| Conveyor belt ice and water shedder |
In South Lanarkshire, an interesting and effective innovation has been developed at Tarmac Northern’s Newbigging Quarry where, in winter, overnight, snow creates delays starting up field conveyors. At any time of the year, there can also be significant accumulations of water in the troughed belt conveyors.
A return roller has been fitted above the conveyor with a two-position fixing on one ride. When secured in the lower position, the belt on that side is forced downwards allowing the trapped water to flow off the belt. The simple system precludes manual intervention with its attendant risks.
A second device, integrated with the water shedding top roller, is effectively a snow/ice plough shaped and angled such that it scrapes the snow or ice onto one side of the belt from where it falls to the ground due to the action of the lowered top roller. |