|
Metal Belts (Apron
Type) > Applications & Advantages
APPLICATIONS OF METAL BELTS
|
FOR THE FOOD, CHEMICAL AND PROCESS INDUSTRIES
|
|
CONVEYOR DRYERS FOR:
- Natural and Synthetic Fibers
- Synthetic Rubber
- Charcoal Briquettes
- Catalysts
- Soap
- Glue
- Silica Gel
- Calcium Carbonate
- Titanium Dioxide
- Clays
- Fertilizers
- Starch
- Animal Feed
- Cereal
|
- Potatoes
- Cocoanut
- Onions
- Nuts
- Toasted Bread products
- Truck Dryers
- Tray Dryers
- Oscillating Feeds
- Rolling Extruder Feeds
- Fiber Feeds
- Drum Heaters
- Veneer Dryers
- Rice
|
|
FOR THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY
|
- Cased Filler Dryers
- Leaf & Strip Redryers
|
- Stick & Apron dryers
- Stem & Scrap Dryers
- Dryer Feeds
|
|
FOR THE TEXTILE FINISHING INDUSTRY
|
- Complete Carpet Ranges
- Loop Dryers
- Drum Dryers
- Glass Fabric Finishing Range
|
- Impact Dryer
- Tenter Housings
- Bonded Batt Dryers
- Non-Woven Dryers
|
ADVANTAGES OF APRON TYPE METAL BELTS
Diamond Metal Screens has carried out extensive study on
various types of metal belts, under constant load, span, type of material,
and other general factors. We find that there are distinct advantages
of apron type metal belts over wire mesh/ cloth metal belts:
| Cost to down time
ratio |
1 & 2 -
No doubt the initial costs are high but maintenance downtime is extremely
low and therefore in turn, the long run cost remains the same.
3 & 4 -
Initial costs are low but the cost due to maintenance downtime adds
up and in the long run the cost works out to be the same as in apron
type metal belts. |
| In general
the cost of wire mesh type of metal belts is quite low but statistics
have shown on the various projects we have undertaken, that downtime
lost on maintenance is very high, which in turn increases the overall
cost of the system |
| Working hours to
life ratio |
1, 2 & 3 -
Here plain/ G.I./ S.S. type apron belts have been compared. Leaving
aside the cost factor, the life of S.S. type apron belt is excellent
at an average of 75% working time every day (10-15 years depending
on the working conditions).
4 & 5 -
At 75% working and if other conditions remain the same, the results
of wire mesh type metal belts have been very poor. |
| On various
projects that we have undertaken and which involved complete change
over from wire mesh type to apron type metal belts, our observation
is that always SS type apron belts have had more life. |
| Span to sag ratio |
1 -
With the same span the sag observed on wire mesh type belt was quite
high.
2 & 3 -
This study for fixed span at 75% shows the sag is minimum with heavier
gauge support plates. |
| Diamond
Metal Screens has been manufacturing apron type metal belts of 4000mm
span. The sag due to the load factor is controlled by fixing support
plates. The support plate's thickness is selected to counter the load
on the aprons. |
| Other advantages |
- The slightly tapered holes reduce plugging
- The perforation can be of any shape and is staggered in the
direction of flow
- The belt requires no re-tensioning, and in turn less maintenance
- There is less change-out and downtime
- There is more metal by weight which gives greater belt life
and retains sizing accuracy
|
Cross section of 5mm thick plate, 25mm x 25mm square perforated plate
with 5mm bridge, and on the right, 25mm square woven wire screen with
5mm diameter rods. |
- For perforated plate: Area of the bridge in between the two
holes
is 300 sq. mm, and weight per sq. meter is 12 kgs with open area
of 69.44%.
- For woven wire screen: Area of the bridge in between the two
holes
is 249 sq. mm, and weight per sq.meter is 11.6 kg with open area
of 69.44
|
|
