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Minimizing Spillage While Crushing and Conveying Material
In the business of crushing materials like aggregate and demolition waste, maintaining the flow of this loose material through a crushing and conveying system is an important responsibility. Proper care must be taken to reduce issues like conveyor belt spillage, or the accumulation of excess material alongside components like conveyors.
Spillage is a common occurrence in the crushing industry and can present serious safety hazards and operational challenges that require proactive management. Here’s how you can prevent and minimize spillage on your job site.
Understanding the Risks of Spillage
Spillage can present multiple safety hazards for team members on the job. In addition to causing wear on crushing equipment and its components鈥攗ltimately increasing the risk of unnecessary downtime and unexpected costs鈥攕pillage creates dangerous conditions on the job site.
Some of the safety hazards that spillage can present include:
- Falling debris, as spillage often occurs from improperly aligned or unsupported conveyor belts overhead
- Tripping hazards, as accumulated debris below conveyors creates obstacles for team members
- Equipment damage from material buildup on moving parts
- Reduced production efficiency from material loss
Solutions for Minimizing Spillage
There are a handful of variables that can be assessed and corrected in the effort to minimize spillage. Understanding and addressing these factors is key to maintaining a safe and efficient operation.
Proper Conveyor Belt Alignment
Ensuring that conveyor belts are centrally aligned to avoid off-tracking is often the best way to prevent spillage. Conveyor belt alignment is critical鈥攎aterial should travel along conveyors as centrally loaded as possible. When belts drift off-center, material naturally spills over the sides.
Regular Conveyor Belt Inspection
Regularly reviewing the condition of conveyor belts to affirm that they remain sag-free and properly supported is another effective approach to combating spillage. Conveyor belts should travel straight and steadily while transporting material. Sagging or improperly supported sections are primary sources of spillage and misalignment.
Maintain Belt Scrapers
Cleaning components like belt scrapers help to remove excess material and dust, preventing material buildup on conveyor belts. It is highly encouraged to routinely inspect your conveyor’s belt scrapers to ensure that they are effectively removing persistent debris before it causes spillage issues.
Regular Maintenance: Your Best Defense
The common thread through all of these recommendations for spillage prevention crushing is the regular maintenance and servicing of your crusher’s components, with special attention being paid to conveyor belts. When conveyors are properly maintained, aligned, and supported, spillage is naturally minimized.
However, even with the most routinely maintained crushing equipment, small amounts of spillage can sometimes be unavoidable. In these instances, frequently clearing these areas of buildup and safeguarding your equipment and team members against debris should be a priority.
Getting Help With Spillage Issues
Dealing with persistent spillage on the job? Team Eagle is here to help. We invite you to contact an Eagle Crusher representative from our service department who can recommend helpful solutions for maintaining your equipment to keep your team up and crushing.
This article does not serve as an official safety recommendation by Eagle Crusher and should not be viewed as such. All relevant staff should consult their owner’s manual before operating Eagle Crusher equipment, or any other manufacturer’s equipment, and comply with the safety guidelines therein.