disengaging devices can be operated electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.
To obtain the best possible results, the following principles should be followed:
The surface quality of the conveyor belt also has a considerable influence on the cleaning effect. For example:
By investing slightly more in the configuration of material-transfer facilities, for example, plant owners are guaranteed satisfactory operation for the entire life of the plant. Each cleaning device should therefore be carefully selected at an early stage in consultation with the plant constructors and operators, taking into account the conditions of service as well as relevant standards and directives.
Scraper system components are situated in the product flow and are therefore exposed to high dynamic and static stresses. These operating conditions, combined with the need for high and steady levels of cleaning efficiency, necessitate regular maintenance of the scraper devices. This involves:
Economy of belt cleaning
Conveyed material sticking to the belt can lead to substantial plant operating costs (fig. 7).
For example, personnel costs may be incurred due to the cleaning work required; the loss of conveyed material (depending on the material) can result in unsubstantial costs; and material sticking to the belt can impact on the plant, eg the idlers carrying the return strand, and lead to increased wear. If the material becomes clogged on the return idlers or builds up underneath the return strand the belt can start to skew dangerously. This can lead to damage to the belt, the steel structure and, in the worst case, total failure of the plant.
When considering the economic viability of a belt cleaning system it is necessary to compare investment and operating costs. A model cost statement gives an even clearer picture (see tables 1 and 2).
Table 2 clearly shows that by halving total contamination levels by duplication of the efficiency of the cleaning system, significant cost savings can be achieved. The economic consequences of inadequate belt cleaning are still underestimated by many companies (fig. 8).
HOSCH have therefore developed a practical assessment method and can offer operators an analysis of the effectiveness of existing or newly installed belt cleaning systems (fig. 9).
To carry out such an assessment, a carryback gauge consisting of a steel blade and a collecting vessel for the removed material is installed behind a belt cleaning system for a limited period of time to measure the quantity of carryback. The quantity of carryback can be measured either volumetrically, in litres, or by weighing the collected material. Afterwards, the data ascertained is extrapolated to one year, taking into consideration respective operating hours, and the economic viability of the system is evaluated.
Compared with the cost of investing in a complete conveyor system, the cost of the scraper systems is of only minor importance. But when considering the overall cost of running a plant over time, then they become of much greater significance. Scraper systems should therefore be taken into consideration and specified when planning a new installation and belt cleaning concepts should be developed in accordance with the plant as a whole.
Summary
At a time of high cost pressures and reduced personnel capacity, belt cleaning systems have become increasingly important. The integration of cleaning systems into the conveyor structure requires a considerable technical understanding and a detailed knowledge of the entire installation. Optimal scraper system configuration significantly reduces the operating costs of belt conveyors.
References
By Eckhard Hell, managing director, HOSCH-Fördertechnik Recklinghausen GmbH
Today, efficient belt cleaning devices are indispensable in most conveyor installations. At a time when the number of operatives employed on such installations is being reduced, even greater demands are being placed on the cleaning efficiency of these systems. Yet this is only possible if the scrapers employed operate in harmony with the other plant components.
After a brief introduction to belt cleaning technology, this article will consider the integration of such systems as an important component in any conveyor installation, and examine the savings that can be achieved by efficient belt cleaning.
Basic belt cleaning methods and equipment
Belt conveyors tend to accumulate dirt on the return strand, as the conveyed material is constantly being scraped by other parts of the installation and therefore enters the conveyor line. To prevent the accumulation of dirt, or to reduce it to acceptable levels, each belt must be cleaned after the discharge point. A variety of procedures and methods is available to perform this task, as shown in figure 1, while figure 2 shows the most commonly used belt cleaning systems.
In practice, most companies employ scrapers fitted with blocks, blades or modules to clean their conveyor belts. These scrapers can be classified according to various characteristics:
The cleaning tip material: Cleaning tips can be made of rubber, plastic, ceramics, steel or tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide, especially, is characterized by a long service life.
