Modern Mining March 2016

PRODUCT News

Weba Chute Systems eliminate material degradation ther by designing the internal angle of the transfer chute to match the product with the belt speed and in so doing product degradation is greatly reduced or com- pletely eliminated,” he adds.

Conventional chute design is often asso- ciated with the uncontrolled discharge of bulk materials, which is linked to increased material degradation. Custom engineered for individual application requirements, Weba Chute Systems are successfully moving materials in all commodity sectors globally. Mark Baller, MD ofWeba Chute Systems, explains that a systems approach to bulk solids handling design is essential to ensure operational characteristics are matched throughout the plant. By custom designing each transfer point, individual Weba Chute Systems can be configured to suit each particular application. “Our system uses a ‘supertube’, with a cascade scenario, where 95 % of the mate- rial runs on material at the same time in a tumbling motion, rather than gliding down the chute. We have found that glid- ing particles cause extensive wear, while the tumbling or rolling motion causes far less wear. We have taken this a step fur-

The Weba Chute System uses a stream- lined scientific approach to the dynamics of bulk materials handling taking all aspects such as belt speed, belt width, material size, shape and throughput into account. The custom design allows control of the direction, flow and velocity of a calculated volume and type of material in each indi- vidual application and, at the same time, drastically reduces dust. “In essence, it is the absolute control of material while being transferred that will eliminate degradation. This requires an in-depth understanding of how mate- rial needs to be transferred and factors in changes of direction, the impact during these changes of direction and height of transfer,” says Baller. The geometry of the system should

be such that material is moved through the chute system with gradual directional changes and controlled velocity in order to minimise impacts that lead to material degradation and dust generation. In addi- tion, discharge onto the conveyor system must be correctly controlled and be as close to the belt speed as possible. Weba Chute Systems, tel (+27 11) 827-9372 Controlling the transfer of material onto the conveyor belt guarantees increased cost savings for clients in addition to an improved health and safety performance.

March 2016  MODERN MINING  47