Storage and Handling of Conveyor Belting

Handling rolls of steel cord reinforced conveyor belting. The belt package is made up of a centre square tube centrally located in a pipe forming the centre core. Eight steel channel struts radiate from the centre core to the centre of a member of the hexagonal sides made up of steel channel. The struts support the hexagonal perimeter of the package. A square steel plate provides the support to the struts and reinforces the package. A lifting lug is welded to the reinforcing plate on each side of the package. Belts are rolled onto the centre core of a hexagonal steel frame. The belt package is designed to take vertical loadings induced by the mass of belt only. Always store upright. The belt roll can be lifted by means of the lifting lugs provided only vertical forces are applied. Attach chain, steel rope or slings to lifting lugs or pass a bar through the centre and attach chain, steel rope or slings to bar

Lift with crane Using a spreader bar

Lift with crane Using a spreader bar

Lifting lug

Fenner conveyor belting is tightly wound onto a centre core. Through the centre core is a square hole to facilitate handling during production. The roll of Fenaplast conveyor belting is enclosed within a coated polypropelene bag that is sewn to fit snugly over the roll and provide protection during transport. Fenner steel cord conveyor belting is further protected by an hexagonal steel frame welded to each side of the centre core.
Rubber compounds used in Fenner steel cord conveyor belting, like all other high grade natural rubber, are subject to attack by ozone (0 3 ), ultra violet light, heat, oils and solvents. PVC and Nitrile rubber used in Fenaplast conveyor belting is resistant to many oils but also adversely affected by ozone, ultra violet light and heat.

Handling of Conveyor Belt Rolls

The correct way to lift rolls of belting is with a bar passed through the centre core, then depending on the width and weight, the roll may be lifted by a fork lift truck or crane. If chains or slings are used on the bar at each side of the roll, a spreader bar should be used to prevent damage to the edges of the belt. If a spreader bar is not available use off-cuts of belting between the sling and the belt edge to help prevent damage.

Ozone and Ultra Violet Light

The presence of ozone is predominant in the atmosphere where electrical storms occur. South Africa ranks high in the world for this climatic condition. A high concentration of ozone together with ultra violet light causes oxidisation of the rubber. Degradation of the rubber compound from oxidisation manifests itself as surface cracking or perishing as it is commonly termed. Such attack is most severe when the rubber is static and under stress. Thus the rubber covers of a rolled up conveyor belt in storage can degrade. Also a belt left static on the structure for long periods would suffer from rubber degradation. In order to minimise the problem Fenner incorporate anti-oxidants and antiozonants into the rubber compound which act as a barricade against attack. The user can also assist by storing the belting in a position well sheltered from direct sunlight and sources of ozone such as operating electric motors and arc welding equipment.

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Heat
PVC and Rubber compounds are degraded by heat. Some polymers withstand the effects of heat better than others but all are degraded. Additives can be added to the cover rubber of conveyor belts to enable them to perform under conditions of prolonged high temperature. These are termed 'heat resistant' conveyor belts. Conveyor belting should not be stored in a hot environment as it will seriously effect the life expectancy. Ideal storage temperature for conveyor belting is between 10C and 25C.

Correct Storage Procedures

The belt should be stored upright in its original packaging. If storage is likely to be for a long period it is preferable that the roll be suspended on a bar passed through the centre. This facilitates regular turning of the roll to relieve pressure concentration points. The belt roll should be rotated through a few degrees every 3 to 4 months. Always store belting out of direct sunlight. Never store belting in the vicinity of operating electric motors. Always keep belting clear of arc welding or other sources of high voltage. Ideal storage temperature is between 10 and 25C. Store belting on firm ground away from any possibility of oil contamination. A waxy film appearing on the surface of the conveyor belting is normal, It should not be removed as this provides protection against ultra violet light and ozone.

Oil and Solvents

Fennaplast conveyor belting has good resistance to most oils. However, the rubber used in steel cord conveyor belting (which has a very high Natural rubber content) is readily attacked by oils causing swelling and reduction of physical properties.