It is well understood that conveyor impact zones can be problematic. The challenge has been to design transfer products that effectively contain material and dust, creating a well-sealed confined space, while enabling access to those conveyor components for efficient and effective maintenance. Current opinion is that the drop down idler (DDI) is the best solution for conveyor roller maintenance – this is wrong.
In 1993, H & B Mining was established with the inception of the DDI. The DDI was specifically designed for mining conveyor impact zones; mine maintenance superintendents hailed the drop-down idler as revolutionary for conveyor roller maintenance. The drop-down idler design was based on a central frame supporting a twin set of wing and central rolls. Unfortunately, this design had problems when it came to roller maintenance. While access to wing rollers was improved, it was time consuming and awkward and access to the central roller was almost impossible; maintenance personnel were required to lay on the return belt to perform maintenance. This was acknowledged as a high-risk and time-consuming procedure.
When roller change-out remains a high risk and time-consuming task, roller maintenance is neglected. Without regular maintenance of ALL conveyor rolls, belt line distortion can occur and/or an inconsistent skirt-belt interface can result. This can lead to a damaged belt or excessive material spillage and dust emissions. Simple, safe and quick roller change out of ALL rollers is the answer. The DDI does not deliver this. H & B Mining have now made the drop down idler redundant and have stopped the production of the DDI.
H & B Mining have built on and developed the concept of easy access for roller maintenance since the inception of the DDI. The next generation of impact idler design for safe, quick and simple roller maintenance is the EMRI. The EMRI (Easy Maintenance Retractable Idler) is the answer.
The EMRI allows for one man to change out all rollers, including the central roll, in a matter of minutes without having to climb onto the conveyor belt. The EMRI comes with hands-free roller removal option and roller storage. The EMRI has proved effective on numerous iron-ore mines in WA’s Pilbara. All four of the big iron-ore mines have now installed the EMRI, with repeat orders. It is only a matter of time before all existing DDI’s are replaced by EMRI’s. Click for more information about EMRI.
