Using Mobile Conveyors to Simplify Processes

From port terminals to quarries, conveyors and feeders can be found transferring large amounts of material due to their operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conveyors provide a cost-effective method for transferring or stockpiling material. In the aggregate industry, mobile conveyors offer operators an efficient, reliable, and robust material-handling solution, reducing downtime and extending lifespan.

The diverse range of conveyor types and options available to operators demonstrates the benefits they bring to operations. Different discharge heights, transfer lengths, terrain conditions, power availability, repositioning frequency, throughput, and budget considerations have driven the market to offer various mobile conveyor models. These conveyor solutions are designed to address the diverse challenges faced by operators, accommodating the transportation of various materials.

Quarry operators consistently seek improved productivity and reduced cost per ton. As a result, many quarries have increasingly adopted mobile crushing and screening equipment in recent decades. Mobile plants that follow the quarry face have become a common sight in operations worldwide, offering proven operational efficiency.

Transitioning from transporting material to bringing the plant to the material has clear cost-saving benefits. However, static conveyors, previously relied upon for material movement, now find themselves moving further from the action.

To leverage the efficiencies and cost savings of conveyor integration for material movement or stockpiling, operators have turned to mobile stockpile conveyors to complement their fleet of mobile crushers and screens.

Mobile Conveyor for Stone Crushing Plant

Benefits of Conveyor Stockpiling

Many operators have adopted mobile stockpile conveyors to complement their mobile crushers and screens. Traditional sites with short discharge conveyors often rely on wheel loaders to continuously move or stockpile material. This constant material movement results in handling finished products at least twice. By introducing mobile conveyors into their processing lines, operators can streamline material handling, moving finished product just once from crushers and screens to delivery trucks, eliminating double handling and reducing costs per ton.

Radial Stacker for Mineral Stockpiling

1. Increased Throughput

Operations using conveyors for stockpiling benefit from improved production. With crushers and screeners continuously fed, mobile conveyors can create larger stockpiles in a smaller area, thanks to their ability to reach higher discharge heights. This increased production can reduce the need for expensive overtime and maintenance work.

2. Health and Safety Benefits

The integration of mobile conveyors into processing lines also offers health and safety benefits. By reducing the use of loaders for stockpiling, mobile conveyors help minimize traffic on the site, contributing to a safer work environment. Additionally, they contribute to environmental improvements by reducing noise, dust, and emissions levels.

3. Financial Savings and Efficiency

Stockpile conveyors represent a significant financial saving alternative, freeing up funds for business expansion. They also reduce fuel consumption compared to alternative equipment. Additionally, conveyors reduce labor costs by minimizing the need for wheel loaders and drivers, operating efficiently with minimal supervision.

Considerations for Conveyor Models

Operators must consider various factors when choosing conveyor models, such as loading methods, applications, and power sources. Different chassis formats, loading methods, and power options offer operators flexibility to meet their specific needs and challenges.

Whether opting for a wheel or track-mounted conveyor, each format has its pros and cons. Track-mounted conveyors are ideal for frequent repositioning, while mobile stockpiler offer radial stockpile functionality but require towing.

Ultimately, the choice of conveyor model depends on factors such as loading methods, application requirements, power sources, and operational preferences. Diesel/hydraulic-driven conveyors offer flexibility for remote operations, while electric-powered models provide savings on operating and maintenance costs, as well as reliability and uptime.

Mobile Conveyor for Heap Leaching Stacking

Considerations to Use Mobile Conveyors

Operators should also take into account loading methods and specific applications when selecting conveyor systems.

For instance, if the conveyor is to be loaded directly by an excavator or wheel loader, a feed conveyor would be the most suitable choice. On the other hand, if an operator prefers loading directly with a wheel loader from all three sides of the hopper without the need for additional ramp construction, a low-feed track stockpile conveyor would be a suitable option. For operators requiring a constant feed of material while retaining the ability to track parallel to a barge, a conveyor with 360-degree slew functionality would offer the necessary flexibility.

Additionally, the choice of power source for conveyors varies based on application and the type of material being transferred. Factors such as the availability of diesel or electricity, the existing power infrastructure, the expertise of the customer's service staff, required throughput, and past experiences influence this decision.

Diesel/hydraulic-driven conveyors have a significant advantage in remote locations as they are self-contained, requiring only fuel to operate. They are often simpler to service compared to electric-driven counterparts.

However, electric-powered equipment offers advantages beyond fuel savings, including lower operating and maintenance costs. They also provide greater dependability and uptime, contributing to overall operational efficiency.