Optimizing Conveyor Belt Safety and Efficiency with Skirtboard Best Practices
Even under optimal conditions, steel skirtboards pose risks to conveyor belts. Variations in the belt's path can cause it to come into contact with the steel, leading to potential gouging or cutting. Additionally, materials can wedge under the skirtboard, causing abrasion to the belt surface.
It's crucial to position the bottom edge(s) of the skirtboard sufficiently above the conveyor to prevent contact with the belt cover. However, increasing this distance makes it challenging to maintain an effective seal. In some cases, skirtboards are installed several inches above the belt to facilitate belt replacement. Yet, this setup often fails to seal properly against side pressure, resulting in material leakage, idler accumulation, and belt instability. This instability causes the belt to flex and wander, leading to increased operational issues and costs.
Achieving a closer proximity between the steel and belt facilitates better sealing. The gap under the steel should be wedge-shaped to allow conveyed material to ride along the skirting and sealing rubber, rather than getting wedged and causing further issues due to belt movement.
For effective operation, the lower edges of skirt plates should initially be positioned 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) above the belt at the loading zone, gradually increasing to 9 to 12 millimeters (3/8 to 1/2 inch) as the belt exits the skirtboard. This close clearance is essential for stable belt travel, particularly at the chute entry.
Alignment of the skirtboard centerline with the belt's centerline is critical to prevent belt mistracking and accelerated wear. Misalignment can lead to uneven forces and friction, exacerbating belt issues and liner wear.
During conveyor startup, preventing the belt from rising off the idlers is paramount for safety and operational efficiency. Avoiding the half-trough arrangement helps in this regard, as it minimizes the risk of belt elevation. Proper belting specifications, tension calculations, and hold-down rollers further mitigate this risk.
Careful installation of ceramic blocks or wear plates on skirtboards helps maintain a smooth flow surface and prevents material entrapment or belt damage. Ensuring seamless installation of skirtboard steel and chute liners further enhances conveyor performance and longevity.
Finally, sealing the gap between the skirt and belt surface with a flexible elastomer system applied to the outside of the skirtboard is recommended to optimize conveyor efficiency and minimize maintenance needs.