Stacker conveyors, by design, are exposed to high levels of wear and tear. Conveyor skirting systems can exacerbate these issues, shortening the life of conveyor components, or they 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 became apparent toward the end of 2023. The existing skirting system was outdated, difficult to maintain, and issues were developing.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 Ultra Seal Skirt design features a 12 mm thick plate and ni-hard liners as the primary seal, with a stepped soft rubber (45 Duro) secondary seal.

The ni-hard liner allows for vertical adjustment, up to 25 mm upwards and 30 mm downwards externally. Easy adjustment of the skirt liners will maximize material containment by minimizing the gap between the liner and the carry belt, extending 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 the gap between the primary and secondary seals. Additionally, the secondary seal’s soft rubber is softer than the conveyor belt, protecting it from potential skirt wear and extending the belt’s life. Should the belt track poorly, the Ultra Seal rubber will maintain its shape and position, never popping out, thus providing a very efficient seal.

With a 16-week turnaround, H & B Mining designed and supplied the Ultra Seal Skirting system in time for the next shutdown. H & B was on-site during installation to ensure success. Four stacker conveyor upgrades utilizing the H & B Ultra Seal Skirting System were ordered. Three have been fully installed, with more to follow.