CONVEYOR COMPONENTS DESIGNED FOR THE FERTILIZER INDUSTRY

By: Scott Bahr

It’s no secret that the tools of our trade don’t come in a one-size-fits-all mold. More often, we see the need for specialized tools to meet our increasingly specific needs.

For example, for many years in the bulk material industry, we’ve looked solely to OEM providers for tools fitting standards set by and surrounding loading and efficiency requirements. The scene played out like this: The designers of a system would specify the project’s requirements by outlining the material conveyed, the operating and loading conditions, and any specifics in the environmental requirements, such as noise levels and ambient conditions, for example.

Now, this typically works well for two reasons. The industry has a wide array of products to choose from. And the changes from installations are balanced on the needs of maintaining adherence to the required parameters of the project’s budget.

However, this compromise can lead to a project proceeding, only to incur increased maintenance and operating costs down the line. These costs can result from many issues, including the less than ideal service life of moving components, increased rolling resistance (which increases conveyor drive power requirements), and the downtime resulting from premature roller failure.

RAW MATERIAL MINING FOR THE FERTILIZER INDUSTRY

One particular industry that hits close to home here at Bit Service is the raw material mining for the fertilizer industry. Specifically, the unique challenges presented by the mining and handling of potash, phosphate, and sulphur have elevated requirements for conveyor roller construction and bearing seals. Between the high ambient temperatures, the potential for the ingress of fine dust, and corrosive elements, a perfect storm is created that presents a real challenge for any well-designed conveyor roller.

Thankfully, the engineers at ULMA Conveyor Components have worked tirelessly to develop and produce a line of rollers designed specifically to answer the needs of this unique mining challenge. Their rollers are looked at from the ground up, ensuring they are equipped to meet the requirements for long service life in these conditions.

From the construction of the rollers tube and end caps, the bearing housings, and the bearing and patented seal configurations, all the way through to the durable standard powder coated finishing, these rollers and idlers are made to endure for the long haul. The proof? Years of proven success in underground conditions, plus extensive testing and R&D in ULMA’s in-house lab facility, have made it clear that ULMA has created an ideal solution for the conditions in these fertilizer mining applications.

The protective aspects of the design, as well as the construction of these components, are combined with available upgrades in reduced rolling resistance, reduced TIR, low noise generation, and standard maintenance-free bearings and seals. And all of this comes together masterfully to provide a low-risk selection in a long-term conveyor installation.

For more information and to discuss how Bit Service can help provide your site with the best components for the mining of fertilizer elements, contact us today.