In cement plants, the transportation of clinker from the kiln cooling system to the silos is a critical process that requires safety, efficiency, and reliability. Robust apron conveyors, known as SZFs, have been the traditional choice for this task.
However, with advancements in technology, Beumer Group introduces a variant called the belt apron conveyor (GSZF), which offers enhanced performance and flexibility for modern cement plants.
The Belt Apron Conveyor
The belt apron conveyor (GSZF) is a specialized version of the apron conveyor (SZF) used in cement plants. Unlike the conventional SZF, the GSZF utilizes a belt instead of a chain as the traction element. This simple change allows for higher conveyor speeds and a slimmer design while maintaining the same level of performance. The GSZF is particularly well-suited for modernization projects, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for transporting clinker.
Handling Hot Clinker
During the cement production process, clinker exits the cooler at elevated temperatures, typically around 80°C or higher. However, in certain instances, a phenomenon known as “kiln flash” can occur. This can be caused by a sudden release of raw meal from the preheater tower or by caked clinker falling off the kiln. The result is a rapid surge of several tons of hot material shooting through the cooler, leading to temperatures ranging from 500 to 800°C.
Transporting clinker at such high temperatures presents significant challenges. The conveyor system must be capable of handling these extreme conditions safely and efficiently. The GSZF is engineered to address these challenges and effectively transport hot clinker without compromising safety or causing damage to the equipment.
Top 4 Design Features of Belt Apron Conveyor
The GSZF boasts several unique design features that make it an ideal choice for transporting hot clinker:
- Safe Material Transportation: The specific design of the cells in the GSZF ensures safe and low-friction transportation of any hot material. These cells are strategically sealed and feature overlapping side walls and bottom plates, effectively preventing clinker from escaping and minimizing dust emissions.
- Belt Traction Element: The use of a belt as the traction element in the conveyor system is a game-changer. The belt’s smooth operation allows for higher conveyor speeds, improving overall efficiency.
- Slimmer Design: The belt apron conveyor’s slim design is particularly advantageous for modernization projects, where space constraints may be a concern. The conveyor can fit into tight spaces without compromising performance.
- Temperature Resistance: The materials used in constructing the GSZF are carefully selected for their temperature resistance properties. This ensures that the conveyor can withstand the high temperatures associated with hot clinker transport.
Top 4 Advantages of the Belt Apron Conveyor
The GSZF belt apron conveyor offers several advantages over traditional SZF conveyors and other clinker transportation methods:
- Higher Speeds: The belt traction element allows for increased conveyor speeds, leading to enhanced material handling capacity and improved plant productivity.
- Reduced Maintenance: The slim design and efficient belt operation result in lower friction and less wear on conveyor components, leading to reduced maintenance requirements and extended equipment lifespan.
- Improved Safety: The GSZF’s sealed and overlapping cell design ensures safe transportation of hot clinker, minimizing the risk of spillage and dust emissions, thus enhancing workplace safety.
- Cost-Effective Modernization: For cement plants considering modernization projects, the GSZF offers a cost-effective solution due to its slim design and high-performance capabilities.
Conclusion
The belt conveyor (GSZF) from Beumer Group represents a significant advancement in clinker transportation for cement plants. Its use of a belt traction element allows for higher speeds, improved efficiency, and a slimmer design, making it ideal for modernization projects. The conveyor’s ability to safely handle hot clinker at elevated temperatures ensures uninterrupted production and minimal material loss.
With sealed and overlapping cell design, the GSZF prevents clinker spillage and minimizes dust emissions, promoting workplace safety and environmental compliance. As cement plants strive for enhanced productivity and efficiency, the GSZF belt apron conveyor emerges as a reliable and cost-effective solution for the transportation of clinker, cementing its position as a valuable asset in the cement industry.