Conveyor belts

Mining companies are finding it increasingly important to cut energy consumption of their bulk transport operations: energy costs have risen sharply over the last few years and are predicted to increase even further in the future. Another important development in this industry is the search for sustainable solutions. Using less energy means consuming less of our already-scarce fossil fuels – as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

One resulting trend is the replacement of large haulage trucks with conveyor belts, which use considerably less energy. Much effort is also being put into the optimization of the performance of these conveyor belts – for instance, by reducing their rolling resistance.

High demands

In order to meet the increasing requirements for bulk transport, mining companies need conveyor belt installations with low investment and low operation costs. They also want easy installation and maintenance of the belts.

High payloads result in high forces on the conveyor belt – and this means that the belt’s reinforcement materials need to have a high strength and a high modulus. In some specific cases, they also need to be corrosion, heat and fire resistant. Since the belt is continuously moving, these reinforcement materials will ideally be as light as possible, so that less energy is needed to drive the belt’s operation.

Sulfron

The biggest part of the energy needed to operate a conveyer belt is consumed in overcoming its rolling resistance. Sulfron can substantially lower the hysteresis of the belt rubber, resulting in a significantly lower rolling resistance – and major energy savings over the life of a conveyor belt.

Twaron

Because of its exceptionally high strength and modulus, Twaron is an ideal reinforcement material for long-haul conveyor belts. As it is five times lighter than steel, it results in a considerable weight saving across the entire conveyor belt.

A Twaron-reinforced conveyor belt is not only lighter, but is also much thinner. This means that belt sections can be produced with a longer length, resulting in an easier installation with fewer splices.

Last but not least, Twaron offers excellent fire and heat properties and does not corrode.