Aggregates Manager

November 2014

Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine

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EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT 31 AGGREGATES MANAGER November 2014 e right belt li er can raise a belt even when it is tensioned up to the stated ratings, and some are adjustable to li troughed or fl at topside belts. Choose one that li s the belt from underneath instead of clamping onto the belt's edges or cover. Safe splice installation One of the most common maintenance tasks involves replac- ing worn or damaged belting. In this case, installing mechanical belt fasteners is a quick and easy way to get the belt back up and running. ere are a few safe maintenance tips to remem- ber when installing a splice. ese tips not only keep workers safe, but also ensure that you have achieved a proper splice. • Clamp the belt. is is a necessity every time you repair a belt. Serious injuries are possible when clamping is done without using the proper tools and products. Choose belt clamps that have been designed specifi cally for work on con- veyor belts. Made with durable materials, these belt clamps are more reliable than a piece of lumber that can easily snap under pressure. e best belt clamps provide even tensioning across the entire belt width and are typically available in a variety of sizes. Finally, many quality belt clamps now feature "safety pins" — retaining pins that prevent the scissors from slipping off of the clamp bar — which are an added layer of security. • Square the belt. An accurate, squared cut will enhance belt and splice performance and ensure that the belt tension is distributed evenly across the belt. It also discourages mis- tracking, which can occur when a cut is made on an angle, causing the belt to wander. W hile the utility knife is an at- tractive option because it is readily available and inexpensive, it can be a safety and accuracy nightmare. Working with an exposed blade always presents a safety hazard, and when you pair that with the several passes it takes to complete the cut, it increases the risk of injury and decreases the chances that you will have a straight and accurate cut. ere are two main options when it comes to belt cu ers — hand-powered and electric. Finally, fi nding a belt cu er with an enclosed blade is a big safety advantage, as any exposed blades are inherently dangerous. • Skive the belt. W hile skiving isn't a necessity in terms of safety, it is a necessity in terms of maintenance. Skiving the belt reduces the splice profi le for be er interaction with belt cleaners and the rest of the conveyor system. W hen choosing a skiver, look for a compact, lightweight model for working in cramped spaces with an enclosed blade for safety pur- poses. In addition, it is important to measure the cut from the most worn part of the belt, as removing the top cover of the belt does not compromise the strength of the belt, but cu ing the carcass will. • Choose the right fastener. Depending on the type of belt you are running and the materials you are conveying, you'll want to make sure you choose the correct fasteners for the job. Selecting the proper fastener involves taking three primary factors into consideration — belt tension, belt thick- ness, and pulley diameter. at isn't to say these are the only things that should be taken into account. e type of mate- rial that is being conveyed and other important application- specifi c details should also be considered. Matching the fastener to the application helps ensure a strong, long-lasting splice. is means less of a chance of sudden failures that can put workers at risk. If a belt is constantly hitting a structure, it could shave layers off the belt until there is little left, resulting in material spillage. When you perform proactive maintenance, issues such as mistracking can be identified and fixed with products like this belt positioner.

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