Care must be taken in selecting an edge sealing system that fits into the available area between the belt’s edge and the steel skirtboard. Sealing strips should not extend out to the belt’s edge. As it increases the risk of damage to the seal or the belt in the event of belt mistracking. In general, 115 millimeters (4.5 in.) outside the skirtboard steel on each side of the loading zone is recommended as the minimum distance required to establish an effective seal.
Edge Seals and Belt Wander
All skirt-sealing systems are vulnerable to damage from a mistracking belt. If the belt wanders out from underneath one side of the skirtboard, the unsupported sealing strip hangs down below the line of the belt. When the belt moves back into a centered position, the seal will be abraded form contact with the edge of the moving belt or bent backward into an unnatural position and torn or worn away. Either outcome risks a significant increase in spillage. The keys to avoiding edge-seal damage are to provide adequate edge distance and to control belt tracking.
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