Fenner Dunlop’s ozone-resistant belting solves premature conveyor failures at UK port

BACKGROUND

A large coal import terminal located in the UK had been experiencing rapid wear and surface damage problems on its primary conveyors caused by a lack of resistance to the damaging effects of ozone and ultraviolet light. The conveyor belts were being supplied by a large UK service company. The suspected (but unconfirmed) origin of the belts was China. Their average life expectancy was ranging between six to ten months, with the first repairs becoming necessary after only three months following installation.

 

Having consulted technical engineers from Netherlands-based Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Belting, it was decided to trial a 2,200mm-wide Fenner Dunlop Superfort EP1000/4 6+3 BVXS fire-resistant belt. Aside from its high standard of fire resistance, the belt also had a particularly high level of resistance to abrasive wear compared to typical fire-resistant belts as well as 100% resistance* to ozone and ultraviolet light (EN ISO 1431 test method).

 

THE OUTCOME

More than two years after installation, the top cover thickness of the Dunlop belt was still 6mm as originally supplied so no measurable wear. The belt remains in excellent condition with several years of expected additional life remaining.

 

Since installing the BVXS belt, unplanned stoppages and maintenance costs including the need to re-splice have reduced dramatically, leading to increased productivity. The thicker skim of the BVXS assisted with improved load support has also contributed to the extended belt life. In the opinion of the terminal conveyor management, they would have needed to have used at least three belts during that two-year period.