MATERIALS HANDLING
producing photochemical reactions that promote the oxidation of the rubber surface resulting in a loss in mechanical strength and wear resistance. This is known as ‘UV degradation’. The combination of ozone and UV has a seriously limiting effect on the operational lifetime of a rubber belt, regardless of geography or type of climate. Fortunately, ozone and ultraviolet
damage is easy to prevent. Unfortunately, laboratory testing consistently reveals that some 90% of belts tested according to EN ISO 1431/1 procedure B static ozone resistance test are not resistant. In fact, the vast majority typically start to crack within the first 6 to 8 hours of the 96-hour test duration. This is because the anti-ozonants needed to
protect the rubber have been omitted from the rubber compound mix because of cost so always insist on ozone & UV resistance when selecting any rubber conveyor belt.
CHOOSE SPECIFICALLY ENGINEERED BELTS Choose belts that are specifically engineered for the conditions they are required to cope with. This is especially important on sites where rip, tear and impact damage problems occur. Attempting to solve the problem by fitting belts with thicker covers and heavier carcasses is invariably a mistake. Simply using more of the same material will not provide the solution. As mentioned earlier, thicker, heavier belts can also cause other problems including lack of troughability, steering and
handling problems and dynamic stress due to the pulleys and drums now being too small. The most economical solution is
to fit a conveyor belt that has been specially designed for the purpose, such as Fenner Dunlop’s UsFlex, Nova X and Ultra X range belts that are proven to last up to four or five times longer than conventional multi-ply conveyor belts. The initial buying price might be appreciably higher, but the cost will be substantially less over the working life of the belt, with the added benefits of far less repairs, change-out costs and disruption to output.
It is important to have a
supplier that will readily provide a high standard of professional technical support and who has a good reputation for quality
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BELT SUPPLIER Always choose a belt supplier who you can rely on to be accountable in the event of a problem. It is important to have a supplier that will readily provide a high standard of professional technical support and who has a good reputation for quality. This, I feel, should always be an essential part of the criteria when choosing a supplier. A tall order perhaps, but they do exist.
Words by Jeremy Clark
For more information visit:
www.fennerdunlopemea.com
Sealed edge 48
www.engineerlive.com
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