Stacker conveyors by design, are exposed to high levels of wear and tear. Conveyor skirting systems can add to the problem and shorten the life of conveyor components or can provide a solution when well designed.

An iron-ore mine in WA’s Pilbara approached H & B Mining to seek a better conveyor stacker skirting option as the need for an upgrade unfolded towards the end of 2023. The existing skirting system was out-dated and difficult to maintain, and issues were developing.

The H & B team completed a site inspection and identified that the H & B Ultra Seal Skirts would provide the best solution. The Ultraseal Skirt design featured a 12 thick plate and ni-hard liners as the primary seal and a stepped soft rubber (45 duro) secondary seal.

The ni-hard liner allows for vertical adjustment, upwards 25mm and downwards 30mm, externally. Easy adjustment of the skirt liners will maximise material containment by minimising the gap between the liner and the carry belt and extend the life of the skirt liner.

The secondary seal designed with a step, closes the gap between the primary seal and the front face of the skirt panel. This eliminates the opportunity for material to collect in a gap between the primary and secondary seals. Additionally, the secondary seal soft skirt is softer than the conveyor belt and thus protects the conveyor belt from potential skirt wear and extends the life of the belt. Should the belt track poorly the Ultra Seal rubber will maintain its shape and position and never pop out providing a very efficient seal.

With a 16 week turn around, H & B Mining designed and supplied the Ultra Seal Skirting system ready for the next shutdown. H & B were on-site during installation to ensure success. Four stacker conveyor upgrades utilising the H & B Ultra Seal Skirting System were ordered.

Three have been fully installed, with more to follow!