Cover Story
Conveying solutions
Peter Guttridge, Chairman of Guttridge Ltd, looks at market trends and the benefi ts of optimised equipment design
n today’s market for conveying solutions some very clear trends are driving development. With commodities such as grain, miner- als and aggregates, for example, the economies of scale dictate larger scale facilities and an associated demand for increased throughput. Longer run- ning cycles, minimal maintenance and energy effi ciency are all primary issues, and it is also increasingly common to specify automated monitoring systems. These might include rotation sensors, belt alignment sensors and bearing temperature sensors, all of which sup- port early fault detection and allow more effi cient maintenance regimes. In contrast, however, the rapid emer- gence of new economies means that in some parts of the world there are new users of conveying equipment with little local experience to draw upon. Here, the emphasis may be on identifying simple solutions that meet the strict limits on capital expenditure, in what can be fl edgling companies with limited access to capital. In some of the newer industries there is still much to learn about how best to handle the materi- als used, no matter where in the world the operation is taking place. Those transporting biomass, for example, face the consider- able challenge of managing feed material that is subject to signifi cant vari- ability. The density, dust and moisture levels of biomass can all change substantially, and its characteristics can also be altered by the action of mould spores, but there is still a need for truly robust solutions.
I 8 June 2012 Solids and Bulk Handling
equipment that works reliably from the outset, even with a brand new product. Finally, there is the overarching issue of modern safety policies and practice. Today’s equipment must conform to the guidance laid out in a raft of regula- tions that includes: ATEX; CE marking; COSHH; and, here in the UK, the Health & Safety at Work Regulations. In com- bination these result in a complex set of rules and recommendations to interpret and apply in an appropriate way.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Engineering conveying solutions that deliver, whether for a completely new material or for better performance, relies on applying experience, under- standing and commercial know-how. Companies with the right blend of skills innovate systems that over the long term ensure reliable, trouble-free operation, and therefore bring considerable value to those investing in material handling equipment.
RESPONDING TO INDUSTRIAL NEED
80 cubic metres vertical blender, tailor made to customer requirements
The food, pharmaceutical and chemicals industries are established users of conveying equipment. Here the con- tinual development of new formulations brings with it fresh handling challenges. Customers in these sectors are looking for
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With fi ve decades of successful materi- als handling experience, Guttridge faces these ongoing challenges with enthusi- asm, considerable applications expertise and an ongoing strategy of continuous improvement that focuses on safety, ‘on time in full’ delivery, and quality.
Listening is the fi rst step in any pro- ject because an exact understanding of customer requirements is central to the overall approach. Design is handled with the latest 3D software, with each system tailored specifi cally to meet the application. All construction, across the complete range of stainless steel and mild steel
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