BLT SA’s range of Samson bulk materials handling equipment includes travelling hoppers, which provide efficient handling, flexibility and environmental protection, in the discharge of dry bulk materials.
“Samson Eco-hoppers are designed to suit the characteristics and flow properties of virtually any bulk material, including coal, iron ore, gypsum, copper concentrates, soda ash and wood chips,” says Keith Dowie, project development manager for BLT SA’s Samson bulk materials handling equipment. “These robust grab unloading hoppers offer handling rates to 5 000 tonnes per hour, depending on grab crane performance.”
Eco-hoppers, which are manufactured to withstand tough conditions on the mines, also have an effective dust control system that minimises the escape of dust during the grab discharge cycle. Environmental pollution caused by fugitive dust, is a major problem in dry bulk handling.
These hoppers have an upper and lower section, separated by a dust retention feature, the ‘Flex-Flap’. This divider, which comprises a series of pressed steel sections and vertical rubber flaps, opens to allow the free flow of material into the hopper and closes to prevent the flow of air out of the hopper.
When bulk material is released by the grab, it falls through the Flex-Flap and accumulates in the inner hopper below. The hopper system automatically closes as a result of the newly created pressure differential between the hopper and the atmosphere, forming a seal to contain the dust contaminated air. Integral reverse jet filters are positioned around the hopper inlet to extract and clean the dust laden air. Collected dust is then re-cycled into the mainstream of material.
The Flex-Flap feature reduces the volume of exhausted air necessary to control fugitive dust and requires the use of small, compact filters rather than a large de-dusting system.
The standard Samson Eco-hopper series includes circular hoppers, which are designed to accommodate grab capacities between 1 and 37 m³. Each hopper size has a corresponding high or low level framework, depending on the chosen discharge option.
Custom designed hopper solutions that suit specific application requirements are also available.
Discharge of materials from the Eco-hopper may be direct to a belt conveyor for a fixed installation. In this case, the bulk material is reclaimed by a gravity discharge unit which feeds the material onto the conveyor at the required output rate. By using a dust controlled loading spout, the hopper can discharge direct to tipping trucks.
For handling difficult materials, one or multiple Samson feeder units can be integrated with the Eco-hopper, to provide controlled rate feeding of virtually any material.
Eco-hoppers can be rail mounted or bolted to suitable concrete foundations. For applications requiring a higher level of manoeuvrability, hoppers can be supported on solid rubber filled pneumatic tyres. The combination of fixed and steering axles provides the option of power travel.
This low maintenance system reduces investment and operating costs.
The Samson range of bulk handling equipment also includes link conveyors, grab hoppers, surface feeders, radial boom stackers and mobile shiploaders.
BLT SA, exclusive distributors for Samson in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a technical advisory, parts and maintenance service.
Suggested caption
BLT SA’s range of Samson bulk materials handling equipment includes travelling Eco-hoppers, which provide efficient handling, flexibility and environmental protection, in the discharge of dry bulk materials.
Released by Lindy Morton, Festivitas Telephone (031) 502 2374 or 083 268 6666
For further information
Keith Dowie, Project Development Manager, BLT SA’s Samson bulk materials handling equipment
Telephone 082 898 7717
Email [email protected]
