Design, Supply & Installation of 5 Chain Conveyors to Reduce Spillage

Overview:

With increasingly stringent environmental regulations across the globe, there is growing pressure to come up with conveying and storage solutions that prevent dust emissions and potential runoff to the surroundings.

In this regard, the EFM group designed, supplied and installed five chain conveyors and air filters for a cement major in France. The goal was to reduce spillage from existing belt conveyors and contain dust effectively.

The client in focus is a major player in building materials. The company has a strong presence in the production of cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and the treatment and recovery of waste.

Scope of work:

Design and Engineering
Fabrication
Installation & Commissioning

Major design parameters

Chain conveyor parameters
Length	3.2m	2.4m	2.05m
Width	0.8m	1m	1.05m
Capacity	1 t/hr
Quantity	1	2	2
Material	Ash
Casing	Mild Steel
Scraper flight	Hardox

Conveyor Chain
Type	Slat Chain
Pitch	63mm (2.5 inch)
Width	38mm
Flight Pitch	400mm
Flight material	Hardox

Sprocket
Type	Toothed Sprocket
Diameter	215mm
Width	80mm
Material	S355JR/ST52
Pitch	2.5 inch

Project initiation, design & execution:

An engineer from our European partner, Greening Services visited the site located in France to understand the application and obtain dimensions of the existing conveying system and available space in the plant layout.

The main area of focus was in reducing the spillage occurring when ash was being conveyed from the boilers by belt conveyors. EFM suggested installing chain conveyors underneath the existing belt conveyors. These chain conveyors span the full length of the belt conveyors to catch material spillage from the belt thereby reducing the spillage of ash from the belt conveyors on to the floor and surrounding environment.

The EFM and Greening engineering teams collaborated to ensure that the chain conveyors would fit within the constraints of the existing equipment and meet the performance envisioned. EFM provided a full set of Autodesk Inventor 3D models during the review process to check for design and interference issues. Since both EFM and Greening use 3D CAD programs to better conceptualize the integration of complex machines, the coordination was seamless. The 3D models expedited the design approval phase and prevented unexpected delays and/or modifications of the equipment during installation. With all possible bottlenecks addressed well in advance, the chain conveyors were supplied and installed on time. They interfaced properly below the existing belt conveyors and the issue with heavy spillage that was present earlier was now completely taken care of.