The position of the blades against the belt: The market today offers numerous scraper systems with a great variety of different designs: ie paint scraper principle, bar principle or negative-angle principle (fig. 3). All types of scrapers are used but the best cleaning results are said to be achieved with scrapers utilizing the paint scraper principle.
The design of the cleaning blades: Single-row scrapers with a strip-type cleaning blade made of rubber, plastic or steel show a so-called continuous-line layout. Modern high-efficiency belt scrapers, however, offer a split-line layout, ie individual spring-loaded cleaning elements pressed against the belt. The latter are available in either single-row configuration, with discharge of the scrapings against the direction of belt travel, or double-row configuration with discharge of the scrapings in the same direction as belt travel (fig. 4).
Their cleaning function: There are two categories of scrapers: pre-scrapers and main scrapers. Pre-scrapers are installed on conveyors where the working conditions can lead to overloading of the main scraper. They reduce the product layer sticking to the belt surface so that the main scraper can achieve optimal cleaning efficiency. Of the main scraper types, the sprung blade scraper with split-line layout prevails as the single most important scraper type. The cleaning elements are generally fitted with tungsten carbide tips. Pre-scrapers are configured in either a single line or a split-line layout and are generally equipped with single plastic cleaning blocks (fig. 5), although ceramics and tungsten carbide can also be used.
Integration of belt cleaning systems into the conveyor structure
Effective cleaning is dependent upon the principle behind the scraper system, although the underlying technical conditions encountered in the facility as a whole and the properties of the conveyed material are also important. A scraper is in permanent interaction with the other belt conveyor components and is therefore only as good as the conveyor allows.
When discussing the use of scrapers, it is normal to distinguish between the pulley and the return strand (fig. 6). The boundary between these two areas is marked by the discharge point. Cleaning is highly effective in both areas.
On a reversible belt each discharge point must be equipped with a cleaning system. In this case, scrapers are generally installed at 90° to the conveyor belt. Where a high level of cleaning efficiency is required on the drum, cleaning systems using the paint scraper principle can also be installed. Depending on the direction of belt travel, these scrapers must be disengaged and re-engaged. The necessary disengaging devices can be operated electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.
To obtain the best possible results, the following principles should be followed:
- sufficient space should be available for arrangement of the scrapers according to the installation and operating instructions
- where conveyed material sticks to the belt in thick layers there should be enough space for a pre- and a main scraper
- after the scraper there should be sufficient space up to the rear wall of the chute to prevent caking of conveyed material on the chute
- the rear wall of the chute should exhibit an angle appropriate for the discharge behaviour of the material
- the rear wall of the chute should be closed at as high a point as possible to prevent scrapings being thrown behind the chute
- the scraper should be easily accessible for ease of mounting, maintenance and cleaning.
The surface quality of the conveyor belt also has a considerable influence on the cleaning effect. For example:
- a furrowed or worn belt does not permit efficient cleaning, as the scraper cannot fully contact the conveyed material
- a cover-plate hardness of 60° to 75° Shore-A is favourable
- joins and patched areas in the belt must be level and undamaged to permit proper functioning of the scraper
- he properties of the belt surface should be adapted to the operating conditions, ie the belt should be heat and oil resistant etc. If such requirements are not met, the belt cover may suffer from alterations that impede the cleaning process or make it impossible. Belt joints should be rendered in compliance with existing standards and directives. It is a particular requirement for optimal functionality of pre-tensioned cleaning systems that the belt cover hardness in the junction area does not deviate from the undisturbed section by more than ±5° Shore-A
- where the cover hardness does deviate from the undisturbed section, the junction must feature a gradual, terrace-like edge
- the edge of a textile belt junction should be gradual and terrace-like, so that the scraper hits the undisturbed section of the belt after passing the junction and does not run against the overlap
- it is vital to check the compatibility of mechanical belt splices with the scraper. In some cases it may be necessary to use special cleaning elements with a reduced cleaning efficiency. This is also the case with highly damaged belt surfaces, patches and grooves
- excessive belt mis-tracking in the scraper area may cause the pre-tensioned cleaning elements to lose contact with the belt and damage the belt edges
- in order to stabilize the belt in the scraper area, the installation of support idlers on the return strand may be required.
