Is it Time to Upgrade to an Overland Conveyor?

March 23, 2016

Keep it Moving

Conveyors & Efficiency

For over a century, belt conveyor systems have minimized the need for human labor in the aggregate industry.

Despite the clear and long-term cost advantages to belt conveyor systems, for some reason truck haulage is still an industry favorite.

Industrial Overland Conveyor

However, with new education and resources at our fingertips, bulk material handling facilities worldwide are starting to “see the light” and the benefits that modern automated conveyor systems bring.

As mines go deeper and forward, the thinking process for projects require new materials and trucking distances will continue to climb. As the distance of transport rises, so does the cost.

That’s why conveyors are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for manufacturing leaders, engineers, and construction project managers.


Acknowledging Authorities

Just ask Craig Wheeler, Associate Professor from the School of Engineering at Australia’s University of Newcastle, who says the scales of new mining operations are causing “unprecedented demands for greater haulage lengths, lifts and, of course, capacity.”

While there are many reasons that bulk material handling facilities benefit from switching to a conveyor system, here are some primary motivations:

  • Advancements Conveyor technology is always evolving, and roller-supported rubber conveyor belts   are increasingly more mobile and articulate.
  •  Precision – Conveyors are now able to be installed closer to load operations than ever before and can be employed at almost the precise moment that the material is liberated or gathered from its source and moved safely to its destination.
  •  Flexibility – Modern conveyor designs show a drastic improvement from the early 1900s models, especially in the areas of rolling energy losses and reduced friction. Conveyor systems are now designed to go in-plant or underground and are adapted to flow through tight corners.

Wheeler, who received his doctoral degree in belt conveying, says that belt conveyors have clear operational advantages to truck haulage because overland conveyors can be routed and traversed by grades up to 20 degrees, while road systems are limited to less than 5 degrees. 


Transporting Coal & More

The speed and accuracy of transport this provides is the key to future success in the aggregate industry.

What’s more, if you have an updated PLC system, your overland conveyor can last up to 30 years, or more in some cases.  This longevity translates to reduced capital and operation costs that improve both your bottom line and your carbon footprint.

Conveyors are also much quieter than trucks and consume less land to accommodate.

So, whether you’re hauling limestone, salt, minerals, coal, rock or another materials, conveyor system conveyors provide distinct environmental and efficiency advantages.

Industrial Resources, Inc. is not just limited to moving coal by conveyor.  We serve our customers no matter what materials they need to move because we want our customers to benefit from both our experience and our advanced PLC technology.

Though we are most well-known for building bulk material handling facilities for coal, the process is very similar with other materials. 

In conclusion, because of today’s intelligent conveyor designs and Industrial Resource’s commitment to efficiency and innovation, we urge you to consider whether converting from a truck hauling system to an automated conveyor is right for you and your business.


 

Industrial Resources

If you are interested in more information, or need help transporting bulk material, please click here or call 304-363-4100 today!  

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