- where a scraper is to be installed on the head pulley, it is crucial to check the scraper’s compatibility with the drum lagging and the drum design
- the conveyor design should ensure that no material is caught between the belt and the drum, as this could damage the belt
- during the winter, ice should be prevented from forming on the drum
- scrapers increase the energy requirement of a conveyor belt. For short belt conveyors it may be necessary to check the power requirement.
By investing slightly more in the configuration of material-transfer facilities, for example, plant owners are guaranteed satisfactory operation for the entire life of the plant. Each cleaning device should therefore be carefully selected at an early stage in consultation with the plant constructors and operators, taking into account the conditions of service as well as relevant standards and directives.
Scraper system components are situated in the product flow and are therefore exposed to high dynamic and static stresses. These operating conditions, combined with the need for high and steady levels of cleaning efficiency, necessitate regular maintenance of the scraper devices. This involves:
- regular inspections of the scrapers and control of their operating efficiency
- regular cleaning and functional checks of all scraper components
- replacement of worn out or damaged components with OEM parts.
Economy of belt cleaning
Conveyed material sticking to the belt can lead to substantial plant operating costs (fig. 7).
For example, personnel costs may be incurred due to the cleaning work required; the loss of conveyed material (depending on the material) can result in unsubstantial costs; and material sticking to the belt can impact on the plant, eg the idlers carrying the return strand, and lead to increased wear. If the material becomes clogged on the return idlers or builds up underneath the return strand the belt can start to skew dangerously. This can lead to damage to the belt, the steel structure and, in the worst case, total failure of the plant.
When considering the economic viability of a belt cleaning system it is necessary to compare investment and operating costs. A model cost statement gives an even clearer picture (see tables 1 and 2).
Table 2 clearly shows that by halving total contamination levels by duplication of the efficiency of the cleaning system, significant cost savings can be achieved. The economic consequences of inadequate belt cleaning are still underestimated by many companies (fig. 8).
HOSCH have therefore developed a practical assessment method and can offer operators an analysis of the effectiveness of existing or newly installed belt cleaning systems (fig. 9).
To carry out such an assessment, a carryback gauge consisting of a steel blade and a collecting vessel for the removed material is installed behind a belt cleaning system for a limited period of time to measure the quantity of carryback. The quantity of carryback can be measured either volumetrically, in litres, or by weighing the collected material. Afterwards, the data ascertained is extrapolated to one year, taking into consideration respective operating hours, and the economic viability of the system is evaluated.
Compared with the cost of investing in a complete conveyor system, the cost of the scraper systems is of only minor importance. But when considering the overall cost of running a plant over time, then they become of much greater significance. Scraper systems should therefore be taken into consideration and specified when planning a new installation and belt cleaning concepts should be developed in accordance with the plant as a whole.
Summary
At a time of high cost pressures and reduced personnel capacity, belt cleaning systems have become increasingly important. The integration of cleaning systems into the conveyor structure requires a considerable technical understanding and a detailed knowledge of the entire installation. Optimal scraper system configuration significantly reduces the operating costs of belt conveyors.
References
- ‘Dynamical behaviour of metal-blade-scrapers on conveyor belts’, dissertation by Dr.-Ing. Jiashan Zhang, University of Hannover.
- Bulk Material Handling Technology 2003 – Performance Assessment of Belt Cleaning Systems, Eckhard Hell, HOSCH-Fördertechnik Recklinghausen GmbH, Germany, Aufbereitungstechnik, 45, 2004, Heft 1–2, pp25–31.
